Equipping yourself with one of the best setting powders can make the biggest difference to your makeup routine. In fact, if you don't already have one, it most definitely should be a must-have in your beauty collection. Namely because they're made to make sure that your makeup doesn't go to waste by sliding off just hours after you've spent your precious morning applying it.
Setting powders are usually associated with “baking”, which is the common technique of applying an excessive amount of product to certain areas of your face (such as under your eyes and under your contour) in order to achieve that filter-like snatched look. Although “baking” has been around for ages and is widely used in the drag community, this technique became especially popular after celebrities and their respective MUAs (looking at you, Kim K and Mario) started sharing their makeup tips online.
That being said, “baking" might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially given that skinimalism and effortless beauty are among the biggest beauty trends right now. Luckily, even if you're after a more natural finish, you can still make use of your setting powder by simply adding (or pressing) a thin veil all over your face for a more seamless and smooth finish.
Not to mention you can always apply it on other parts of your face too. Personally, I love setting my cream eyeshadow with my setting powder and even turning any lipstick with a satin finish into a matte lipstick. Really, you can have lots of fun and experiment along the way.
Best setting powders at a glance – our top picks:
- Best setting powder overall: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, £36.50, LookFantastic
- Best setting powder for oily skin: Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder, £45, LookFantastic
- Best loose setting powder: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder, £34, Cult Beauty
- Best setting powder for combination skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish, £38, Cult Beauty
As to finding the setting powder that's right for you, it isn't always easy. The beauty market is full of setting powders from brands such as Huda Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Givenchy, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel and more… And all claim to be the best , which means picking one that checks all the boxes could turn into a lengthy process. To save you the trouble, we've narrowed down the very best setting powders out there to fit every budget, needs and preferences. You'll spot viral hits such as the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder as well as our all-time favs (hi, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder) and more affordable options too, including the NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Finishing Powder. For more info on setting powders, go all the way down to the bottom to find tips and insight from Emma Sykes, makeup trainer at Laura Mercier.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lipstick, best highlighter, best setting sprays, best makeup brushes and more. And don't forget about skincare – we've got guides on the best face SPFs, best hyaluronic acid serums and the best sun creams and sunscreens.
Scroll for our edit of the best setting powders that will lock in your makeup better than ever…
Why we love it: We wouldn’t exactly be doing our jobs if we put together a roundup of the best setting powders and didn’t include Laura Mercier. This long-lasting product puts a sparkling twist on more traditional setting powders by including pearl pigments to give your skin a natural glowing finish. The best part? It’s lightweight, silky, suitable for sensitive skin and perfect for blurring out imperfections without looking cakey.
GLAMOUR-approved: As a big fan of a matte finish, I've been using setting powders for years now, and this bestseller has always remained my favourite. Most of all, I love how buildable it is. When I'm in the mood for a full glam moment, I'll do a little “baking” and my face will be snatched, but not cakey at all. And no, it doesn't make me look like a ghost when someone's taking pictures of me with the flash on.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best setting powder with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: If your skin happens to be on the oily side, then this ultra-fine and mattifying setting powder is exactly what you’re looking for. This product features a polymer complex that helps it absorb excess oil, eliminating unwanted shine and help your skin look radiant from every angle. And it also has not one but four shades in one that you can either blend or play around with individually. Sign. Us. Up.
Enjoy extra savings when you shop for the best setting powder with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Wanna know the secret to perfectly baked makeup? That’s right, it’s loose baking powder (no, not the cooking one). This product offers exactly that, blending seamlessly into your skin leaving a soft, velvety matte finish. Enriched with vitamin E and available in eight different colours, this is the setting powder to get. And why not try the viral Cherry Blossom shade?
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury’s done it again. With its ultra-lightweight and breathable formula, this skin-loving pressed powder is great for combination skin thanks to its ability to tame the glowy T-zone. At the same time, it also includes rose wax and almond oil that nourishes and moisturises areas with dry skin. Definitely one for the wishlist.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
GLAMOUR-approved: I love using this product on-the-go and touching up my base while I'm out of the house. And if I'm after a more natural finish, I always find myself reaching for it. Heck, I often even use it on its own to just blur out my T-zone.
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: This superfine, weightless loose setting powder is bound to perfect and extend makeup wear for a long time. After all, if there’s anyone who can be responsible for one of the best lightweight setting powders that’ll ensure that you look good in pictures, it’s Rihanna. This product comes in eight different shades, suits all undertones and is perfect for deeper skin tones. Did we mention that it comes in beautiful packaging too?
GLAMOUR-approved: I've been using this product for a bit over a year now, and it definitely earned a spot in my top 10 favourite makeup products of all time, and rightfully so. This is one of the best high-coverage setting powders out there that still feels weightless in wear. Simply obsessed.
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: Super-soft and sheer with a dewy finish – what more do you need? This setting powder does so much more than just bake, it gives you a glowy and plump finish to your look. The best part is that it also feels weightless and hydrating, all the while blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines. *Adds to cart*.
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: Dermatologically tested? Check. Fragrance-free? Check. Talc-free? Aaand check. Glossier never disappoints, and this neat little setting powder is no exception. With this product, you’ll be able to control your dewiness level with ease without leaving a chalky film on your skin – and even better, without appearing in pictures.
Why we love it: This product is translucent, undetectable and applies effortlessly. It’ll enhance any foundation you use without interfering with the overall appearance, in addition to helping you look gorgeous and shine-free in every photo. You can even use it to set your lip colour, soften an intense eye or layer with smokey eyeshadow – the possibilities are endless.
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: An affordable loose powder that gives a weightless finish? Where do we sign up? This product is designed to smooth the look of pores and fine lines, helping you add a soft glow to your face without ever having to worry about oil and shine. And did we mention that it’s vegan and cruelty-free too?
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes to save money at checkout.
Why we love it: With this setting powder, you’ll be treated with sheer and seamless coverage capable of lasting wear throughout the day. And even if you do need to reapply it, the packaging makes it incredibly easy to carry with you at all times.
Enjoy up to 40% off the best setting powder with these Space NK discount codes.
Why we love it: Finely milled and virtually weightless is what all setting powders aspire to be, and this is one is just that. This product is available in three different shades, depending on whether you’re looking to mattify, conceal or neutralise red tones. And for this amazing price, it’s almost too tempting to just buy all three.
Enjoy extra savings when you shop for the best setting powder with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: This weightless face powder from Hourglass is a must-buy. It delivers a pleasant soft-focus blurring effect that minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles and even helps set makeup for longer, which cuts down on having to do several touch-ups throughout your day.
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: Looking for an affordable, oil-absorbing powder formula that blends smoothly and evenly without leaving any white cast? Say no more. This beauty product provides a natural, oil-free finish to any makeup look, making sure that the final result leaves your skin feeling fresh and flawless.
Save when you shop for the best setting powder with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: This super-soft and lightweight powder from L'Oreal is just thing if you're after a picture perfect complexion. Designed to match your skin tone upon application, trust us when we say you won't be disappointed with your choice.
Enjoy extra savings when you shop for the best setting powder with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Beloved by makeup artists everywhere, this setting powder has a wide shade range, with 36 different shades to choose from. Infused with optical diffusers to blur imperfections, this silky-smooth powder prevents caking and creasing, guaranteeing a very natural-looking finish. You'll likely even forget you put it on in the first place.
Why we love it: If you're after a finely milled, weightless setting powder that still looks like skin, then the Jones Road Tinted Face Powder is made for you. Designed to seamlessly melt into your skin and colour correct in the process. Perfect for that “no makeup makeup" look.
Why we love it: Not into setting powders that make your face look too unnaturally matte? Say no more. The REFY Skin Finish delivers a skin-like finish, thanks to its unique formula that features a high water content, resulting in a soft blurred look without the cake-y feel. And the added glycerin and caprylyl glycol will moisturise and hydrate your skin in the meantime.
The key to luminous rosy cheeks.
Which setting powder is right for me?
When hunting for a good setting powder, the most important thing to keep in mind is your skin type and preferences. Are you team oily skin? Or are you looking for a brightening product that will give you more radiance rather than a plain matte finish? Of course, you're welcome to experiment and try out different options on the market, but to avoid disappointment, make sure to first consider your needs and the desired finish.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
According to Emma Sykes, makeup trainer at Laura Mercier, you should also keep a “look out for skin loving ingredients like antioxidants, vitamin E and vitamin C,” all of which is featured in the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Emma also added that if a setting powder also includes amino acids, it's another big plus as they're “ideal for blurring and smoothing” results.
How to apply setting powder
Application is when it gets super fun (and sometimes messy). “I find that the best way to apply a setting powder is with our velour powder puff as it allows you to further break down any powder texture so that when it is pressed into the makeup it becomes one with the skin instead of sitting on top of the foundation which can often happen when using a brush,” Emma shared.
There are so many ways that you could put your setting powder to use, including “baking”, setting and pressing it in. We've briefly touched on the “baking” technique above, with the help of which you can smooth out and brighten your under-eye area and sharpen your your contour – so if you're into that snatched look, all you need to is simply dab your damp sponge (or a powder puff) in setting powder and simply apply the product where you feel like you need an extra umph. Let it “bake” for a few minutes and simply wipe the excess away with a large fluffy brush to prevent ‘flashback’ (or leftover white cast).
If you're after a more natural look, we suggest pressing a minimal amount of setting powder using a sponge or a puff only over your T-zone to create a thin veil. Then simply blend it in with a fluffy brush and you're all set (pun intended). That way, the majority of your face will still stay nice and radiant while the oiliest areas remain matte throughout the day.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
