11 Best Finishing Powders For An Airbrushed Look (2023 Update)
Look natural and flawless all day long with these lightweight, shine-free formulas.
Lorrie PearsonProfessional Makeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup & Personal Styling
Experience: 20 years
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application.Ms. Pe... more
Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Srijani Roy ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Srijita DeCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Regardless of your makeup routine, you cannot skip using a good finishing powder to give your face a final touch-up. Lorrie Pearson, a professional makeup artist, opines, “When choosing a powder to use on my client’s skin, I think about the end result. If I want the makeup to stay put and have longevity, I choose a setting powder. If the blurring or minimizing imperfections are the focus, that is where the finishing powder is the winner. ”The best finishing powder is an invaluable asset because it helps to reduce shine, blur your pores, and keep your foundation and base in place. It also gives your makeup an airbrushed effect.
A finishing powder is available in different formulations. While some give you a matte finish, some will instantly add an illuminating glow. These powders are available in both pressed and loose forms, and they serve similar purposes.
So, if you want to get the perfect finish to your makeup, check out our list of the best finishing powders on the market. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
What’s The Difference Between Setting Powder And Finishing Powder?
Setting powder and finishing powder look the same at a glance, but they are indeed two different products and deliver different results. In this section, we will discuss the major difference between the two.
- Setting powder: It sets your makeup and is applied before foundation to absorb excess oil from your skin. Setting powders lock your makeup in place for long-lasting wear.
- Finishing powder: Finishing powder is applied after makeup to lock the foundation and reduce pores’ appearance and fine lines to give a smooth texture to your skin.
Lorrie Pearson, a professional makeup artist, says, “Setting powders are used after you apply foundation. They are made to help your foundation stay put. On the other hand, finishing powders create a filter and impart a more of an airbrushed effect to your face. They do not add longevity to the makeup because they are devoid of oil-absorbing ingredients. You should use one or the other so you do not have a cakey makeup buildup. A makeup setting spray is suggested for those who opt to use a finishing powder.” Are you wondering if finishing powders make any impact on your routine? Read ahead to know more. Are you wondering if finishing powders make any impact on your routine? Read ahead to know more.
Does Finishing Powder Make Any Difference?
Yes. A finishing powder can hide and smooth imperfections and blur the pores. You should know how to apply this product for a good lightening effect.
11 Best Finishing Powders
1. Best Non-Comedogenic: Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
Image: Maybelline New York Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder – Fair Light The Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder has a mineral-based formula that gives you an all-day matte look with light coverage. It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and suits all skin types. It is available in multiple shades and is designed to control, shine, smoothen skin texture, set your foundation, and deliver a sheer hint of color. This is a perfect powder that gives a flawless finishing touch to your makeup. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this product on YouTube.
Color: 10-Fair light
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Suits all skin types
- 12-hour wear
Cons
- Strong scent
Pro Tip2. Best Loose Powder: Covergirl Clean Professional Loose Finishing Powder
Image: Covergir The Covergirl Clean Professional Loose Finishing powder has a light coverage formula that gives your foundation a perfect finish. Its silky formula delivers a soft, translucent look that stays with your makeup all day long. It comes in a compact case that can be your handbag essential for an on-the-go touch-up. This lightweight powder is easy to apply and gives buildable coverage. It works lightly on your skin and prevents shine. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more convincing.
Color: 120 Translucent light
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Silky finish
- Translucent look
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Too glittery
Pro TipIf you accidentally go overboard with your blush or bronzer, take a brush to pick up some finishing powder. Tap it gently, and apply it over those areas to even out and blend everything.
3. Best Mattifying: Wunder2 Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder
The Wunder2 Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder is designed to give the ultimate finish to your makeup look without using a photo filter. Its oil-free formula gives a mattifying look and minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and blemishes. This finishing HD powder transforms your look for a pixel-perfect look. The vegan product believes in sustainability and is cruelty-free. The fine-milled smoothing formula sets your makeup to warm up your skin, sculpt, and finish for long-time wear.
Color: Translucent
Pros
- Shine-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Full coverage
- Allergen-free
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
Cons
None
4. Best Blendable Formula: e.l.f. Prime & Stay Finishing Powder
Image: E.l.f. This unique powder has a versatile performance and can be used as a wear-alone makeup on days when you want to go natural. The e.l.f Prime & Stay Finishing Powder keeps shine at bay and sets your makeup for a smooth finish. It contains starch to control shine, while vitamin A in the powder provides hydration and keeps your skin breathable. Use a blending brush for application to give a flawless look to your makeup. This product is free of toxins and safe for all skin types.
Color: Sheer
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sheer coverage
- Portable
- Smooth application
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Triclosan-free
- Triclocarban-free
- Hydroquinone-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause redness
5. Best For Sheer Coverage: BareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder
Image: Bare Minerals The BareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder has a translucent formula that delivers a soft matte finish. Its shine-control talc-free formula absorbs excess oil and leaves your skin with a hint of natural luminosity and velvet finish. It is formulated with oil-absorbing corn starch. The finishing powder is never cakey and allows you to wear your makeup for a longer time. It is available in four sheer finishes to suit all skin tones. In addition, its hypoallergenic formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
Color: Original
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Oil-free
- Talc-free
- PEG-free
- Tree nut-free
- SLS-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts
6. Best Multipurpose: No7 Lift & Luminate Finishing Powder
This powder helps to diffuse light and minimizes the appearance of pores to leave your skin visibly smoother. The No7 Luminate Lift & Luminate Finishing Powder delivers three age-defying results. This anti-shine powder also helps to set your makeup seamlessly by reducing the appearance of fine lines, evens skin tone, and smooths your skin.
Color: Light
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-cakey
- Sheer coverage
Cons
- Does not include an applicator pad
7. Best Glow: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Dust Finishing Powder
Image: Physicians Formula The Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Dust Finishing Powder has a high-impact formula that delivers an even finish look. Its pore-minimizing lustrous diamond dust creates a light-diffusing effect and blurs fine lines for a translucent finish. Tap the excess powder from the brush before applying it for a smooth application and oil-free setting. You can wear it alone on days when you want to go makeup-free.
Color: Starlit glow
Pros
- Non-cakey
- Wear-alone makeup
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Expensive
8. Best For Oily Skin: Tarte Amazonian Clay Smooth Operator Finishing Powder
Image: Tarte The Tarte Amazonian Clay Smooth Operator Finishing Powder blends effortlessly into all skin tones to set your foundation. This microfine loose, translucent, and breathable powder delivers a matte finish without any cakey effect. It is formulated with Amazonian clay that acts as a skin balancer and absorbs oil from the skin for a natural-looking mattifying finish. In addition, its shine-free formula reveals a smooth and soft-focus finish.
Color: Translucent white
Pros
- Luminous finish
- Long-lasting
- Non-cakey
- Breathable
- Matte finish
- Vegan
Cons
None
9. Best Cruelty-Free: NYX Professional Makeup NoFilter Finishing Powder
Image: Nyx Professional Makeup This is a high-definition mineral powder that delivers a photo with no-flashback filter finish. It has a translucent color and gives medium coverage for a natural look. The lightweight NYX Professional Makeup NoFilter Finishing Powder has a highly pigmented and hydrating formula that blends well with your makeup. This vegan product is safe for all skin types.
Color: Medium olive
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Shine-free
- Pigmented
- Blendable
Cons
None
10. Best Organic Ingredients: Juice Beauty The Organic Solution Finishing Powder
Image: Juice Beauty The Organic Solution Finishing Powder by Juice Beauty has a hydrating formula that minimizes shine for a flawless look. Its weightless formula contains a unique blend of plant-derived phyto-pigments and is ideal for all skin types. It is infused with argon, rice powder, rose, and purple carrot extracts. These ingredients help in settling all your skin imperfections. This long-lasting powder is enriched with organic ingredients and does not contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Color: Sheer
Pros
- Luminous coverage
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Propylene-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial dye-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- For all skin types
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
11. Best For Blemishes: Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder
Image: Ilia The Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder melts on your skin and helps in blurring and perfecting pores, blemishes, and fine lines. It is infused with active ingredients like aloe leaf powder for its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and prevent redness. The powder also contains rosemary and bamboo leaf extracts to balance your skin oil for a nourishing effect. Its lightweight and oil-controlling formula leaves your skin with an airbrushed soft-focus effect. So, get ready to reveal a flawless and photo-ready look.
Color: Natural
Pros
- Lightweight
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Talc-free
- Vegan
- Soft-focus finish
- Highly pigmented
Cons
None
Finishing powders give you spot-free makeup. The next section will guide you further in making the best choice. Here are a few features to look for in a finishing powder.
What To Look For In A Finishing Powder?
- Type: Finishing powders are of two types – loose and pressed. Depending on your choice and application technique, you can choose either according to their purpose.
- Finish: The finish of the powder may be mattifying, natural, or radiant. Always check the description before buying one. Get a sweat-proof powder to prevent it from perspiration ruining your makeup look.
- Coverage: Finishing powders are mostly translucent and may or may not have a tint. Color-correcting powder with more pigments will always deliver good coverage. Check out this feature before buying one.
Infographic: How To Apply Finishing Powders
You can’t put the finishing touches on your face makeup without using a nice finishing powder, no matter what kind of beauty regimen you follow. It is ideal for banishing fine lines and pores and creating the appearance of flawless airbrushing. However, you must learn how to apply a finishing powder the right way to get the most benefits. Check out the below infographic for more details.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic
The Bottom Line
Any makeup routine is incomplete without a good finishing powder. Finishing powder is formulated to give you an airbrush-like effect, instantly add the extra shine, reduce the appearance of open pores, and set the foundation in place. The products on our list are non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, and lightweight. However, not all makeup products suit every skin type. Remember to choose the products that suit your skin type that does not dry out your skin. Choose the Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder for its high-coverage to conceal blemishes, the e.l.f. Prime & Stay Finishing Powder for long-lasting makeup, and the BareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder for its weightless formula and oil-absorbing properties. A patch test is a must if you have extremely sensitive skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup artistry and is passionate about makeup. Her recommended products work beautifully for all skin types and tones. This list of finishing powders for an airbrushed look help users get flawless skin and set foundations without making it look cakey. Achieving matte finish or a healthy glow with these powders is the easiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is finishing powder the same as setting spray?
No, a setting spray helps keep your makeup from slipping, smearing, creasing, or fading rapidly, while the finishing powder is designed to blur your skin with a smooth, flawless finish.
Can you use finishing powder by itself?
Yes, finishing powder can be used to even out skin tone and provide a flawless finish.
When should you apply finishing powder?
You should apply finishing powder after applying moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, and concealer, and you should apply finishing powder.
How do you apply finishing powder?
• Once you are satisfied with your base makeup look, put some powder on a fluffy brush.
• Remove any extra by tapping.
• Apply the powder evenly on your face, neck, and chest.
• Gently brush the powder until it is completely invisible under your skin.
Do you use finishing powder before or after the bronzer?
Use finishing powder before applying the bronzer.
Do you put finishing powder over the contour?
No, use finishing powder before applying the contour.
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