In This Heat, the Best Setting Powders Are My Makeup's Lifeline

Sweat and oil have met their match.

The 13 Best Setting Powders for a Perfect Finish
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot)

One of the biggest betrayals in beauty is when the makeup you just spent 25-plus minutes applying begins to melt and slide away. There are dry shampoos that suck up extra oil from your scalp and powders specifically made to soak up boob sweat—and for your face? The best setting powder can keep foundation and concealer from getting slimy or melting down your face by lunch.

"A setting powder helps prevent makeup from creasing, fading, or transferring, and can also help control shine," says makeup artist Todd Harris. "Think of it as hairspray for your face, locking your makeup in for a longer-lasting, flawless finish."

The latest and greatest in face powders are more advanced than ever. Blurring pigments act as DIY Instagram filters. Formulas are infused with soothing skin ingredients that treat your complexion while you wear them. Shade ranges have been expanded, and prices range from affordable buys to luxury splurges. All in all, setting powders have just gotten better.

From pressed options to pretty loose powders in pots, here are the 13 very best setting powders for every skin tone.

The Best Setting Powders

An editor testing the laura mercier loose setting powder

Siena Gagliano testing the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Longwear Setting Powder.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Editor testing the Charlotte Tilbury setting powder

Sophia Vilensky testing the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Refillable Setting Powder.

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

An editor testing the Makeup by Mario loose setting powder

Danielle Jackson testing the Makeup by Mario Surrealskin® Talc-Free Soft Blur Setting Powder.

(Image credit: Danielle Jackson)

editor testing the sephora collection translucent loose setting powder

Malcia Greene testing the Sephora Collection Translucent Loose Setting Powder.

(Image credit: Malcia Greene)

An editor testing the Maybelline Fit Me pressed powder

Malcia Greene testing the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder.

(Image credit: Malcia Greene)

What Do Setting Powders Do?

Generally, a setting powder is added as the final step in your makeup routine to keep your foundation and concealer from creasing, fading, and transferring. "A setting powder is typically a loose or pressed, finely-milled powder that helps to set makeup, absorb excess oil and shine, and lock in makeup for longer wear time," says makeup artist Neil Scibelli.

Per Harris, these aren't to be confused with powder foundations. "Powder foundations, like setting powders, come in loose or pressed formulas, but add a high level of coverage to the skin just like a liquid foundation," he explains. "While foundation powders set makeup, they can leave a heavy, full coverage look to the skin and look cakey."

What Should I Look For In a Setting Powder?

That can depend on several factors, such as your skin type and tone, but according to Harris, it ultimately comes down to your skin's overall needs. "Choose if you want a travel-friendly pressed powder, which is great for touch-ups, or a loose powder," he says. "Next, you can pick if you want a translucent, colorless powder or a powder with a tint like pink or peach."

If you have mature or dry skin, Harris recommends looking for a formula with emollients or moisturizing ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated. "For oily skin, find a more matte formula to keep skin shine free," he adds.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

How We Tested

To compile a list of the best setting powders, Senior Beauty Writer Danielle Jackson scoured online reviews, spoke to two professional makeup artists, sourced favorites from Marie Claire's beauty staffers, and tested 13 on her own. She evaluated each powder based on finish, shade range, wear, and oil absorption.

Meet the Experts

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Todd Harris

Todd Harris is an editorial makeup artist and groomer with Honey Artists agency.

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Neil Scibelli

Neil Scibelli is a celebrity makeup artist and host of "Face It."

TOPICS
Danielle Jackson
Senior Beauty Writer

Danielle Jackson is the senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.

With contributions from