The 21 best set powders of 2022 for skin matting and anti-oil
At the end of the day, you want the makeup you’ve carefully applied to stay in place, and powder is key to making sure your look stays that way. It absorbs oil but repels water (see how we tested the water resistance of some of the most popular setting powders in TikTok below), ensuring long-lasting wear, wrinkling-, transfer- and sweat-proof.
Up front, we hear from six professional makeup artists on how powders protect makeup, how to apply makeup, and the best contouring powders to shop for for all skin types and budgets.
“Powder has a dual purpose – to set makeup under it (liquid foundation, concealer, cream blush) while also providing a base for powder products (blush, powder, etc.) highlighter, contour) and absorb excess oil from the skin,” explains the celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stileswho works with Lily Collins, Natasha Lyonne, Gabrielle Union and more.
Those oils “will start to break down the makeup on your face as the day goes on,” says Stiles, so using powder will prevent any slippage and shine. Furthermore, a quality highlighter will help your makeup stay in place without creasing or creating a “cakey” effect. Instead, it should have a smooth base that adheres seamlessly to your foundation, whether it’s color-corrected, tinted, or translucent.
While highlighters absorb excess oil on the skin, creating a matte effect, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise for a glowing complexion. “Most traditional highlighters have a matte finish, but many of the new generation powders have a sheen,” says the New York-based makeup artist. Jas Doyle.
You can tailor the powder application to suit your skin’s needs and desired effect.
“Your applicator is an important component to consider when applying powder,” makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran speak. All the experts we spoke to said that large, fine powder brush is best for a natural, diffuse look. If you have oily skin, you may need to use a heavier hand when applying and applying powder puff dough or makeup sponge with a patting or rolling motion to bind the powder without damaging your base or concealer.
“If you’re looking for more coverage or you’re baking, use Beautician Jaikaran suggested.
Whether you use a brush, puff, or sponge, you’ll want your foundation to dry for a minute before applying powder. “It is best to let your foundation settle for a minute or two after you apply it,” Wendi Miyake, a popular makeup artist whose clients include Madonna, Kelly Rowland, and several of the Kardashian sisters. “You don’t want to put powder on your foundation while it’s still wet, as this can cause stickiness or stickiness.”
Stiles also says to avoid applying powder over foundation as this “will be superfluous and make the makeup look too dry and thick”.
If you prefer a lighter hand, you can apply contouring powder to specific areas of your face. Make an artist Mai Quynhwho worked with Jessica Alba and Chloë Grace Moretz, choose one small, smooth brush when applying makeup around the nose and under the eyes – areas prone to wrinkles. Topical powder can also help you maintain a dewy finish while controlling shine. “If you lightly dab the powder on your forehead, sides of your nose, and chin and leave the rest unblemished, you’ll have lovely rosy cheeks while keeping oil in the T-zone,” explains Stiles.
$32 at Sephora
Jaikaran loves this liquid contouring powder that comes in five versatile shades. “Bounce Soft Focus Gemstone Setting Powder is a real gem!” makeup experts say. “This is great because it brings hyaluronic acidgreat for drier skin [and can] Set the platform without cake. It also features freshwater pearls and rose quartz that add radiance and energy to the skin.”
From $22 at Sephora or $46 at Ulta and Hourglass
Quynh says Hourglass’s top-rated powder is a favorite among people with dry skin. “[It] She speaks:
$30 $22.91 at Amazon or $30 at Mineral compounds
“These powders are amazing,” says Stiles. “They are very finely milled and I prefer lighter colors.” Both color-corrected Banana and neutral beige apply transparently and work on all skin tones. “The powder with a lighter base ensures that it doesn’t dull the skin like some beige tones can,” she explains.
$54 at Amazon and Nordstrom
Miyake says the powder “helps makeup and foundation without drying out” thanks to its hyaluronic acid formula.
$64 at Sephora and Nordstrom
Doyle loves this ultra-lightweight yet long-lasting pressed powder. It is available in 10 shades and reviewers with dry skin love it for its weightless application and vibrant finish.
$34 at Nordstrom and MAC Cosmetics
Stiles and Doyle endorse this oil control powder. “I have used this powder personally and professionally for decades,” says Stiles. “It absorbs oil without adding a lot of product, so you can really use it all day without the stickiness.”
$ 24 at Sephora
Miyake trusts this powder for oily skin because it helps keep the foundation in place to prevent wear. “For oily skin and to ensure longevity, I use a contour puff and press it all over my face,” advises Miyake.
From $25 at Sephora or $45 at Charlotte Tilbury
Celebrity editor and makeup artist Dmitry Kukushkin and Quynh love this shine-reducing powder, which Quynh says “brightens skin without leaving a dull finish.” Plus, she adds, “Powders are great for moving.”
From $18 at Sephora or $39 at Ulta
As Kukushkin’s favorite compact powder, the Crystal matte shade is a great choice for those who want a light base without being greasy.
From $16 at Sephora
“One/Size has become popular for all the right reasons,” says Jaikaran. “This is an ultra-fine powder with a soft matte finish and an additional mattifying effect that lasts up to 14 hours. I like to use this product for clients who tend to be a bit more oily as it helps lock in makeup. “
From $ 24 at Sephora or $40 at Ulta
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a professionally approved pick that four of the makeup artists we spoke to recommend. Miyake says, “it gives a matte finish that is perfect for all skin tones,” while Quynh claims it “blends in easily – a must-have for a makeup artist!” Not to mention, it has over 6,000 5-star reviews on Sephora, proving its holy grail status to many.
From $40 at Sephora or $58 at Nordstrom
“You can apply matte powder all over your skin or just on the T-zone, depending on your skin type,” says Kukushkin. Available in six color-correcting shades that apply translucent, this top-rated setting powder is worth savoring, according to MUA. It has a slight shimmer for a radiant finish and is suitable for all skin types.
$36 at Amazon and Nordstrom
Stiles says the selection is “a lovely talc-free formula that feels silky smooth on the skin.” It has a diffuser effect that gives a satin finish to any base makeup.
$34 at Sephora, Ulta and Fenty Beauty
An alternative to liquid powders, this pressed option from Fenty Beauty that softens and creates a pore-mapping effect is also recommended by Kukushkin.
From $20 at Sephora or $37 at Makeup for forever
This pore-brightening powder is Doyle’s favorite matting pick. It blends seamlessly with foundation and won’t look chalky.
$110 at Sephora and Nordstrom
This fine, light powder is another popular choice, says Kukushkin. It has a hint of shimmer and the finely ground powder is blended with La Mer’s Miracle Broth Toner, which is the antioxidant-rich base for the brand’s premium skin care products.
From $7.78 at Amazon or $8 at Ulta
Elf has several professionally approved setting powders for under $10. Quynh likes Halo Glow Setting Powder because it’s great for “taking away shine while leaving skin glowing.”
$6 at Ulta
Doyle likes the Elf high-resolution dough, which doesn’t wrinkle or cake. It has a matte Sheer shade and a slightly shimmering Soft Light.
From $11.95 at Amazon or $10.29 at Target
Miyake says that this pharmacy selection really offers a velvety smooth finish.
$8.49 $3.42 at Amazon
Jaikaran and Miyake agree that Maybelline’s popular Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is another highly effective, lightweight, and oil-absorbing powder. “This has to be my favorite drugstore contouring powder not only because of its affordable price, but also because it has such a wide shade range,” says Jaikaran. “[It] there is a tint of color that completes makeup flawlessly regardless of the finish you are applying. “