Simone Biles Is Ushering In A New Era For Pressed Powders — Here's How To Use Them Best

It's not easy to flip, twist, and jump in every direction imaginable while still looking flawless at the same time. When you're Simone Biles, though? It sure looks easy. That's why whenever we see her with a beauty product in her hand, we want to know exactly what it is. And we found out the GOAT is a fan of pressed powders. They're very similar to loose powders, but are usually more compact and made up of finely milled ingredients pressed into a pan, making them much easier to travel with. Unlike loose powders though, the ingredients are held together using binding oils, meaning they can be heavier on the skin but still help to dull shine and set makeup.

Biles was photographed primping using Fenty Beauty's Invisimatte Instant Setting and Blotting Powder ($37 at Sephora) during the 2024 Olympics, which you may remember from Fenty Beauty founder Rihanna's iconic 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance. But they aren't the only ones using solid cosmetics. Selena Gomez loves them too, as she applied her Rare Beauty line's True to Myself Tinted Pressed Talc-Free Finishing Powder ($30) in a July 2024 TikTok. With so many beauties ushering in a new era for pressed powders, how could we not be on board? There are just a few things to know to get the gold medal in pressed powder application like Biles, which is why we turned to Jade Griffin, a pro makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and the owner of Queen Productions.

One of the best things about pressed powders is that they're universal. "All skin types can use pressed powder," Jade Griffin told us. Those with normal or dry skin can see a lot of benefits, as many makeup users find it easier to work with than the loose version. It's easy to pick up too much loose product, and that makeup mistake may be aging you by highlighting dry patches or giving a chalky and cakey finish. But because the pressed version is set, it can be tougher to pick up a disproportionate amount of product. Pressed powder can also be more easily applied to specific shinier points of the face (such as the T-Zone or chin) without accidentally falling onto places that don't need powder. Perfect if you want a radiant blend of dewy and matte skin. Of course, those with oily skin who want to eliminate shine and absorb excess oils will also benefit, as pressed powders are great for keeping shine away all day. 

Just remember, though, that while everyone can use pressed powders, not everyone should. If you prefer a super glowy, dewy, and hydrated look all over, or have naturally matte and very dry skin, you may find you prefer your makeup without it.

Though you can use a brush to apply your pressed powder, Jade Griffin recommends getting your hands on a powder puff. "A puff or pouf is my personal favorite tool for applying pressed powder. I find it gives me the best control and an even finish," she told us. Use a light hand with your puff to get that natural finish. Some pressed powders come with their own puffs, but other companies sell them separately. Rare Beauty, for example, offers the diamond-shaped Soft Touch Setting Powder and Baking Puff Duo ($15), which some makeup users may prefer over a standard applicator to get into the contours of the face. Selena Gomez used the puff on TikTok, telling fans, "This is my favorite way to touch up. Especially under the eyes."

Once you've found the puff for you, adopt a press and pat application technique. "Pat the powder onto your skin to set makeup without disturbing it," Griffin shares. So, once the puff is on your face, don't drag it. Press it, then take it away from the skin completely. Repeat the process as many times as you need to create a gentle tapping motion. Not only will this prevent your other makeup from smudging, but it will also keep things looking even. If you're dead set against a puff (it's not everyone's preference, and that's okay) tap it in using a big, fluffy brush instead for lighter coverage.

There's nothing wrong with reapplying your pressed powder during the day. After all, pressed powder compacts are designed to be used while out and about to touch up. Just remember to apply it lightly and don't overdo it. As makeup artist Marie Poulos explained to Adore Beauty, "A little touch-up keeps foundation looking fresh, whereas packing on powder adds extra texture to the skin." Not what we want.

Jade Griffin also told us that only applying thin layers is another way to stop caking. After all, it's much easier to add a second layer for more shine control than it is to remove extra powder. If you do find you've applied too much, try using a fluffy brush to dust away the excess.

How many times you should reapply pressed powder depends on personal preference and skin type. If you have oily skin but want a super matte finish, you may find you need to re-apply every few hours to keep that pesky shine at bay. If you have drier skin or want a dewier finish, one re-application a day may be enough.

Fenty Beauty's Invisimatte Instant Setting and Blotting Powder only comes in one shade — but that's not the case for a lot of pressed powders. Rare Beauty's True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder, for example, comes in an impressive 14 different colors to suit a range of skin tones. That marks a stark contrast to many loose powders that are only available in just a handful of shades, and is why you'll likely find pressed powders offer more pigment and coverage.

If you're confused about which color is for you, Jade Griffin recommends comparing it to your foundation. "Match powder to foundation for a flawless look," she suggests, adding, "Make sure the powder matches your foundation to maintain a consistent and seamless complexion." If you don't always wear foundation but still want to use powder to tone down natural shine, try a translucent version, such as IT Cosmetics' Bye Bye Pores Translucent Pressed Setting Powder ($32). You may find it's one of the only makeup products you need.