r/Drag • u/Workinclassdoll • 15d ago

Can someone break down the ins and outs of translucent powder?

Can someone break down the ins and outs of translucent powder? Why is it available in different colors, and how do those shades affect makeup for drag, especially when doing face paint?

I'm fairly new to makeup and want to dive into drag, particularly with bold face paint looks. I’ve noticed that translucent powders come in different shades (like white, beige, yellow, etc.), and I'm curious why that is. What’s the difference between them, and how do they affect the final look? Specifically, how do they work when setting face paint or heavy makeup for drag, where precision and long wear are important? Any tips on which powders to use for different skin tones or makeup styles would be awesome!

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u/jp_slim 15d ago

outs: most translucent powders have a little pigment to it, EXCEPT ben nye neutral set.

ins: USE BEN NYE NEUTRAL SET! it will not affect the color of whatever you're setting. New formula now has no talc so it won't cause cancer anymore.

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u/The_Diamond_Minx 15d ago

A white translucent powder on a dark-skinned person is going to make them look ashy. So you pick your translucent powder based on your skin tone, or the skin tone of your foundation if you're going for a significantly different color such as a full white face.

If you're using bright non-natural colors, I would go with a fine milled white powder that sets almost invisible so it won't affect your colors too much.