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The 13 Setting Powders Beauty Experts Swear By for an Airbrushed Look
From viral faves to drugstore staples, we found the best formulas money can buy.
In a makeup routine, the best setting powders act as a safeguard to lock your look in place. Similar to how a belt secures baggy pants, those particles work together to prevent your work from smudging even after long periods of time.
“Once all of your complexion products are applied, a setting powder helps prevent creasing, smudging, and fading by absorbing excess oil and setting the base in place,” says NYC-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty educator Jaleesa Jaikaran. Finely milled and available in a bevy of shades to match different skin tones, setting powders are especially necessary for those with oilier skin, “but if you have a drier skin type or prefer a natural glowy look, you can be more strategic and [apply] powder only where it’s needed,” she adds.
Our picks for the best setting powders of 2024
Typically, setting powders are used at the end of a routine to seal everything in—along with a setting spray, of course. However, if you have oily skin, you can apply a powder in between steps to ensure any liquid products will remain in place. Some beauty obsessives even use setting powder as the first step, working in tandem with a primer to enhance the staying power of a foundation.
If you want to that filter look in real life or your oily skin could use some extra reinforcement, we consulted a makeup expert and ELLE editors to find the 13 best setting powders for all skin types.
Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Translucent Loose Setting Powder
In the heyday of YouTube full glam routines, every makeup tutorial featured this beloved formula from Laura Mercier. The blurring effect comes from oil-absorbing silica powders that provide a filter-like finish without exaggerating pores or imperfections.
Shades: 3
Revolve rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “This is a cult-favorite for a reason. I’ve used this in my makeup kit for over a decade. It’s finely milled, lightweight, and works beautifully on almost every skin type. It sets the makeup without looking cakey and comes in translucent shades to cater to different skin tones. I love this for under the eyes and the T-zone because it’s virtually undetectable on the skin.”—Jaleesa Jaikaran
A moisturizing setting powder that keeps makeup in tact is a tall order, but Saie’s iteration delivers that and then some. The star of the formula is nourishing squalane, which works with the brand’s aerated cream technology to provide a cushiony feel throughout the day.
Shades: 3
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This powder sets well, especially the concealer under my eyes. Very light and smooth finish. Highly recommended.”
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking Setting Powder
YouTuber-turned-beauty founder Huda Kattan helped popularize glam routines, so it makes sense then that her beauty brand would supply all the essentials needed to master the aesthetic. One of Huda Beauty’s most popular SKUs is the Easy Bake setting powder, which brightens, blurs, and sets makeup to look as airbrushed and matte as possible.
Shades: 9
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “If you love more glam or a long-lasting matte look, this powder is for you. The shades are skin-tone friendly, and it smooths out pores like magic. It’s great for baking or setting if you want that beat-for-the-gods finish.”—Jaleesa Jaikaran
A staple in practically every makeup artist’s kit, the RCMA powder is the “big gun” you recruit when you want long-lasting makeup for a special occasion but don’t want to spend a lot of money. For the price of your morning latte, this “no-color” setting powder is universally flattering (no flashbacks here!) and leaves a thin veil that doesn’t feel cakey or heavy.
Shades: 1
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This one is perfect for my minimalists. It’s no-frills, translucent, and doesn’t alter your foundation shade. It’s a great option for anyone who wants an affordable, no-flashback formula that works well on all skin tones.”
Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder Rich
Using a matte setting powder can sometimes be a gamble. If it’s too matte, it can make you look dry and accentuate areas you want to conceal. This one from Ami Colé is one you can trust; hyaluronic acid and baobab seed extract offer skin benefits, while the lightweight powder saps up any excess oil.
Shades: 3
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “I love how finely milled this powder is; it goes on the skin so smooth, and the shade range works for a wide range of skin tones. I particularly love that this is talc-free and that baobab seed extract helps nourish the skin.”—Jaleesa Jaikaran
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder Size
Just as the Pro Filt’r foundation provides a long-lasting matte finish throughout the day, the accompanying setting powder follows suit. Whether used with a brush, sponge, or puff, the silky, light texture dusts across your face easily to smooth and brighten.
Shades: 8
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “AMAZINGGGG!!! You can use this without foundation and it’ll give u some good coverage, granted I have skin that isn’t too acne prone, but if you’re looking for coverage without the weight of feeling like you have foundation on, this is the perfect thing!!!”
Dermablend’s loose setting powder helps minimize the look of pores and texture to maintain a soft, smooth veil throughout the day. Those with acne-prone, oily skin will love the lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.
Shades: 4
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my favorite loose setting powder. Finely milled so it doesn’t settle into fine lines, it absorbs oil so the skin stays matte longer.”
Givenchy Prisme Libre Illuminating & Color-Correcting Loose Powder
Of all the purchases TikTok encouraged me to make, the Givency setting powder is perhaps the most worthwhile. While it costs a pretty penny, the Prisme Libre powder doesn’t only set makeup, it also color corrects to keep your complexion even and bright.
Shades: 6
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have oily skin and I apply this over my makeup as a last step before setting spray, and I am LOVING the results. It’s definitely helped prevent me from looking like a greasy/sweaty mess in photos.”
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
I haven’t met an Hourglass product I didn’t like, and according to nearly 1,000 reviewers singing the praises of this powder, they haven’t either. Hourglass’s setting powder works wonders for all skin types, especially mature, as it features light-reflecting pigments that illuminate the skin and set makeup in place for hours.
Shades: 3
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “My skin is extremely picky with powders. Almost everything gives my skin rashes, hives, or breakouts, especially when the powder contains talc. This Hourglass powder doesn’t do any of that, it doesn’t cause any irritation for my skin. I also love how it sets my makeup. It makes my skin look airbrush and blurs my pores. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It’s definitely worth every penny.”
Are you really a Charlotte Tilbury darling if you don’t own at least one of these setting powders? This powder marries two steps—finish and setting—to deliver airbrushed, professional-level results in just a few swipes. Pro tip: Use the lightest and deepest shades to brighten and contour.
Shades: 6
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “One of my first big-girl setting powder purchases was this one. Back then, as a frugal post-college student, graduating from a drugstore staple to the mini version of the Charlotte Tilbury powder was cause for celebration, and I used mine down until I hit the bottom of the pan. I’ve since bought the full-sized version, which lasts forever, it seems, along with a lighter shade for brightening, and adore how airbrushed my under-eye area looks after each use.”—Nerisha Penrose
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Pros
Cons
- Not best for dry skin
At one point, thanks to TikTok, pink under-eye powder was all the rage, and One/Size’s version was at the center of the hype. However, don’t sleep on the full range. Featuring silky, soft-focus powders, this formula blurs, brightens, and mattifies with ease.
Shades: 7
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I always say if I have to choose ONE makeup brand for a full face, it’s definitely going to be ONE/SIZE! This blurring powder is lightweight and pretty! A perfect product for those that especially like quick routines.”
Make Up For Ever Skin Shine-Controlling & Blurring Setting Powder
This powder reduces the appearance of oil on the skin and controls it throughout the day so your makeup doesn’t fade or transfer so easily. The package comes with a puff to lightly dust the powder wherever necessary to blur any imperfections.
Shades: 6
Nordstom rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The ingredients in this setting powder work for my skin…. For the first time I’ve found a setting powder that doesn’t break me out!! It lasts well. I have combo skin. There is soooo much product. Love the packaging!”
e.l.f. cosmetics High Definition Powder
It just doesn’t get any better than an affordable setting powder that rivals more expensive ones. Technically, that’s the pillar E.L.F stands on—creating high-quality formulas that don’t break the bank. This setting powder is no exception; the formula isn’t completely matte but dries to a natural, soft-focus finish perfect for the soft glam girls out there.
Shades: 2
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I don’t care how many fancy setting powders I own, very few are as flawless as this one from E.L.F. To think I reluctantly bought this on a whim, fearful it would under-perform the high-end formulas in my beauty collection, and it exceeded my expectations. It’s so lightweight and blends out like a dream without leaving a chalky white film behind. I use the Soft Luminous shade, which offers a subtle shimmer finish.”—Nerisha Penrose
What’s the difference between a finishing powder and a setting powder?s
While having both are crucial to a flawless finish, they function differently. “Setting powder is your worker bee. Use it right after your base products to set them. It’s functional and focuses on increasing wear time and controlling shine,” Jaikaran explains. If you prefer a filter-like finish, a finishing powder is your next bet. “Think of finishing powder as your airbrush filter. It’s applied at the end of your routine to blur, smooth, and give a polished finish. It’s especially useful if you’re dealing with texture or want to look extra flawless for photos,” she adds.
Where does setting powder fall in a routine?
“Setting powder comes right after your cream or liquid products— foundation, concealer, cream blush, or contour—before moving on to powder-based products like bronzer or blush,” Jaikaran shares.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Nerisha Penrose consulted a professional makeup artist to gather insights on the best setting powders.
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