While setting powder may not be the most exciting product in your makeup collection, it is truly a staple - particularly for those with combination and oily complexions.
Working to mattify the skin and keep your makeup in place, powders can also blur imperfections and diffuse light to create the perfect flawless finish to your complexion. No longer chalky or cakey, the new generation of setting powders, both loose powder and pressed, glide on to the skin and make the perfect finishing touch to your makeup look.
We have curated an edit of the best setting powders to help you banish shine and extend the wear-time of your makeup without compromising a beautiful skin finish.
10 best setting powders
- By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder
- NARS Cosmetics Light Reflecting Setting Powder
- Lancôme Loose Setting Powder - Translucent
- Illamasqua Loose Powder
- Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder
- Lottie London Translucent Setting Powder
- MAC Minerlize Skinfinish Natural Powder
- Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder
- Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder
- NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder
1. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder 10g
Infused with whipped Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres to smooth the complexion without drying the skin, this one of a kind powder delivers a sheer mattifying veil that sets makeup in place. Used on bare skin or on top of foundation, Hydra-Powder will keep shine at bay and blur imperfections.
2. NARS Cosmetics Light Reflecting Setting Powder - Pressed
With a luminous finish, NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder minimises shine without leaving the skin at all flat. Pores, fine lines and wrinkles appear smooth and Photodynamic Technology diffuses light to promote a radiant appearance.
3. Lancôme Loose Setting Powder - Translucent
Without disrupting the colour of your foundation, Lancôme's Loose Setting Powder smooths over fine lines and eliminates shine to leave your base flawless. Airy and weightless on your skin, the powder sits beautifully on all skin types and textures.
4. Illamasqua Loose Powder - 010 15g
Finely milled and imperceptible on the skin, Illamasqua Loose Powder perfectly sets your base in place to keep oils at bay and extend the wear time of your makeup. Use all over your complexion or on specific areas to absorb excess oil throughout the day.
5. Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder
Inspired by their best-selling setting spray, Urban Decay's All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder locks your makeup in place for up to 11 hours. Ultra-smooth and totally translucent, the powder glides over imperfections and protects your look from sweat and water.
6. Lottie London Translucent Setting Powder 15g (Various Shades)
Affordable and so effective, Lottie London Translucent Setting Powder is one of our favourite powder discoveries. Both cruelty-free and vegan, the formula controls shine and minimises the appearance of pores for a flawless, mattified finish to the skin.
7. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder (Various Shades)
With Vitamin E and a 77-Mineral Complex, Mineralize Skinfinish Natural from MAC leaves the skin with a soft, satin finish. Slow-baked with pearlised pigments, the powder enhances your complexion's natural radiance and never looks heavy or cakey.
8. Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder (Various Shades)
Ideal for those with oily skin, the oil-free Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder is invisible on the skin but effectively absorbs all oils from the complexion for a refined appearance. Setting your makeup in place, the sheer powder balances and brightens with a yellow-toned base.
9. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder (Various Shades)
Infused with minerals and amino acids, Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder combines the benefits of skincare with mattifying makeup. Perfect for mature skin types, the hydrating powder glides onto the skin, smoothing over fine lines and wrinkles for a soft matte, even finish.
10. NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder - Translucent Finish
Sheer with a barely-there feel on your skin, NYX Studio Finishing Powder helps you achieve a flawless base with a HD finish each time you apply your makeup. With no chalky residue and a silky-smooth texture, the powder blends seamlessly into the skin.
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