The Best Setting Powders For Every Skin Type

Setting powder is one of those beauty products that you’ll find in every kit. They’re not always the most exciting member of the gang, and they’re not always the most fun to play with, but a good setting powder is the difference between ok makeup and pro-worthy makeup. But like everything in our beauty bags, setting powders can be tailored to your skin type to ensure you really are making the most of them. Yep, there is a setting powder for dry skin, oily skin, mature skin, and everything in between, and we’ve rounded up the best ones so you can easily take your pick. Keep scrolling to meet them all. 

Not sure on the best way to apply setting powder? Take a look here. 

Normal skin types need a great all rounded setting powder that can control excess oils from makeup throughout the day while being strong enough to hold your looks in place. The KimChi Chic Beauty Puff Puff Pass is a finely milled, lightweight loose powder that works to create a smooth matte finish that will hold your looks together without the need for hourly touch-ups. The formula also features rice powder and nourishing vitamin E for their natural anti-aging and oil absorbing properties, plus an extra fluffy powder puff for application. 

If you have combination skin, you need a setting powder that won’t settle into your dry areas but can keep the oily areas under control. The MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a baked powder that can be custom applied to the different areas of the face. Pack the powder over your oily areas and lightly dust over the dry spots. The formula also features vitamin E to create naturally poreless looking skin and low-level pearlised pigments for a dimensional finish. 

Oily skin types put a lot of faith in setting powder. This skin type needs a formula that can control their natural oil and oil created from wearing makeup. The Milani Conceal & Perfect Shine-Proof Powder uses bamboo powder to absorb oil on the skin and lily extract to tighten pores – two big wins for oily skin. The lightweight formula will leave nothing but shine-free skin and a silky soft finish that lasts and lasts. 

Even dry skin types need setting powder. These formulas aren’t just about keeping shine away, they’re essential for setting and holding makeup in place for as long as you need. For dry skin type, you need something that won’t settle into dry areas of the skin, but will lock looks in. The Too Faced Born This Way Loose Setting Powder that easily buffs and blends into the skin to prolong makeup, while adding a natural luminosity that dry skin craves. What’s even better is that the formula has been infused with hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate the skin for an added dose of skincare. 

Owners of mature skin will know that makeup can have an annoying habit of settling into fine lines and wrinkles, making makeup looked cracked and less than flawless. e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Setting Powder is a weightless loose powder that won’t settle into fine lines but works to smooth the look of pores and fine lines to create a soft glowing finish, without the oil and shine. 

Sensitive skin has to think long and hard before diving into a new beauty product, but Physicians Formula have done all the hard work for you on this one. The Mineral Wear® 3-In-1 Setting Powder is a hypoallergic formula that has been created without fragrance, parabens, talc, gluten, oil, AND has been clinically and dermatologically tested. On top of all that, the three-shade compact can be used for setting, brightening, and baking any makeup looks. Lightly dust the translucent shade over the complexion to set, apply the pink shade under the eyes to brighten, and pack the yellow shade onto the skin to bake.