A lady's toilet-table is incomplete without a box of some absorbent powder; indeed, from our earliest infancy, powder is used for drying the skin with the greatest benefit; no wonder that its use is continued in advanced years, if, by slight modifications in its composition, it can be employed not only as an absorbent, but as a means of "personal adornment." We are quite within limits in stating that many ton-weights of such powders are used in this country annually. They are principally composed of various starches, prepared from wheat, potatoes, and various nuts, mixed more or less with powdered talc--of Hauey, steatite (soap-stone), French chalk, oxide of bismuth, and oxide of zinc, &c. The most popular is what is termed VIOLET POWDER. Wheat starch, 12 lbs. Orris-root powder, 2 lbs. Otto of lemon, 1/2 oz. " bergamot, 3/4 oz. " cloves, 2 drachms. ROSE FACE POWDER. Wheat starch, 7 lbs. Rose Pink, 1/2 drachm. Otto of rose, 2 drachms. " santal, 2 " PLAIN OR UNSCENTED HAIR POWDER Is pure wheat starch. FACE POWDER. Starch, 1 lb. Oxide of Bismuth, 4 oz. PERLE POWDER. French chalk, 1 lb. Oxide of bismuth, 1 oz. Oxide of zinc, 1 oz. BLANC DE PERLE Is pure oxide of bismuth in powder. FRENCH BLANC Is levigated talc passed through a silk sieve. This is the best face powder made, particularly as it does not discolor from emanation of the skin or impure atmosphere. LIQUID BLANC (FOR THEATRICAL USE). The use of a white paint by actresses and dancers, is absolutely necessary; great exertion produces a florid complexion, which is incompatible with certain scenic effects, and requires a cosmetic to subdue it. Madame V----, during her stage career, has probably consumed more than half a hundredweight of oxide of bismuth, prepared thus:-- Rose or orange-flower water, 1 pint. Oxide of bismuth, 4 oz. Mixed by long trituration. CALCINED TALC Is also extensively used as a toilet powder, and is sold under various names; it is not so unctuous as the ordinary kind. ROUGE AND RED PAINTS. These preparations are in demand, not only for theatrical use, but by private individuals. Various shades of color are made, to suit the complexions of the blonde and brunette. One of the best kind is that termed BLOOM OF ROSES. Strong liquid ammonia, 1/2 oz. Finest carmine, 1/4 oz. Rose-water, 1 pint. Esprit de rose (triple), 1/2 oz.