The 14 Best Setting Powders For Every Occasion
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Setting powder is often the polarizing last step in a makeup routine: you either love it or you don't. If you do, chances are you've experienced its game-changing ability to mattify even the oiliest skin, keep foundation from budging, or leave behind a soft-touch glow that's perfect for photos.
Plus, there's an option for every need or occasion. There are mattifying powders that are great for combination, acne-prone, or oily skin. If you want a hint of radiance, you might opt for a formula with light-reflecting properties. Or, if you just want to give your makeup that budge-free factor, there are great translucent powders to consider.
Then there are the best setting powders that can do it all: prevent your makeup from moving, keep oily skin at bay, and even keep your skin glowing through a six hour dance session at a rave. However, there are so many different products on the market these days, and it can be difficult choosing which product is right for you. That's why we're here to help.
Whether you're looking for a setting powder to sop up oil, that won't settle in dry patches, or just plain won't break the bank, we've got you covered. Ahead, shop all of our picks, including the best setting powder for oily skin, options from the drugstore, formulas with a translucent finish, and more.
Best Pressed Setting Powder
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder ($48)
If you're looking for a product that will blur pores and make you look like an Instagram filter, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder is the way to go. It also comes in a travel size if you're looking for a product you can take with you on the go.
Best Overall Setting Powder
Ami Colē Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder ($22)
POPSUGAR editors tested hundreds of products this past year, and this setting powder was so good it earned a POPSUGAR Beauty Award. It blurs imperfections without giving any flashback or whitecast.
Best Pink Setting Powder
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder ($35)
Pink undereye powders have been having a moment, and Pat McGrath Labs has gotten in on the fun. The brand launched a light pink version of its skin fetish formula, perfect for brightening skin tones or adding a translucent soft-matte finish to light complexions.
Best Talc-Free Setting Powder
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder ($54)
Hourglass's translucent loose-setting powder is already a winner in our books, but when they released a pressed version of their famed formula, it was an instant hit. This formula smooths any area you apply it to, so if you struggle with the look of your pores, go ahead and pick this up — they'll be a thing of the past.
Best Blurring Setting Powder
Physicians Formula Diamond Blur Cushion Powder ($16)
This Physicians Formula powder is a gem on its own, but it also really shines when paired with another powder formula. It almost acts as a finishing powder, adding an extra level of blur right where you need it.
Best Translucent Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($47)
You've probably heard of the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder at least once or twice. It has a cult-like following, and for good reason. It's lightweight and features a blurring effect that will keep your makeup looking flawless.
Best Setting Powder For Oily Skin
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder ($50)
Sephora reviewers and POPSUGAR editors agree: the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder is perfect for those with oily skin. It's practically weightless and offers a natural finish that helps blur the appearance of fine lines as well as pores.
Best Setting Powder For Dry Skin
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder ($44)
There's nothing worse than powder that clings to dry patches, but you won't have to worry about that with the Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder, our pick for anyone with dry skin.
Best Matte-Finish Setting Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder ($8)
If you're looking for a matte finish, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder is the product for you. It's a classic for a reason, and you can't beat that price.
Best Radiant-Finish Setting Powder
Rare Beauty Soft Radiance Powder ($25)
If you're looking to be the opposite of matte — we're talking glowing, radiant, and maybe even slightly blinding — we love the Rare Beauty Soft Radiance Powder for completing the look.
Best Drugstore Setting Powder
Covergirl Clean Invisible Loose Powder ($7)
The Covergirl Clean Invisible Loose Powder is our favorite drugstore pick. It's translucent, blends seamlessly, and will keep shine at bay.
Best Setting Powder With SPF
bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 ($39)
The bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 will not only protect your makeup from moving, but it will also protect your skin from unnecessary sun exposure. Don't believe us? Just check out the 15,000 five-star reviews on Sephora.
Best Luxury Setting Powder
Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre ($56)
We're obsessed with the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre setting powder, a loose powder that will keep your makeup in place all night. It is a bit of a splurge, but to us, it's worth it.
Best Powder Foundation
Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($32)
We love the Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 because it contains multitudes: it's a mineral foundation powder but it also has SPF.
— Additional reporting by Ariel Baker
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for PS's TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.