actually both way works, depending on your skin condition and the texture of the foundation or the concealer. this go the same for your second question.

it's important to select different concealer texture for different skin area. eg, the concealer for your eyes should be different from your scar.

first of all, i would like to explain the main purpose of the foundation. it should be used to even out your face complexion, choosing the colour tone nearest to your skin tone and correct your skin's tiny flaws (such as tiny pores).
The finish of the foundation should be seen as 'without wearing any foundation' is the prefect.

for the concealer, it is mean to conceal any blemishs, dark circle, broken cappilaries, pimple scars and others. Therefore, the texture and colour should be go accordingly to the need of it.

If you are interested to know more details about it, you may messenger me by lady_mys2001@yahoo.com or pm me.
I'm a make up artist.

There's few recommendation here that I had explored so far:
1) Anna Sui. They got compact and loose powder, silky and very smooth. comes in a beautiful packaging and different shade. The shade is quite suitable for Asian gals.

2) Chanel. I prefer their compact powder (I'm using it currently)

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Added on September 24, 2007, 11:04 pmActually there's no much different between pressed powder (also known as compact powder) and loose powder.
Pressed powder, just as the name said, is a pressed form of loose powder. You can use a powder brush on pressed powder and the result is the same as loose powder, this method is better if you are applying after the foundation. if you use a sponge, then it might create a patchy effect and your face will look powdery.




This post has been edited by ladymys2001: Sep 24 2007, 11:04 PM

Hi,
Have you try applying oil control cream on you T-Zone (oily) area? This cream normally falls in skincare catagory. This cream will absorb the access oil that your skin have. I can't remember which cosmetic brand have it

For your information, I do not recommend combination/dehydrated skin to use 2way foundation. For your case, I recommend that you may use a concealer to cover your scar and a sheer foundation. The problem for dehydrated skin is, after applying medium - heavy coverage foundation, will appear 'crack' (especially you are in a air-conditioned closed environment)

Try this method:
1) apply a hydrating cream before putting on cosmetic everytime.
2) dap tissue over your face and use a brush to do touch-up. (u may use sponge, but do it carefully to avoid patchy)
3) never use foundation to cover pimples, scar, or whatever blemishes

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Added on September 24, 2007, 11:25 pmI have this experience!!! I hate it because just like what u said, it look so fake.

I think it's the foundation is reflecting the flash light, therefore it appear brighter. I use shadowing to make use of the reflection. Apply a slightly darker shade of foundation at your jawline and nose-line (I mean the side-of-the-nose). This will create an effect that my face look smaller

Another point is, the foundation shade is too light. It shouldn't be visible.

This post has been edited by ladymys2001: Sep 24 2007, 11:25 PM