If you’re concerned about using powder and worried that your face might look cakey or lose its natural appearance, worry no more. The latest formulas provide a smoother feel than ever, with a lightweight finish that keeps your makeup in place without creating an overly strong impression. Some powders can absorb moisture and control oil for hours, making them particularly effective for oily skin. A list of 10 popular and user-friendly powder options for you to choose from. Keep reading!
WHAT DOES SETTING POWDER DO?
Setting powder plays a crucial role in the realm of makeup, serving multiple functions to enhance the longevity and overall appearance of one’s makeup application. Its primary purpose is to set and secure liquid or cream-based makeup products, such as foundation and concealer, in order to prevent them from smudging or transferring throughout the day. One of the key benefits of setting powder is its ability to control excess oil on the skin. Formulated with ingredients designed to absorb oil, setting powder helps to minimize shine, making it particularly advantageous for individuals with oily or combination skin.
WET N WILD PHOTO FOCUS LOOSE SETTING POWDER
We were thoroughly impressed by this powder, which rivaled many high-end powders in our lab tests. The weightless formula stood out, being one of the most finely-milled powders we’ve ever encountered. Its seamless application effortlessly sets makeup in place, controls shine, and delivers an airbrushed finish. Available in banana and deep shades catering to various skin tones, the translucent option is especially commendable for its colorlessness, making it suitable for all. At an affordable price point, this outstanding formula secures our top-ranking spot.
COTY AIRSPUN FACE POWDER
Since as far back as 1935, this loose powder has been a staple for women, and its vintage packaging pays homage to that rich history. Pioneering the concept of “baking” in makeup before it became a widely used term, this product remains timeless. Crafted with pigments blended with air, it imparts a featherweight feel upon application. Effectively controlling oily areas, it sets makeup flawlessly without the burden of a heavy or cakey finish. A noteworthy feature is its ability to leave foundation color unchanged when applied on top.
E.L.F. COSMETICS HALO GLOW SETTING POWDER
Ideal for those seeking a radiant complexion with controlled oil, this selection utilizes finely-milled synthetic sapphire particles to set the skin and enhance luminosity. These particles serve a dual purpose: firstly, they effectively blur lines, pores, and imperfections, creating a stunning soft-focus finish reminiscent of a filter. Secondly, a subtle luminosity adds freshness and a natural glow without an excessive or unnatural shimmer. A reliable option for individuals with dry skin or anyone desiring an extra touch of radiance.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP MATTIFYING POWDER
For those in search of a drugstore pressed formula, our top recommendation is this one. Its mess-free and portable pressed formula makes it convenient for on-the-go application, suitable for all skin types. Effectively mattifying shine without appearing chalky, it impressively maintains a lightweight feel. With an extensive range of shades, it caters to diverse skin tones. “As someone with oily-combination skin, this powder not only provides a matte finish but also effectively keeps shine at bay for hours.”
BLK/OPL FINISHING POWDER
In our lab tests, this loose powder showcased remarkable performance. Its impressive feature lies in its weightlessness on the skin, coupled with its exceptional ability to set makeup and control oily spots effectively. The powder contributes to a soft, skin-like, and natural finish for the complexion. While we believe the shades are most suitable for medium and dark skin tones, there is also one shade accommodating those with lighter skin tones. If you’ve been searching for a powder that feels completely undetectable on your skin, this one is definitely worth exploring.
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT ME LOOSE FINISHING POWDER
An ideal complement to any foundation, this formula provides a sheer wash of color that seamlessly blends in. With an impressive range of shades, particularly for a drugstore product, our test revealed its excellent ability to set the skin without inducing a dry appearance. When applied with a large fluffy brush, it imparts a lightweight feel and achieves an airbrushed look. However, it’s important to note that excessive application may result in a slightly cakey appearance. Overall, we strongly endorse this formula, especially for those in search of a powder closely matching their skin tone.
MENTED COSMETICS SKIN SILK LOOSE SETTING POWDER
Earning high praise in our lab tests, this product stands out as an excellent choice for deep and dark skin tones, although there is a light shade suitable for those with light to medium skin tones. The two deeper shades offer a diverse range in both tone and depth, with the deepest shade surpassing the darkness of most loose powders available, making it an ideal selection for individuals with a dark complexion. Beyond the impressive shade range, we were equally impressed by its effective oil control without causing the skin to appear dry or cakey. While it may be a bit pricier compared to typical drugstore options, the investment is well justified, especially if you find a shade that suits you.
L’ORÉAL INFALLIBLE POWDER FOUNDATION
For those in search of a powder that enhances coverage in their makeup routine, this option is highly recommended. While technically classified as a foundation and suitable for standalone use, it can also be layered on top of liquid foundation to achieve even more coverage. With a broad spectrum of shades spanning from fair to dark, the powder allows for buildable coverage, offering a substantial finish. Notably, its waterproof feature makes it an excellent choice for summer or humid climates. “When aiming to set my concealer or foundation in place on top of a blemish, while also desiring additional coverage, this product is my go-to.”
ULTA BEAUTY COLLECTION HYALURONIC ACID SETTING POWDER
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant, Ulta’s in-house brand presents a velvety-smooth translucent setting powder. Specifically designed to effortlessly glide over dry patches and prevent settling into wrinkles and crevices, this formulation ensures a seamless application. A little product goes a long way, so exercise caution with application if you’re planning on being photographed to avoid any potential flashback. While offering no real coverage due to its translucent nature, the powder effectively locks in the work done by your foundation or concealer, providing a dewy finish without appearing greasy.
MIRABELLA PERFECTING LOOSE POWDER
Despite her involvement in the brand’s creative development and design consultations, Kyle wholeheartedly endorses Mirabella Perfecting Loose Powder. Describing it as an ultra-lightweight, translucent silica powder, she praises its ability to produce a luminous, airbrushed, high-definition effect that flawlessly blends into the skin and perfects pores. Kyle notes that the powder is enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as Vitamin A and E, along with anti-aging peptides. Additionally, the silica content effectively combats surface shine throughout the day. Notably, the versatile shade is designed to suit all skin tones. While it comes at a slightly higher price point, Kyle emphasizes the powder’s overall quality and benefits.
AIRSPUN LOOSE POWDER
In existence since 1935, this loose powder underwent a recent reformulation, eliminating talc from its ingredient list. Boasting a light consistency, fluffy texture, and a generously sized compact, this product offers a substantial amount for its $7 price tag. The universal translucent tone is designed to suit most skin tones, while those seeking an enhanced airbrushed effect can explore the translucent extra coverage option. It’s worth noting that due to its finely milled nature, the powder can be a bit messy. While it includes a puff, using a beauty blender or sponge-like applicator can provide extra control or allow for better product pressing into the skin.
CONCLUSION
Among the numerous options for affordable setting powders, there are standout products that have garnered the attention of users. As introduced above, these products have gained popularity and trust among many. We hope that, upon reading this article, you can choose a product that suits your skin.
