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By Sophie Joaman • June 25, 2024 • 7 mins read
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If you’re aiming for flawless, long-lasting setting powder results and makeup that resists shine and movement, incorporating a setting powder into your makeup routine can make a world of difference. It truly is a magic formula for makeup success, and we wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try if you haven’t already.
For those who have tried setting powders before but haven’t quite found the perfect one yet, let us introduce you to five of our personal favourites. These picks are sure to win you over in no time — whether you want something lightweight or a setting powder that doesn’t look cakey.
In this guide, we will also take you through everything you need to know about setting powders—from what they are and how to choose them, to applying them effectively. So get ready, because your makeup game is about to change forever!
Setting powder is designed to work with your makeup, ensuring it stays locked into place throughout the day. It can help combat typical issues such as fading, smudging, melting, and creasing, helping you maintain a radiant look for much longer—even in the face of everyday challenges like the elements and sweating.
If you’re questioning whether setting powder is necessary, consider how well your makeup holds up over the day and whether you frequently need touch-ups to prevent makeup melting off or keep makeup from smudging.
If you’ve resigned yourself to the idea of your makeup not lasting throughout the day, setting powder could be the solution you’re looking for. Say goodbye to frequent trips to the powder room! Setting powder comes in both loose and pressed forms, catering to everyone’s preferences. Whether you opt for loose powder, which can feel lighter on the skin, or pressed powder, which might provide more hydration, the choice is ultimately yours.
When selecting the right setting powder for your skin type and concerns, there are a few important factors to consider. For oily skin types, opting for a mattifying setting powder is better as it absorbs excess oils and helps with how to stop oily T-zone throughout the day, acting as a powerful shine control powder.
In contrast, if you have dry skin, choosing a setting powder for dry skin can maintain moisture and enhance comfort so you can avoid cakey makeup finish. It’s a common misconception that those with dry skin should steer clear of setting powders altogether. In 2024, you can certainly make them work for you.
Setting powders have come a long way from the talc-based formulas of yesteryear that often looked dry on the skin. Nowadays, formulas include smoothing setting powder and non-comedogenic setting powder benefits that blurs pores and fine lines and prevents creasing under eyes.
You’ll also want to consider the finish you prefer — matte, radiant, or natural. Another important thing to keep in mind is the colour, or even lack of colour. A translucent setting powder is colourless and blends invisibly into the skin, which is great for a wide range of skin tones and for a flashback-free setting powder result. If you’ve ever wondered what causes setting powder flashback, it’s often powders with too much silica under bright flash photography.
However, for those looking for some extra coverage, tinted powders that complement your natural skin tone can work incredibly well. If you’re noticing more texture or signs of aging, you may also want to explore the best setting powder for mature skin options that keep makeup looking fresh without settling into fine lines.
After you have applied your base (foundation and concealer), the next step is to set it with your setting powder. Use a fluffy brush or a beauty blender/sponge to pick up a small amount of powder. Apply it delicately by gently dusting it onto your face.
Start with areas prone to oiliness, such as the T-zone and chin, applying lightly initially—you can add more to oily areas if needed. Don’t forget to apply powder to areas prone to creasing, like the under-eye area. To take it a step further, you can leave your under-eye powder in place for a few minutes before blending.
This method is known as baking and can give you a much smoother surface that lasts longer with HD setting powder performance. Once you’ve applied your powder, blend well to ensure a seamless finish and avoid cakey makeup finish. You should not be able to see any powder on the skin; it should look invisible and keeps makeup from smudging.
We think these are five of the best setting powders out there that are suitable for a range of skin types. Will you find your new favourite? Find out.
The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder really is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of all setting powders. Adored universally by makeup lovers and pros alike, this finely-milled, lightweight setting powder avoids the heaviness of old-fashioned powders and blurs pores and fine lines while keeping your makeup firmly intact throughout the day.
You’ll feel completely at ease in your makeup, knowing your skin can breathe, and your foundation won’t appear cakey, faded, or shiny for up to 24 hours — perfect as a setting powder for oily skin or setting powder for sweaty skin!
The Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Loose Setting Powder creates a flawless, airbrushed finish while locking in your makeup for all-day wear. This finely-milled powder features technology that blurs pores and fine lines and helps with shine control powder performance without looking heavy. A great pick for setting powder for acne-prone skin thanks to its breathable feel.
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’R Instant Retouch Setting Powder delivers professional-quality results with a smooth, weightless finish that keeps makeup locked in place. This ultra-fine powder features advanced light-reflecting particles that blur imperfections and create an instantly retouched effect without looking powdery or artificial.
The buildable formula works on all skin tones, providing customizable coverage that ranges from subtle setting to full coverage touch-ups.
Renowned for its lightweight feel and natural finish, the Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Setting Powder is perfect for everyday use. Not only does it create a soft, blurred, and radiant veil across the skin, but it also feels as if you aren’t even wearing anything on your skin. This is why it is such a good option for everyday use.
The “lighter-than-air proprietary powder blend” is great if you are someone who has found the sensation of powder on the skin to be uncomfortable in the past. No one should feel uncomfortable in their makeup, and Pat McGrath understands.
For a luxurious experience from start to finish, try the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. This ultra-refined loose powder feels weightless on the skin but works hard to give you that ‘airbrushed finish’. It minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines, providing a smooth skin finish, blurring, and setting your makeup for longer wear without touch-ups. It’s also translucent for a natural style to your makeup if that’s more your vibe.
Have we convinced you to give setting powders a go, or even try them out again? With our five favourites, we are certain that you will discover the perfect match for your skin type and preference — from setting powder for oily skin to setting powder for dry skin and everything in between.
There really is one out there for everyone, and with so many benefits — from how to stop oily T-zone throughout the day to helping prevent makeup melting off — setting powders have a place in all of our makeup routines.
