Translucent powders are exactly what they sound like: colorless powders that you can apply all over your face (or to particular oily areas) to help mattify and lock in your makeup. Similar to setting powders, it gives you a pore-less effect but without the pigment. To find the best translucent powders, we spoke with makeup artists and tested about a dozen of the top-rated ones in the market. Our top pick is Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder because it provides a soft matte finish, feels extremely lightweight on the skin, and kept our makeup intact and creaseless all day, without the need for reapplication. Read on for the best expert-approved translucent powders we tested and loved.
Best translucent powders, at a glance
- Best Overall: Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, $50
- Best for Oily Skin: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder, $39
- Best for Mature Skin: Laura Mercier Pink Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Tone-Up, $47
- Best for Dry Skin: Tarte Creaseless and Brightening Setting Powder, $36
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tower 28 Beauty GetSet Blur + Set Talc-Free Pressed Setting Powder, $28
- Best for Variety of Skin Tones Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder, $37
How we chose the best translucent powders
How we tested
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We tested translucent powders on a variety of skin tones and skin types (like dry, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin). We evaluated how well they blended into the skin with makeup brushes and sponges. We checked to see if it was easy to apply and if it gave us a blur, mattifying effect. We checked in periodically throughout the day on how our makeup appeared and if it smudged or cracked, or if it remained intact and oil-free.
Meet the experts
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- Randall Intrabartola, California-based makeup artist
- Jonet Williamson, NYC-based makeup artist
- Brielle Pollara, NJ-based makeup artist
Best Overall: Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
Amazon
Nordstrom
This translucent powder is a favorite of Intrabartola because it has a brightening effect thanks to the light-reflecting particles. Plus, “its ultra-silky texture works on all skin types and will help prolong the wear of your makeup for hours.” It has a natural finish and blurs the appearance of pores, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to hide uneven skin texture.
“I’ve been using this powder for about three years now, and it’s one of the best setting powders I’ve ever tried,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It’s super thin and immediately blends into the skin upon contact. I love that it’s easy to manipulate, and is never clumpy or cakey—it clings onto a powder brush and melts right onto the skin with little effort. The best part, though, is how long it keeps my makeup matte, especially in my T-zone area where I tend to get oily. I’ll put it on when I’m getting ready in the morning and it’ll keep me smudge and crease-free well into the evening hours,” she says.
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 0.36 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
Best for Oily Skin: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
“If you need something ultra-blurring, this powder has a little more coverage than other translucent powders, and is for brightening and setting makeup,” says Intrabartola. This pick is non-comedogenic and has rice starch powder to help absorb excess oil and help prevent breakouts, making it a great pick for those dealing with extra shine throughout the day.
“I have combination, oily skin so my T-zone is extremely greasy by the end of the day. If I’m layering creamy makeup products, I make sure to use this Huda Beauty baking powder. It lays on in my undereye area without looking cakey and it lasts all day. No shiny foreheads here,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.71 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
Best for Mature Skin: Laura Mercier Pink Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Tone-Up
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
This setting powder is a go-to for Williamson, who says it’s one of her OG favorites. “This powder usually makes every pro-artist’s top five lists. It’s extremely finely milled and locks in makeup beautifully for all-day wear,” she says. It’s also very lightweight, which adds to the appeal, and it’s quite suitable for mature and aging skin types, because it helps blur lines and creases, and works to hydrate. “Those with older skin should use a translucent powder that promotes hydration and feels lightweight on the skin,” says Pollara. This one does just the trick thanks to vitamin E and amino acids baked into the formula.
“This is a great everyday powder because it’s so fine and light. A little goes a long way, and I found that using a sponge works better than a brush. You can see in my before and after photos that it mattifies my oily face right away. It does get messy though, so you might end up with some white powder on your clothes,” says Glamour’s Calle.
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 1 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
Best Drugstore: NYX Professional Makeup HD Finishing Powder
NYX Professional Makeup HD Finishing Powder
Amazon
Ulta
“This face powder is one of my favorites because it’s super affordable and helps with oil control and excess shine. It provides an airbrush finish without making the skin look dry,” says Pollara. Glamour’s Kilkeary has been this powder since she first started wearing makeup. “I’ve been using it since my high school theater days, and it’s never fallen short. It keeps my skin matte, is easy to apply with a brush, and is super finely milled, similar to some of the luxury picks on this list, but for a third of the price. It’s great for anyone first starting out with a makeup routine because it’s easy to use and doesn’t take a lot of skill to perfect .”
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.28 oz
- Format: Pressed Powder
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tower 28 Beauty GetSet Blur + Set Talc-Free Pressed Setting Powder
Tower 28 Beauty GetSet Blur + Set Talc-Free Pressed Setting Powder
Sephora
Revolve
If you deal with acne, you’ll want to look for a translucent powder that’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t seep into your pores or cause build-up). This lightweight powder does just that, and also contains kaolin clay and squalane to help absorb oil, control shine and keep the skin gently hydrated.
“At first glance, I didn’t think this powder would be effective. You really have to swipe to get product on the makeup brush but once you apply it, the matte is like no other. I was impressed by how long it lasted. Normally, some oiliness will still seep through and I’ll have to use blotting paper, but I stayed matte all day with this one,” says Glamour’s Calle.
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.35 oz
- Format: Pressed Powder
Best for a Variety of Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder
Sephora
Ulta
“A true translucent powder should work on all skin tones because they contain no color and will apply sheer or clear,” says Intrabartola. The key is to look for finely-milled and translucent particles that will mattify and blot the skin, so that there’s no risk of flashback.
“I’ve been using the Fenty Blotting and Instant Setting Invisimatte Powder for nearly two years at this point, and I love it,” says Glamour’s editorial assistant, Monique Wilson. “The packaging is compact; perfect for putting in my bag on my way to dinner or on the way into the office. I love that there is a mirror attached, which makes it useful for applying on-the-go. Highly recommend this product when commuting or after a long day of oil-buildup and in desperate need of a refresh. The mattifying power in this product is undefeatable.”
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.3 oz
- Format: Pressed Powder
Best for Dry Skin: Tarte Creaseless and Brightening Setting Powder
Tarte Creaseless and Brightening Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
Translucent powders can also be useful for application under the eyes, if your makeup tends to crease, crack or look dull in that area. “This superfine translucent powder was a winner in my book,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins. “My under eyes are definitely my problem area, so I can confidently say I’ve tried many concealers and setting powders of varying consistencies. This powder is incredibly fine and I found that it has a quality that I would almost describe as reflective, although I could have been imagining the same iridescence from the packaging. It comes with a finger-sized powder puff for application, which is great for on-the-go touch-ups, however if I was applying it directly after concealer I would use a very small amount on a brush with synthetic bristles, which I’ve found to be better for powder. It did have major staying-power even after all-day wear, and it doesn’t crease even if you re-apply after many hours or layer it on. Since I have slight creasing under my bottom lid, I have to be very careful about getting a super small amount of powder in that area. Even still, I’ve found that powder is necessary to keep both concealer and eyeliner from sliding down.”
- Finish: Natural matte
- Size: 0.24 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
Best for Pore Blurring: One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
“When I need a full coverage powder for the long haul during hot summer days, this is my go to help control sweat and shine,” says Williamson. This pick contains silky microspheres and pigments to visibly blur lines and make your skin look smoother and brighter. This one is another favorite of Kilkeary’s, who picks it up every time she’s in Sephora. “I love this powder for everyday wear because it helps hold my makeup up to all the elements, whether it’s the beating sun or freezing cold. I wore this one on a recent 10 degree day in NYC and my makeup did not budge or move (even though my eyes were tearing because of the bitter cold). I will say that this one takes a little more blending than some of the others on this list, so I’d recommend using very little, and/or going for one of the tinted shades that might blend more easily if you don’t want to spend as much time applying it.”
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 1.2 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
Best Talc-Free: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Loose Talc-Free Translucent Setting Powder
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Loose Talc Free Translucent Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
If you’re looking for a translucent powder that’s talc-free, this pick is made with natural ingredients like green tea extract to smooth and blur your complexion. It has a combination of niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate for hydration.
“I’ve seen the LYS Beauty Triple Fix Loose Translucent Powder trending on TikTok, so I was very excited to get my hands on it. The color match worked well with my skin tone, which was a delight. Upon receiving it, I did try different application methods including a beauty blender and powder brush. I found that the brush method worked best, allowing me to pick up more product and apply directly to my skin. I found that the result was a flawless finish with minimal texture,” says Wilson.
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.32 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
Most Splurge-Worthy: Beauty Pie One-Powder Wonder Uberlucent Universal
Beauty Pie One-Powder Wonder Uberlucent Universal
Beauty Pie
If you already have a few translucent powders in your collection, but want to level up your use, we love this micro-fine powder that’s lightweight, adds major radiance and works to even tone and texture. “As someone with oily to combination skin, this is well worth the investment because it’s cake-free and seamlessly melts into the skin. I concentrated this powder on areas where I have pimples and acne scars, and it managed to help hide my bumpy texture and made my complexion look a lot smoother and even,” says Kilkeary.
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.28 oz
- Format: Pressed Powder
Most Lightweight: By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder 8HA
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder 8HA
Walmart
Dermstore
“If you have dry or sensitive skin, this is the translucent powder to add to your collection. It contains hyaluronic acid and feels weightless on the skin, says Intrabartola. It keeps your complexion looking matte by absorbing oiliness and doesn’t overly dry out skin. Plus, it has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and keep the skin looking fresh.
“This doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, is super finely milled and moisturizing. I haven’t found anything else that holds a candle to this and I’ve been using it for four years now,” says Glamour reviewer Megan Terry, who has dry skin.
- Finish: Matte blurring
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Format: Loose powder
Your translucent powder questions, answered
What are translucent powders and how to apply them?
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“Translucent powders help lock in your liquid makeup products for longer wear,” says makeup artist Randall Intrabartola. Some contain skin care benefits like hyaluronic acid for hydration, or antioxidants, while others are better for controlling oil or blurring pores and texture, she says. But according to the makeup artists we spoke with, the ultimate purpose of a translucent powder is to prolong the wear of your foundation and concealer first and foremost.
Apply translucent powders lightly with a makeup brush or powder puff, and to avoid pressing them into the skin. “For a more natural application, only powder the center of the face, including the forehead, chin and inner cheek area close to the side of your nose,” says Intrabartola.
Can you use translucent powders on all skin tones?
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According to NYC-based makeup artist Jonet Williamson, translucent powders can be used universally on all skin tones when used correctly. “A little goes a long way and you’ll want to use powders that are so finely milled, they will melt into your skin, versus sitting on top of your skin which can lead to flashback in photos,” she says.
Do you apply translucent powder on before or after foundation?
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The artists say that you should mainly use translucent powder after foundation, but if you have really oily skin, you can lightly dust it on before. “This can help control shine and excess oil, in the case that you don’t have a mattifying primer on hand,” says Williamson.
What’s the difference between a loose powder, banana powder, and translucent powder?
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“A loose powder is used for setting, baking or finishing makeup while providing a natural look,” says NJ-based makeup artist, Brielle Pollara. Loose powders can be translucent powders, which basically means that you’ll find them as completely colorless. Banana powders, on the other hand, are setting powders that are slightly tinted yellow to help brighten the skin. “They’ill act like a translucent powder, but aren’t colorless,” says Williamson.
The post 11 Best Translucent Powders 2025, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Glamour.
