One of the most important steps in any makeup routine is using a finishing powder. No matter your skin type, using a powder to set your face will keep your makeup in place while also keeping excess oil from breaking up your foundation and concealer. There are a lot of different options when it comes to powder, whether you prefer pressed or loose, colored or translucent. Some of us may feel we don’t really need a powder because we are afraid of having “cake face”. However, the products we have selected for you to try are all of high quality. Another helpful tip for having a smooth look to the skin is using proper techniques and taking care of your skin prior to application.
Having a Smooth Base
The first step before going in with your makeup is making sure you have a smooth and healthy complexion. It’s pretty common to get a lot of blackheads and eventually acne if your wear makeup on a daily basis. We have tips and tricks to remove those blackheads at home. Staying on top of your skin will leads to less pimples and less texture on the skin for powders to cling onto.
Another key step is using a good moisturizer. Having dry skin patches or flakey skin will definitely create texture on the skin that powder will reveal. For those that have oily skin, picking the right moisturizer can be daunting. We suggest trying out the CeraVe line, as it is a lighter lotion but still moisturizes. We also suggest finding one that has SPF for days that you plan to be out and about. Without that protection, your skin will dry up and cause even more issues.
Using a Primer
This is an essential step in having a long lasting makeup look. When using finishing powders, it’s important to pair them with a great primer. Using primers that help shrink pores, block excess oil, and overall blur imperfections will be your powder’s best friend. Having a smooth base will allow you to use a powder without it looking cakey and overdone.
The Right Powder for Your Skin
Before we get into our top picks, we also want to bring up that using the right foundation for your skin type will also have an effect on how your powder will perform. Sometimes you may use just a touch to set the face and your makeup looks heavy. Experiment with different makeup application tools, the amount of foundation you use, and different types of concealer. Having the first three steps will make picking a powder a lot less intimidating.
Powders will differ in application, texture, how much they have been milled, color, and overall feeling on the face. Some come in different colors that help to color correct any discoloration of your skin. Be sure to check out reviews and see what others with similar skin types have to say. You can go into makeup stores and usually they have a tester out so you can feel the product it and test it on the back on your hand. Here is our list of powders that come in different forms and are widely used and loved by the makeup community.
Best Finishing Powders for Your Makeup
Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Setting Powder
This is one a cult favorite makeup fanatics and beauty gurus love. This powder is excellent for oily skin by keeping the skin matte for hours. This powder also comes in a pressed version. Shade wise they have translucent light and translucent dark, so it’s suitable for a wide range of skin tones. It sets your makeup without adding any texture and feels light on the skin.
Illamasqua Loose Translucent Powder
Illamasque’s version is finely milled, allowing it to give a smooth finish on the skin. This also prevents any oxidization and separation that can happen with foundation. The best way to apply this and other loose powders, is using a damp sponge such as the beauty blender. Using a brush can stir up dead, dry skin and create unwanted texture. If you do use a brush, we suggest patting instead of swiping and rubbing. When applied correctly, this powder will blur lines, pores, and imperfections.
RCMA No Color Powder
While this powder is used by makeup artists across the globe, the price tag is completely reasonable price. Because it has no color, it won’t alter the pigment of your foundation. This is also a favorite when it comes to the baking trick. It has a soft-focus effect on the skin and has no flashback, so it’s perfect for events and night outs when the cameras are flashing.
Coty Airspun Loose Powder
This powder is one of the most affordable and universally loved. This product comes in multiple finishes, colors, and comes in a translucent version. There are also unscented options as well in case the original version is a little too much. This powder is very versatile and finely milled. You can use this to bake under your eyes or set the whole face.
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
This is another popular option at the drugstore. It absorbs any excess oil that your skin may produce throughout the day. This powder also minimizes the appearance of larger pores and leaves a flawless look to the skin. You can get this powder in the transparent option or seven other skin tone shades. A little goes a long way with this powder, so be sure to use a light hand. A common technique is to tap off the excess from your brush before gently applying to your face.
NYX HD Pressed Finishing Powder
This formulation is lightweight that helps to soften the look of any pores, texture, and fine lines. This also comes in a loose powder and in two other shades. The banana shade helps to hide any veins or darker discoloration. The mint green helps to tone down any redness. This powder has a silky like feeling and is lightweight on the skin.
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