Makeup comes in many different forms. Pressed powder, loose powder, solids (such as pencils), liquids, creams, and so forth. Overall, much of it can be placed into two categories; liquid or powder. The question of liquid versus powder often crops up when a woman is seeking out foundation or eyeliner. Recently gel-like eyeshadows have become more popular, so they too may be counted in the debate of liquid and powder. Is one better than the other? Which should you choose?

Many women make their choices based upon how the makeup looks on them. This is a perfectly fine way of doing so. Feeling comfortable and sexy with your makeup on is the prime reason for using it in the first place. Okay, so we use it to hide a little facial scuff now and then, but ultimately, we want to look good.

This is the key choice behind liquid eyeliner vs. an eyeliner pencil. While a pencil is better for beginners, some choose pencils because of the look they offer, a little rougher and at times, less dramatic.

Liquid eyeliner can go on more smoothly, but for those unaccustomed to it, it can be difficult to apply and feel messy. Liquid eyeliners also have potential to escape into the eye and cause irritation. However, many women who are comfortable using liquid eyeliner swear by it. The same goes for pencil users. Ultimately, it will depend upon what you think looks best and makes you happy.

Foundation is a different story. Your skin type may not have much to do with eyeliner, but it certainly comes into play when deciding upon a liquid or powder foundation. Oily skin generally does not respond well to liquid foundation. This is because as a liquid, it can be more prone to getting into pores, making your face appear shiny, and simply not meshing well with the oil on your face.

However, this may also depend upon the type of liquid foundation you purchase. Some liquid foundations actually help oily skin because they are oil-free and blend well into skin in order to kill the shiny look. Be sure to do your research before making a final choice.

A powder foundation can blend just as well as liquid and potentially feel lighter on your skin. It is just as easy to apply; both take essentially no effort to put on your face as long as they blend well with your skin tone (otherwise you will be rubbing too much and get frustrated when it fails to look normal).

Powder foundations can help absorb some oil or perspiration and also give your face that matte look. You can put it on over liquid foundations to help even out skin tone and it is also a good choice when you need foundation placed over sunscreen, as some sunscreens can leave your skin with that shiny look.

At the same time, if you have very oily skin, then you may want to avoid powder as it can become too attached to the oil and make your skin look thicker or possibly even pool in areas of heavy oil. On the other end of the skin spectrum, women with dry skin may want to avoid powder as it may make your skin even drier and make flaky skin look even more pronounced.

Eyeshadows have gone from the usual powder to some gel-like substances or the cream to powder format. Generally, it is the same case as eyeliners. If you like the look of one eyeshadow over another, then go with what makes you feel fabulous. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to types of eyeshadow.

Many women are happy with their powder shadows, whereas other prefer the cream, believing it goes on easier and smoother. There really is little difference other than personal preference, and neither is truly more dramatic looking than the other as most will come in a variety of bold colors as well as fairly neutral colors