The utility of setting powder is in its ability to maintain a consistent makeup look throughout the day, ensure full coverage and blend of makeup, and blur any inconsistencies in application. While we know that setting powder is crucial for the longevity of our makeup, we also know the struggle of being excited by a product (&seeing raving reviews online and real demonstrations by influencers) and being completely let-down by the quality. We’re here to cover our favorite (tried and true) setting powders for different skin types, budgets, and makeup goals.
Deciding on a setting powder is contingent upon the look you’re aiming for and your skin type (dry, oily, acne-prone, older). Pressed setting powders facilitate a dewy, more glowy finish--these might be better if you’re looking to maintain moisture or want to reverse age-related dryness/wrinkling. Loose setting powders often last longer, provide a matte finish, and give makeup a “baked” look, so they’re usually better for oily or combination skin types.
Invisimatte Instant Setting Powder by Fenty Beauty
With a talc-free and vegan recipe, Invisimatte is a fantastic non-comedogenic option for those wary of breakouts and acne. It’s non-drying, works to blur skin imperfections, and extends the daily longevity of your makeup. Plus, we love that Invisimatte looks stunning on all skin colors and undertones--it seamlessly accentuates full glam and everyday makeup looks. There’s no flashback in pictures and there’s no cakiness in direct sunlight, which gives this loose powder a leg up against other loose powders on the market.
Invisimatte can be found online at Fenty Beauty.
All Nighter: Water Proofing Setting Powder by Urban Decay
Like the Invisimatte, the All Nighter is talc-free and its ingredients are cruelty-free, so it’s ideal for acne-prone, oilier skin. Besides setting your makeup, the All Nighter adds waterproofing qualities to your bake, so you can sweat through hot yoga without fears of runny under-eyes and cheekbones.
The All Nighter also provides a matte look, so it helps with masking excess oil and inflamed pores. You can find Urban Decay products at authorized makeup retailers, like Sephora, Ulta, and Macy’s.
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
This setting powder is well-loved by makeup artists and professionals for its hydrating qualities. It contains almond oil and rose wax, which makes for a silky smooth application and a hydrating, long-lasting finish. As it comes in three different shades, the Airbrush Flawless powder offers a light tint akin to a light foundation. Plus, because this is a pressed powder, you can cleanly apply on-the-go without fears of messiness or cakiness.
LYS Beauty Triple Fix
LYS Beauty’s Triple Fix is another pressed powder coming in six shades, ranging from translucent to deep. While it’s not necessarily marketed towards moisture-seeking skin, it’s suitable for all skin types and contains moisture-conducive ingredients, like green tea extract, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate. Plus, it’s talc-free and vegan, meaning it’s non-drying and cruelty-free. We love the silky feel without the heaviness of a product intended to capture moisture.
You can find LYS at most makeup retailers, including Ulta and Sephora.
L’Oreal’s Infallible Pro-Sweep and Lock Loose Matte Setting Powder
This is an exceptionally budget-friendly option ($11/compact) with professional results. This works on heavy glam and a moisturizer base just the same: by locking in creams and liquid-based products, the Pro-Sweep keeps both low and high maintenance looks fresh. It works to soften--or mattify--a look, so it's useful for those struggling with acne-prone or oily skin.
You can find L'Oreal at most drug stores, pharmacies, and on Amazon.
Maybelline's Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
Coming it at less than $9/per container, Maybelline's Fit Me is a hit with budget-conscious and luxurious makeup gals alike. It's a loose powder, so it controls excess oil and shine. With a range of eight different shades, the Fit Me offers a slight tint, so it elevates both glam and low-maintenance looks. We love that it doesn't cake or crease, and that it has a relatively soft feel for being a loose powder. Plus, you can buy it at most drug stores and pharmacies, making it an accessible and inexpensive option.
Setting sprays perform a similar function as setting powders, so they lock in a makeup look, either set as dewy or matte, and increase the “durability” of a look. As a general rule of thumb, setting powder locks in creams and lotions, while setting spray locks in powders and dry materials. Some makeup artists recommend using both: first, set your liquid base with powder, and once you’ve completed the bake, lock in the powder with spray. This way, all of your products--despite consistency and application differences--have protection.
We prefer ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn by Patrick Starrr--which can be found at makeup retailers like Sephora--for its longevity and dependability. Application isn't sticky, lasts for over 12 hours, and smooths over skin irritations and enlarged pores. Plus, On 'Til Dawn has witch hazel (toner) and green tea extract to heal damaged skin during use. Sounds like a win-win-win to us!
