The 10 Best Finishing Powders Blur Pores Without Dulling My Glow
Plus, how they differ from setting powders.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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 formulas or by being strategic with placement, as well as with how you hold your brush as you layer it onto your face. Tack on the brand’s gorgeous luxury packaging? It’s like a little treat for your makeup routine every day.
I won’t lie, Morphe caught me off guard with the launch of its Cloudlight Soft Glow Veils in the best way. They’re a little bit more sheen-like than blurring, so I wouldn’t recommend this one for people with textured skin to use all over the face. However, I recently used the shade Sunrise over my highlighter, and it’s like an entirely new world opened up to me. The soft, filter-like glow from within gives me an ethereal vibe that I simply can’t get enough of.
I still can’t believe this finishing powder from e.l.f. It's only five dollars, but I am not complaining. It’s another one of those formulas that provides more of a sheen, so be targeted with your application if you have textured skin. That said, your makeup preferences are your own, so feel free to use this formula however you see fit. At just $5, you can get a few backups anyway.
I am deeply obsessed with Saie’s Baked Setting Powders. While they aren’t marketed as finishing formulas, I use them the same way I do the rest of the ones on this list, and the result is the same: flawless, airbrushed-looking skin that looks dimensional, not flat.
For something more mattifying, Make Up For Ever’s HD Skin Blurring Powder feels just as lightweight as the other options on this list—except it dulls excess shine. Don’t let that deter you, though; your skin won’t be cakey or look too heavy and flat. The brand has perfected the balance between a lightweight formula that provides washes of color, without overwhelming the rest of your routine. If your oily skin shines up by noon like mine, this finishing powder belongs in your makeup routine.
How Do I Use Finishing Powder?
Before using any makeup, especially if you have dry skin or texture, opt for gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. I prefer using toner pads here, but whatever works for your needs to get your skin feeling smooth and looking glowy is fine.
“Layering a hydrating serum and barrier cream is a great way to make sure your makeup goes on smoothly without setting into texture,” makeup artist Erica Taylor previously told MC. "Under the eyes, I like to use a balm to prevent concealer from creasing.” If you accidentally use a heavier hand than intended, there’s a hack for that, too. “Just spritz a little hydrating serum spray all over your face,” Taylor adds. “It instantly rehydrates the skin and helps prevent any cakiness, keeping your makeup looking fresh and natural."
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Meet the Experts
Erica Taylor is a professional makeup artist and content creator.
Jonet Williamson is a makeup artist and content creator.
Ehlie Luna is a makeup artist, content creator, and musical artist.
