Just Add Water - Powder Beauty Products *

Just add water skincare?  Powder to liquid haircare??  What is this magic?! Powder products are a growing beauty trend, and for good reason - eco credentials, consumer fun, shelf life, packaging... 

There are so many reasons for the boom, and I think it is a range we should all have our eye on in the coming years because there is a lot of exciting innovation going on!  Today's post is all about the magic of powdered products, and I'm excited to share what is special about these creations, why these types of treatments are important, what sets them apart, and of course talk about some of my favourites!


Natural Powder Beauty Products
Powder Product L-R: Lani Blue Mint Cleanser, Leafology Tooth Powder, Awake Organics Plastic Shampoo, Inner Senses Vibrant Earth Face Mask, Guy Morgan Dagger Rose Cleansing Powder

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* This post contains affiliate links and some products have previously been gifted

No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.



What Are Powder Beauty Products?


Basically, these products start out as a dry base that is later activated with water.  They are waterless, and contain a blend of finely milled ingredients like clays, starches, ground petals, dehydrated berries, and cocoa that can then transform into a paste, foam, or gel when mixed with liquid.


Why Use Powder Beauty Products?


So what are the benefits of powder formulas over their traditional counterparts??


  • Sustainable: Did you know many powder products come inside plastic free packaging??  Part of this is due to the lighter weight of the formulation, meaning the business can afford the higher costs associated with more eco friendly jars and bottles.  However, as powder products are waterless, don't rely on liquid solvents (which are often harsh or synthetic), and tend to generate less waste in production, they are inherently more eco friendly and therefore suit more sustainably minded packaging! 

  • Cost: Not only is the cost of creating these powder beauty products often way less than liquid versions (meaning a lower cost for customers!), but they tend to give buyers more bang for their buck.  For example, one tin of shampoo can give up to 7x more washes than a traditional bottle.  Think of all the savings that can be made by making the switch!

  • Ingredients: Powder products tend to be more potent than liquids, as they can contain higher concentrations of active ingredients.  They are not diluted, and therefore offer just pure benefits.

  • Custom: One of the most useful benefits of dry to wet formulas is that they are able to be totally customized!  You can use them in multiple ways, add oils or additional ingredients to suit your needs, and they can even be added to existing products!

  • Shelf life: Since there is no water here, bacteria does not thrive.  Powder products can last way longer than liquid formulas, so you can have this around for longer!

Lena Wild Harmony Rescue Mask Review
Lena Wild Harmony Rescue Mask - a powder with purpose!


Types of Powder Beauty Products


The one you're probably already familiar with is powder face masks - these are dry formulations that need to be activated with water prior to applying, and there are a whole host of gorgeous ones out there.  From glow boosting treatments to detoxifying sensations, these masks are highly versatile and are great for an all in one skin session as they can cleanse, exfoliate, and provide needed results whether that be improving hydration, removing impurities, buffing away dead cells, banishing blemishes, or increasing radiance in your complexion.

Some of my favourite face masks are powdered creations, and I love how they contain highly effective ingredients, no additives, and are able to be tailored to what I need.  Plus, the packaging tends to be GORGEOUS without being wasteful!

Look at Inner Senses Vibrant Earth and Quiet Earth treatments for example.  Both are housed inside stunning black glass canisters that look super stylish on the shelf (while also protecting the contents from light), and both are exquisite in terms of quality...


Inner Senses Vibrant Earth Face Mask Review
Inner Senses Vibrant Earth Face Mask


Vibrant Earth is a go to for when my skin is needing a total reset.  You'll find a host of powerful ingredients that work to transform the skin, including blue-green algae, one of the rarest and most potent microalgae on earth, which is ethically wild harvested and certified organic.  Mix that with superfood spirulina, indulgent cacao, green tea, grape skin, MSM, moringa leaf, baobab fruit, clay (both Canadian colloidal clay and Rhassoul clay), and more!  The blend is rich in antioxidants, AHAs, and Vitamin C, making for a potent punch that supercharges this formula - it's no wonder I saw almost instant results after use!  It deeply cleanses and draws out nasties lurking beneath the surface, gently exfoliates the top layers of my skin so I am left with a super soft and smooth base, and provides a luminous quality that makes me feel like a rockstar.

Sister to this powerhouse is Quiet Earth, and don't let the name fool you into thinking this is any less of a star.  This calming powder mask contains a union of high performance natural ingredients, including a quartet of clays (French pink, Canadian colloidial, kaolin, and Moroccan lava), white willow bark, chamomile, baobab, rosehip, cucumber, calendula, neroli, and more.  She is a gorgeous creation ideal for those with more sensitive skin, so if you have a delicate face and need a soothing touch, this is one for you.  The powder mask soothes, softens, and heals while also offering gentle exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits, plus helps clear and balance your complexion while boosting collagen production.  It's perfect for some TLC, and I love mixing this up with a drop or two of nurturing oil for an even more indulgent experience.

[P.s. Remember you can always grab a free sample from Inner Senses using my Ambassador code BRYANNA at checkout - see more details here]


Powder Face Mask - texture when dried
I adore the textures you get when the mask dries down - natural beauty!


Face masks are probably the most well known powder product, but they are not the only dry formulations out there. So what about the other skincare and beauty goodies?

Well, there are a ton to be excited about!  Shampoos, cleansers, lipsticks, foundations, moisturizers, toothpastes, exfoliants, deodorants...  The list is endless - if there is a "normal" liquid or solid version out there, you bet you can find a powdered formulation to try!

Finding all natural options is a little bit trickier in some areas (if anyone can point me towards some more green goodies do make suggestions in the comments as I'm keen to try more!!), but there are definitely a lot out there if you know where to look.  And today I thought I would share just a few of my favourite powder creations and brands - these are all star dry to wet formulas that activate easily, don't irritate the skin/hair, and that stood out to me due to their results, but also their scent, texture, affordability, and/or packaging.


Guy Morgan
I have been really loving Guy Morgan's Dagger Rose Cleansing Powder since discovering it while judging in 2020's BSL Awards.  This formulation is pretty special so it is no wonder it has made its way into my favourites!

Dagger Rose contains a mix of powders and extracts such as kaolin, rosehip seed, neem leaf, chamomile flower, baobab seed, aloe leaf juice, orange blossom, and fennel seed, plus gentle oils like jojoba, geranium, and rose otto.  This blend provides a gentle but effective exfoliation as well as a deeply cleansing treatment, and I love the comprehensive approach.  The ultra-fine powder contains small particles that help buff away dead cells, and I find this helps reduce blackheads and refine the complexion which is a great plus.

I also love how it transforms with even a few drops of water, and it becomes almost creamy to the touch.  It doesn't lather tons, but enough to make it easy to work across the skin and wash away all the grime from the day.  And while it doesn't tackle eye makeup, it does a great job as a morning cleanser or as a second cleanse.  I love how soft it leaves my cheeks in particular, and find it helped keep my skin clear - it's surprisingly clarifying, and I found it helped keep blemishes at bay as it really seems to get deep down.


Guy Morgan Dagger Rose Cleansing Powder Review
Guy Morgan Dagger Rose Cleansing Powder


Lani
Oh how I love the Lani range - every single product I have tried has been exceptional, and I have found several superstars that I will always rave about.  One of those is the Blue Mint Facial Cleanser, a non-drying creation that is stunning through and through.  The icy pastel shade of the powder is so eye catching that it's hard not to fall for this formula straight away, and the magic just continues as you transform the light base into a gentle foaming wash that rinses away the day.

With a subtle sweetness lurking behind the uplifting aroma that boosts the peppermint punch into something resembling a candied mojito, and a colour combo that is absolute perfection (seriously, the bottle compliments and softens the bolder shades in the collection and brings thoughts of sailing through crystal clear waters on a sunny day!), Blue Mint is not your average cleanser.  Your skin will not be left feeling stripped or tight at all, just free of grime and totally refreshed.  And the foam is hard to explain, as I haven't experienced a texture or consistency quite like it before.  Rich but not heavy, almost in between a gel and a milk, impossibly smooth, and such a wonderful colour...

Lani is brilliant at crafting powder products, and I think that another one I have to mention is their Tropical Coconut Face Polish.  This is another beauty that captures island vibes and summer sun, and I quickly became a fan after trying it out last year.  This exfoliating powder contains coconut milk, coconut powder, and rice bran, all of which work to produce a creamy and oh so dreamy treatment that polishes and buffs the skin without causing any irritation, restores softness to dry patches, targets blocked pores, and leaves your face super smooth!

Lani's product is perfect if you're planning on wearing a full face of makeup and want your foundation to look smooth and totally natural, and is great to incorporate into your weekly routine to  help mattify your skin and lead to a flawless finish.  And even if you are not a makeup user or don't wear foundation regularly this is a lovely treatment to use a few times a week or as needed since it keeps your face fresh and glowing.  The Tropical Coconut Face Polish really helps boost the rest of your skincare routine as it lets products fully sink in and achieve better results.


Lani Blue Mint Cleansing Powder Review
Lani Blue Mint Cleansing Powder

Lani Tropical Coconut Face Polish Review
Lani Tropical Coconut Face Polish


Awake Organics
You all know I adore Awake Organics, so it is probably no surprise that I also am a huge fan of their Caffeine + Rosemary Plastic Free Shampoo.

For a formula that contains no harsh sulphates, this foams up an extraordinary amount and gives your hair a super thorough (yet gentle) cleanse that leaves your locks looking totally refreshed.  When you rub the product between your hands and then start to massage into your scalp and hair, there is so much suds so you won't have that awkward moment where you're not sure if you actually cleaned your whole head.  And I love that you can be confident that this is giving your hair real TLC - with softening coconut milk powder as well as growth boosting caffeine, anti-fallout rosemary, and circulation supporting guarana seed, this blend is packed full of beneficial plant based goodness.

Not only does this powder product provide a nice shine to your hair, it smells fantastic!!  The blend of natural ingredients creates a bright, zesty, uplifting aroma that is just so stimulating to breathe in whether it be morning or night.  The sharp notes of lemongrass come through strongly, but are softened by creamy coconut, herbal rosemary, and refreshing mint.  What you are left with is sunny and full of clarity - it reminds me of midsummer days and those rare perfect moments you get where everything is going your way.  I love it!

[p.s. you can grab 15% off your first order direct with Awake Organics using this link]


Awake Organics Plastic Free Shampoo Review
Awake Organics Vegan Plastic Free Shampoo


Flawless
If you're looking for an ultra affordable option when it comes to powder products, Flawless is a wonderful brand to look to.  Their Gentle Foaming Clay Facial Cleanser is under a tenner, but it does not skimp on quality, ingredients, or results.  With white clay, jojoba oil, oats, and potent essential oils like pine, lime, and lavender, the formula is designed to balance and rejuvenate the skin.  You just take a small scoop of the dry mix, activate it with water, and voila -- you've got a milky cleanser ready to wash away any grime from the day!

While I don't love the smell of this (it's got a hint of lime, but it just doesn't jive well with the lavender in pine for me personally),  I love how it feels on my skin - the texture of this powder turns into a silky soft milk not dissimilar to a gentle face mask, and it is so easy to apply and to rinse off.  I love having a cleanser that can be easily removed without a muslin for days when my skin is feeling a bit more sensitive, and this definitely serves me well for that.  Once off, my face felt lovely, refreshed, and clean without feeling dried out.  I also find the clay helps keep blemishes at bay, meaning this doubles as an acne treatment - win!


Flawless Gentle Foaming Clay Facial Cleanser Review
Flawless Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser


Leafology
This is definitely one of my favourite brand discoveries of 2019/2020, and I am so thankful to have had the chance to try so much of the range while judging in the BSL Awards.  A large part of the range is powder based, so I will just pick a few to highlight (but seriously - go check out the full lineup as they're gorgeous!!).

First up, the Tooth Bright treatment, a multi-tasking formulation that serves as both a toothpaste and a mouthwash due to its innovative blend of ingredients.  The creation includes dead sea salt, clay, calcium and aloe powder, fennel, and a whole host of potent essential oils like spearmint, peppermint, myrrh, clove, and cardamom.  This provides a powerful base that provides a gently gritty scrub that helps remove buildup and staining, form and maintain healthy gums and enamel, and provide an antiseptic and antibacterial rinse.  Plus, it's super easy to use!

I love the finely milled texture of the powder - it's not dusty like some others I have tried, yet not overly coarse either.  It's a great middle ground, and I find it ideal for brushing my teeth or as a refreshing mouthwash.  The taste is also pretty unique, with a sweet and salty combination that provides a complex profile that is primarily minty with a hint of soft spice.  While this may not be a flavour all will like, it is one that I adapted to and found really interesting.

Another stand out from Leafology is their Renaissance Cleansing Powder, another multi-functional formula that has been designed to minimize the need for a ton of bottles and potions.  This serves as a shampoo, body wash, bath soak, and even facial cleanser - how cool is that??  The Renaissance Cleansing Powder uses a blend of plant based powders to clean and soften, including green tea, organic coconut, rice, rosemary, hibiscus and ayuredic ingredients like shikakai and brahmi.  On top of that, coconut milk provides a softening and lovely silky quality when the powder has been activated, and it is mildly exfoliating due to the hibiscus and rice powders!

The powder foams up quite a bit when activated with water, but it remains gentle and not drying or harsh on the skin - no irritation, no sensitivity, no redness!  As a shampoo, it leaves my hair feeling much lighter after use and it's particularly useful as a root refresh when you just need a little pick me up rather than a full wash.  For body and face, it's fast acting, rinses away easily, and totally resets your skin so you don't have any grime left behind.  Plus it smells so calming - rich lavender, sage, and ho leaf works to ease anxieties and soothe the spirit, making this a real treat to use on the daily.


Leafology Renaissance Cleansing Powder, Leafology Tooth Bright Powder Review
Leafology - plastic free products that will leave you wanting more


Skin & Tonic
I've enjoyed all the products from Skin & Tonic I have tried so far, and one that stood out to me is the Gentle Scrub, a facial exfoliant that is a simple six ingredient star.  The formula contains corn starch, oat bran, French pink clay, probiotic yogurt powder, rosehip seed powder, and geranium leaf oil.  This is a lovely all in one treat for your skin I find, as it serves as a flash mask, detoxifying cleanser, and skin smoothing scrub all contained within a single powder!

I am not usually keen on face scrubs I will be honest, so if I use one it needs to be super delicate and suitable for more sensitive skin - and Skin & Tonic delivers on both counts.  It helps get rid of dry flakes without causing irritation, boosts healthy cell renewal, removes impurities, and improves complexion thanks to the powerful powder to paste magic, and you can either use it as part of a quick and simple skincare routine or as a leave on treatment depending on what you're needing.  I find adding a few drops of facial oil elevates this already fab formula even further, and after rinsing off I always find my skin feels super soft and looks radiant!


Natural Powder Beauty Products
Best powder beauty products? Start here!


Of course there are other incredible powder products out there, from sensational face masks to effective deodorants, but this review has to end sometime!  But do let me know if you are curious to hear more about these types of formulations - powders are only going to become more popular as we move forward, so I'm more than happy to share even more discoveries with you lovelies.  Plus, I am really wanting to find and try some powder makeup as well as more skincare!

What do you think about powder products?  Are you already a fan, or are you just starting to discover these types of formulations??  I am so keen to hear, so share your thoughts in the comments below! xx

5 comments

  1. Fascinating, very fascinating!

    With the popluarity of skincare care products, there is no doubt that ones that are eco-friendly will become more popular in my opinion.

    I like the idea of how powder-based products can be used with a little water.

    I was also interested how you explained the benefits of powder-based beauty products.

    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am using a Korean mask currently which is a powder, you add water to turn it to a paste and it dries almost like rubber, but add water and it dissolves again, quite clever but a bit of a faff x

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