The Best Translucent Powders
They are the icing on the cake for any respectable perfect makeup finish. Here we show you a list of the 5 best translucent powders on the market as well as a complete buying guide with everything you need to choose the most suitable ones.
Translucent powders are a makeup essential that cannot be missing in your makeup bag, if you want to achieve a professional result and, most importantly, that remains unaltered throughout the day.
In addition to matte, they also unify and seal foundation or blush; but, what should be taken into account before buying them and which are the best on the market?
Getting lost among so much variety is very normal; but do not worry. Here we show you a complete analysis of the best translucent powders and we also give you some recommendations to make your purchase a success.
Here we go!
RCMA Translucent Powders

They are the favorite translucent powders of many YouTubers, bloggers, and professional makeup artists, and not for less; they have excellent quality at a more than reasonable price.
The formula of this product is enriched with talc and silica, a combination of ingredients that provide a matte finish, without leaving the skin looking chalky or cracked.
They also do not contain pigments or perfumes that can alter the tone of the foundation, creating unwanted effects.
Although their packaging is not very convenient, they can be transferred to another container that is very easy to find in specialized stores or in some travel kits.
Once you change the container, they can be perfectly applied with a specific brush, after the foundation to set and matte.
Advantages:
- They are very cheap.
- They have very good quality.
- Recommended by makeup experts.
- They provide a matte finish and fix in a durable way.
- The container is very long-lasting.
Disadvantages:
- The packaging is not practical.
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
The No. 1 setting powder on the market and it’s not because we made it up. This product has been awarded multiple prizes and has become a cult symbol for all those people and experts who love makeup.
Its light texture provides a transparent coverage with a ‘glow’ finish that keeps makeup unchanged for up to 12 hours. Plus, it doesn’t settle into fine lines or look chalky.
Its non-comedogenic and oil-free formula prevents the ‘flashback’ effect in makeup (that is, skin looking white in photos) and allows for a soft focus that disguises imperfections and wrinkles.
It is recommended to apply them, if possible, with the brand’s own velvet puff, remove excess powder on the back of the hand, and press gently onto the complexion making circular movements.
Advantages:
- Provides a healthy look to the face.
- Easy to apply.
- Long-lasting.
- Does not create a ‘flashback’ effect.
- Disguises imperfections.
Disadvantages:
- They have a slight hint of shine.
Catrice Nude Illusion Loose Powder
Catrice is a brand known for offering high-quality products at a very affordable price; this makes it one of the best-selling brands today.
The Nude Illusion loose powders are perfect for creating a longer-lasting makeup with a professional finish. Its subtle focus effect provides a long-lasting matte finish.
In addition, its very light texture of very fine powder absorbs excess oil from the epidermis, preventing the dreaded shine capable of ruining any type of makeup, no matter how perfect it may be.
Being transparent and colorless, they are perfect for all skin tones; and they are very easy to apply. Simply impregnate a brush, remove the excess on your hand, and apply it to the face, from the inside out.
Advantages:
- They have an excellent quality-price ratio.
- Adapt to all tones.
- Very light texture.
- Absorb excess oil.
- Fix the makeup to last more hours intact.
Disadvantages:
- It is not recommended to apply too much. It could excessively dry out the complexion.
L’Oreal Paris Infaillible Magic Loose Powder
L’Oreal Paris has created Infaillible, a makeup line for all those women looking for bomb-proof makeup that withstands everything, without flinching.
Within the range, we can find the Magic Loose Translucent Powders.
This product illuminates the face, smoothes the skin, controls shine, and provides a matte finish. The ultrafine powder provides a very pleasant and comfortable feeling throughout the day.
It has a container with small holes that allow extracting just the right amount of product to avoid overloading the face.
It is recommended to apply them after foundation with a brush until you achieve the uniform finish you desire.
Advantages:
- Quality at a very affordable price.
- Illuminates, smooths, and controls shine.
- Matte and set makeup.
- Leave a very pleasant feeling.
- Provide a long-lasting finish.
Disadvantages:
- We have not found any.
Essence All about matt! Mattifying Powders

Not only do they mattify, but they also seal the makeup; All about matt! from Essence are perfect if you are looking for a natural finish, without shine, and above all, lasting.
Their fine and translucent powder has been specially developed to keep foundation and blush intact. Also, it is recommended for touch-ups when you are away from home.
Although they are colorless, they can also be used alone on the face to achieve a more matte finish, unify the skin, and most importantly, control excess oil. And most importantly, it does not chalk.
It can be applied with a kabuki brush or with a sponge for loose powders. Before applying it to the face, remove the excess product on your hand to avoid overloading the complexion.
Advantages:
- Very cheap.
- Mattify the skin and control shine.
- Set makeup very well.
- The packaging is very large; they last a long time.
Disadvantages:
- We have not found any.
Translucent Powders: Everything you need to know before buying them
What are they?
It is a makeup product that, although suitable for all skin types, is especially recommended for combination to oily skins because it helps to mattify the skin and control shine, especially in the so-called T-zone of the face (forehead, nose, and chin).
They also set makeup, unify the tone and texture of the complexion; and extend the duration of foundation, blush, and even eyeshadows.
In short, it is an essential basic that cannot be missing in your makeup bag if you want to achieve a professional, matte, and long-lasting finish.
Types of translucent powders
The first thing you should do, before choosing the most suitable translucent powders, is to learn to distinguish between the 2 main types: transparent powders and colored powders.
The transparent ones are those that do not have and do not add color to the face. They are universal and, therefore, are perfect for any type of skin, no matter its tone. However, do not overdo the amount as the complexion may look chalky and unflattering.
The colored ones, on the other hand, do have color and here comes the main problem; you have to be very careful when choosing the shade because if you want them to look natural, they have to be as close as possible to your skin color.
How to avoid the dreaded flashback effect?
We have seen it in celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, or Miley Cyrus; but what is the ‘flashback’ effect and how can it be prevented? The answer is simpler than it seems.
The ‘flashback’ effect is a white shine that appears on the face and that is caused by some ingredients found in foundation or sunscreen.
To avoid it, it is very important that you look at the formula of these products and do not use those whose formula contains minerals like Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide; and always opt for powders that contain silica which are the perfect ally to combat it.
Where and how are they applied?
Although they can be applied all over the face, they are generally used in the T-zone. They can also be applied on the eyelids if you have oily lids to control the excess sebum in that area.
Additionally, they are perfect for setting foundation, blush, and eyeshadows. This way you will achieve a more professional finish and you will be able to enjoy long-lasting makeup throughout the day.
As for the application, it is very simple. First, apply a primer to prepare the skin; then use your usual liquid foundation with the help of a sponge or, if you prefer, with your fingertips.
When you finish applying concealer, mascara, eyeshadows, bronzing powders, etc., use the translucent powders in those areas you want to matte and also in those you need to seal for the makeup to last longer (T-zone, eyelids, or cheeks).
You can apply it with a puff, with a kabuki brush, or with a brush for loose powders; yes, we recommend that you do it with gentle and circular movements and always remove the excess product on your hand to avoid saturating the skin.
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