Mama Bear Muses About Make-up:

Hello BeautyBrains, I am so glad I found you. I am Pentecostal, and we are not supposed to wear make-up. But some wear loose powder claiming that it isn’t makeup. So I would like to know if there is a difference between foundation, a compact, or the loose powder. Which in my amateur opinion would be the same thing only different structure.

The Left Brain Replies:

Thanks to Mama Bear for our first question that combines religion and cosmetic science! Here’s what I think:

Make-up can be defined as any product “used to impart color and enhance one’s appearance.” The form of the product (cream or powder foundation, a compact, or a loose powder) doesn’t matter - but what the product is used for DOES matter. If the women in your church are using a colored face powder as a blush, then there’s no question it’s make-up. But if they’re using an uncolored powder to help absorb facial oil and make their skin less greasy, then you could argue that it’s a skin care product and not make-up.

And by the way, if they’re using high end cosmetics like Laura Mercier , MAC, or Model In a Bottle, then they’re probably guilty of using make-up. GUILTY I say!