The best setting powders can help seal in your foundation, keep shine under control, and leave your skin with a soft-focus finish. This quick finishing touch will make your makeup seriously last longer (we swear). To find the best ones for every skin type, we spoke with several makeup artists who gave us the intel on their favorite picks, plus tips on how to choose the right powder—whether pressed, loose or translucent. We also included tried and tested personal favorites from Glamour editors. Below, the very best setting powders that made the cut. Our top pick was the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder because it works for every skin type and keeps makeup matte for hours.
The setting powders, at a glance:
- Best Overall: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder, $39
- Best for Oily Skin: One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, $34
- Best for Dry Skin: Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder, $25
- Best for Mature Skin: Ilia Soft Focus Setting Powder, $36
- Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Retouch Setting Powder, $36
How we chose the best setting powders
How we tested
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
We tested setting powders by evaluating their texture (whether they were matte, satin, natural finishes), how they applied onto the skin, and if they truly elongated our makeup wear. We looked for formulas with finely-milled particles that absorbed easily, and kept our skin looking radiant, yet not overly shiny. We also reviewed formulas based on how they looked at the end of the day: was our skin just as velvety smooth and matte as it was when we first applied it? These were the setting powders that met our expectations, and beyond.
Meet the experts
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
- Natalie Dresher, celebrity makeup artist
- J Guerra, celebrity makeup artist
- Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist
- Nydia Figueroa, NJ-based celebrity makeup artist
Best Overall: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
This was the unanimous favorite among the Glamour team. Between its lightweight finish and easy-to-apply sponge applicator, this setting powder from Huda Beauty works for every skin type. In addition to a translucent version, it comes in nine other shades. “Setting powders can make me look like Casper the Friendly Ghost, but the selection of shades—I used banana bread—work well on my skin tone. I have combination skin and my T-zone gets very oily by the end of the day. This setting powder get shine at bay,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor.
Glamour social media manager Jazmin Gathers is also a fan: “This is honestly the best setting powder I’ve ever tried, and my go-to for a full makeup look or natural beat,” she says. “It’s light but gives a gorgeous finish, and seamlessly blends everything together. A little goes a long way, so it’s definitely worth the price.”
- What we love: Sweat- and humidity-resistant; great value
- What we don’t like: Slightly messier to use
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.71 oz
- Format: Loose
- Shades: 10
Best for Oily Skin: One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
LRN makeup artist Kat Dorn highly recommends this blurring powder because it helps smooth uneven texture and fine lines. “I recommend using this setting powder in a color similar to your skin tone to help blur and blend foundation,” she says.
As it turns out, Glamour’s commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary is also a huge fan of this pick. “I use this setting powder in the shade Sweet Honey just about everyday, and it’s my secret to getting my makeup to not move for hours. I like that the powder is super finely milled and easy to control. A little definitely goes a long way, so I recommend applying it with a tapered brush to get into any hard to reach areas like under the eyes or around the nose. It’s also been a savior for my combination skin, I never look oily or too cakey throughout the day.”
- What we love: Blurs and color corrects
- What we don’t like: Messy to apply
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 1.2 oz
- Format: Loose powder
- Shades: 7
Best for Dry Skin: Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder
Sephora
Walmart
Just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean powdering will automatically leave you looking cakey. This velvet-finish setting powder from Rare Beauty will seal in your makeup without settling into dry patches throughout the day. The formula has a silky lightweight feel that works perfectly for those with drier skin textures. Makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends it for those who prefer a talc-free powder. It’s designed to be lightweight and paraben-free, ideal for all skin types, especially dry, and sets makeup flawlessly for long-lasting wear. It also comes in various shades to cover all skin tones.
“This is a really lightweight powder—you can barely feel it on your skin and it feels silky smooth rather than cakey,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley who has dry skin. “It’s just enough for that final step of blurring your makeup to make everything look nice and reduce any shine. Since I use mostly liquid/cream products this really helps lock in the look for me.”
- What we love: Cruelty-free; extra-fine milled powder; airy feel
- What we don’t like: Some may prefer a more matte finish
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 0.33 oz
- Format: Loose
- Shades: 5
Best for Mature Skin: Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder
Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta
This loose powder from Ilia locks in your makeup while boosting your skin with a trio of hydrating and conditioning ingredients. The formula is talc-free, so it won’t result in flashback in photos, and the cocktail of aloe, bamboo, and rosemary keeps the skin soothed, soft, and supple. “I love this setting powder because it’s so finely milled that it really lays on the skin nicely,” says Desher.
Glamour’s Calle says its one of the most lightweight powders she’s ever used. “It applies nicely and has a sweet scent. However, it only comes in one shade so there is some white cast,” she says.
- What we love: It’s lightweight and translucent
- What we don’t like: Only comes in translucent; white cast
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.32 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
- Shades: 1
Best Shade Range: The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Retouch Setting Powder
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Retouch Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta
“This powder is great for setting makeup because it melts right into the skin, extends the makeup wear and looks like a filter on your face,” says Nydia Figueroa, a NJ-based celebrity makeup artist.
And Glamour’s editorial assistant, Monique Wilson, agrees: “Unsurprisingly, I love the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder (as I do with most Fenty Beauty products). The shade Cashew is perfect for my skin tone, offering a natural brightness and matte finish, without feeling dry at all. I’ve used it a few times, and I forget it’s on my face until I look at myself like, ‘Wow, there are no creases.’ I use it with a sponge, which is recommended for under eyes, and it applies seamlessly. This is definitely one of my new staples,” she says.
- What we love: Blurring finish
- What we don’t like: Might be a little messy to apply
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.98 oz
- Format: Loose powder
- Shades: 8
Best Drugstore: Cover Girl Clean Invisible Loose Powder
Cover Girl Clean Invisible Loose Powder
Amazon
Ulta
This full coverage loose powder is one of the most affordable powders on this list. It gives you a luxurious soft, matte finish and helps blot up excess oil so your skin looks shine-free.
“I discovered the CoverGirl Clean Invisible Loose Powder about two years ago,” says Glamour’s Wilson. “Before that, I wasn’t a loose powder girlie, but this product definitely converted me. This is my everyday powder that offers great coverage in a lightweight and breathable formula. I use the Translucent Fair shade, which gives me the right amount of brightness under my eyes for the day-to-day. The packaging makes it very easy to apply, but it sets quickly, so I only leave it on for a few seconds before wiping it off with a makeup brush.”
- What we love: Talc-free
- What we don’t like: Might be messy
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 0.63 oz
- Format: Loose Powder
- Shades: 8
Best Translucent: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta
Laura Mercier, possibly the most famous translucent powder, is a beauty staple and deserves a place in any makeup bag. The formula has evolved over the years to now include skin-boosting vitamins and amino acids. Some people avoid translucent powder for fear of looking blotchy or ghostlike, but with its weightless feel and seamless finish, it’ll convert even the most skeptical among us. In fact, it’s a favorite of makeup artist Natasha Moor who says she always goes back to this staple in her makeup kit.
Glamour’s Calle is also a huge fan of this formula. “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,” she says. It does get messy though, she warns, so she recommends keeping application targeted to help.
- What we love: Comes in three sizes
- What we don’t like: Available in matte finish only
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 1 oz
- Format: Loose powder
- Shades: 4
Best Blurring Setting Powder: Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Blurring Setting Powder
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Blurring Setting Powder
Nordstrom
Sephora
The skin around the eyes is one of the most delicate areas on the face, and as we all know, it takes one bad night’s sleep to make any fine lines more apparent. While it can be tempting to load on the concealer, going in lightly with a hydrating product like this blurring powder from Westman Atelier is actually the best option to not accentuate any tiredness or bags further. This powder uses quinoa seed extract to minimize the appearance of pores while vitamin C helps protect against free radicals. “It blurs the undereye beautifully, giving the illusion of a flawless and lineless undereye,” says Dresher.’
“I first noticed how luxe the packaging was when trying this compact,” says Glamour contributor Neha Tandon. “I love the gilded finishes and heavy weight. When I first used it, I picked up just enough product (with a makeup sponge) to set my makeup without overdoing it. Sometimes my issue with pressed powders is that it’s hard to pick up enough product, but I didn’t experience that with this. It had an almost buttery-soft feel, and is probably the least-powdery-feeling powder I’ve actually ever used. The shade “Crème” was perfect for me, because the pale yellow tint actually seemed to brighten the dark circles under my eyes. I love the idea of using this as a touch-up product to keep in my purse since the compact is smaller than palm-sized (and it’ll just look so chic in my bag).”
- What we love: Skin-enriching ingredients; luxury packaging
- What we don’t like: Slightly more expensive (although a little goes a long way)
- Finish: Matte blurring
- Size: 0.17 oz
- Format: Pressed powder
- Shades: 5
Best Pressed Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
Sephora
Ulta
Walmart
Pressed powder is the best option for anyone who favors a mess-free application or has to do their makeup on the go. Unlike powder compacts of the past, this modernized take from Charlotte Tilbury is anything but cakey. The skin-care-based formula uses a combo of rose wax and almond oil to soften and moisturize the skin, while the powder has been infused with light-reflecting pearlescent pigments to give your face a luminous and radiant finish.
Glamour’s Kilkeary loves this setting powder because it helps keep her combination skin matte but never flat or dull. “It keeps my skin completely shine-free but gives me a soft glow that makes me look more awake. I love that this powder is pressed because I can take it with me anywhere on the go, and it has a mirror which makes touch-ups a breeze,” she says.
- What we love: Available in a refill option; easy to apply
- What we don’t like: Smaller shade range
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 0.28 oz
- Format: Pressed powder
- Shades: 4
Best for Brightening Undereye: Tarte Creaseless Setting and Brightening Powder
Tarte Creaseless Setting and Brightening Powder
Sephora
Ulta
Figueroa loves this creaseless setting powder for all different parts of the face. “This has been a product that I keep reaching for in my makeup kit. It’s perfect to set the under eye area and has different colors to brighten and color correct, which takes your makeup to the next level,” she says.
“My undereyes 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,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins. “I’ve found that powder is necessary to keep both concealer and eyeliner from sliding down every time.”
- What we love: Great for the under eye area
- What we don’t like: Pricey for the amount of product
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.24 oz
- Format: Loose powder
- Shades: 9
Best for Shine Control: The Makeup Forever HD Setting Powder
The Makeup Forever HD Setting Powder
Nordstrom
Sephora
“This setting powder comes in corrective shades and has a tint of color to set makeup, absorb oil and blend seamlessly into the skin,” says Figueroa.
“This is the most blurring setting powder I’ve ever used—seriously, it feels like I’m adding a filter. It instantly softens my undereye area and the matte finish helps control shine all day. I also like that it comes with a powder puff for precision blending,” Glamour’s Calle says.
- What we love: It’s non-comedogenic, making it suitable for oily skin types
- What we don’t like: If you use too much it may end up looking cakey
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.63 oz
- Format: Loose powder
- Shades: 6
Best for Sensitve Skin: Kosas Cloud Set
Kosas Cloud Set
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Glamour’s Kilkeary swears by this vegan setting powder that’s one of the best in her collection. “I love that it’s talc-free and non-comedogenic, making it perfect for my combination (and sometimes very oily) skin. It’s a baked pressed powder that has finely-milled particles so flexible that it’s very easy to spread out all over the face with a simple brush. It leaves my skin ultra-velvety and I’m so obsessed I reach for it basically everyday.”
- What we love: Talc-free, vegan and cruelty-free
- What we don’t like: Not as long lasting as some of the other powders on this list
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 0.33 oz
- Format: Pressed powder
- Shades: 13
Best for Combination Skin: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Loose Powder
MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Loose Powder
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta
Beloved by both makeup artists and the Glamour beauty editors, this pro setting powder from MAC is the one to reach for if you’re serious about achieving an expert finish to your base. Suitable for all skin types and available in various shades and undertones, this powder gives skin a soft and blurring effect while also absorbing oil and controlling shine. Dresher explains the hype: “This powder is an OG favorite for makeup artists. It sets makeup for a full day without settling into fine lines or wrinkles or clinging onto dry patches. You can also wear it on the skin alone. It truly makes it look like you’re filtered IRL. The color range is also impressive for the fairest of fair tones and deepest of deep tones.”
- What we love: Sweat proof, absorbs oil
- What we don’t like: Slightly messier to use
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.22 oz
- Format: Loose
- Shades: 6
Best Loose Setting Powder: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder
Amazon
Ulta
Walmart
Proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a gorgeous makeup look, this setting powder from Maybelline is the ideal option if you’re looking for a high-quality finish at a drugstore price. It seals in your makeup and will keep you shine-free all day. “I grabbed this at the drugstore when I forgot my personal makeup bag at home, and I was so impressed that it’s now a staple in my personal makeup kit,” says Desher. “This powder is a direct dupe for some of its name brand sisters.”
- What we love: Great price; controls shine
- What we don’t like: Smaller shade range
- Finish: Sheer matte
- Size: 0.7 oz
- Format: Loose powder
- Shades: 8
Your setting powder questions, answered
What are the benefits of using setting powder?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
In a nutshell, setting powders help reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, and blemishes while helping your makeup last longer. While it gets a bad rap for making your face look dry and cakey, the latest face powder formulas stay put without smearing, smudging, or feeling heavy. Setting powder can also come in hues to match your skin tone, so it blends well into the skin without looking ashy, says Figueroa.
Is translucent powder the same as setting powder?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
While translucent powders and setting powders are both used for the same purpose—to set your makeup and control shine—setting powders are not necessarily translucent. “A translucent powder (colorless) is always a setting powder, but not every setting powder is a translucent powder,” says Dresher. “Some setting powders have color added to them to match skin tone.”
In addition, translucent powder functions more like a “finishing powder,” whereas setting powder sits on top of liquid and cream makeup, helping it to adhere to the skin. “Finishing powder, or translucent powder, perfects the skin by absorbing shine and blurring the appearance of pores, fine lines, or other imperfections,” says celebrity makeup artist J Guerra. “If not used carefully, some translucent powders can cause ‘flashback’ in photos or leave a chalky cast on deeper skin tones.”
What’s the difference between setting powder and setting spray?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
The difference is minimal in the long run, but Jamie Makeup, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jamie Greenberg says powders typically work better for oily skin and setting sprays for drier skin. Of course, you could combine the two for even longer-lasting wear, she says.
How do I choose the best setting powder for my skin type?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“If your skin is oily, you’ll want to use a setting powder that is matte so that it can lock in the makeup and control the oil,” says Figueroa. If your skin is dry or combination, she recommends a satin formula for setting makeup so that your finish won’t end up looking dry or cakey.
Is loose or pressed powder better?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
Loose powder is more breathable on the skin, but pressed powder can be a great option if you’re in a hurry. In terms of coverage, Figueroa recommends choosing a pressed powder for more coverage, and loose powder for lighter coverage.
What is the best way to apply setting powder?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
Applying setting powder correctly will depend on your skin type. “If someone has dry skin, I set the area using a damp sponge first. For mature skin or drier skin types, I apply either loose powder or pressed powder with a fluffy brush, and for oily skin, I pack the pressed or loose powder onto a powder puff and press it into the skin,” says Dresher.
Another pro tip: Ditch makeup primer for setting spray, which works just as well and eliminates another layer of makeup. “Instead of adding additional product layers under the eyes with primers, softly apply setting spray onto a brush and sweep it under the eyes before applying concealer,” Guerra says. “This will adhere the makeup from underneath. After lightly setting with powder, mist a touch of setting spray onto a damp sponge and gently press over the undereye area. This will set your undereye makeup and melt down any excess powder. Try to look up with your eyes while blending to prevent any creases from forming during this process.”
The post 14 Best Setting Powders We Tested 2025, Approved by Makeup Artists appeared first on Glamour.
