Discover the best setting powders that guarantee a flawless, long-lasting finish. From cult classics to budget-friendly gems, these powders blur imperfections, control shine, and give your skin that smooth, airbrushed look every beauty lover craves.
If there’s one product that truly holds your makeup together, it’s a good setting powder. More than just a finishing touch, setting powders blur imperfections, absorb excess oil, and extend the life of your makeup. Whether you prefer a matte finish, a radiant glow, or an invisible veil that looks like second skin, the right powder can completely transform your routine. Let’s explore the setting powders that are worth a place in your makeup bag.
If you have oily or combination skin, you already know the struggle-makeup that melts away by midday and unwanted shine that takes over your look. This is where matte setting powders step in like a true hero. With oil-absorbing properties, they instantly blur the appearance of pores, reduce shine, and keep your base makeup intact for hours. A good matte powder works like a filter, leaving you with smooth, crease-free skin that stays fresh all day.
The best part is their versatility-matte powders are not just for the T-zone. You can dust them lightly all over the face for long-lasting coverage or target problem areas like the forehead, nose, and chin for a more natural finish. Ideal for humid days, big events, or when you need your makeup to last from morning coffee to late-night plans, matte setting powders are an essential for anyone battling excess oil.
Setting powder isn’t just about dusting your face after foundation-makeup artists have long mastered clever hacks that take your look to the next level. One of the most popular techniques is baking, where you apply a generous layer of powder under the eyes, along the jawline, or under the contour, leaving it to set for a few minutes before brushing away. This trick locks in concealer, prevents creasing, and creates a sculpted, flawless finish. Another pro tip is using a damp beauty sponge instead of a brush to press powder into the skin for a smoother, longer-lasting effect.
You can also use setting powders strategically to enhance different parts of your routine. For example, lightly dusting powder on your eyelids before applying eyeshadow helps prevent creasing and makes colours pop. Applying it over lipstick gives a matte finish that lasts longer, while using it between skincare layers can help control oil before makeup even goes on. These small but powerful hacks are why pros can make makeup stay picture-perfect for hours-and the good news is, you can too.
While matte powders keep shine under control, radiance-boosting setting powders are the secret to skin that looks naturally lit from within. These formulas are designed with finely milled shimmer or light-reflecting particles that instantly brighten the complexion. Instead of looking flat, your makeup gets a soft-focus finish that mimics healthy, glowing skin. Think of them as the balance between setting and highlighting-they lock in your makeup while giving your face a subtle luminosity that feels fresh, never greasy.
What makes these powders so versatile is their ability to enhance any makeup look. A dusting across the high points of your face-like the cheekbones, brow bone, and even the collarbone-can replace a traditional highlighter for a more understated glow. Worn all over, they give the illusion of smoother, plumper skin that catches the light beautifully in photos and real life. Perfect for dry or dull skin types, radiance-boosting powders ensure your makeup doesn’t just last, but also leaves you looking radiant all day.
Widely praised as the best overall, this pressed powder offers a pore-blurring, radiant finish that revives makeup effortlessly. It’s packed with skin-softening ingredients like almond oil and rose wax, providing hydration while smoothing shine. A favourite on red carpets-and even Amal Clooney’s go-to for that airbrushed look.
This lightweight, silky loose powder is infused with synthetic sapphire and delivers a blurring, soft-focus finish that minimizes pores and fine lines-perfect for photo-ready radiance.
A cult-classic that's widely praised for its ability to control shine and set makeup flawlessly, all without looking cakey or settling into fine lines.
This breathable loose powder offers a natural matte finish that sets makeup seamlessly, melts into skin, and helps control shine throughout the day.
A budget-friendly favorite for oily to normal skin. Its ultra-fine micro-powders absorb oil, blur pores, and offer a natural matte finish that lasts up to 12 hours.
Great for long-lasting wear, this brightening loose baking powder helps balance skin tone and lock in makeup-while remaining fragrance- and paraben-free.
A beloved dupe for high-end banana powders, this weightless formula locks in makeup even in heat, offers a soft-focus effect, and is praised for its affordability.
Featuring a natural, sheer semi-matte finish, this powder is perfect for reducing shine with a sponge for an airbrushed effect.
No makeup kit is truly complete without a reliable setting powder, and the right one can completely transform the way your base looks and lasts. These powders do more than just control shine-they blur imperfections, smooth texture, and lock your makeup in place for hours. Whether you’re aiming for an airbrushed matte effect or a luminous glow, today’s setting powders are lightweight, finely milled, and designed to enhance your natural complexion without looking cakey.
Adding a high-quality setting powder to your vanity means you’re always prepared for a flawless finish. They’re the secret weapon behind seamless makeup that lasts through long workdays, special events, and even humid weather. From radiance-boosting formulas to oil-absorbing mattes, these powders make touch-ups a breeze and give your skin that “just applied” freshness all day. Investing in one (or two!) ensures your makeup routine feels polished, professional, and picture-perfect every single time.
From mattifying gels to dewy face mists, these 7 bestselling sunscreens are your skin’s best defence against UV damage…
Let’s delve into the top perfumes that are making waves this year and explore how to choose the perfect scent for any…
Top-rated jelly moisturisers that deliver instant, weightless hydration. These ultra-refreshing gel creams absorb fast…