Finishing Powder: Why You Need to Be Using It to Complete Your Look

Finishing Powder: Why You Need to Be Using It to Complete Your Look

Ask any makeup user and even the best ones often wonder how celebrities get such a gorgeous finish even though they are under cameras and lights all day. It may seem like Hollywood magic, but it’s just having the knowledge to use the right type of face powder.

What Is Finishing Powder?

The goal of finishing powder is to finish your makeup off by hiding pores and small lines to smooth out your skin, which is especially helpful if you expect to be on camera or in photographs. While you can use finishing powder daily, it is typically meant to be used for special occasions.

What Is Setting Powder?

Although many makeup users mistake setting powder for being the same thing as finishing powder, they are two separate products. Setting powder is meant to be used with foundation and helps to hold it in place so that it doesn’t rub off while you go about your day. It is also useful for reducing the sticky feeling of foundation and removing excess oil throughout the day.

Is It Necessary to Use Both Powders?

In short, it isn’t necessary to use both powders, but doing so can provide a double layer of makeup protection since it both holds your foundation in place and helps to smooth out your skin tone. When it comes to finishing powder vs. setting powder, one is not better than the other and they work best when used together.

Can the Powder Be Used Alone?

Many makeup users do use setting powder on its own instead of using it with foundation because it provides a sheerer look that is more natural than the matte finish that many foundations create. Finishing powder can also be used without foundation or concealer, but the coverage will not be as dramatic and will likely not look as good on camera or in photographs.

What Is the Best Way to Apply a Finishing Powder?

Before applying your finishing powder, ensure you are finished applying moisturizer, sunscreen, concealer, foundation and anything else meant to provide coverage. When you apply the powder, use a loosely bristled brush to apply it and then blend it with a stiffer brush. Carry a small, stiff brush with you to apply touch-ups throughout the day and press it into your skin to avoid blending problems. A great option for finishing powder is Revaleskin Mineral Skincare Finishing Touch.

Should You Use Pressed or Loose Powder?

There is no real difference between loose or pressed powder, so the answer is “whatever you prefer.” Loose powder is packaged in small jars, has a finer consistency and may be messy to work with, especially if you need to touch it up throughout the day. Pressed powder is available in compacts and contains waxes that some people prefer to avoid, but it is easier to use as a touch-up powder during the day. Glominerals Loose Matte Finishing Powder is a great option for a loose powder.

Should the Powder Match Your Skin or Be Translucent?

Like the pressed vs. loose debate, whether you use powder that matches your skin tone or translucent powder is your call. Tinted finishing powder will provide an extra layer of coverage but might also appear to be too light or too dark if you are under a lot of camera lighting. Translucent powder matches all skin tones, but you must blend it well if you don’t want it to cause shine or white spots on your face in photographs or on video.

Which Powders Are Best for Oily Skin?

A loose finishing powder such as Youngblood Hi-Def Hydrating Loose Powder is the best translucent powder for oily skin because it is easier to dust on to problem spots without using too much. Pressed powders tend to look too cakey on people who have oily skin or use liquid foundation.

Now that you know how to use finishing powder, all you need to do is buy some. LaLa Daisy offers a wide variety of powder products to fit your needs — the hardest part will be deciding where to start!