Difference between translucent powder and setting powder

The main difference between banana powder and translucent powder is that banana powder is a loose face powder with a yellow/golden tint, while translucent powder is a loose or compressed face powder that is colorless.

In brief, both, banana powder and translucent powder are two types of setting powders that help you create a flawless makeup look. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Banana Powder 
     – Definition, Function, Features
2. What is Translucent Powder
     – Definition, Function, Features
3. Difference Between Banana Powder and Translucent Powder
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Banana Powder, Translucent Powder

Banana powder is a setting powder that was originally created and used by people in the fashion world. It was Ben Nye, a successful artist and makeup director, who created the first banana powder. The name banana powder comes from the slight yellow tint of the powder. This is a loose powder that is extra fine and silky. It has a yellow or golden tone that makes skin tones appealing. Although the banana powder is suitable for all skin tones, it looks best for complexions with yellow, golden, or olive undertones.

In makeup, we generally use banana powder to highlight specific areas of the face – under the eyes, nose, chin area, forehead, and under contour. The banana powder can also help to color-correct your complexion, making it look brighter and even. It gives the skin a warm highlight, absorbs excess oil, reduces shine, and sets makeup for longer wear. In addition, it helps to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and gives your face an airbrushed finish.

You can use banana powder on your face after using primer, foundation, and concealer. Once you have applied concealer, use a fluffy brush to sweep banana powder over your complexion. Next, let the powder rest for a few minutes, and then sweep it away using the brush. Then you can follow your normal makeup routine – blush, highlighter, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc.

What is Translucent Powder

Translucent powder is a colorless facial powder that is available as pressed or loose. We usually use it to set makeup, not add color or cover blemishes. In fact, most people believe that a makeup look would be incomplete without translucent powder. Translucent powder can also control the shine and give the complexion a matte finish. We usually use it on top of the foundation.

Translucent powder can be used by people with all skin tones, but it’s ideal for those with an uneven skin tone. This powder also comes in light, medium, and dark varieties, so it’s best to choose the variety that matches the skin’s natural complexion.

Like the banana powder, you can use translucent powder after applying foundation over the face. You can gently apply it using a large powder brush or a poof.

Similarities Between Banana Powder and Translucent Powder

• Banana powder and translucent powder are two types of setting powders.
• Both powders can be applied after applying foundation.
• They give a flawless finish to your makeup look.

Difference Between Banana Powder and Translucent Powder

Definition

Banana powder is a setting powder that creates the illusion of flawless skin, while translucent powder is a sheer, colorless facial powder.

Color

While banana powder has a yellow or golden tinge, translucent powder is colorless.

Availability

Banana powder is a loose powder, whereas translucent powder is available as both loose and pressed powder.

Use

Translucent powder is used to set makeup, not add color or cover blemishes, while banana powder color-corrects the complexion, making it look brighter and even. In addition, the banana powder gives the skin a warm highlight, absorbs excess oil, reduces shine, smoothens fine lines and wrinkles, and sets makeup for longer wear.

Best for

Banana powder is best for yellow, golden, or olive undertones, while translucent powder is best for those with an uneven skin tone.

Conclusion

The main difference between banana powder and translucent powder is that banana powder is a loose face powder with a yellow/golden tint, while translucent powder is a loose or compressed face powder that is colorless.

Reference:

1. “What on Earth is Banana Powder?” Dermaflage.
2. “What is translucent powder? How is it used and applied?” Sally Beauty.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Makeup Brush with skin color Powder” By Marco Verch Professional Photography (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Female applying powder on face” Photo by George Milton (CC0) via Pexels

Can you use both setting powder and translucent powder?

When would you use translucent powder?

What is translucent loose setting powder used for?

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