15 Best Setting Powders Of 2024, As Per A Makeup Artist
Get your looks on point with the right makeup essentials to avoid greasy looking skin.
Abhilasha Singh is one of the top bridal makeup artists and a celebrated Bollywood makeup artist with a decade of experience. She was the Creative and Business Head of Makeup for Jean Claude Biguine Salons and Spa - India. She is now a USA-certified cosmetologist and a bridal hair and makeup artist based out of the Bay Area, California.
Read full bio of Abhilasha Singh
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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The best setting powders are crucial for nailing all your makeup looks. Imagine scouting through YouTube to find the perfect makeup tutorial for your date; you nail that look after spending another two hours on it, but midway through your date, you realize that your face is smudged and the makeup has bled out. Well, what a nightmare!
To avoid such disasters, we suggest you get yourself a good setting powder. It is a very important tool in your makeup arsenal. Not only does it absorb excess oil and sebum, but it also helps set your makeup and keeps you looking perfectly shine-free for hours. To hold the best foundations and concealers in place, you need a good quality setting powder. After going through several reviews on trustworthy platforms, we have listed the 15 best setting powders of 2024 that will cater to different skin tones. Go ahead and get the one that suits your skin tone and type the best – you will only look fresh and radiant all day.
In This Article
What Can A Setting Powder Do For Your Face?
Setting powders are a versatile product, but in simple terms, they’re like locking the door of your house, so everything is intact when you come back. Dusting a setting powder after applying your products helps makeup stay in place without fading or smudging. Some even absorb excess shine and oil (we can hear all you oily-skinned ladies screaming in delight!). The lightweight textures of these loose powders sit lightly on your face and help conceal fine lines, wrinkles, and spots. As a bonus, some tinted shades can even be used to bake, highlight, and contour! For a flawless makeup look, read our list of the best setting powders available in multiple shade ranges. Brownie points if yours has SPF because there’s no such thing as too much sun protection, is there?
Level Up Your Makeup With The 15 Best Setting Powders In 2024
1. Best Skin-Friendly: Wet N Wild Store Bare Focus Clarifying Finishing Powder
Enhance your makeup with the Wet N Wild Bare Focus Finishing Powder without making it look cakey. It offers light coverage with a matte finish that gives you a natural-looking finish. This translucent powder contains beneficial ingredients such as tea tree extract and white hazel that help to even out the skin tone while minimizing pores and fine lines. The powder also adds moisturization to your skin to avoid breakouts etc. Other essential ingredients, such as chamomile extract, vitamin E, and eucalyptus oil, make your skin look healthy and fresh. This is one of the best drugstore setting powders that is free from animal testing and is suitable for all skin types and comes in various shades, each of which works well on different skin tones.
- Natural ingredients
- Reduces redness
- Evens skin tone
- Light coverage
- Matte finish
- Many shades
- Suits all skin types
- Flawless results
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
None
"Enjoying this powder a lot. It smooths out the unevenness and sets my base makeup just fine. On some days, I use it on naked skin for oil control too and it does the job well. It keeps me looking matte, but not dry and dull. Happy to add it to my makeup arsenal."
2. Best Non-Comedogenic:Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder – Buttercup
If you keep away from setting powders due to the ashy finish in photographs, you should try Sasha Cosmetics’ compact setting powder. Absorbing excess shine, the Buttercup Setting Powder is a great choice for oily skin types as it keeps your face matte for a long time. For medium-to-dark skin tones, use this shade that covers up pores to reduce their appearance. You can also highlight, contour, or use this popular setting powder as a foundation. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at at this review on YouTube featuring the reviewer’s experience with the product.
- Blurs skin inconsistencies
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Suited for longwear
- The powder may not be finely milled
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 15,648 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best Silky Formula:Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder – Banana
Putting your best face forward only needs a few dabs of Black Radiance’s True Complexion Loose Setting Powder. This top-rated setting powder features a silky formula that blends seamlessly without looking ashy for some extra coverage. It conceals your skin imperfections and allows your statement-making looks to stay put all day long. For the ultimate soft-focus finish with no flashback, choose this best loose powder by Black Radiance.
- Blends easily
- Conceals skin imperfections
- Doesn’t end up ashy
- No flashback
- Silky formula
- Offers a matte finish
- Might not be ideal for sensitive skin types
"This setting powder gives me a non-ashy finish. It ensures that my makeup does not budge even during long workdays or outdoor activities. I use it for heavy makeup and it does not cause any cracks, creases, or flakiness on my skin."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 6,465 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Wet N Wild Store Bare Focus Clarifying Finishing Powder Best Skin-Friendly | Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder - Buttercup Best Non-Comedogenic | Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder - Banana Best Silky Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | AllColor | Oily | CombinationColor |
| Color | - | Buttercup | - |
| Dimensions | - | 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.57 inches | 3.23 x 3.23 x 1.57 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.25 Ounces | 3.25 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 15,648 | 6,465 |
| Price | $3.18 | $25.0 | $6.87 |
4. Best Transfer-Proof:Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder – Original Translucent
The translucent shade setting powder by Dermablend Professional is all you need for a lightweight transfer-proof and smudge-proof makeup look. For up to 16 hours, the Loose Setting Powder works its magic by enhancing and sealing in your glam. No matter your skin type, tone, or condition, rest assured that this top setting powder absorbs all the oil for a matte finish and leaves your skin looking smooth.
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Can be layered
- Works for up to 16 hours
- Dermatologist-tested
- Resistant to transferring and smudging
- Some might find it to be cakey
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 11,047 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. Best Flash-Friendly:Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder
Have your makeup last all day long with Aesthetica’s universal finishing powder made with high-quality ingredients. Its weightless formula is a pro at absorbing oil from your skin while also softening the look of lines and blurring out pores. Aesthetica’s setting powder for makeup adheres to skin without getting cakey, and the velour puff makes it super easy to apply. Just throw this talc-free setting powder in your bag, and we’re sure it’ll come in handy for on-the-go touch-ups and blotting out excess oil, especially if you have oily skin or oily T-zone.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Flash-friendly
- Free of oil and talc
- Some may not like the sheer coverage
"I like this setting powder because it is long-lasting. It also tackles unwanted shine when I have lengthy outdoor shifts. I look refreshed even if it is 3 am. It blends well and does not leave a cast on my skin tone."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,523 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
6. Best Coverage:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder
For the ultimate soft-focus effect with a matte finish, you can’t go wrong with the setting powder makeup by L’Oreal Paris. This pro-inspired translucent mattifying powder blurs out enlarged pores and blemishes for a clear complexion. Dust it on before a date, so none of your layered products budge all night! With micro-fine translucent powder particles, say goodbye to greasy-looking skin and welcome a mattified and natural-looking finish.
- Offers a matte finish
- Softens and blurs out skin imperfections
- Controls shine
- Cake-proof
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Might not be suited for longwear
"This product definitely impressed me. It's simple yet efficient - ticks all the right boxes. It mattifies unnecessary shine and keeps my makeup in place all day. However, you will need to touchup a few times if the weather is hot and humid. Great overall performance."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 437 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
7. Best Anti-Aging:It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Translucent Loose Setting Powder
If your enlarged pores give you a tough time and staring them down doesn’t work, try the Bye Bye Pores Translucent Loose Setting Powder by It Cosmetics. It was developed with the help of plastic surgeons (they know the struggle!) and is combined with Bye Bye Pores Optical Blurring Technology. Ideal for those seeking out anti-aging benefits, this great setting powder for mature skin uses natural silk to blur out pores and hydrolyzed collagen to soften the look of wrinkles. With a blend of antioxidants and peptides, your skin will be ready to grace the cover of any magazine — no Photoshop needed!
- Contains anti-aging benefits
- Ideal for mature skin
- Universal shade works on all skin tones
- Hides pores
- Offers shine control
- Silk moisturizes skin
- Might not be easy to blend
"I appreciate this silky powder. It doesn't clump or crease but enhances my makeup, making my skin feel wonderful. Whether you're a first-timer in makeup or struggling with uncooperative pores and lines, this product is worth a try. It's easy to apply and surprisingly, it faded the appearance of dark circles as well!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 3,549 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
8. Best Lightweight:SKINFOOD Peach Cotton Multi Finish Powder
We’re sure everyone knows by now how wonderfully effective Korean beauty products are. If you still don’t, give this white setting powder a shot. Made with a unique air spun technology, SKINFOOD’s setting powder is super fine and soft, which means less-to-none caking and controlled oil. This lightweight setting powder contains silk which softens skin texture and adds a natural glow when applied with a fluffy powder brush. As it also has a peach scent, now you can also smell as good as you look!
- Finely milled powder
- Lightweight
- Offers a matte finish
- Controls sebum
- Refreshing peach scent that dissipates quickly
- Softens skin texture
- Might look ashy in photos or under bright lighting
"This powder does an incredible job at softening and smoothing my skin, effortlessly removing oil. It is lightweight and provides sheer coverage that doesn't alter the look of your base makeup. It also layers well with other products. I also adore that it has a delightful scent."
Quick Tip9. Best For All Skin Tones:Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Loose Setting Powder Makeup – Banana 10
The ultimate airbrushed look is possible without filters if you can give this mattifying setting powder a chance. For a soft-focus effect, Maybelline uses a microfine powder that extends the wear of your foundation. Minimizing shine, the illuminating formula glides across skin smoothly and locks down your makeup for all-day wear. The oil-controlling feature makes this a good setting powder for oily skin. Make sure to keep it on hand if you suddenly want a baked look or would fancy a touch-up here and there. You can use it by itself for a natural look or atop your makeup on lighter skin tones, and we guarantee that it’ll be undetectable.
- Smooth powder
- Offers a matte finish
- Minimizes shine
- Suits all skin tones
- Lightweight
- Brightens skin tone
- Might discolor foundation
"This setting powder is lightweight and settles well into my skin. It blends seamlessly and helps my makeup stay put. It gives me a flattering blurring effect that is great for my blemishes. It stays for a long time and gives me a creaseless finish."
10. Best Vegan:e.l.f Halo Glow Setting Powder – Medium
For a dreamy complexion, e.l.f’s Halo Glow Setting Powder will not disappoint you. It’s super light and embraces your skin for an airbrushed finish that blurs out skin inconsistencies. The silky and feather-light texture of this mineral powder offers amazing shine control. It contains sapphire particles that are finely milled so you can dust some on for dewy skin (that’s not greasy) and with no worries of looking cakey. As it is also talc-free, there’s no reason you shouldn’t get your hands on this glowy setting powder!
- Offers a soft glow
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Light texture
- Offers shine control
- Blurs imperfections
- Long lasting
- Some may not like the soft shimmer
11. Best For Oily Skin:Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Powder
If you’re looking for a special effect setting powder or one for regular use that gives exceptional results, Ben Nye’s Neutral Set Colorless Powder might be the right fit for you. It is formulated to sit comfortably on oily skin and reduce sweat and oil production so that your makeup stays put without smearing. For when you’re rocking a lot of cream-based products or liquid foundations, this Colorless Powder can be your best companion.
- Ideal for oily skin
- Offers a matte finish
- Reduces sweat and oil
- Offers long-lasting wear
- Suited for theatrical or halloween makeup
- Easy to blend
- Might not be crease-proof
12. Best Talc-Free:Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
To veil your skin, this cult-loved setting powder by Hourglass has a flawless finish. Ultra-refined and finely-milled, you can’t go wrong with this lightweight setting powder that has a soft-focus effect. Instantly blurring skin inconsistencies and reducing the appearance of pores, this powder sets you on your way to smooth and even-textured skin. You can also use it for baking your under-eye, so that it stays put without fading.
- Suits all skin tones
- Blurs out lines, wrinkles, and blemishes
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Made without sulfates, dyes, or fragrances
- Talc-free
- Might not be ideal for mature skin
13. Best Waterproof:Urban Decay All Nighter: Waterproof Setting Powder
All beauty junkies own some or the other Urban Decay product, and we’re telling you — they deliver. Even this All Nighter: Waterproof Setting Powder is a must-have to control oil and shine for a matte effect. This pressed setting powder seals in all your glam for up to 11 hours, and the lightweight texture covers up skin irregularities for an even complexion. The universal shade graces pale and darker skin tones without dulling the natural glow and blurs out enlarged pores to keep you looking bomb all day.
- Waterproof
- Offers a matte finish
- Lightweight and breathable formula
- Cruelty-free
- Blurs pores and wrinkles
- Transfer-proof
- Might get patchy
"I find this powder works well for touch-ups on my oily T-zone and sets my makeup nicely. It feels quite smooth and silky on my skin. It's a decent product that adds a lovely finish to my makeup routine."
14. Best Matte Finish:Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder
The Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder is designed to keep your makeup looking seamless all day long and add dimension. It has a lightweight, slightly-tinted formula that allows you to set your foundation and concealer with a matte finish. It provides a blurring effect on the skin and imparts smoothness. It also softens, and even out your complexion, and lessens the visibility of blemishes and fine lines. The powder is made from premium, healthy ingredients that minimize your pores and reduce flashback in photos.
- High-quality ingredients
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Blurring finish
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- None
15. Best Crease-Proof:Laura Mercier Shine Control Pressed Setting Powder
You’ll never be able not to find a Laura Mercier pick on any best makeup setting powders list. So now, instead of Googling ‘good setting powders’, bag this instead! It is oil-free, but it also controls oil with an ultra-sheer finish while also lowering shine due to the Shine Control Complex. Featuring a subtle mint green tint, this powder is ideal for anyone that faces the issue of redness. The transparent setting powder shade is universal and offers a high-quality matte finish. With the soft-focus effect, you won’t have to worry about creasing anymore and can use it to get a celebrity-inspired look.
- Oil-free and oil-controlling
- Offers shine control
- Covers redness
- Offers a matte finish
- Crease-proof
- Suits all skin tones
- Some may not like the odor
"I've been using Laura Mercier translucent powder for years. It's especially good for my oily T-zone, lasts pretty long, and works on all skin types. The faint tint somehow brightens my fair skin. A truly reliable product."
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best setting powders on the market, let’s take a look at the guide below to learn how to choose the right one for your skin type and tone.
How To Choose The Right Setting Powder
- Type
There are quite a few options for setting powders, and choosing the correct one can get intimidating.
Loose setting powders are ideal for lightweight coverage as they can be dusted on the skin. As they are formulated with less to no oil, they provide a major benefit for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. With a super-fine texture, you may find that they might settle into fine lines or wrinkles and can be pretty messy to use.
Pressed setting powders are compact and mess-proof to use and might be the best option for on-the-go touch-ups. You can use them if you desire a natural-looking full coverage. These formulas contain some oil, so oily skin types would do better to avoid them but it is a good for dry skin. As they help cover up spots and blemishes, they can make achieving even skin tone easy.
Translucent setting powders don’t have any color and are sheer without any coverage. They are pretty effective at controlling shine and oil, making them suited to oily skin. As they can help add brightness, they might leave behind a white cast if applied with a heavy hand.
Tinted setting powders come in a variety of shades to not just set makeup but to correct a skin condition. Green can hide redness in the skin, for example.
- Skin type
If you have oily or combination skin, look for tried-and-tested ingredients that absorb oil, such as silica or kaolin. Loose-setting powders that offer a matte finish will be ideal for this skin type. For dry and flaky skin, pressed powders containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and provide a radiant or dewy finish will be just about right. You could even opt for a luminous setting powder. It goes without saying that natural skin types are gifted, and as long as they don’t suffer from significant skin issues, they can use any setting powder they prefer.
- Shade
Ensure that your setting powder is the same shade as your skin or foundation. For this, you can swatch the test on your neck or wrist. Choosing a powder that is too light may leave a white cast, and choosing one darker than your skin color can end up looking patchy and too obvious. Don’t opt for shades with dark pink or orange undertones, but choose beiges and browns for a natural look. If you can’t find the right shade for your skin tone, a translucent powder should do the trick.
After you’ve bagged your favorite setting powder, let’s put it to use and keep our makeup in place, shall we?
How To Use Setting Powder
Step 1:
Apply all your base makeup such as foundation and concealer. Follow up with blush, highlighter, and lip products if desired.
Step 2: Using your setting powder of choice, get ready to apply. You can use the puff or brush that comes with the product, or just use a kabuki or a powder brush.
Step 3: Swirl the brush or lightly dab cushion in the powder and dust off the excess.
Step 4: Start by dusting the powder on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and upper lip).
Step 5: Dab some under your eyes over your concealer. Wait for 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Dust your whole face gently with some light strokes so that your skin doesn’t end up looking cakey.
Step 7: Stay put for at least 5 minutes without talking, laughing, or smiling to allow the look to set in place.
We know we’ve been going on about setting powders and if you feel like you don’t understand what the hype is about, read below to learn some benefits.
Benefits Of Using Setting Powder
- Setting powder seals in all of your makeup products so that they last longer than usual. They will also not smudge or crease for a long time.
- If you have oily skin, setting powders will absorb excess oil and shine to give you a mattifying effect that lasts all day long.
- Setting powders are a great tool to even out your skin tone and texture. Some may even offer brightening benefits.
- Some setting powders have blurring capabilities so that your spots, fine lines, pores, and wrinkles are softly covered up.
- If you choose a powder with SPF, the sun protection levels are boosted for protected skin.
- For midday touch-ups, setting powders are an easy way to keep your makeup looking fresh.
Infographic: How To Achieve A Flawless Finish Using Setting Powder
Setting powder is a beauty essential that can take your makeup game to the next level, providing a flawless and long-lasting finish. It helps lock in your foundation, concealer, and other makeup products, preventing them from smudging or fading Check out the infographic given below for some tips on how to use it the right way.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Though foundations and full-coverage concealers take full credit for creating the perfect makeup look, true beauty enthusiasts advocate the importance of using setting powders to ace a flawless base. The right setting powder is not only ideal for under eye cover-up, but it settles on your skin to keep your makeup intact all day long and offer a flawless, velvety finish. In addition, it absorbs excess oil and keeps your skin shine-free. The products listed in the article have a lightweight texture, offer sheer coverage, do not look cakey, and are free from synthetic chemicals. You can explore the Wet N Wild Store Bare Focus Clarifying Finishing Powder which reduces fine lines and redness for a natural-looking finish. The Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder spreads evenly and seals the moisture for a smudgeproof makeup look while the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder blurs blemishes and pores to deliver a natural matte finish. Consider your skin type and shade while choosing the best setting powder for a flawless makeup look.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is a makeup enthusiast and writes research-based product reviews for StyleCraze. She has curated the list of the best setting powders after checking tons of products available on the market and scanning through user reviews on trusted online forums. These setting powders absorb excess sebum and help hold foundations and concealers in place to get a smudge-free look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does setting powder actually work?
Yes, setting powders effectively keep makeup in place for long hours while also controlling excess shine and oil for a fresh look.
Is translucent powder the same as setting powder?
Yes, translucent powder is often colorless and can be used on any skin tone. It sets your makeup for longwear without budging or fading.
Is setting powder supposed to be lighter or darker than your skin tone?
Neither, as setting powders should match the exact shade of your foundation so as to not appear too patchy.
How long do you leave setting powder on?
You can leave setting powder on for 5-10 minutes, after which it will finish setting or ‘baking’.
When should you apply the setting powder?
Apply the setting powder after foundation, concealer, and blush to set your makeup well.
Is there a difference between the setting and the finishing powder?
There is no major difference between a setting and finishing powder except that a setting powder keeps your makeup intact and in place while a finishing powder enhances your makeup by blurring your skin.
Can I wear the setting powder without makeup?
Yes, but wearing the setting powder without makeup would not make sense. Instead, apply foundation and concealer before applying the setting powder.
What do you do after applying the setting powder?
After applying the setting powder, blend your makeup, especially your foundation and concealer, to create a flawless look.
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