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The Best Face Powder

Last updated on July 19, 2022

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If you’re a lover of beauty products, then you know the importance of face powder. However, there are many different kinds that do different things, so it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you. For example, do you need one for setting your makeup or finishing it? Do you need one that is translucent or one that is tinted? There is a lot to consider.

Face powders are an essential item to have in your makeup kit when you want a polished look that isn’t greasy or oily. If you use a liquid foundation as many people do, then applying a powder over top not only helps to set the product on your skin but also helps to ensure there isn’t additional shine. If you’ve got fine lines and wrinkles on your face, face powder can help to reduce the chances of your foundation settling into those creases. You can also use face powder to set other cream products other than foundation, such as cream eyeshadow.

While some people use face powder as a finishing product, others use it as a base for additional products, such as blush, bronzer, shimmer and contour. If you’ve accidentally applied too much blush or it is looking to bright, face powder on top can help you neutralize it. Face powder is so versatile, that some people even use it in place of dry shampoo in a pinch. Knowing how you want to primarily use face powder will help you figure out which type is the right one for your beauty regimen.

Our Picks For The Top Face Powders

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless 16 Hour Face Powder

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Maybelline New York

Fit Me Matte + Poreless 16 Hour Face Powder

This long-lasting face powder stays on for 16 hours. It absorbs oil and minimizes the look of pores. The powder can be worn with foundation or on bare skin.

Overall Take

Long LastingThis face powder lasts for 16 hours.

 Runner Up

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Waterproof 24 Hour Face Powder

L'Oreal Paris

Infallible Waterproof 24 Hour Face Powder

This face powder gives you a flawless look by covering like a liquid foundation. It has a matte finish that lasts for 24 hours. The powder works for both oily and dry skin.

Overall Take

Flawless LookThis face powder covers like a liquid foundation.

 We Also Like

COVERGIRL Clean Professional Shine Control Face Powder

COVERGIRL

Clean Professional Shine Control Face Powder

This face powder gives you a natural and fresh look by controlling shine. It can be worn on bare skin or on top of foundation. The powder provides lightweight coverage.

Overall Take

Natural and FreshThis face powder controls shine.

 Strong Contender

Coty Airspun Lightweight Loose Face Powder

Coty

Airspun Lightweight Loose Face Powder

This face powder creates a smooth appearance by covering fine lines, wrinkles, acne, scars and blemishes. It can be worn all day without touch-ups. The formula also helps to correct uneven skin tone.

Overall Take

Smooth AppearanceThis face powder covers fine lines, acne, scars and more.

What to Look For

  • Do you need loose powder or pressed powder? It’s a matter of preference. Loose powder is messier as the particles do not stick together. It offers lightweight coverage. Pressed powder, on the other hand, is more compact and in a semi-solid state. It contains ingredients such as waxes and silicones. These powders offer a heavier coverage.
  • Not sure if you need setting powder of finishing powder? Some brands actually use these terms interchangeably, which makes things a bit more confusing. However, setting powder is typically what you use on top of foundation to ensure it doesn’t go anywhere. It also helps to reduce shine. Finishing powder is similar but it’s for a specific purpose. If you’re going to be photographed and want to have that flawless airbrushed look, finishing powder blurs your fine lines and wrinkles perfectly. While setting powder can be tinted or translucent, finishing powders are typically white.
  • If you want to have a little extra coverage on your face, opt for a face powder that contains some tint. Keep in mind that it can tend to look thick and cakey if you apply too much though. If you’re more concerned about removing shine, then opt for a face powder that is translucent. Just make sure you blend it in well as it can have a flashback effect otherwise.
  • You can also wear face powder on bare skin, especially if it’s translucent. This will help give you a matte look without feeling cakey. It will just reduce shine, not add any tint.

More to Explore

For the best way to apply face powder, make sure you have two different brushes. You will need a fluffy one and a dense one. Put on your sunscreen, primer, foundation, concealer and any other products you want to have on. Then dip your big fluffy brush into the face powder and tap it on the side to let any excess product fall off. Apply the brush to your face from the center in a circular direction, moving to the outer edges of your face. Next, put on your blush or bronzer if you like, and you’re ready to go. Use the dense brush for touch-ups during the day if you need them.

More to explore