Best finishing powder? How is your face supposed to look after?

[seattleyepm]

So I've never used a finishing powder and I'm wanting to try one. The question is which one? I use Make Up For Ever foundation and I wanted to either try Smashbox finishing powder or MUFE's microfinish powder. I remember trying Make up For Ever's in the store though and it made my skin really dry & cakey looking. So I was thinking maybe I put too much or idk.

Thinking of maybe trying Urban Decay's setting spray instead, maybe it won't make it look dry and more moisturized...but then I don't want my face to get oily. After a long day my T-zone gets oily. Help!

Also, how much of a difference is it having the finishing powder or  setting spray as opposed to not applying it to your face? The MUFE's foundation makes my skin look pretty flawless already so just wondering what effect does the powder have to offer?

[dianabt · Accepted solution]

Hi there seattleypm. I'm pretty partial to the Makeup Forever HD Finish powder just because it is super lightweight and doesn't feel too heavy or caked onto the skin.  Of course, you may even like any of the Bare Escentuals Mineral Veils which come in hydrating, spf, illuminating or regular finish. For combination skin the hydrating can keep your dry parts of the face from feeling too tight or uncomfortable particularly if you are already wearing a liquid makeup underneath. The powder is a nice way to keep your makeup staying on and from wearing off.

The Urban Decay Setting Sprays are great to use for quick and easy finishing touches and if you are one who doesn't want to spend too much time on your makeup this may be the choice for you. With your combination skin, the Urban Decay Setting Spray will keep your shine at bay while making your makeup appear fresh and recently applied. In that case, I suggest using the Urban Decay Spray.

[chewcifer]

i have very oily skin, so i feel like i'm an expert at this! of course i use a fab primer (smashbox light) and i only use foundation (always oil-free) where i need it, and powder blushes work best on me, layered with a cream blush applied first. then the best finishing powders are bare escentuals mineral veil, smashbox and MUFE white powders, applied with a huge fluffy brush, and finished with MUFE  mist and fix.

[seattleyepm]

I bought both the UD setting spray and the MUFE microfinish powder in travel sizes. I'm excited to see which one works better for my skin! Thank you!

[powderedpeach]

I don't think setting sprays are the best option unless you're trying to set a foundation that dries to a powder finish. (The MUFE Mat Velvet does, but the HD doesn't.) I'm addicted to loose powders, and there are tons of good ones--ie., Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, MUFE HD, several mineral brands. The trick is to use a velour powder puff. After dipping it in the product, tap off all the excess, so it looks like there's nothing on the puff. Pat and roll over the skin without dragging the puff, then brush a clean powder brush over the skin in a downward motion to remove any powder that didn't stick to the product.

[prettyinpa]

I don't use finishing powder much, only if I have a lot of time to do my makeup as I can't get it on in a thin enough coat if I am rushed. I use Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting spray (I have oily skin) as a quick spritz with this and I am done! It keeps oilyness at bay without drying out my skin and makes my makeup last all day, even in the heat (though I do use a good primer, too).

If you are good at applying powder, I think you could choose either the spray or powder. I find that without some sort of setting product, I do get shiny before lunch.

Hope this helps!