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. Here, we have listed the 15 best setting powders 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.

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 2022

1. Best Long-Lasting Wear:COTY AIRSPUN Loose Face Powder – Naturally Neutral

A good makeup powder can be your best-kept secret to a lightweight and velvety finish. Being one of the best setting powder brands, Loose Face Powder by COTY AIRSPUN does just that, along with efficiently covering up fine lines, dry patches, wrinkles, and blemishes. Finely milled, you can use this makeup setting powder as a foundation or bake and highlight. This longwear formula spreads evenly onto your face to give your skin ultra-smooth and light coverage. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product. Pros

Lightweight Can be used as foundation, highlighter, or contour powder Offers long-lasting wear Covers up skin inconsistencies Smooth finish Offers light coverage

Cons

The scent might be overpowering for those with sensitive skin

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 this review on YouTube. Pros

Blurs skin inconsistencies Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Suitable for all skin types Suited for longwear

Cons

The powder may not be finely milled

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 makeup to stay put all day long. For the ultimate soft-focus finish with no flashback, choose this face setting powder by Black Radiance. Pros

Blends easily Conceals skin imperfections Doesn’t end up ashy No flashback Silky formula Offers a matte finish

Cons

Might not be ideal for sensitive skin types

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. Pros

Fragrance-free Oil-free Cruelty-free Can be layered Works for up to 16 hours Resistant to transferring and smudging

Cons

Some might find it to be cakey

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. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Gluten-free Paraben-free Flash-friendly Free of oil and talc

Cons

Some may not like the sheer coverage

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. Pros

Offers a matte finish Softens and blurs out skin imperfections Controls shine Cake-proof Lightweight

Cons

Might not be suited for longwear

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! Pros

Contains anti-aging benefits Ideal for mature skin Universal shade works on all skin tones Hides pores Offers shine control Silk moisturizes skin

Cons

Might not be easy to blend

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! Pros

Finely milled powder Lightweight Offers a matte finish Controls sebum Refreshing peach scent that dissipates quickly Softens skin texture

Cons

Might look ashy in photos or under bright lighting

9. 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. Pros

Smooth powder Offers a matte finish Minimizes shine Suits all skin tones Lightweight Brightens skin tone

Cons

Might discolor foundation

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! Pros

Offers a soft glow Vegan and cruelty-free Light texture Offers shine control Blurs imperfections Long lasting

Cons

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, Ben Nye’s Neutral Set Colorless Powder might be the right fit for you. It is formulated to reduce sweat and oil production so that your makeup stays put without smearing. The mattifying finish makes this a great setting powder for oily skin types. For when you’re rocking a lot of cream-based products or liquid foundations, this Colorless Powder can be your best companion. Pros

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

Cons

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. Pros

Suits all skin tones Blurs out lines, wrinkles, and blemishes Cruelty-free Vegan Made without sulfates, dyes, or fragrances Talc-free

Cons

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. Pros

Waterproof Offers a matte finish Lightweight and breathable formula Cruelty-free Blurs pores and wrinkles Transfer-proof

Cons

Might get patchy

14. Best Matte Finish:Too Faced Peach Perfect Setting Powder

Too Faced brings you a loose setting powder with a matte finish that also brightens skin with a peachy tint. The feather-light powder goes on smoothly, absorbing both shine and oil. Infused with peaches and sweet fig milk, your skin is not only conditioned, but this peach-tinted setting powder adds dimension to your makeup look. Use it comfortably for any skin type or a variety of skin tones and bask in the smoothness that follows. Pros

Offers a matte finish Conditions skin Has a brightening effect Controls shine and oil Suited for all skin types Vegan

Cons

Might not be resistant to creasing

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. Pros

Oil-free and oil-controlling Offers shine control Covers redness Offers a matte finish Crease-proof Suits all skin tones

Cons

Some may not like the odor

Now that we’ve looked at some of the best setting powders on the market, let’s 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 and combination 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. 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 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.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Chaitra Krishnan, 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. 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.

Setting Powder Vs. Setting Spray: Which One Is Your Best Bet? Best Finishing Powders For An Airbrushed Look Best Pressed Powders For A Flawless Makeup Finish