This post is probably a little dated but I just wanted to give a thorough breakdown of the Ben Nye face powders now that Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist have supplies running low on some online stores. Ben Nye face powders are sold at all pro stores here in LA and I can always find them in various sizes at Naime’s, Nigel’s, and Friend’s. Buying these powders can be a bit of a dozy if you’re not familiar with the colors, names, and categories. The guide below will take all the confusion out of things. For swatches check out this post on Shiny Happy Pretty.
- They’re broken into 3 categories but you’ll often see them listed as two; Classic Translucent and Luxury Powders. Luxury Powders come in 2 series; Bella (lighter shades) and Mojave (darker shades).
- The come in 3 sizes; 1.5oz/ 42gm and 3.0oz/ 85gm shaker bottles, and 8oz/ 226gm jar. To put that into perspective, a jar of MUFE Super Loose Matte Powder is .35oz/ 10gm.
- Prices range from $8.00 – $23.99. Those prices are unbelievable these days.
I’ve been using these for a while and have absolutely no complaints. I do touch up a little more often (okay once a day, maybe twice for extremely long days) with these compared to the wear of MUFE Super Matte Loose, assuming because they don’t have silicone. But unlike Super Loose Matte, the color selection is pretty bananas…no pun intended. Since they’re loose settings powders (with only a hint of color) they photograph well with camera flashes. You’ll still want to make sure you’re using a nice duo fiber or fluffy brush and blend well to make sure you look flawless. I also never have any issues with the color due to the color warmth.
CLASSIC TRANSLUCENT FACE POWDERS: Translucent powder sets creme makeups for a durable, soft matte finish. Seven shades are available from subtle fair to warm brown tones.
Neutral Set Translucent Powder is a colorless powder that blends with all skin tones and retains the intensity of bright and dark shades. Its special formula controls perspiration, making this product perfect for high energy performers such as clowns or dancers.
Super White Powder is Ben Nye’s only non-translucent powder that contains a bright white pigment good for White, Geisha, Porcelain, and other very fair shades.
- Neutral Set basic neutral colorless
- Super White Set non-translucent super white
- Fair translucent fair with pink tones
- Pretty Pink translucent pink
- Topaz translucent neutral brown
- Sienna translucent deep neutral brown
- Chestnut translucent warm neutral brown
- Ebony translucent dark brown
BELLA LUXURY LOOSE POWDER: Formerly known as Visage Poudre Luxury Powders, these ultra-neutral powders provide superior matte and subtle finishing. Often compared to French powders with silky-fine textures. the Ben Nye Bella line of powders are translucent with just a hint of color.
- Cameo translucent pink beige
- Buff translucent beige with pink tones
- Beige Suede translucent beige with brown tones
- Banana translucent with beige with yellow tones
MOJAVE LUXURY POWDERS: Formerly known as Visage Powders, these ultra-fine, translucent loose powders set foundation, reduce shine and enhance olive and brown skin tones without a hint of chalkiness.
- Camel translucent golden tan
- Dolce translucent translucent tan
- Olive Sand translucent warm tan
- Clay translucent golden deep tan
- Nutmeg translucent golden dark tan
- Dark Cocoa translucent warm dark tan
Posts from The Woman Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/JxOTIP7W
I just made my purchase of some Ben Nye Powder before seeing your post. I saw gossmakeup on YouTube recommend them and I thought for the price I definitely want to try these. I’ve purchased: Coco Tan, Nuetral Set & the Banana powder – I can’t wait to try them out.
Ohhh let me know if you post a review!
Posts from The Woman Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/JxOTIP7W
Hey there! I notice that the powders are categorized under Non-Translucent, Ultra-Fine, Ultra-Neutral etc. Which one of the powders worked best for you? Also, I wondered which color would work best for my skin tone. As a reference, I’m an NC45.
I purchased the Banana Powder months ago but have yet to use it. It’s a bit daunting because I’d hate to look as if I’m wearing clown make up :-/ LoL
They’re all different, those on describe both the texture and coverage.
The Luxury Powders has only a hint of color, less than sheer foundation.
I’m not too sure what my MAC foundation color is on me, but I’m pretty sure it’s NC45 as well. The foundation/tinted moisturizer I use is NARS Tinted Moisturizer in Malaga. I ordered The Ben Nye Banana Powder as well as the Topaz powder about a month ago. Topaz should work if you’re just going to be dusting it on your face, but if you press it in with a powder puff like I do, it’ll be too dark. I have mixed Banana and Topaz and applied with both my MAC 129 and my powder puff and it turned out fine. Unfortunately I don’t know how the Camel compares in coloring to Topaz. That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out so I know what to do for my next purchase! I hope that helped.
Also, I’ve applied the Banana Powder heavily on it’s own and it’s nothing to be afraid of. White translucent powder, however, should be avoided as it gives you the dreaded white-cast.
Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/hDpGov7G <<< UPDATED
RT @Krissy90220: RT @Krissy90220: Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/hDpGov7G <<< UPDATED
Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/hDpGov7G <<< UPDATED
Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/hDpGov7G <<< UPDATED
Hi,
Thanks for the review. I am in NC35-40 and I already have the banana powder and the natural set one. I was wondering which one of the the other colors I can use for my whole face and another one for contouring. I was thinking about Ebony or Sinna or Topaz or Camel. Thanks
They’re really transparent, I would only use them to set foundation and contouring that’s already done. But not to contour with since it’s not enough color.
Thanks for the quick reply. Then, it doesn’t matter if I go for Sienna to set my foundation and give it a little tan color. I heard we can do contouring with loose powders as well ! I thought if I go for Ebony, then I might be able to have a hint of color under my cheekbones .
You absolutely can contour with loose powder but these are translucent powders. Not much will show.
Throwback Post: : Ben Nye Loose Powder Breakdown and Shade Descriptions http://t.co/eaRVvcWX
This is the best post on the Ben Nye powders I’ve come across and believe me, I have searched high and low. Thanks for explaining the differences and for listing all the shades and descriptions. All I need to do now is figure out which would be best for my skintone (NW43). Thank you for the review, much appreciated
You’re very welcome! The right shade depends on how you plan on using it.
I would like to buy two, one to set under eye concealer/ highlight and the other as an all over face powder.
That’s the same reason I bought 2 different shades
Hi,
I did buy few of these powders (Banana-Ebony-colorless). I am wondering which of the Ben nye media pro tablets are close to these for contouring ?! I tried Ebony for contoring but it didn’t turn out very good. I couldn’t blend it well like a bronzer ! I am NC 37- 40 and Hoola Bronzer is not good for me for contouring. So, if I wanted to use one the ‘ben nye mediapro poudre’ for contouring, which one do you think I should go for ? The thing is these media pro poudre are just the same color of these, but pressed powders. So, if these weren’t translucent, which one would be good for contouring ? Thanks in advance
I’m really not sure.
I use MAC Blunt Blush and MAC Richly Honed to contour. You can even use full coverage foundation that’s 2 shades darker. I only use these to set it all.
WOW!! Im so glad I found this page. I was seriously confused. The only question I have is, when purchasing the Mojave powders, should I try to match my skin tone or go one up? Im not much darker than you if at all but, I noticed you used “Camel”. When looking at the options, I think I might be more of a Dolce or Olive Sand. How do you choose? :/
Hi!
Get the color you need based upon what it’s being used for. I only use Banana in highlight areas. I use the darker shade all over for most days.
Hope this helps!
Hi I have fair skin and I want to highlight the way Kim’s make up artist does. Will the banana powder be to light for me? Or is that one made for that?
Banana is light (but not far) and it’s very translucent but depending on your undertones it may be too yellow.
I will like to know which color would be better for my skin tone I’m light skin and idk which one to try I’m a first timer . Thanks
What brand and foundation shade do you wear? Light can vary
I use store brand fit me from maybelline the 115 ivory foundation it’s the lightest one
You can go with the Fair translucent powder. Cameo may be too pink.
Okay i will order the fair thank u soo much I hope I get a nice color when is all set .
I’m so glad i found this page
So i use mac nw45 face powder so what shade of bennye should i get for my all over face powder and also which shade can i use for highlighting
I’m an NW45 I ordered the banana powder but I was wandering which would give me a nice highlight. Sienna, topaz or something else … I just bought the true match nut brown foundation witch fits me perfectly (Better than my Mac) . Not sure what to high light with.
These are translucent, better used to set the concealer used to highlight.
Hi, Do you think I could use beige suede as an all-over face powder? I am a NW40 in MAC. Thankyou
I have the banana, topaz, sienna, cocotan, chestnut and ebony. I would like to know if the mojave line are the same colors with different names?
Some of these colors run and feel virtually the same- such as camel and topez. I think they’re just just deeper shades.
Hey I am an nw43 In Mac do you think I can get the banana luxury powder for highlighting? And for the all over face powder which one do you think can go right with me? I am still confused on the difference between the translucent face powder and luxury-_- that’s why I can’t decide which of the two categories is the one for the all over face powder.
Hi I’m an nw 25 mac and would love to know which powder you would recommend color wise as I’m in the uk so would need to ship to me here! X
You can go with Buff, but Beige Suede may work as well.
Hi! I currently have the banana powder to set my under eye concealer, but I was wondering which powder would you recommend as a powder to be used to set my foundation all over my face. I have yellow undertones, and I use Makeup forever HD foundation in the shade 170, I’m assuming that it’s comparable to MAC NC44.
[...] products I’m frequently asked about. I’ve received quite a few questions asking which Ben Nye loose powder I use all over since Ben Nye “Banana” is commonly used to set the [...]
Hi! I am a NC 40 Mac and I wanted to get one of these powders for my face. I want to get topaz for the face but I am scared its going to be too dark for me. Or should I get camel?? Thanks
Nope, they look exactly the same (I own both lol). Go lighter for all over use.
Hi,
I’m so happy I stumbled on your page. I need your help. I have the Ben nye powders in banana and sienna. I’m nc45. Banana is perfect for setting the under eye area. However the sienna is way to dark. What color would u suggest to set all over the face?
You can go with Dolce in the luxury powders
Hi I just happen to stumble upon ur site after searching for hours on the Ben Nye powders & I am so thankful for ur article., Now I’m a dark skin sister whom loves her make up but also hates to look like I hve a TON of products on. I wear NW45 only under my eyes (concealer) I use MUFE Foundation in 177 cognac & finish it off with MAC’s Deep Dark mineralize skin finish natural., I want to try the Ben Nye brand but am scared to purchase the “Banana” out of fare of looking ashy. So my ? (Finally
Awww sorry you had to search for so long, I’ve been there before.
I would go with Camel…Banana is is pushing it for me on this pic and I’m NC545 http://addictedtoallthingspretty.com/photo-ben-nye-topaz-translucent-face-powder/
Hey!! I am thinkin of gettin the banana powder for highlighting, but for all over face I can’t decide between beige suede, camel or topaz. In mac I am nc 43/44.. Wat do u recommend? No where in the uk to test it out
You can go with Camel (Topaz is comparable). Beige Suede is like the pink version of Banana.
Hope this helps:-)
This was the best makeup breakdown ever!!! Thanks