Unlike setting powder which is used to help makeup stay put, finishing powder goes a step further to refine the skin's surface for a flawless complexion. It can help to smooth unwanted textures, such as pores, blemishes, and fine lines, creating an airbrushed finish in real life. So, if you want to achieve makeup perfection, you'll need a finishing powder in your makeup collection!
In this article, we'll help you choose the right finishing powder for your skin type and the look you want to achieve, whether that's loose or pressed, translucent, matte or luminous. We've even ranked the 10 best finishing powders in the UK from NYX, Mac, Bare Minerals and more.
Quick List - Top Finishing Powders
bareMinerals
Smooths Imperfections and Manages Shine for Airbrushed Skin
Fenty Beauty
Disguise Imperfections and Enhance the Longevity of Your Makeup
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Table of Contents
Finishing powder comes at the very last step of your base makeup routine to lock everything in, while providing a smooth, blurring effect on uneven skin textures. If you've accidentally applied too much bronzer or your makeup seems a little uneven, a finishing powder can also help to tone it down and blend everything seamlessly together.
Setting powder works a little differently, as it only sets your makeup in place to extend wear time. While it does also help with oil control, it won't provide the same smoothing effect. To achieve the perfect airbrushed base that will stay on your face all day, it's best to use both finishing powder and setting powder. This combination is so effective that brands are now releasing special powder formulas that combine both products in one.
A light dusting motion should be used when applying finishing powder, as too much can give the skin an unappealing white cast that will look even more startling on camera. So, if your skin has an uneven texture, read on to find out how you can achieve a real life filter effect using finishing powder!
The main difference between pressed and loose powders is that loose powders are a lot finer. This makes them ideal for absorbing excess oil. However, that's not to say dry skin types should stay away from loose powders entirely, as many brands enrich their powders with hydrating ingredients to cater to a wider variety of skin types.
Another difference between the two formulas is convenience. Most pressed powders come in a portable compact, often including a mirror and sponge for easy touch-ups on the go. On the other hand, loose powders are messier to apply and you will need to use a suitable brush.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If convenience is what you want, go for a pressed powder, but if you find that loose powders can better assist with oil management, and you already have the right tools on hand, they can be a great option too!
Don't have time for touch-ups? Try these setting powders to boost the longevity of your makeup!
The right shade of powder should disappear into your skin for a seamless finish. Applying a shade that's too light can give you a dull, washed-out complexion, but if you go too dark, you could end up with a blotchy, streaky appearance.
A rule of thumb is to match it as close as possible to the natural colour of your base makeup, whether that's a foundation, concealer, or tinted moisturiser. If you can't find a good match, opt for a translucent powder instead.
For a flawless base, browse our go-to stick foundations here!
Finishing powder can help you to achieve either a matte or luminous finish. Which one to go for depends on your skin type. Oily skin will benefit from a mattifying powder to control oiliness, as a luminous finish can cause excess shininess.
On the other hand, dryer skin types can often benefit from a healthy, luminous glow. You should avoid matte finish as it can exacerbate dry patches and create unwanted textures. To avoid caking, opt for a powder that's enriched with hydrating ingredients such hyaluronic acid, rose wax, and almond oil.
On the market for a new luxury eyeshadow palette? Check out our favourites!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | NYX Finishing Powder HD | ![]() | Get a Flawless Matte Finish With This Affordable Powder From NYX | |
2 | bareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder | ![]() | Smooths Imperfections and Manages Shine for Airbrushed Skin | |
3 | IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder | ![]() | Skincare Infused Powder With Optical Blurring Technology | |
4 | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder | ![]() | Disguise Imperfections and Enhance the Longevity of Your Makeup | |
5 | Kat Von D Lock-It Powder | ![]() | Delicate Powder Formula With Micro-Blurring Technology | |
6 | Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish | ![]() | Pressed Powder Infused With Hydrating Ingredients to Moisturise Skin While Blurring Uneven Textures | |
7 | MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder | ![]() | Manage Shine for a Flawless Matte Base | |
8 | Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Powder | ![]() | Waterproof Powder with High-Tech Formula to Help Makeup Stay All Day | |
9 | Milk Makeup Blur + Set Matte Loose Powder | ![]() | Hyaluronic Acid Nourishes the Skin for a Polished, Matte Finish | |
10 | e.l.f Perfect Finish HD Powder | ![]() | The Ideal Powder for Controlling Shine on the Go |
We love this cult-favourite powder from NYX! As you lightly dust it over your complexion, the fine powder particles diffuse into a velvety, sheer layer that sets makeup, controls shine and miraculously blurs flaws and imperfections.
The translucent formula is perfect for all skin tones as it doesn't contain any pigment that could affect the look of your base makeup. Think of it as a perfecting powder for a matte finish, and a big confidence boost that will last all day.
As the name suggests, the weightless mineral formula of this finishing powder from bareMinerals is designed to form a translucent veil over the skin, for a soft focus finish. It smooths over fine lines, blemishes and any uneven textures, while setting everything in place.
If you're prone to oiliness, it's also capable of soaking up excess oil to help you manage shine all day. You can choose from three translucent shades, including "Original" for a soft-matte finish, "Tinted" for a matte finish with a slightly warm tint, or "Illuminating" for a luminous finish.
Developed by skin-experts at IT Cosmetics, think of the Bye Bye Pores pressed powder as both a skincare product and makeup, all in one handy compact. This is because the powder is infused with a blend of anti-ageing ingredients to nourish the skin from within.
On the skin's surface, it utilises Optical Blurring technology to hide the appearance of pores and other imperfections for a silky-smooth finish. We especially like that it comes in a portable compact for touch-ups and controlling shine while on the go.
Fenty Beauty products are all about quality and simplifying your makeup routine, and they certainly know what makeup lovers want. Thanks to the Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch setting powder, you no longer need two bulky products taking up space on your vanity, as it works as both a setting and finishing powder in one!
The super fine powder particles are light as air, melting into the skin to provide a filter-like effect. For situations where you need to look photo-ready, this is the powder you'll want to reach for to lock everything in place, letting your makeup slay all day.
If you're tired of heavy, chalky powders messing with your makeup looks, we recommend this one from Kat Von D. It has an extremely lightweight and delicate formula that will blend seamlessly into the skin and, thanks to micro-blurring technology, your skin will look smooth both in person and on camera!
The silky-matte, locked-in finish won't cause flashback, providing the perfect finishing touch when in front of the camera. Those with oilier complexions can also count on this powder to mattify the skin, and prevent further oiliness.
Finding a finishing powder for those with dry skin types is often tricky, as they can cause makeup to look cakey and create unwanted textures, rather than hide them. This is the reason why we love Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish as it contains rose wax and almond oil to moisturise the skin as it blurs away blemishes.
Say goodbye to pores, fine lines and wrinkles! The micro powder melts into the skin to fill creases and create a magically airbrushed complexion. The only downside is that the shade range is pretty limited, with only four main shades available. Therefore, it may be difficult to find the right one.
Available in one universal translucent shade, the iconic MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder sets makeup and polishes the skin for a smooth finish, without disrupting the shade of your base makeup. For this reason, it's another top pick for most skin tones.
If you are prone to oiliness, this powder can help to manage shine with or without makeup. For example, to avoid an oily t-zone, simply dust it over your skin after your moisturiser has been fully absorbed. Unfortunately, it can be a bit too mattifying for dryer skin types.
If you enjoy wearing makeup, but tend to sweat in hot or humid environments, this Urban Decay waterproof powder will get your makeup through the steamiest days. It'll even protect you from an unexpected downpour - perfect for keeping your look intact while navigating temperamental weather changes in the UK.
With its high-tech formula, this powder is able to make unwanted textures disappear. Part mattifying and part illuminating, it'll give the skin a healthy radiance, while shine is kept to a minimum. That said, although it is translucent, it can appear warmer on the skin, which may look mismatched against fairer complexions.
Another great choice for dry skin types, this loose powder from Milk Makeup is formulated with the hydration hero - hyaluronic acid! Although it's designed to give the skin a matte finish, the moisturising ingredients plump the skin, filling out fine lines and smoothing over dry areas for polished perfection.
While it's fairly adaptable, we think adding a lighter and a darker shade to either end of the colour palette would make this powder truly suitable for a wide spectrum of skin tones. However, if your skin tone fits within the three shades available and you're prone to dryness, this might be your new favourite.
Coming in a portable mirror compact with a sponge applicator, this is the powder you'll want to take with you for quick spot touch ups on the go! If excessive shine and oiliness is a problem for you, you can literally blot it away anywhere at any time.
It's an HD powder, which is designed to help you look flawless on camera. That said, according to some users, while it does make the skin look amazing behind the lens, in person, it can look a bit patchy especially for dry complexions.
Written and researched by Audrey Tan
No. 1: NYX|Finishing Powder HD
No. 2: bareMinerals|Mineral Veil Finishing Powder
No. 3: IT Cosmetics|Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder
No. 4: Fenty Beauty|Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
No. 5: Kat Von D|Lock-It Powder
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