Banana Powder 101: Mona Malviya Reveals the Kim Kardashian’s Glow Trick
Kim Kardashian is known for her signature contouring and highlighting. And let’s admit it—we all crave that flawless, dewy glow. This month, Hale and Belle with Kanpur-based Renowned Makeup Artist, Mona Malviya, has got you covered all about ‘the key’ to illuminate the skin and make it sheen all over just as Kim’s skin does – Banana Powder. Aye!
What is Banana Powder?
Banana powder is an underrated yet essential makeup product. You might have seen or heard about it, perhaps even tried it, or remain unaware of its magic. If you browse YouTube, you’ll find plenty of beauty experts swearing by this product. But what exactly is this yellow-toned setting powder, how does it work, and does your skin tone matter? Mona Malviya shares all the answers.
Banana powder is a pale yellow face powder designed to set makeup and absorb excess oil. This multi-functional product helps with contouring and neutralizing redness. Its versatility allows it to work with almost all skin tones.
Originally formulated when most makeup products had a mineral oil base, setting powder helped control shine. Although modern face powders have evolved with silicone-based, oil-free, and matte formulas, yellow-toned setting powder remains a favorite for keeping makeup intact and reducing unwanted shine.
What is Banana Powder Used For?
“Finishing powder provides a matte finish and extends the longevity of makeup, preventing patches or creases. Even with seamless blending, under-eye creases can appear, and this is where setting powder works wonders. It sets concealer, prevents under-eye creasing (crow’s feet), and is applied to the T-zone, nose bridge, and chin. It’s especially beneficial for darker skin tones,” explains Mona Malviya.
How to Use Banana Powder?
- Apply your base makeup.
- Dab yellow-toned setting powder onto areas where you’ve applied concealer.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set and absorb excess oils.
- Dust off excess powder using a fan brush (Recommended: Spectrum Collections Fan Brush).
- Finish your makeup routine.
This technique, now widely known as makeup baking, locks in your look for a flawless finish.
How Does Banana Powder Work?
Unlike most setting powders, which are white and cause flashback in photos, banana powder is flash-friendly. Its yellow or beige tint provides a smooth, matte finish without reflecting ashy tones in pictures.
“The yellow tint in setting powder brightens dark circles and conceals discoloration. It’s ideal for heavy coverage, baking concealed areas, and minimizing fine lines, pores, and other imperfections,“ explains Mona.
Top Benefits of Banana Powder
- Absorbs excess oil
- Ideal for medium and dark skin tones
- Enhances contouring and highlighting
- Conceals under-eye circles
- Sets concealer and prevents creasing
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Minimizes pores
Who Should Use Banana Powder?
While banana powder is highly effective, it isn’t a one-shade-fits-all solution. It’s best suited for medium to deep skin tones with golden, olive, or yellow undertones.
“For yellow undertone skin, using only banana powder can make the face look pale. Instead, mix it with Laura Mercier fixing powder for better results,” Mona suggests.
For ivory skin tones, Mona advises against banana powder:
“Ivory skin tones have light peach reflections. If set with setting powder, the yellow tone can alter the foundation color, ruining the makeup. Instead, use translucent powders.“
For extremely fair skin, opt for RCMA No-Color Powder. For dark skin tones, orange-tinted powders work better, but “deep ebony tones should avoid orange-tinted powders and instead use nutmeg or chocolate shades,“ Mona advises.
Best Banana Powder Brand Recommendation
The ultimate setting powder that professionals swear by is Ben Nye Banana Powder.
About Ben Nye Banana Powder
Ben Nye Banana Powder is a cult-favorite used in both theatrical and everyday makeup. It comes in a shaker with a screw-off lid, making application easy.
How to Use:
- Dip a brush or blending sponge into the powder.
- Apply it over concealed areas, T-zone, nose bridge, chin, forehead, and mouth.
- Sweep excess powder away with a brush for a flawless finish.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
- Talcum, corn starch, and rice starch – Absorb excess oil without clogging pores
- Zinc – Provides antioxidant protection
- Stearate – Conditions the skin
- Preservative-free & fragrance-free – Suitable for sensitive skin
Where to Buy Ben Nye Banana Powder?
Finding this product can be tricky, but online stores like Amazon and Nykaa offer it.
Alternative Banana Powders:
- Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow. Shop here.
- Ruby Kisses HD Set N Forget Setting Powder. Shop here.
- Graftobian HD LuxeCashmere Setting Powder in Banana Cream Pie. Shop here.
- MAC Prep + Prime CC Loose Powder. Shop here.
- Anastasia Contour Kit (‘Light to Medium’ palette). Shop here.
MUA Mona Malviya’s Quick Pro Tips:
- Use a damp sponge to apply setting powder under the eyes and T-zone for a crease-free finish. This technique ensures long-lasting makeup compared to using a brush.
- Apply vitamin A oil before makeup to protect the skin from harsh products.
About MUA Mona Malviya
Mona Malviya is a professionally trained Kanpur-based makeup artist. She has trained under top international makeup artists, including Kennedy Hoffman, Swati Verma, Alessandro Alcantra, and Goar Avetysian. Within just three years, she established herself as a top-tier makeup expert.
“Makeup is like an endless ocean—there’s always something new to learn,” says Mona. She continuously experiments with new techniques and shares her expertise through workshops.
