One of the most coveted secrets to achieve matte makeup greatness? Banana powder. A quick history lesson: Banana powder actually used to be a film industry secret before Ben Nye, a makeup director for 20th Century Fox, created the very first consumer product (which you can still snag today). Nye used this setting powder on just about every iconic Hollywood star—Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, and Julie Andrews, to name a few—in order to highlight their features and keep their makeup looking immaculate under hot stage lights. It quickly became a staple in the drag community as well, again for its ability to help makeup stay put during long performances. Fast-forward to the 2010s, when banana powder was a beauty bag staple for amateurs and professionals alike (many point to celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, for propelling it into the spotlight by showcasing detailed contouring tutorials): Now, banana powder isn’t reserved only for in-the-know entertainers and professionals but for anyone yearning for a cushioned, matte look. So for those with cooler undertones, banana powder simply won’t work: “It’s like any color corrector,” says Patinkin. “If you apply it where you don’t need it, or it doesn’t meld with the natural tones of your skin, it can give you a very odd tonality.” You can always just press a bit of powder on any areas you want to control shine, but if you want to try a baking technique (for extra-long wear), here’s a guide: No matter which powder you choose, the texture and finish are the same—you can use any of the three to mattify; it just depends on the color payoff you’re looking for. Flour Setting Powder
