We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Style Beauty The Best Setting Powders, According To Southerners Enhance your makeup routine with these expert-recommended setting powders. By Jenna Clark Jenna Clark Jenna Clark is a freelance commerce writer currently living in Orlando, Florida. She contributes commerce content to publications including Women’s Health, Tripadvisor, Mashable, and People. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on August 2, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Choosing Questions and Answers Why Trust Southern Living Southern Living / David Hattan If you’ve been wanting to enhance your makeup routine with a product that gives your face a filter-like finish, a high-quality setting powder can help. Not only that, but investing in the right one can help extend the longevity of your makeup look, too. According to Antonia Scott Wideman, makeup artist at Antonia Scott Beauty in Columbia, South Carolina, “setting powder can help lock in makeup, blur pores, create a more transfer-resistant finish, and prevent oil throughout the day.” To come up with our list, we researched the best setting powders and evaluated them on factors such as finish, coverage, and type. We also tapped Southern makeup artists for recommendations for the best setting powders to make your makeup last in the heat and humidity. Our Top Picks Best Overall, Loose: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder at Nordstrom ($24) Jump to Review Best Overall, Pressed: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder at Nordstrom ($41) Jump to Review Best Budget: ColourPop Translucent No Filter Loose Setting Powder at Target ($12) Jump to Review Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Setting Powder at Ulta ($36) Jump to Review Best With SPF: Supergoop! Mineral Setting Powder at Nordstrom ($35) Jump to Review Best for Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Translucent Powder at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: bareMinerals Setting Powder at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder at Sephora ($22) Jump to Review Best for Combination Skin: e.l.f Cosmetics Perfect Finish HD Powder at Amazon ($6) Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Refy Skin Finish Water-Based Powder at Sephora ($32) Jump to Review Best Overall, Loose Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Sephora View On Nordstrom $24 View On Ulta $43 View On Sephora $24 What’s Great About It Lasts for up to 16 hours No flashback Non-comedogenic Won’t settle in fine lines and wrinkles What Could Be Better Small container If you’re looking for a loose setting powder with a matte finish, consider Laura Mercier’s Translucent Setting Powder. “It is so lightweight, high-quality, and won’t set in fine lines or wrinkles,” says Ashlee Ann, licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist based in Tampa, Florida. It’s available in three shades (translucent levels 1-2, translucent honey, and translucent medium deep) and will keep your makeup looking soft, set, and oil-free for 16 hours. Type: Loose | Shades: 3 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Sheer Best Overall, Pressed Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder Sephora View On Nordstrom $41 View On Sephora $28 View On Ulta What’s Great About It Comes in four shades Ultra-fine Can be worn on top of makeup or on its own Locks makeup in place What Could Be Better Contains talc This setting powder from Charlotte Tilbury is great if you’re looking for an ultra-fine pressed powder. “This is my favorite setting powder to exist,” says Wideman. “This powder locks in makeup for all-day wear.” That said, this setting powder is versatile as it can be used on top of foundation and/or concealer, or can be simply worn by itself depending on your preferences. You also won’t have to worry about your face drying out as you wear this setting powder throughout the day as it contains rose wax and almond oil that keeps skin hydrated and moisturized. Type: Pressed | Shades: 4 | Finish: Radiant | Coverage: Medium Best Budget ColourPop Translucent No Filter Loose Setting Powder Ulta View On Target $12 View On Ulta $12 View On Colourpop.com What’s Great About It Lightweight Vegan Affordable Comes in a variety of shades What Could Be Better Unpleasant scent For an affordable option, Ann recommends this Translucent No Filter Loose Setting Powder from ColourPop. It is a solid pick for those looking for a loose setting powder with a matte finish without breaking the bank. Plus, since it’s made with a blend of ultra-fine powders made from vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, it won’t weigh your face down or look cakey when worn on top of other products. Type: Loose | Shades: 5 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Sheer Best Shade Range Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Setting Powder Sephora View On Ulta $36 View On Sephora $22 View On Fentybeauty.com $36 What’s Great About It Comes in eight shades Available in standard and mini sizes Doesn’t contain phthalates or parabens Can be worn over bare skin What Could Be Better It may crease under the eyes If you’re looking for a setting powder that can match a variety of skin tones, consider the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder from Fenty Beauty. Since this loose setting powder is available in eight shades, it’s unlikely that you won’t be able to find one that matches your skin tone (or at least comes close). Whether you’re looking for a container that will last you a while, or one that you can take on the go, this smooth matte setting powder is available in standard and mini sizes. And, none of the shades contain phthalates or parabens. Type: Loose | Shades: 8 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Sheer Best With SPF Supergoop! Mineral Setting Powder Amazon View On Nordstrom $35 View On Ulta $35 View On Sephora $35 What’s Great About It Offers SPF 35 protection Talc-free Easy to open and reapply What Could Be Better The brush may feel itchy on those with sensitive skin If a setting powder with SPF is particularly important to you, don’t rule out Supergoop!’s (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder. Since this talc-free mineral loose setting powder offers SPF 35 protection, you won’t have to worry about your face catching unwanted rays under your makeup regardless of which of the four available shades you select. And, you can easily reapply it throughout the day thanks to its twist-lock–just make sure its cap and bristles are closed correctly to prevent excess powder from spilling out. Type: Loose | Shades: 4 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Sheer Best for Mature Skin IT Cosmetics Translucent Powder IT Cosmetics View On Amazon $32 View On Itcosmetics.com View On Macy's $32 What’s Great About It Effective when used on a variety of skin types Made with peptides Contains antioxidants What Could Be Better Only available in one shade It’s not surprising that Wideman recommends this matte loose setting powder from IT Cosmetics for mature skin, since it's packed with nutrients (some of which prevent the visible impacts of aging skin) including hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and antioxidants to name a few. It is important to note this setting powder is translucent and therefore only available in one shade–but have no fear—it's compatible with all skin types. Type: Loose | Shades: 1 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Sheer to no coverage Best for Acne-Prone Skin bareMinerals Setting Powder Amazon View On Amazon $35 View On Nordstrom $35 View On Target $35 What’s Great About It Non-comedogenic Tinted shades available Both matte and radiant finishes are available Tested by dermatologists Made without synthetic fragrances What Could Be Better Doesn’t come with any tool for applying Makeup wearers with acne-prone skin will appreciate this setting powder from bareMinerals. Not only is it talc-free, but it is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic to keep any potential skin irritation at a minimum. You can choose whether you’d like a power that produces a matte or radiant finish depending on your preferences. And, there are even tinted options available for added coverage. Type: Loose | Shades: 4 | Finish: Matte and radiant | Coverage: Sheer to light Best for Oily Skin Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder Sephora View On Sephora $22 View On Hudabeauty.com View On Kohls.com What’s Great About It Keeps makeup in place for 10 hours Offers light coverage 10 shades to choose from Powder net to control waste What Could Be Better Packaging may be difficult for some to use Ann recommends this setting powder for oily skin as it offers more coverage than other setting powders on the market. Even though this setting powder produces a matte finish, it provides some radiance that will leave your skin with a healthy natural-looking glow. If you happen to open up the package too quickly, this setting powder contains a net to reduce the amount of waste produced. Type: Loose | Shades: 10 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Light Best for Combination Skin e.l.f Cosmetics Perfect Finish HD Powder Ulta View On Amazon $6 View On Ulta View On Elfcosmetics.com What’s Great About It Portable Budget-friendly Doesn’t contain sulfate Soft matte finish What Could Be Better Doesn’t come with a puff The e.l.f Perfect Finish HD Powder is a good choice for people with combination skin. This pressed setting powder offers a soft matte finish that blurs unwanted lines and other face marks without sulfates. Plus, it’s portable and budget-friendly–just remember to bring your puff. Type: Pressed | Shades: 1 | Finish: Soft matte | Coverage: Sheer Best for Dry Skin Refy Skin Finish Water-Based Powder Refy View On Sephora $32 View On Refybeauty.com View On Selfridges.com $25 What’s Great About It Water-based Talc-free Easy to apply What Could Be Better Limited shades available If you’re looking for a setting powder to place on top of dry skin, it’s hard to go wrong with the Refy Beauty Skin Finish Powder. Ann recommends this loose setting powder since it is water-based and very hydrating which is beneficial for people with dry skin, especially when wearing makeup for extended periods. It’s also talc-free and will keep your face from looking chalky. Type: Loose | Shades: 2 | Finish: Natural | Coverage: Sheer Best for Photos Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder Sephora View On Sephora $20 View On Makeupforever.com What’s Great About It Don’t need to use much to observe its effects Won’t see it even under ultra HD 4K technology Non-drying What Could Be Better Expensive When it comes to the best setting powder to wear when taking photos, Lindsey Rusek, cosmetology instructor and owner of Bride’s Side Beauty based in South Carolina and Georgia, recommends the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder. “Designed for high-definition cameras, this ultra-fine setting powder blurs imperfections, sets makeup, and gives a natural, matte finish without flashback,” says Rusek. “Plus, it's great for all skin types and perfect for special occasions or photography.” Type: Loose | Shades: 1 | Finish: Matte | Coverage: Sheer Best Talc-Free Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Translucent Setting Powder Sephora View On Amazon $49 View On Nordstrom $25 View On Sephora $25 What’s Great About It Doesn’t contain talc Contains a sifter to control powder flow Diamond-powder infused What Could Be Better Doesn’t come with a powder brush Keep your skin looking radiant and oil-free without any talc when using the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. “The Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder is infused with diamond powder for a radiant finish that blurs imperfections and gives a soft-focus effect,” says Rusek. “Plus, it's lightweight, finely milled, and ideal for setting makeup while adding a luminous glow, making it suitable for dry to normal skin types.” Type: Loose | Shades: 3 | Finish: Radiant/natural | Coverage: Sheer Best Radiant Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder Sephora View On Sephora $25 View On Kohls.com $18 View On Rarebeauty.com What’s Great About It Silky feel Locking sifter Doesn’t contain talc What Could Be Better May cause the under-eye area to become dry A radiant face is what you’ll receive when you apply Rare Beauty’s Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder. Its powder is silky and talc-free, but still provides a natural look keeping oil to a minimum. Whether you’re looking for a setting powder for a deeper complexion or softer pink, this setting powder will leave your face glowing. Type: Loose | Shades: 5 | Finish: Radiant/natural | Coverage: Light/sheer Best Translucent RCMA No Color Powder Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Beautybay.com View On Rcmamakeup.com What’s Great About It Doesn’t have a color Fragrance-free Easy to dispense What Could Be Better The bottle is big If you’re looking for the best translucent powder, Ann recommends “The Original” No-Color Powder from RCMA. Since it doesn’t have a color and is fragrance-free, it is suitable to be used on a variety of skin types. And, this natural-looking setting powder is sold in a large bottle which is particularly beneficial for those looking to purchase translucent powder in bulk like makeup artists or those who do their makeup regularly. Type: Loose | Shades: 1 | Finish: Natural | Coverage: None Best Long-Lasting Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder Ulta View On Nordstrom $56 View On Ulta $56 View On Chanel.com What’s Great About It Provides light coverage Keeps skin matte all day Includes a powder puff Doesn’t contain talc Available in six shades What Could Be Better Pricey This loose setting powder from Chanel will keep your skin looking matte and oil-free all day. Although it’s an investment, it comes with a powder puff to help with the application process and provides light coverage that can be worn even without foundation or concealer. Type: Loose | Shades: 6 | Finish: Natural/matte | Coverage: Light Tips for Choosing the Right Setting Powder Ingredients When choosing the right setting powder, knowing which ingredients to look for and avoid is key to keeping your face happy and healthy. That said, Ann recommends doing your best to stay away from setting powders containing talc, as it may dry out your skin and potentially cause you to experience flashbacks when photo taking. However, if a setting powder does contain talc, as many of them do, we’d recommend testing the product to ensure it provides you with the look you intend it to and that your skin does not react poorly to the ingredient. Avoiding setting powders with parabens is also a good idea. If your skin is sensitive or experiences allergic reactions in response to fragrance, opt for setting powders that are fragrance-free. One of our favorite fragrance-free setting powders is the RCMA "The Original" No-Color Powder. As for ingredients to look for in a setting powder, Rusek advises seeking out setting powders that contain silica and/or kaolin clay, especially if your skin is oily, as they help to absorb excess oil. Rice powder is another ingredient to look for in a setting powder. “Rice powder is known for its mattifying effect and can help set makeup while reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines,” explains Rusek. She also notes that vitamin E and hyaluronic acid provide moisture, which is especially important for makeup wearers with dry skin. Pressed vs. Loose Knowing the differences between or pros and cons of loose and pressed setting powders will help you to shop for the one that best fits your needs. Although both kinds of setting powder are good for keeping makeup intact, “pressed powder is great for setting foundation or liquid products," says Ann. If you plan on taking your new setting powder with you on upcoming travels, pressed setting powders, like our favorite one for combination skin, the e.l.f. Perfect Finish HD Powder, are recommended. “They are easy to travel with and less messy,” says Wideman. “You also have more control with pressed setting powders.” Just make sure to keep an eye on your pressed setting powder as it "may require frequent replacement as the surface hardens over time," adds Rusek. On the other hand, “loose setting powders are great for controlling oiliness,” explains Ann. In addition to helping maintain one’s oil levels, Rusek notes that loose setting powder is lightweight and may help to create a more natural-looking finish (if used correctly). However, she notes that if you decide to opt for a loose setting powder, you may be more likely to have some go to waste if you experience fallout when applying. She adds that some may also find that it may take longer to learn how to apply it correctly. Finish Finish refers to how you want your makeup to look after applying makeup products, which includes setting powder. Most setting powders create either a matte or a luminous/radiant finish. If you have oily skin, “a matte finish setting powder can help control shine and oil throughout the day,” explains Rusek. For skin that isn’t particularly oily, “a setting powder with a natural or luminous finish can add a healthy glow without accentuating dryness,” says Rusek. Coverage Your makeup coverage preferences may influence what kind of setting powder you add to your cart. Wideman explains that translucent setting powders will not provide much coverage or sheer coverage (if any). If you’re looking to create makeup looks with more coverage, she recommends opting for a tinted setting powder, like our Best for Acne-Prone Skin pick, the bareMinerals Mineral Veil Talc Free Setting Powder. In addition, “tinted setting powder offers additional coverage and can help color correct or enhance the complexion,” adds Rusek. Questions and Answers What kind of setting powder is best for my skin type? If you have oily skin, Ann recommends opting for a loose setting powder. “Loose powders are key to helping with oily skin because of the finely milled products. People with dry skin should look for hydrating setting powders which may include those that are water-based or “contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or nourishing oils to help lock in moisture and prevent the powder from emphasizing dry patches,” says Rusek. What does setting powder do? Setting powder can help lock makeup in place and blur pores. In addition to keeping makeup looking fresh all day, Ann notes that setting powder brightens the appearance of one’s face and can soften the appearance of fine lines. What is the difference between translucent powder and setting powder? The difference between translucent powder and setting powder is that “translucent powder does not add pigment, but just increases the life of the makeup on the face or how long it stays in place,” explains Sheldon Johnson, professional makeup artist and medical esthetician based in Bluffton, South Carolina. When should you apply setting powder? When you should apply setting powder depends on your specific makeup routine and skin type. Wideman recommends applying setting powder directly after you apply any cream and liquid-based products you may be using including foundation, liquid blush, or concealer. Although setting powder can enhance the look of makeup on people with various skin types, Ann notes that those who notice that their skin or makeup is looking particularly oily may benefit from applying a loose setting powder. Why Trust Southern Living This article was written by Jenna Clark, contributing commerce writer for Southern Living. To develop this list of the best setting powders, she considered factors including ingredients, coverage, finish, and whether or not a setting powder is pressed or loose. For additional insights about what to consider when shopping for the best setting powders and product recommendations, she tapped Antonia Scott Wideman, makeup artist at Antonia Scott Beauty in Columbia, South Carolina; Lindsey Rusek, cosmetology instructor and owner of Bride’s Side Beauty based in South Carolina and Georgia; Ashlee Ann, licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist based in Tampa; and Sheldon Johnson, professional makeup artist and medical esthetician based in Bluffton, South Carolina. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit