I posted this on Instagram this week and thought well of course now I have to share my favorite powders! I’ve actually had a few people this past week ask me about powders for the face. And while this information may be all over the internet, it feels so great that people trust my suggestions on these products and their use. So this post is not only to explain the reason for each powder (in the picture above) but the powders that I use that I would recommend to anyone regardless of skin tone!
So the first tip I will say is that to me, a setting powder is necessary while a finishing powder is not.
Finishing powders are usually white powders that are used to fill pores and fine lines on the face as the LAST step in the makeup process. These powders are especially important to those who are doing film and photography to have a perfect look on camera. If these powders aren’t done correctly, the flashback insane. I hardly use a true finishing powder becau
se I’m not an expert, but one finishing powder that I do have is the the Ultra HD Micorfinishing Loose Powder by MAKE UP FOR EVER.
This loose finishing powder was designed to look invisible under Ultra HD 4K technology and has a visibly flawless finish in any light. You don’t need a lot of this product, I’ve had mine for about a year and have hardly put a dent in it. All you have to do is apply a small amount to a fluffy brush, tap off excess product, and apply after your setting your makeup for additional blurring.
Like I said before, the finishing powder is a last step when you’re attempting to look flawless on camera specifically.
But a setting powder is something we ALL should be using when applying liquid and cream products to our faces. No matter how great your foundation says it’ll last, sweat and oily will combat it’s staying power. So that’s where you setting powder come in. We all have heard of baking for the concealer and it really does work. My favorite setting powder is the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. It’s now available in two “translucent colors” that fit the spectrum for skin tones. Here’s why I approve either color choice for this powder:
- The original Translucent color (creamy white color) is great for baking your under eye concealer and adding brightness to make sure your highlight and contour is snatched. And any skin tone can then you can use this powder all over to also set your foundation by lightly sweeping the powder on to the foundation. As long as you don’t go overboard, lightly sweeping this product on to the face won’t add any color, it will instead make the face more matte.
- The Translucent Medium Deep color is a new addition to the line formulated for deeper skin tones. If you’re using this to bake your concealer, it’ll give you a more natural coverage. It can still be used to set the highlight but it won’t be as bright if you’re my skin tone or lighter. BUT if you’re darker than me, this is a great color to brighten your under eye and bake. Any woman of color can use the Translucent Medium Deep shade to set her foundation and it will also provide a bit more coverage to the skin.
I know these two powders are expensive. I even have anxiety when purchasing them but I will 100% say they are worth it to me. The products work and haven’t disappointed me. Products work differently for some people but I do think that especially the Laura Mericer brand is universally adored and approved.