The one step that will make your makeup look SO much better

Do you have a finishing powder in your makeup kit? If you don’t, we’re not here to judge, people. There’s seriously so many different makeup products getting around (and with it, so many steps), that it can get super confusing knowing what you *actually* need to spend those hard-earned dollars on.

But we’re here to tell you that a good finishing powder is DEFINITELY worth investing in. While you’ve probably been stumped as to what it actually does, and if you need to bother with it, we’re here to tell you that it will transform your makeup game, so you need to get one in that makeup kit, STAT.

Why is a finishing powder so important? Well, if you’re not blessed with crazy-perfect skin (join the club!), a finishing powder is pretty much your one-way ticket to the flawless skin you’ve always wanted.

Trust us, once you start using it, you’ll never go back!

What is a finishing powder?

A finishing powder is supposed to be the last step of your makeup routine. It can either be tinted or translucent, and comes in two basic forms – loose powder and pressed powder.

It’s generally applied on top of a setting powder (which is designed to get rid of shine and set your foundation) and works to blur imperfections and reduce the look of fine lines and pores for a velvety, flawless finish.

How to use it

First off, if you’re going for something tinted, you’re going to want to make sure you pick a shade that actually matches your complexion – so look for something that is close to your skin tone/foundation shade. After applying the rest of your makeup, use a powder brush (we like Nude by Nature Finishing Brush) to sweep a light dusting of powder over your entire face. Be careful to brush the powder evenly from the centre of your face outward.

The key? Blend, blend, blend! Because nobody wants to look like they’ve been hit in the face with baby powder.

The top five finishing powders

Jumping on the finishing powder train? That’s our gal. Like all beauty products, finishing powders aren’t all created equal, so reaching for the right one will make ALL the difference. 

To help you get started, we’ve listed some of the best finishing powders that’ll never let you down. We promise.

#1/ La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Mattifying Fixing Powder
In true La Roche-Posay fashion, this mattifying pressed powder is suitable for all skin types - including dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin and even the most sensitive, allergy-prone skin. *Swoon*. It features a trio of soft, universally-flattering shades that can be combined to keep your skin looking flawless and matte throughout the day. The formula is also uber lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores to high hell. 

One of our SUPERcrew members said, “This finishing powder is a dream. It comes in an easy-to-use compact and I just swirl it on as the final step in my makeup routine. The trio of colours are complementary and provide a natural glowing finish. The fine powder has a nice matte texture to set my foundation perfectly with a sheer finish to minimise oil, keep it fresh and make it last.”

Another one of our members said, “The Mattifying Fixing Powder is great for keeping that shine away, especially when summer is in full force! The product stays on and didn’t need much of a touch-up throughout the day. The various colours keep your complexion looking nice, without that powdery, white finish that some matte powders give.”

#2/ Antipodes Skin Brightening Finishing Powder
This natural translucent finishing powder not only blurs blemishes and pigmentation, it is made with ingredients that will actually improve the quality of your skin. It’s formulated with Vinanza grape and kiwi to keep your skin hydrated and moist throughout the day, while the addition of jojoba helps to keep skin looking fresh and glowing.

#3/ NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder
Suitable for all skin tones, this NYX's super-fine loose powder is a 100 per cent pure mineral silica formula. It works great on problem skin, keeping your complexion looking fresh and matte throughout the day (without that thick, cakey look). It can be used both on top of foundation or worn alone for an even and healthy-looking complexion. Check out what our Review Crew® thought of it here.

#4/ Ilia Fade Into You Soft Focus Finishing Powder Jar
If you’re looking for an organic and cruelty-free option, this is your guy! Composed of organic powders and oils, Ilia’s Fade Into You Soft Focus Finishing Powder is a translucent powder that contains aloe leaf extract, anti-inflammatory passionfruit and rosemary oil, and nourishing vitamin E. It’ll give your skin a soft, matte finish for flawless-looking skin.

#5/ Australis Translucent Finishing Powder
Australis Translucent Finishing Powder hides those pesky imperfections and fine lines, while improving the look of pores and uneven skin texture. It has great staying power and will cover imperfections without leaving your skin looking dull or over-powdered. But don’t take our word for it, just take a look at what our Review Crew® had to say about this loose finishing powder.

Looking for some more beauty must-haves? Check out the one product that’ll give you healthy, shiny hair.  

What’s the final step in your own makeup routine? Do you use a finishing powder? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: Getty