Should I Use a Translucent, Baking, or Coloured Powder

Everyone knows the right powder can be a game-changer within your makeup routine. Unfortunately, with so many options available, it can take time to decide which is suitable for your needs.

For example, are translucent powder, baking powder, and setting powder the same? If not, what is the difference between translucent powder and baking powder? Which is the best one to use?

If you’re struggling to make a selection, we at Adore Beauty are here to help! From answering questions like, ‘what does setting and translucent powder do?’, and ‘which translucent powder is best?,’ we can outline which one you should use for a beautifully finished makeup look.

So, let’s get into it and discover whether a translucent, baking, setting or coloured powder is the missing ingredient in your beauty regimen.

What is Translucent Powder & What Does It Do?

When choosing various products for a makeup routine, it is often asked what the difference between translucent powder and baking powder is, as well as setting and coloured powder options.

Well, translucent powder is a reliable tool for any makeup-wearer to have in her makeup bag. But when and why should you use it?

Translucent powder is best used to set makeup or finish a look. A colourless powder isn't going to provide coverage or even your skin tone. A translucent powder is better for smoothing out uneven textures, such as scarring, visible pores, bumpiness, or roughness.

In short, this powder type is used after makeup application, before setting spray, or as a means of setting makeup on its own—but not as a means of coverage.

In relation to baking powder, this refers to using translucent powder on areas on your face that will crease over time. Leaving the powder to ‘bake’ for 5 minutes will help to guarantee a flawless finish lasting from dawn until dusk.

So, how can you tell the difference between translucent powder and baking powder? Let’s find out!

Does Translucent Powder Have Colour, or Is It Clear?

Colour is a crucial indicator of the difference between translucent powder and baking powder. In short, translucent powder is clear in colour.

These formulas do not contain any colour or pigment, as their primary use is to brighten the complexion, absorb excess oil and reduce the shine of the skin. Knowing what you want to achieve and how to use translucent finishing powder will help you determine whether you should use these or a coloured powder.

Is Translucent Powder and Baking Powder the Same?

You are not alone if you wonder what the difference between translucent powder and baking powder is. Baking powder can be used to set your makeup, but it will not offer shine control or the brightening effect that a translucent powder can. So, while translucent and baking powder may appear the same on the surface, you should be aware of differences.

Is Translucent Powder and Setting Powder the Same?

Is setting powder the same as a translucent powder? It is a common question. A translucent powder can be a setting powder or a finishing powder. Translucent and setting powder are the same when both focus on keeping makeup in place and controlling unwanted shine. This sets them apart from coloured powder and pigmented baking powder products.

Some great options for translucent powders

Want to know the difference between translucent powder and other powder options? Here are some of the best translucent powders to choose from!

What is Coloured Powder?

Powders with pigment mask not only textural imperfections such as scarring and large pores but also discolourations. A powder with a hint of colour provides coverage of dark spots, redness, and generally uneven skin tone.

If you’re looking for more of a multipurpose product, don’t use any other form of foundation, or want an extra boost of coverage, a coloured powder is what you’re looking for. Tinted powder is a great way to reduce oiliness throughout the day. Drier skins benefit from the ability to touch up any smudging foundation and tone down redness.

Some great choices of coloured powders

If you want to better understand the difference between translucent powder and coloured powder, here are some excellent choices to get you started.

What are Face Powders Made Of?

Some of the main ingredients of face powders include:

• Talc is often the main ingredient in face powders, and you'll see it at the top of many ingredients lists. Talc, also known as French chalk, is a naturally occurring mineral that absorbs moisture and oil. It leaves the skin feeling soft and fresh and can help to control shine. Talc also ensures even coverage of tinted powders. It's no real surprise that this ingredient is so heavily used in face powders.

• Dimethicone is a silicon-based synthetic ingredient that's commonly used in cosmetics. Known for its smoothing effects and adhesive texture, dimethicone is used in powders to enhance makeup wear and give the skin an airbrushed finish. If you want to go silicone-free, consider Inika Mattifying Setting Powder, which doesn't contain synthetic ingredients and is certified organic.

• Tinted powders contain either mineral pigments or organic pigments. Mineral pigments include iron oxides, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and chromium oxide. Organic powders may contain xanthenes, AZO colourants, triarylmethane, and natural colourants.

• Glycerine, which helps preserve moisture within the powder so it doesn't dry out completely. 

• Squalane is a lubricant, often used to give the skin a soft, smooth appearance. 

• Botanical ingredients such as plant oils can be used as colourants or to help moisturise the skin in a natural way.

• Face powders can also be full of nourishing vitamins such as A, B, C, and E to nurture and protect the skin. Now that you know which translucent, coloured or baking powder is best for you, you’re all set to wear whatever look you choose! Check out our full powder selection for more options. If you’re in the translucent powder camp, check out some of our foundations as well. We’ve got you covered for all your makeup needs.