Setting Powders

Shop Pressed & Loose Makeup Setting Powder

Put the perfect finishing touch on your makeup with a loose setting powder. Designed to be applied as the final step after foundation, setting powders can help your makeup last longer and look more flawless. 

Pressed or loose, tinted or transparent, there’s a makeup setting powder to suit every need. 

Read on to find some of our favourites.

Our favourite finishing powder options

Best makeup setting powders for oily skin

For the oily-skinned amongst us, setting powders can be an essential step in our makeup routines. They help lock makeup in place, while absorbing excess oil and cutting down on shine. 

For undetectable oil control, there’s MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Setting Powder. Designed to be even high-definition camera friendly, it provides up to 12 hours of shine-free wear, and helps keep makeup in place for up to 24 hours. Even better, it’s available in 15 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones. We took it for a road test on oily/combination skin to see if it stacked up to a certain global bestseller, and - spoiler alert - it did.

We also love Innisfree’s Matte Mineral Setting Powder. Made with mint extract and Jeju Minerals, this K-beauty finishing powder fave will help control oil throughout the day. The portable container includes a powder puff too, so you can easily touch up while you’re out and about.

Best makeup setting powders for dry skin

If your skin tends to be on the drier side, setting powders aren’t always needed, but they can still be a useful tool in your beauty arsenal.

MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a popular option, with a cashmere-like feel, sheer coverage and a satin finish. Slow-baked for an ultra-silky texture, it contains subtle pearlised pigments that add dimension to the skin without looking shimmery or shiny.

We’ve compiled even more of our top setting powders for dry skin, or maybe you’re looking for the best under-eye setting powders - we’ve got that covered too.

How to use pressed or loose setting powder in your makeup routine

When it comes to applying pressed and loose makeup setting powder, the techniques are endless, but we think it’s always good to get the basics down first.

You can apply finishing powder with either a brush, powder puff or sponge - we like brushes for a lighter touch and effortless blending, or a puff for concentrated, precision coverage.

After applying your base makeup, as well as blush, bronzer, highlighter or contour, take a small amount of setting powder and apply it to the skin with a gentle tapping motion. If you’ve opted for a loose setting powder, make sure you tap off any excess before applying!

 FAQs on Makeup Setting Powder