This Is Why Banana Powder Is Every MUA’s Secret Weapon

Popular makeup products like foundation and lipstick are likely offerings you know through and through. But less common options, like banana powder, may be totally foreign territory. Of course, just because you’re unfamiliar with a product doesn’t mean you should shy away. It all comes down to educating yourself on the latest and greatest so you can put your best makeup look forward. On that note, we’re here to teach you about banana setting powder—a product MUA’s swear by and that you will be, too. Ahead, get the lowdown on banana powder makeup, including what it does and how to use it.

What Is Banana Powder?

Banana powder is a setting powder that was originally created and solely used by makeup artists, which is why the two often go hand in hand. It gets its name from the slight yellow tint the powder has, as opposed to the more commonly used translucent and skin tone-specific colored setting powders that you may already have in your makeup bag.

What Is Banana Powder Used For?

As you can probably guess by the above, banana setting powder is used to set your makeup look. But, it has a few additional benefits in comparison to other settings powders thanks to its color. Like we mentioned, banana powder has a yellow or golden tint. This tint helps to color-correct your complexion, leaving it looking brighter and more even in tone. Banana powder itself also works to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, increase the lifespan of your look, and leave you with an airbrushed finish.

How To Use Banana Powder

If you’re interested in adding banana powder makeup to your routine, you’ll be happy to know it’s quite easy. To make it even easier, we’ve pulled together a step-by-step tutorial, below.

Step #1. Prime Your Face

Yes, banana powder helps to set your makeup, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on primer. To help boost the look of a brightener complexion, use a primer with a radiant finish, like our L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer. Smooth the liquid formula over your face with your fingers.

Step #2. Buff On Foundation

One common question is if banana powder should be applied before or after foundation—and the answer is after. In fact, banana setting powder should be used after foundation and concealer. So, the next step in your routine should be to apply foundation. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender to buff out the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, building the formula to your desired level of coverage.

Step #3. Reach For Concealer

Next, apply concealer (we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage) to any blemishes and imperfections you still feel are noticeable. If you plan to bake your makeup, apply a concealer in a color that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone in upside-down triangles under your eyes. Make sure to buff and blend the triangles so there are no harsh lines.

Step #4. Dust On Banana Powder

It’s time for your banana powder! Use a fluffy face brush to sweep the powder over your complexion. If you’re baking your makeup, use a makeup blender to press the powder under your eyes, overtop the triangles you created in the step prior. Let the powder sit for a few minutes, then use a fluffy brush to sweep it away and reveal a brighter, awakened complexion.

Step #5. Finish Your Look

After you’ve applied your banana setting powder, you can move along with the rest of your makeup look. This means following suit with blush, highlighter, eyeshadow—you name it. Finish your routine as you normally would before heading out the door. 

Next up: Continue to build your makeup know-how by learning about a new makeup application method. Head on over to our article, What Is Draping? Here's How To Master This Makeup Technique.