9.9/10

Laura Mercier claims the magic lies in the velour powder puff. The puff absorbs the loose powder by folding and rubbing the two halves together. Then, gently press the puff onto your skin with a rolling motion.

Sound complicated? It’s not after you try it even once. This powder blends effortlessly into your foundation and concealer.

Formula

10/10

Dense in the jar, but feather-light on the skin. With a modern matte soft-focus finish and a touch of sheer coverage, this award-winning setting powder locks in makeup for long-lasting wear. It comes in both translucent and translucent medium deep, to perfectly match all skin tones.

This formula absorbs excess oil, controls and reduces shine, and doesn’t look cakey on the skin.

It’s not extremely matte like others on this list, but instead, you’ll enjoy soft SnapChat filter-like perfection.

Longevity

10/10

Perfectly set makeup for up to 12 hours with the silkiest product you’ll ever use. It prevents creasing without white-cast and it can be trusted all day.

Value

9.7/10

It’s a little pricey, but the container lasts forever so we think it’s totally worth it.

It’s such a good setting powder that just about any price would be worth it…

9.9/10

Hourglass recommends using their dual-sided Veil Powder Brush for a perfect application. The smaller side is for setting concealer in your undereye area.

The packaging involves an innovative sifter and custom cap that lets you dispense the perfect amount of product every time. This is particularly amazing because loose powders have a horrible track record of flying everywhere and staining clothes.

Formula

10/10

A favorite of many, many people, this formula is a winner. Created without parabens OR talc, this powder is infused with diamond powder for the most pure light refraction without any flashback. Of course, in the end, it sets your makeup into a weightless smooth mask that enhances the appearance of natural skin.

The Hourglass formula does NOT look cakey and stands up to humid southern summers!

Longevity

9.8/10

A perfect accessory to the cult favorite Mineral Veil Primer.

This combination is guaranteed to keep your makeup looking as perfect as the morning. It will never look cakey, dull, flat, or crepey! It’s not TOO matte — it’s natural, glowing, and a little dewy in the best way.

Value

9.2/10

It’s a little expensive — but not too bad when you consider the product you’re receiving: a SnapChat filter for your face.

People claim the TRAVEL size lasts a year, so consider this a wise investment for your face.

9.5/10

An amazing velour puff accompanies Chantecaille’s loose powder, but the sifter is very fine and can clog from the product. That said, it’s a very finely milled and luscious powder which makes application sheer and skin silky smooth.

Formula

9.7/10

It’s not easy to find a setting powder without talc, let alone a good one. This loose powder by Chantecaille checks both boxes and works exceptionally well with dry or sensitive skin — even in the winter.

Longevity

9.8/10

Light, airy bliss all day, even if you bake your foundation or concealer. (Learn how to do this at the bottom of the page!) This translucent powder helps prevent oxidation for long-lasting wear.

Value

9/10

This one tops the price scale, but we think the talc-free formula for sensitive skin is worth the price tag, especially because the jar will last a long time even with daily use.

If you’re looking for a non-luxury but talc-free option, your best bet is RMS Beauty’s “Un” Powder, which contains similar ingredients.

9.1/10

Swirl a brush into the powder, tap off excess, and apply using circular motions working towards the outside of your face. It’s crease-proof, brightening, and easy to use. Less is more!

Formula

9.9/10

The Nars loose powder is a perfect match for oily skin! Keep in mind this is a light reflecting powder, not just a matte setting powder. It’s transparent and REALLY brightens dull skin — in the best way! Even though it’s full coverage, it’s sheer (you totally have to try it to understand this one) and never looks ashy.

If you’re not sold on loose powders, try the NARS pressed powder. It has the same light reflecting powder — just pressed. Pressed powder gives easier application and it’s just as great, but personally, I love the fine-milled feel of a loose powder.

Longevity

9.2/10

Lasts all day without facial oils seeping through. Enjoy a healthy, radiant glow that reflects light for up to 12 hours. 

Value

9.5/10

Non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested, synthetic fragrance-free, paraben free, oil free, talc-free, and light and airy.  The $37 price point doesn’t seem like a stretch for a long-lasting quality product.

9.2/10

A little goes a long way, and this container may last you years. The very light powder is NOT cakey, chalky, or crepe-like under your eyes or anywhere else. You can confidently use this powder to set your foundation or use it over bare skin for a matte finish.

By Terry recommends you apply the powder first onto bare skin and then press foundation over it.

It may not be completely translucent, so use a light hand for complete invisibility.

The container is finicky, so be careful not to spill when you open it.

Formula

9.8/10

This non-drying formula is a winner. It’s not just makeup, it’s also part of your skincare routine. By Terry claims their makeup is even safe to sleep in! (But why take any chances…)

Seriously, if you’ve shied away from setting powders because of your dry skin, give this one a try and watch your fine lines disappear.

The star of the show in this translucent powder is hydraulic acid. It works its magic by minimizing the size of your pores for a flawless finish.

Longevity

9.2/10

Lasts over or under makeup all day, leaving a perfect matte finish. If you blot your face during the day, you’ll soak up only oil, not your makeup.

Value

8.9/10

Some say it’s overpriced, some say it’s worth the price. What everyone agrees on is the jar lasts forever, so you can consider this an investment.

9.2/10

The finely milled powder hides wrinkles, fine lines and blurs your makeup into an airbrushed look. Blemishes are a thing of the past; there’s only flawless finish in your future. Light as air and velvety soft, Airspun is packaged in a round canister and comes with a powder puff applicator. 

Formula

9.3/10

A finely milled, dense, loose face powder that’s blended with air. The featherlight powder can be used for baking highlight, concealer or contour, setting makeup, or even as a foundation. With six different shades to choose from (including “translucent: extra coverage”), there are plenty of options if “translucent” is a little too pale for your skin tone.

The “microspun” formula allows loose powder particles to spin and swirl until they reach a cloudlike softness. 

Longevity

9.5/10

Longevity is the cornerstone of this product. You’ve probably seen this powder in your mom or grandmother’s makeup bag.

It’s still in stores because it’s just that good.

Not only has it been a hot topic since 1935, but the formula itself is also very long-lasting, even with oily skin.

If your foundation is slightly too pink, yellow, dark, or light, this powder can help even out your skin tone to make it look more natural for longer.

Value

9.1/10

Probably the best-for-the-price translucent setting powder you’ll ever purchase. However, if you spend a little more, you may find a better option for your skin.

Maybelline Fit Me — a well-respected line in the realm of drugstore products — carries a translucent powder that’s another amazing option for a budget.

8.9/10

This loose powder minimizes transfer without adding color to the skin or overpowering your perfect foundation. Be careful of the packaging, though; like with many loose powders, if you’re not careful, it can get all over your clothes and everything around you.

Formula

9.6/10

Ultra lightweight translucent setting powder is incredibly translucent without talc. This formula is particularly perfect for the makeup baking technique, which you can read about at the end of this article. Light-diffusing particles smooth and blur for flawless airbrushed skin that’s not chalky, dry or cakey. 

Also, the Cover FX formula has earned Sephora’s Clean Seal of approval, which means it’s produced without potentially harmful ingredients we like to stay away from. 

Longevity

9/10

You may want to touch-up at lunchtime if you’re super oily, but it’s not required. This setting powder should last the whole day.

Value

9.4/10

The price is average for Sephora-grade makeup. It definitely blurs and smooths lines and gives all skin types a naturally polished look, and for that, we think it’s worth the price. The container should also last a long time.