The Best Powders For Dark Skin Tones
14 High-Quality Face Powders For Darker Skin Tones
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If you're a makeup-lover, you know the importance of powder. After all, it does more than set your foundation. In the summer months, it can help you keep your face on (figuratively, of course), particularly if you've already got oily or combination skin, because it keeps your makeup from slipping and sliding all over the place. If your skin tends to get a bit more dry during the colder season, it also serves as a real-life smoothing filter that can set your concealer and keep your undereyes looking airbrushed.
If you have darker skin, sometimes it can be tough to find a great powder. Not only do you have to be concerned about your skin type, but you also have to take note of its undertones. There are too many times where we've had to ask: "is the translucent powder really translucent, or does it leave a white cast?" Lucky for you, we found 14 great face powders that work seamlessly on deeper skin tones.
Whether you want a fully matte look or a bit more of a glow, you'll love these choices. Plus, some of them even have SPF, which is an added perk. There are affordable options, as in under $15 affordable, as well as vegan and cruelty-free formulas. Plus, whether you want light coverage or a powder that can double as foundation, we found something that belongs in your makeup bag this season. Keep reading to shop our top selects for any season, skin tone, or type.
Best Flash-Proof Setting Powder for Dark Skin
Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder ($22)
This Ami Cole powder is a POPSUGAR Best of Beauty award winner for a reason: it's finely-milled and doesn't cause flashback, which makes it perfect for daily wear or nights on the town.
Best Pressed Finishing Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Pressed Finishing Powder ($48)
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has long been championing darker skin tones in the beauty industry and its new finishing powder carries the legacy. The formula adds a light luminosity to the face while helping to keep any oil at bay. The compact is also perfect to throw in a makeup bag for on the go.
Best Luminous Pressed Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch Pressed Setting Powder ($38)
This powder is perfect for lovers of a full glam. It's medium coverage so not only will it make you under-eyes look snatched, it'll also make them look brighter and more awake if you use a shade lighter than your true skin tone.
Best Setting Powder For All Dark Skin Tones
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($43)
POPSUGAR editors love this cult-favorite face powder and for good reason. It's truly translucent, with a matte finish that's essential for summer days.
Best Lightweight Setting Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Setting Powder ($42)
Powder can sometimes feel heavy and cakey on the skin, and that's a serious hindrance in the summer but Pat McGrath's lightweight and buildable. You won't want to apply makeup without it because it feels so good on the face.
Best Light Coverage Setting Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder ($25)
Powder generally tends to give off the impression of cakey makeup, and it feels at times like the antithesis of a natural look. Well, with this one from Rare Beauty, that doesn't have to be the case. This powder gives off light coverage, making skin look like skin, only a bit more set. It blurs, smooths, and controls shine, all while helping you still look like yourself, and it's a winner in our book.
Best Loose Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder ($36).
So many customers can't stop talking about this Fenty Beauty Setting Powder. It's cruelty-free and feels like silk on the skin. Plus, it'll stay all day long. Consider this a summertime essential.
Best Affordable Powder For Dark Skin Tones
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Setting Powder ($12).
Keep yourself looking matte and gorgeous with this NYX powder. It keeps skin from looking oily or cakey, especially in the hot summer months. Plus, it's under $15, which we love.
Best Luxury Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder ($49)
This luxe and finely-milled formula really is translucent. This powder can also be used on dry skin types, so if you need to set your makeup, this is a good one to trust. Plus, it doesn't leave a white cast, which is always a good thing.
Best Natural Finish Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Mented Cosmetics Skin Silk Loose Setting Powder ($25)
This powder is the definition of versatile. It provides a natural finish, so your skin won't look overly matte or shiny. Plus, it's cruelty free.
Best Baking Powder For Dark Skin Tones
One/Size by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder ($34)
This is like a filter for your skin. Customers love the flawless airbrushed look it gives off, and even note that it provides minimal transfer. Plus, it's a great powder to use for baking.
Best Affordable Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder ($8)
You don't have to spend a fortune on quality makeup. This powder from Maybelline is a classic for a reason. So many people love how easily it glides on and how affordable it is.
Best Pressed Powder For Dark Skin Tones
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder ($48)
If you're always on the go, a pressed powder is a great option to have in your makeup bag. This Charlotte Tilbury powder does exactly what it promises: makes you look airbrushed. If you like a pressed formula, you've got to give this a try.
Best Powder Foundation For Dark Skin Tones
bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 ($38)
If you're all about multitasking, you can always use this formula as both a foundation and a setting powder. Plus, it has SPF 15, so you're getting some sun protection as well. This is a dream product for the multitasking minimalist, and it comes in 30 shades.
