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How Do I Use Finishing Powder?
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I'll say it: my current
makeup routine
is phenomenal. Not only have I found the perfect
bronzer
and
blush
shades, but I’ve also perfected my long-wear
lip routine
, thanks to the best
lip liners
and
glosses
. And don't get me started on the
lightweight foundations
that give me all the coverage I need without being too heavy. While I’ve shared most of the changes that I’ve made to my routine in preparation for summer at this point, I’ve been holding one step close to my heart: my finishing powder routine.
​Now, this is markedly different from my use of
setting powders
, which, as an
oily-skinned
,
acne-prone
gal, I also swear by for flawless makeup. Setting powders are functional—they lock makeup in place, cut down shine, and help foundation last through a sweaty NYC summer day. Finishing powders, on the other hand, are all about the final effect. They
blur,
diffuse, and soften, pulling the entire look together in a way that almost mimics a real-life filter.
"Setting powder is designed to lock in and add staying power to cream and liquid complexion products like concealer, foundation, and even blush," makeup artist
Jonet Williamson
tells me. "It can be slightly tinted for a sheer veil of color or translucent." Finishing powder, she says, should be used to blur any imperfections or texture in the skin. "They're going to make everything look softer, more blurred, and, well, pretty," makeup artist
Ehlie Luna
adds. "Think of them as the princesses of powders. They'll typically be the final addition before setting spray."
Personally, I like to use more radiant formulas to bathe the skin in an ethereal wash of color, but matte options can create that same soft-focus effect without making makeup look flat. Of course, not all finishing powders are created equal, but I have been testing quite a few and have a solid list of favorites that I recommend to anyone who asks. Now, I’m sharing that list with you, dear reader. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect finishing powder, keep reading to see my go-tos. Plus, a trick on how I use them in my routine.
Hourglass Cosmetics
Ambient Lighting Palette
If you have read even one of my stories, there’s a 50/50 chance that I mention these
Hourglass
powders. The Ambient Lighting powders are hands-down the
best
finishing powder out there, and nothing else even comes close. This palette is a great value and a fantastic way to try out multiple shades before deciding on full-size versions. I have all three volumes, and they are truly my prized possessions.
Laura Mercier
Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light Catcher
Laura Mercier’s
setting powders are legendary; however, not as many people talk about the Light Catcher range. I like to swirl a fluffy brush into the formula and lightly dust the product all over my face, and the result is a radiance that makes my skin look gorgeously glowy, while simultaneously reinforcing my other powder formulas.
NARS
Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
An underrated gem comes from
NARS
, and I’m almost hesitant to tell you about it because I don’t want it to start selling out. The Light Reflecting Powder is ultra-finely milled and available in six shades. I prefer Shore, which is perfect for medium-deep skin tones, but there’s also a translucent shade that can work for almost every skin tone with a light hand.
MAC Cosmetics
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Setting Powder
It’s a classic for a reason, so you can’t go wrong with picking up one of
MAC’s
Mineralize Skinfinish Naturals. Not only does it have one of the widest shade ranges on this list, but it also features
vitamin E
in the formula, which helps blur the appearance of fine lines even further.
One Size Beauty
Bouclé Silk Airbrushed Finishing Powder
One Size typically releases
very
full coverage
products, so I was shocked to find that the brand’s Bouclé Silk Finishing Powder was sheer, glowy, and
perfect
. The shades are also flexible, so there’s plenty of wiggle room to find the perfect one for your needs.
Chantecaille
Perfect Blur Finishing Powder
While there are only two shades to choose from, Chantecaille’s Perfect Blur Finishing Powder is another one of those sleeper hits. It has an ultra sheer finish, and the formula is described as a gel-powder with
color-correcting
particles, so you can customize your glow by mixing the powder into other

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Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/best-finishing-powder/