7 Best Setting Powders

9.5/10

For flawless application, use the Ambient Powder Brush to dust Ambient Lighting Powder all over the face.

Pro tip: Powders can be combined and layered to create a multi-dimensional glow. For example, start with a base of Dim Light all over the face, add Mood Light on the cheeks as a blush, and finish with Luminous Light as a highlighter.

Formula

9.5/10

By manipulating and filtering out harsh light, this powder will brighten and smooth the complexion, concealing skin imperfections, pores, and wrinkles. The state of the art formula delivers a multi-dimensional luminescence to every skin tone, making it appear softer, younger, and perfectly lit in any lighting—including flash photography.

Shade Range

10/10

What we love most about this powder is that it comes in six universally flatter shades that mimic natural light sources, from morning light to candlelight.

In terms of shades available, Ethereal Light is a great option if you’re looking for something cool that mimics a moonlit glow—even in board daylight.

Diffused Light will help conceal redness and appears soft and warm—like a ray of morning light.

Dim Light is a neutral beige powder with peach undertones that both blurs imperfections and highlights with a balance of warm and cool tones.

Mood Light is soft and forgiving if you’re looking for something to brighten your complexion.

Luminous Light is a GORGEOUS champagne pearl powder that mimics an incandescent candlelit glow—day or night (perfect for date night or special occasions).

And, finally, Radiant Light warms the complexion for a sun-kissed, golden glow.

All in, this product offers something for every skin tone and occasion. Purchase one .35-ounce product, or a custom palette with your choice of 3 different shades. Nothing like having a personal lighting technician at your disposal, right?

Value

9/10

In addition to being the most effective setting powder on our list, it is, unfortunately, also the most expensive. However, if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, go with the custom palette and select your favorite shades—it’s essentially getting 3 quality products for the price of 1, which is an amazing deal.

Also don’t forget, with setting powder, a little does a long way. So a .35-ounce product will last you longer than you’d expect.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

9.5/10

Comes with a powder puff applicator (though we would suggest the Velour Puff, which is sold separately), and the packaging is designed to prevent you from getting too much product on your puff or brush—which, again, makes this perfect for anyone with sensitive or dry skin that won’t easily soak up excess powder. Remember to apply after anything creamy (i.e., after foundation and concealer), but prior to any powder-based color (i.e., blush and bronzer).

While there are a number of different application techniques for this powder, this is the most effective approach we’ve found. First, massage powder into the puff by folding both halves together and then tab powdered side on the back of your hand to remove excess. Then, fold the puff in half, gently pressing and rolling the puff onto the skin—focusing on areas where makeup breaks down the most (think T-zone).

However, if you’re not a fan of the puff applicator, you can also apply with a damp Beauty Blender sponge for a streak-free look. Or use a big fluffy brush, which is especially great for retouching throughout the day. When applied, this powder leaves a semi-matte finish but as it wears throughout the day it develops into a beautiful glow. Trust us, you’re going to love it.

Formula

9.5/10

A lightweight, easy-to-apply, loose powder that blends effortlessly to set up makeup for up to 12 hours or longer. Locks in makeup for long-lasting wear without adding weight or texture. Creates a flawless, matte finish with no flashback in photos. Effectively blurs fine lines and imperfections. Set make-up for prolonged wear.

Color

9/10

Although this product is only available in two shades, both are truly translucent, incredibly versatile, and work on all skin tones. Translucent is perfect for all fair to medium tan skin tones, while Translucent Medium Deep is great for medium-deep to deep skin tones.

Value

9.5/10

We think $38 for the best powder is a pretty good deal. Not to mention, you only need a little bit of the product to lock your makeup in place for the entire day. This 1-ounce container will easily last you six months to a year. The less you have to apply, the less you have to buy. Pair this powder with the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation and your face will be flawless.

Overall Editor Score

9.4/10

9/10

The powder comes with a puff applicator, which should be pressed into the powder and gently tapped on the face—especially in areas that tend to shine. This powder will set and perfect the foundation for a smooth, flawless finish all day long. Or it can also be reapplied as needed throughout the day to absorb excess oil and shine.

Do be aware that it can look a bit heavy or cakey if too much is applied, so if you’re struggling to achieve the perfect balance maybe try with a powder brush rather than the applicator.

Formula

9.5/10

Sheer Finish Pressed Setting Powder by Bobbi Brown is 100% oil-free and oil-absorbing. It’s also enriched with Vitamin E for comfortable, light-weight wear.

Shade Range

9.5/10

The reason this setting powder made it so high up on our list is because of its versatility. In addition to being great for all skin types, the unique yellow base of the powder compliments all skin tones to create a natural-looking finish—even on pink complexions. It’s available in 9 different shades and comes in both a matte and natural finish.

Another pro-tip to keep in mind, it does provide a bit more coverage than your typical powder, so consider going a shade lighter than normal to achieve a more natural finish.

Value

9/10

One of the drawbacks of this product is the price. However, it is a great quality product that comes in a wider variety of shades than many of the other products on our list. So, if you’ve been struggling to find the perfect match for your skin tone, definitely give this product a try.

Overall Editor Score

9.2/10

9.5/10

Apply with either a powder puff or kabuki brush (for budget options, check out this brush from Amazon or this one by e.l.f) without fear that any bacteria from your face will contaminate the product via the applicator (thanks to the parabens).

Formula

9/10

While the parabens in this product will extend the shelf life of the powder, some customers prefer to avoid products containing parabens due to the belief that they are linked to cancer (claims which have been rejected by the American Cancer Society). But other than that it’s 100% silica, which will set makeup and leave skin looking radiant and luminous.

However, if parabens are a total deal-breaker for you, check out e.l.f High Definition Powder which comes in three shades (Shimmer, Translucent, and Corrective Yellow) which conceals fine lines and hide perfections, and, like all e.l.f. products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and not tested on animals (love that!). This one includes a powder puff, but the packaging is quite large for a finishing powder and may be tough to fit into a small purse or clutch.

Shade Range

8.5/10

This powder only comes in one shade, Translucent. However, it applies neutrally, so it works on all skin tones.

Value

9.5/10

At $6.99 for .21 ounces, this is the best value on our list! While it may not be quite as long-lasting or photo-ready as some of the other products on our list, it is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for an everyday setting powder that will minimize imperfections and absorb oil.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

9/10

The product does not come with an applicator brush or puff, but any powder brush will do (if you don’t already have one, try the Powder & Sculpt Brush from Charlotte Tilbury—you will NOT regret it). With the brush, apply this product to the T-zone, and any other oily areas. Remember to apply outwards and upwards for the most flawless finish.

Pro tip: This product can be used over foundation and concealer, but it’s also pigmented enough to wear on its own as well. Just keep in mind, if you plan to most frequently wear this product on its own it will not last as long as if used solely as a setting powder.

Formula

9/10

This breathable, micro-fine powder is so comfortable and easy to wear. It essentially functions as a cashmere veil over your skin but does not cake or sit in fine lines—brightening and perfecting your finish. The rose wax and almond oil will hydrate skin, while still absorbing access oil—creating a flawless finish on even the oiliest of skin. Additionally, the light-reflecting ingredients diffuse light for a luminous and even all-day finish.

As an added bonus, this product is formulated without sulfates but unfortunately does contain parabens and phthalates.

Shade Range

9/10

While this powder only comes in three different shades (Fair, Medium, and Dark), they are versatile and very blendable with all skin tones.

Value

9/10

$45 for 8 grams of product is pretty pricey (and puts this at one of the most expensive products on our list), but for a light-weight product that will truly leave you feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all, we really find this to be worth every penny. Additionally, if you have oily skin and have struggled to find something that will give you that truly flawless, airbrushed finish, definitely consider giving this product a try.

Overall Editor Score

9/10

9/10

Simply sweep a small amount of powder onto your skin using your favorite kabuki brush or beauty blender. Can be worn over makeup to set for a pore-blurring shine-free finish that lasts, or on bare skin to minimize the appearance of large pores and create an airbrushed finish.

Formula

9/10

This anti-aging, skin-perfecting powder utilizes real silk to diminish the appearance of pores, and hydrolyzed collaged to blur away fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also enriched with loads of antioxidants and peptides to give you a shine-free, airbrushed finish.

Shade Range

8.5/10

Only available in one shade, but it’s primarily meant to blur imperfections and hide pores with its Optical Blurring Technology. Developed by plastic surgeons, you know this stuff has gotta be good.

Value

9/10

While not the cheapest option on your list, this powder is much more reasonably priced than most of the products on our list. So the perfection option if you’re looking for a good, middle-of-the-road product to set makeup, diminish pores, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall Editor Score

9/10

8.5/10

Soft Light Blurring powder essentially acts as a light veil over your makeup either as the last step to your beauty routine to prolong wear or throughout the day to refresh and perfect your complexion.

Well, the powder does not come with a brush or powder puff, for the most perfected application try with a Kabuki brush—we love this Soft Kabuki Brush by BECCA for a smooth, even application.

Formula

9/10

Soft Light Blurring Powder goes above and beyond what you would expect from your typical setting powder to create the ultimate dream filter. It’s ultra-soft, micro-fine, and will not set into lines or wrinkles.

Additionally, it contains ceramic microspheres that softly scatter light to blur imperfections and create a natural glow. This product is also free of parabens, sulfate, and phthalates—which we love.

Shade Range

8.5/10

Unfortunately, this product is currently only available in one universal shade—Golden Hour—which, while quite versatile, maybe a bit too light for some skin tones.

Value

9/10

Currently, you can snag it for about $27, which is about $10 less than the retail price. If all else fails, you can buy this product at just about any beauty store— including Ulta.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10