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.
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!
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() NYX | 2 ![]() bareMinerals | 3 ![]() IT Cosmetics | 4 ![]() Fenty Beauty | 5 ![]() Kat Von D | 6 ![]() Charlotte Tilbury | 7 ![]() MAC | 8 ![]() Urban Decay | 9 ![]() Milk Makeup | 10 ![]() e.l.f |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Finishing Powder HD | Mineral Veil Finishing Powder | Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder | Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder | Lock-It Powder | Airbrush Flawless Finish | Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder | All Nighter Waterproof Powder | Blur + Set Matte Loose Powder | Perfect Finish HD Powder |
Features | Get a Flawless Matte Finish With This Affordable Powder From NYX | Smooths Imperfections and Manages Shine for Airbrushed Skin | Skincare Infused Powder With Optical Blurring Technology | Disguise Imperfections and Enhance the Longevity of Your Makeup | Delicate Powder Formula With Micro-Blurring Technology | Pressed Powder Infused With Hydrating Ingredients to Moisturise Skin While Blurring Uneven Textures | Manage Shine for a Flawless Matte Base | Waterproof Powder with High-Tech Formula to Help Makeup Stay All Day | Hyaluronic Acid Nourishes the Skin for a Polished, Matte Finish | The Ideal Powder for Controlling Shine on the Go |
Price | £8.55 | £25.00 | £27.00 | £26.00 | £25.00 | £36.00 | £19.20 | £25.00 | £28.00 | £7.50 |
Formula | Pressed powder | Loose powder | Pressed powder | Loose powder | Loose powder | Pressed powder | Loose powder | Pressed powder | Loose powder | Pressed powder |
Shade | Translucent | Tinted (sheer, warm tint) | Translucent, rich tan, deep | 8 sheer shades | Translucent | Fair, medium, tan, deep | Translucent | Translucent | Light, medium, deep | Translucent |
Finish | Matte | Matte (luminous available) | Matte | Matte | Velvety-matte | Luminous | Matte | Matte | Matte | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin | Oily skin | All skin types | Oily skin | Normal to oily skin | Dry skin, | Oily skin | Oily skin | All skin types | Oily skin |
Best For | Portability | Smoothing fine lines, blemishes and uneven textures | Mature skin, portability, touch-ups | Photography | Photography, flash photography | Portability, touch ups | Shine and oil control | Wet or humid environments, sports and the gym | Smoothing fine lines and uneven textures | Quick touch ups, portability, photography |
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This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£8.55
Formula | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Shade | Translucent |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin |
Best For | Portability |
£25.00
Formula | Loose powder |
---|---|
Shade | Tinted (sheer, warm tint) |
Finish | Matte (luminous available) |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin |
Best For | Smoothing fine lines, blemishes and uneven textures |
£27.00
Formula | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Shade | Translucent, rich tan, deep |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | All skin types |
Best For | Mature skin, portability, touch-ups |
£26.00
Formula | Loose powder |
---|---|
Shade | 8 sheer shades |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin |
Best For | Photography |
£25.00
Formula | Loose powder |
---|---|
Shade | Translucent |
Finish | Velvety-matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Normal to oily skin |
Best For | Photography, flash photography |
£36.00
Formula | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Shade | Fair, medium, tan, deep |
Finish | Luminous |
Recommended Skin Type | Dry skin, |
Best For | Portability, touch ups |
£19.20
Formula | Loose powder |
---|---|
Shade | Translucent |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin |
Best For | Shine and oil control |
£25.00
Formula | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Shade | Translucent |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin |
Best For | Wet or humid environments, sports and the gym |
£28.00
Formula | Loose powder |
---|---|
Shade | Light, medium, deep |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | All skin types |
Best For | Smoothing fine lines and uneven textures |
£7.50
Formula | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Shade | Translucent |
Finish | Matte |
Recommended Skin Type | Oily skin |
Best For | Quick touch ups, portability, photography |
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