face powder

American  

noun

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

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face powder British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of face powder

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

face powder

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

If YouTube has its way, we may soon watch makeup tutorials and buy face powder and eyeliner directly from its site.

From New York Times ● Nov. 11, 2021

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

It makes me feel slightly ill, as if I’m in a closed car on a hot muggy day with an older woman wearing too much face powder.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood