Pressed Powder Foundation Formulation Example

Here is a basic example of a pressed powder foundation formulation and method, assuming you have a pressing machine.

Ingredients:

• Base Powders:
  • Talc Powder (e.g., Talc Powder (5 Micron, Silane Coated)): 40-60% - Provides bulk, slip, and oil absorption.
  • Mica Powder (e.g., Mica Powder (9 Micron, Silane Coated)): 10-20% - Adds slip, luminosity, and improves pressability.
  • Titanium Dioxide (e.g., Titanium Dioxide FoundationPro™): 5-15% - Provides coverage and whiteness.
• Color Pigments:
  • Iron Oxides (Red, Yellow, Black - e.g., Iron Oxides Red (FoundationPro™), Iron Oxides Yellow (FoundationPro™), Iron Oxides Black (FoundationPro™)): 1-5% (Adjust ratio to achieve desired skin tone) - Provides the foundation color.
• Binder:
  • Powder Binder (Liquid or Dry): 5-10% - Helps the powder particles adhere together for pressing. The type and amount depend on the specific binder used.

Method:

1. Weighing: Accurately weigh all powder ingredients according to your formula.
2. Mixing: Combine all the base powders and color pigments in a suitable mixer. Mix thoroughly until the color is uniform and there are no streaks. For best results, especially with pigments, a high-shear mixer or milling process (like using a hammer mill or micronizer) is recommended to ensure even particle distribution and color development.
3. Adding Binder: Gradually add the powder binder to the powder mixture while mixing. Continue mixing until the binder is evenly distributed throughout the powder. The mixture should feel slightly damp but not wet.
4. Sieving (Optional but Recommended): Pass the mixture through a fine sieve to break up any clumps and ensure a smooth texture.
5. Filling: Carefully fill the powder mixture into the foundation pans. Do not overfill.
6. Pressing: Use your pressing machine to compress the powder into the pan. The pressure required will depend on the formula and the machine. Apply even pressure across the surface.
7. Finishing: Remove the pressed powder from the machine. Check for a smooth, even surface. If needed, use a brush or tool to clean the edges of the pan.
8. Packaging: Place the pressed pan into its final packaging.

Important Notes:

• This is a basic example. Actual percentages will vary depending on the desired coverage, texture, and specific raw materials used.
• Always perform small test batches before scaling up.
• Ensure your workspace and equipment are clean and sanitized.
• Adjusting the ratio of Iron Oxides (Red, Yellow, Black) is crucial for matching different skin tones. Premixing pigments separately with a small amount of binder or oil before adding to the main powder blend can help achieve better color dispersion.
• The choice of binder is critical for the final texture, adhesion, and pressability of the powder.