7 Setting Powders That Still Give Good Glow
Photography: MARTÍ SANS/ STOCKSY UNITED
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7 Setting Powders That Still Give Good Glow

There’s a difference between natural glow and excess shine. But if you’ve always thought a setting powder was too cakey, know that the newer formulations are incredibly light – and will keep you looking fresh and luminous all day. Here are seven of our favourites…
Photography: MARTÍ SANS/ STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

1

By Terry Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra Powder, £31.50

Best For: A Suits-All Glow

The Lowdown: One of By Terry’s most iconic products, this powder is designed to blur imperfections and lend skin a ‘soft focus’ glow. Incredibly lightweight and completely invisible, it controls shine and grease without depositing any chalky residue. The hydrating formula is brimming with hyaluronic acid, locking in moisture for a smoother, softer finish, plus the transparent colour means it works for all skin tones. Apply a dusting all over the skin – focusing on the areas that need it most, like your T-zone. A thin layer will mattify oiliness and leave behind a soft veil of luminosity that sets make-up in place for hours.
  
Available at ByTerry.com

2

Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder, £33

Best For: A Soft-Focus Effect

The Lowdown: Talc-free, this one’s brilliant if you suffer with breakouts and are looking for a powder that never clogs pores. It’s also been milled five times – far more than others on the market – to create a super light texture that skims the skin for soft, lightweight coverage. It gently locks everything down for longer-lasting make-up, while the pearl pigments keep skin looking healthy and fresh. Oil-balancing bamboo and aloe vera work in tandem to cut down on shine, as well as blur imperfections for a smoother appearance. Use a small amount on the centre of your face, working outwards to the areas that need it most. Take a bit down your neck and chest for extra glow. 
 
Available at Naturismo.com

3

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, £45

Best For: A Natural Finish

The Lowdown:  The soft-focus setting powder from Hourglass uses light-reflecting particles to lock down make-up – from cream to liquid formulas – and give skin a glass-like finish. Expect pores and uneven texture to look smoother, with zero chance of creasing throughout the day. You only need a small amount to cover all areas and, as it’s translucent, the finish is completely natural. 
 
Available at SpaceNK.com

4

Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Vegan Powder, £32

Best For: Added Hydration

The Lowdown: Kosas makes some of our favourite beauty products, and this glow-giving powder is no exception. Able to do so much more than whisk away oiliness, it’s full of ingredients like passionfruit extract and Chinese peony – both of which minimise the look of pores, while also providing some lightweight hydration. Better still, the baked texture never feels cakey or heavy – instead the airy texture is a joy to apply, while the pearly effect offers enhanced radiance as the day wears on. Despite its gentle tint, it never oxidises or changes colour either.
  
Availavle at CultBeauty.co.uk

1

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder In Glow, £20

Best For: Weightless Wear

The Lowdown: Considered the holy grail for both make-up artists and A-listers (including Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham), this loose powder more than deserves its cult status. Coating the skin with a glowing, luminous veil, it has zero flashback when caught on camera, thanks to the clever formula which controls excess oil and minimises the appearance of pores. You’ll now find it in three versatile shades, so it caters to a range of skin tones.
  
Available at Boots.com

1

Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Setting Powder, £40

Best For: Even Luminosity

The Lowdown: Created with a ‘retouch’ effect in mind, just a few coats of this soft powder will create a fine film that sets everything in place. Available in five suits-all shades – all of which coordinate with the Pat McGrath foundations – the lightweight texture means it’s easy to amp up the coverage should you need it, particularly if you’re prone oiliness during the day. As with most powders on this list, a little goes a long way – use a small, fluffy brush to apply it for the best, most even results. 
 
Available at Selfridges.com

2

Revolution XX Glow Fixx Loose Setting Powder, £9.60

Best For: Affordability

The Lowdown: If you’re on a budget, Revolution is a brand to know. Its Loose Setting Powder quickly soaks up excess oil, but still maintains a soft sheen so skin looks natural and never greasy. A little goes a long way, so make sure you tap off any excess on the back of your hand before running this over the areas that need it most. Try using a little over your eye make-up as well, to stop it slipping or sliding come 4pm – the soft glow of the powder will also enhance any colours you use.
 
Available at Boots.com

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