At the end of the day, you want the makeup you’ve carefully applied to still be there, and setting powder is key to making sure your look stays put. It absorbs oil but repels water (see how we tested the waterproof power of some of the most popular setting powders in the TikTok below), ensuring long-lasting wear that resists creasing, transferring and fading. sweat.
Ahead, six professional makeup artists tell us how setting powder secures makeup, how to apply it, and the best setting powders to buy for every skin type and budget.
“Setting powders serve a dual purpose – setting makeup underneath (liquid foundation, concealer, cream blush) while providing a base for powder products (powder blush, highlighter, contour) and absorbing excess oil. ‘oil on the skin,’ says celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles, who works with Lily Collins, Natasha Lyonne, Gabrielle Union and more.
These oils will “start to break down your face makeup as the day progresses,” Stiles says, so using a setting powder will prevent any slippage and shine. Plus, a quality setting powder will keep your makeup in place without creasing or cakey. Instead, it should have a smooth finish that blends seamlessly with your foundation, whether it’s color correcting, tinted, or sheer.
Although setting powders absorb excess oil on the skin, creating a matte effect, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise to have a glowing complexion. “Most traditional setting powders give a matte finish, but many next-gen powders have a luminous glow,” says New York makeup artist Jas Doyle.
The way you apply the setting powder can be adjusted depending on your skin’s needs and the desired effect.
“Your tools are an important consideration when applying setting powder,” says makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran. Every expert we spoke to said a big, fluffy powder brush is best for a natural, diffused look. If you have oily skin, you may need to use a heavier hand to set the powder and apply with a puff or makeup sponge, patting or rolling to bind the powder without disturbing your foundation or makeup. corrector.
“If you’re looking for more coverage or like baking, using a damp Beautyblender helps give more coverage and blend the product into the foundation,” Jaikaran suggests.
Whether you’re using a brush, puff, or sponge, you’ll want to let your base makeup dry for a minute before applying setting powder. “It’s best to let your foundation sit for a minute or two after applying it,” says Wendi Miyake, a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Madonna, Kelly Rowland and several of the Kardashian sisters. “You don’t want to apply powder over your foundation while it’s still freshly wet, as it can cause smudging or clumping.”
Stiles also says to avoid applying setting powder over powder foundation because it “will be redundant and make the makeup too dry and thick.”
If you prefer a lighter hand, setting powder can be applied to specific areas of the face. Makeup artist Mai Quynh, who works with Jessica Alba and Chloë Grace Moretz, opts for a small, fluffy brush to apply makeup around the nose and under the eyes — areas prone to creases. The spot application of setting powder can also help you maintain a dewy finish while controlling shine. “If you dust the powder lightly on the forehead, sides of the nose, chin and leave the rest powder-free, you’ll have beautiful rosy cheeks while managing the oil in the T-zone,” says Stiles.
$32 at Sephora
Jaikaran loves this loose powder which comes in five versatile shades. “Bounce Soft Focus Gemstone Setting Powder is literally a gem!” said the makeup artist. “It’s great because it contains hyaluronic acid, which is great for drier skin types. [and can] put the foundation without the cake. It also contains freshwater pearls and rose quartz which add radiance and energy to the skin.
From $22 at Sephora or $46 at Ulta and Hourglass
Quynh says Hourglass’ top-rated setting powder is preferred for those with dry skin. “[It] removes shine naturally, leaving skin looking like skin,” she says.
$30 $22.91 at Amazon or $30 at Mineral Fusion
“These powders are fantastic,” Stiles says. “They are very finely ground and I love the highlighting shades.” Banana and Neutral Beige color correcting shades apply translucently and work on all skin tones. “Having a shimmering base for the powder ensures that it doesn’t dull the skin like some beige tones can,” she explains.
$54 at Amazon and Nordstrom
Miyake says this powder “sets makeup and mattifies without drying out the skin,” thanks to its hyaluronic acid-infused formula.
$64 at Sephora and Nordstrom
Doyle loves this long-wearing yet super lightweight pressed powder. It’s available in 10 shades, and dry-skinned reviewers love it because of its lightweight application and glossy finish.
$34 at Nordstrom and MAC Cosmetics
Stiles and Doyle vouch for this oil-busting powder. “I’ve been using this powder personally and professionally for decades,” Stiles shares. “It absorbs oil without adding a lot of product, so you can really use it all day without any clumping.”
$24 at Sephora
Miyake trusts this setting powder for oily skin because it locks foundation in place for transfer-free wear. “For oily skin and to ensure longevity, I apply setting powder with a puff and press into skin all over my face,” advises Miyake.
From $25 at Sephora or $45 at Charlotte Tilbury
Columnist and celebrity makeup artist Dmitry Kukushkin and Quynh love this anti-shine powder, which Quynh says “mattifies skin without dulling it.” Plus, she adds, “pressed powder is perfect for on the go.”
From $18 at Sephora or $39 at Ulta
A pressed powder that Kukushkin loves, the translucent Crystal shade is a great option for those looking to set their makeup with a luminous finish that won’t get greasy.
From $16 at Sephora
“One/Size has gone viral for all the right reasons,” says Jaikaran. “It’s an ultra-fine powder with a soft matte finish and an extra blurring effect that lasts up to 14 hours. I love using it on my clients who tend to be a bit oilier because it helps set makeup.
From $24 at Sephora or $40 at Ulta
Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a pro-approved choice that four of the makeup artists we spoke to recommended. Miyake says, “it provides a flawless matte finish for all skin tones,” while Quynh confirms that it “blends easily into skin – a makeup artist’s must-have!” Not to mention, it has over 6,000 5-star reviews on Sephora, proving its holy grail status to many.
From $40 at Sephora or $58 at Nordstrom
“You can apply translucent powder all over your skin or just the T-zone, depending on your skin type,” says Kukushkin. Available in six color-correcting shades that apply translucent, this top-notch setting powder is worth the money, according to MUA. It has a hint of shimmer for a radiant finish and is suitable for all skin types.
$36 at Amazon and Nordstrom
Stiles says this option is “a beautiful, talc-free formula that feels velvety on skin.” It has a diffusing effect that gives a satin finish to any makeup base.
$34 at Sephora, Ulta and Fenty Beauty
An alternative to loose powder, this pressed option from Fenty Beauty that mattifies and blurs pores is also recommended by Kukushkin.
From $20 at Sephora or $37 at Make Up For Ever
This pore-blurring powder is Doyle’s favorite translucent pick. It sets perfectly over foundation and won’t look chalky.
$110 at Sephora and Nordstrom
Kukushkin says this smoothing, luminous loose powder is another universal option. It has a slight shimmer and the finely ground powder is infused with La Mer’s Miracle Broth, which is also the antioxidant-rich base for the brand’s luxury skincare products.
From $7.78 at Amazon or $8 at Ulta
Elf has several pro-approved setting powders for under $10. Quynh loves Halo Glow Setting Powder because it’s great “for taking away shine while leaving skin looking luminous.”
$6 at Ulta
Doyle loves Elf’s high definition powder, which won’t crease or clump. It comes in a matte Sheer shade and a slightly shimmering Soft Luminance.
From $11.95 on Amazon or $10.29 on Target
Miyake says this drugstore option really gives a velvety finish.
$8.49 $3.42 on Amazon
Both Jaikaran and Miyake agree that Maybelline’s popular Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is another high-performing drugstore powder that’s lightweight and oil-absorbing. “This has to be my favorite drugstore setting powder, not only because of its affordability, but also because it comes in such a wide range of shades,” says Jaikaran. “[It] has a tint of color that finishes makeup off perfectly, no matter what finish you’re going for.