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I don’t consider myself a huge makeup person, but as a beauty editor, I somehow own an embarrassing amount of it. Of all the products that land on my desk, the one I can’t seem to stop collecting is setting powder. It might sound strange, but hear me out: a few pats of a good setting powder—whether or not you’re wearing foundation—can instantly control shine and even out your skin tone. It’s the quiet hero of any makeup routine, and incorporating one into your lineup can take your skin to a whole new level. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli agrees: “Setting powder can help to control shine, oil, and even blur the appearance of pores,” he says. “It’ll also set your makeup and lock it in place for optimal wear time—and depending on the formula, can even create a more matte finish to your makeup,” says Scibelli.
Not sure which setting powder is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here at Cosmo, we’re always testing out new products and sharing honest reviews of our favorites. I mean, we spend all year testing and writing beauty reviews to make shopping easier for you. To put together this list of the best setting powders, we tapped top makeup artists and revisited notes from the hundreds of formulas we’ve tested over the years.
So whether it’s keeping shine in check, minimizing pores, or enhancing your natural glow, we’ve broken down the 9 best setting powders to suit your needs. Keep scrolling for our top picks and expert tips on how to apply setting powder like a pro.
Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Why we love it: This cult-favorite setting powder has won its fair share of awards and for good reason: it settles beautifully into the skin, giving the perfect amount of coverage for an undetectable finish. Silky and transparent, expect a soft-focus finish and skin that will look *perfect* in every pic.
One Cosmo editor says, “I’ve been using Laura Mercier’s setting powder for years because it’s so reliable. When I’m looking to have photo-perfect skin, I’ll finish off my makeup look with this powder. It truly melts into my skin in the best way, brightens it, and I love that if I add a bit too much blush (sometimes I have blush blindness), this powder helps to dull the color a bit.”—TARYN BROOKE, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
SurrealSkin Talc-Free Soft Blur Setting Powder
Why we love it: From the man responsible for Kim K’s iconic makeup looks, Mario Dedivanovic’s eponymous makeup line consists of the most perfect neutrals and browns. His setting powder has quickly become a beauty editor fave because of how weightless it feels and how seamlessly it blends into the skin, reducing oil without drying out the skin. We also love the inclusive shade range of his setting powders and how natural the finish is.
One Cosmo editor says: “I got to test this powder before it launched with Mario himself, and I’ve genuinely barely used any other powder since. It’s so soft and lightweight on my skin, but still tampers the shine from my extremely oily T-zone.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Slip Tint Undetectable Baked Setting Powder
Why we love it: Saie’s setting powder lives up to its undetectable name. The effect it creates on the skin is very much a “your complexion, but better” vibe. Formulated with skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, both add a breathable, hydrating quality to the powder while smoothing, brightening, and evening out your skin texture. We love that this powder comes as a solid to avoid the mess associated with applying loose powders. The fact that it’s non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and dermatologist-tested is also a huge plus in our book.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been a beauty editor for more than a decade, and this is the first setting powder I’ve tried that I was excited to keep using. It gives my oily skin a soft matte finish and really helps prevent my makeup from getting patchy or straight up disappearing from my face by midday.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Creaseless Setting & Brightening Powder
Why we love it: This loose setting powder is mess-free: a quick dip into the net with your favorite puff or brush picks up just the right amount of powder and you’re ready to apply. Tarte’s setting powder is formulated specifically for the under-eye area to keep that difficult area bright and smooth all day.
One Cosmo editor says: “When I’m in the mood for a more matte look, this setting powder from Tarte is my go-to. I love the pink shade because gives my face some color while also blurring any fine lines or visible pores. It’s perfect for smoothing my under my eyes and pairs perfectly with any concealer.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
Why we love it: Expect a flawless makeup finish from this compact pressed (and refillable!) setting powder. Formulated with light-reflecting pearls that diffuse light (especially when you’re using your flash) to illuminate your complexion for perfect insta-worthy pics. Added rose wax and almond oil help to soften and moisturize the skin, all while reducing shine.
One Cosmo editor says: “While I love my glowy makeup, when I don’t wanna look overly shiny, I swipe on some of this pressed powder from Charlotte Tilbury—I especially love it for my T-Zone to even out my skin. I just dab it on with a brush, and my excess oil is instantaneously erased. I’ve been using this for years and never once has it cracked, unlike other press powders that are super delicate and difficult to travel with.”—JH
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GetSet Blur + Set Pressed Setting Powder
Why we love it: Consider Tower 28’s pressed setting powder a hybrid of setting powder and spray. This one is derm-approved, non-irritating, and keeps the skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. Applying this powder is akin to placing a blurring filter on your face. BYE PORES!
One Cosmo editor says: “This brand is a favorite of mine. I’m obsessed with their MakeWaves Mascara because it fluffs my lashes in just the right way. That being said, my expectations were high for the setting powder when I started testing, and I fell in love immediately. I use the color Translucent Trestles. It makes my skin look airbrushed, and I always make sure to tap it around my eyes when I know I’m going to take photos at events.” – TB
Cloud Set Loose Translucent Setting + Blurring Powder
Why we love it: It’s tough to find a powder that will take away oily shine but not your glow, and Kosas’ Cloud Set powder manages to solve that conundrum. This super lightweight powder gives skin an airbrushed look, even going so far as to minimize the look of fine lines. We also love that it checks off all skin-friendly sensitivity boxes (it’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested) and it’s clinically proven to not clog pores and cause breakouts.
One Cosmo editor says: “I got my hands on this powder before it was available to the public and I have been obsessed with it since the moment I tried it. I use Translucent Candy (side note: I love the cute, pink color) and though it’s pink, it compliments my skin beautifully. I’m a sucker for skin-loving ingredients in my makeup products, making this one my daily go-to in brightening my undereyes and controlling shine.”—TB
HD Skin Blurring & Perfecting Loose Setting Powder
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a soft-focus finish and powder that you don’t have to color-match, this one from Make Up For Ever is for you. This waterproof, weightless powder will even out your texture and blur your pores for a smooth complexion.
One Cosmo editor says: “When I’m in a rush and I need to do my makeup quickly and don’t have time to make a mistake, I reach for Make Up For Ever’s loose setting powder. Not only is it goof-proof, but it’s the least messy powder I own. I love using it over a tinted sunscreen—my perfect daily combo.” —TB
Magic Hour Loose Setting Powder
Why we love it: Like many of the other powders on the list, this one is packed with skin care ingredients to keep your skin hydrated (it contains 8 types of hyaluronic acid) and soothing aloe vera all while absorbing oil and evening out skin tone. With only two shades to choose from: Golden (warms, blurs) and Dawn (brightens, blurs), it’s easy to choose which one fits the makeup look you’re going for.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m so bad with shade matching with foundation, concealer, even powder and I love that Caliray takes the guess work out of it. I tend to mix both shades to give a little more warmth and evenness and then I use Dawn to brighten my undereyes. It’s such a great combo and bonus points for it not drying out the skin under my eyes, which tends to happen when I use powder).”—TB
What does setting powder do?
Setting powder locks in foundation and concealer, absorbs excess oil, and helps makeup stay put longer,” explains makeup artist Lynda Esparza, adding that “it also smooths texture and minimizes shine for a soft-focus finish. Typically, setting powder is the last step in a makeup routine, and many of the setting powders that are currently on the market (including the nine above) go beyond blurring imperfections and mattifying skin. “You’re not just getting a soft-focus, filtered finish; you’re getting a clean, vegan formula that’s actually good for your skin, won’t clog pores, all while feeling weightless and looking effortless,” explains makeup artist David Birdwell.
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What’s the difference between setting powder and setting spray?
Setting powders and setting sprays serve a similar purpose but have different textures and different uses. “Setting spray is a liquid makeup setting formula that acts as more of a sealant. It will help to lock your makeup in place for longer wear time,” says Scibelli. Setting powder, on the other hand, is “typically a finely milled powder that can mattify and smooth out the texture and overall finish to your makeup instantly,” adds Scibelli. “And for those big moments, like weddings or red carpets, you can layer both for extra insurance,” says Birdwell.
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How do you know what color setting powder to use?
This depends on your skin tone, undertone, and desired finish. “Translucent powders work for most tones and won’t alter your foundation shade—just make sure the formula is finely milled to avoid any white cast, especially under a flash,” says Esparza. Tinted powders can add coverage and/or warmth to help correct undertones. She explains that, “yellow tones neutralize redness; peach or golden tones brighten dull areas, and pink powders subtly lift and brighten sallow or tired-looking skin, making the complexion appear fresh and radiant—especially under the eyes or on the center of the face.”
For those who have medium to deeper complexions, Esparza recommends choosing powders formulated with rich undertones so that they blend seamlessly rather than appear ashy. “Look for powders labeled medium, tan, or deep skin, often golden, caramel, or red undertones, to complement the natural warmth of the skin,” she says.
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How do you apply setting powder?
Birdwell sticks to a “less is more” approach to applying setting powder: “It’s easier to add makeup than to take it away.” While each makeup artist has their own technique, Scibelli starts with a powder complexion brush, “smaller than a blush brush–so that you can really target where your powder is going.” Next, “dip into your powder, tap off the excess, and apply directly onto the skin after your makeup is complete.” Lightly dust areas that are more prone to shine.
Esparza also recommends using a damp sponge or puff to press powder under the eyes and around the nose. If you’re looking for a brightening effect, Scibelli says that you can apply your setting powder in the T-zone; “sometimes I’ll go with a slightly lighter shade of setting powder and just use it in the T-zone so that it brings out some dimension and lighter contour to the skin.”
Esparza says she utilizes different application techniques, depending on the makeup look she’s going for. Check them out here:
Press-and-roll: Press powder in with a puff sponge for longer wear and blurred pores. This is ideal for humid conditions or camera work.
Baking: If you’re nostalgic for 2016, try letting powder sit under the eyes or along the jawline for a few minutes, then dust off for extra brightness and definition.
Dusting/veiling: Lightly sweep powder for a soft-focus, natural finish–great for dry or mature skin.
Buffing: Gently swirl a clean brush after setting to blend everything seamlessly.
Spot-setting: Only apply powder where needed (T-zone, under eyes) for a fresh, skin-like result.
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How we tested:
Cosmo’s team of beauty editors and contributors is always testing new makeup. After trying countless setting powders, we narrowed it down to the ones that truly delivered—brightening our skin, controlling oil, blurring pores, and keeping makeup in place for hours. We also consulted expert makeup artists for their input and analyzed reviews to ensure every pick lived up to the hype. Each of the nine powders that made the final cut was tested over four weeks and worn for at least eight hours a day.
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Meet the experts:
Lynda Esparza is a makeup artist and groomer based in New York, NY.
Neil Scibelli is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York, NY.
David Birdwell is a makeup artist based in New York, NY.
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Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Taryn Brooke is a beauty writer and editor in digital media with more than 10 years of experience. She has covered the newest and most innovative skincare and beauty products, aesthetic treatments, and plastic surgery trends. She is obsessed with trying new beauty products and has an overfilled bathroom full of products to prove it.
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