First loose powder - advice needed.

[rocksta]

I'm about to buy my first loose powder and I need some advice.
First, can someone tell me what does loose powder generally do, because by reading descriptions of several products, I came to conclusion that loose powder and foundation can be used interchangeably. Is it true?

I just need something to matte my face during the day, set make-up and remove dark circles under eyes (along with concealer, of course). I also wouldn't come against, if it would cover blemishes, because my face is full of them (even though my foundation does great work). So do I need a colored powder or transparent would be enough? What's the difference between those two?

 

[Kuuipo]

Powder sets the foundation, mattifies the foundation, makes it last longer. There are so many powders! Some add a bit of sparkle, some clarify-cut oiliness, some have polyymers that prevent them from settling in wrinkles,some are talc or cornstartch based or mixtures of these or synthetics (which is not always a bad thing). Powder should not be used to hide blemishes but to finish your makeup-think "airbrushing". Some people like to match their powders exactly to their foundations for more coverage, some choose a transparent powder-its the preference of the person and how much cover they need.
You will want to apply powder with a clean puff. I like disposable cotten pads-and buff off the excess with a buffing brush-although some people fluff it off with a powder brush for less coverage. I am a big powder person so I press it in, wait, buff it down and repeat. The result is matte skin but a natural no makeup look (works well if you get photographed alot).

Powder in compacts are more concentrated,heavier.

I am not a compact care. I carry oil blotting tissues impregnated with transparent powder.