face powder

American  

noun

1. a cosmetic powder used to give a mat finish to the face.

---

face powder British  

noun

1. a flesh-tinted cosmetic powder worn to make the face look less shiny, softer, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of face powder

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Gazala observes that her benefactor’s “eyes are slanted under the folds of her brows, kohl-rimmed cat’s eyes in a dead-white face, powder in every fold and crack.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

And before the Armani woman walks out into the street, one last touch of face powder …

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2023

The best way to cover these pockmarks and other cosmetic imperfections was lead face powder, and both men and women took advantage of it.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2021

She dipped a hand into a purse to fish out a compact face powder with a mirror.

From Reuters • Dec. 20, 2018

She had a makeup table laden with perfume bottles and face powder compacts and various ointments in tiny pots, which given my mother’s modest practicality seemed as exotic as jewels to me.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama