How to Press Powder Foundation After Cooling

Question

Based on the following formula and steps for a pressed powder foundation, when and how should the mixture be pressed after it cools and sets?

Formula:

Oil Thick™ Hard: 8%
LipidSoft™ Lite: 12%
Microcrystalline Wax: 4%
Isododecane: 20%
isohexadecane: 22%
MatteSilica: 5%
Beige Iron Oxides EasyMix™: 2%
Silk Talc Powder: 27%

Steps:
Mix 2+4+5+6+7+8 thoroughly until the color is evenly dispersed throughout the formula. Then add 1 and 3, heat to 80-90°C until dissolved into a homogeneous mixture. Turn off the heat and stir or blend at low speed until the formula cools and sets.

After following this formula and steps, I have a mixture that has set. Should I press it while it is still liquid, or wait until it hardens, grind it, and then press? Please advise on the correct method.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Based on the formula and steps provided, the mixture will solidify as it cools due to the waxes and thickeners. To make a pressed powder foundation, you need to press the mixture when it is in a powder form.

Here is the likely process after the heating step:
1. Allow the mixture to cool completely until it solidifies or sets into a solid mass.
2. Break up the solidified mixture and grind it into a fine powder.
3. Place the fine powder into the powder pan.
4. Press the powder firmly into the pan to form the pressed powder foundation.

The binding agents that were melted and mixed when heated will help the powder particles stick together when pressed after cooling and grinding.