The Setting Powders That Really Work
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL
Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, £42 | By Terry
Available in both a loose and compact formula, this is one of By Terry’s most iconic products. Working to blur imperfections and control shine, it achieves a flawless finish without leaving any white residue behind. The hydrating formula is brimming with hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture for a smoother, softer finish – plus, it’s transparent colour means it suits all skin tones.
Available at ByTerry.com
BEST FLAWLESS FINISH
Airbrush Flawless Finish, £38 | Charlotte Tilbury
Easy to pop in your bag, a compact like this comes in seriously handy for touch-ups during the day. It’s unlikely you’ll need it that often, though, thanks to its long-lasting and reliable formula. Offering an almost airbrushed finish, the powder never makes skin look cakey or overdone. Just use a fluffy brush to apply it only where needed.
Available at CharlotteTilbury.com
BEST AFFORDABLE OPTION
Perfect Finish HD Powder, £7.50 | e.l.f.
This translucent powder is perfect if all you want is to subtly set the areas that are likely to get a bit greasy later in the day. While this one is translucent, you can also give the ’soft luminescent’ shade a go if instead if you like the idea of boosting radiance and glow.
Available at Boots.com
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Soft Focus Finishing Powder, £38 | Ilia
Talc-free, this product is ideal if you suffer with breakouts as the non-comedogenic formula won’t block your pores. Finely milled – five times to be exact – it has a silky-soft, lightweight texture that locks make-up in place all day long. The formula also contains oil-balancing bamboo and aloe vera to tackle shine, but thanks to luminescent pearls, it never looks flat or chalky on the skin.
Available at Sephora.co.uk
BEST VERSATILE PRODUCT
Tinted Face Powder, £27 | Jones Road
Coming in several shades – as well as a blusher, bronzer and highlighter – these finely milled, silky powders are a treat to wear. They’re loosely pigmented, meaning they offer a softer pinch of colour, but they still make an impact where it counts. Expect them to cut down on shine while maintaining healthy radiance.
Available at LibertyLondon.com
BEST CULT FAVOURITE
Translucent Loose Setting Powder, £36.50 | Laura Mercier
Considered a holy grail by beauty insiders, make-up artists and influencers, this loose translucent powder was a favourite of YouTubers back in the day – and still is now. Coating the skin with a matte veil of powder with zero flashback, there are so many ways to use it – whether you use a powder puff to target creasing, or a fluffy brush just to lightly set the skin.
Available at JohnLewis.com
BEST FOR BEAUTY NOVICES
Always An Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder, £24 | Rare Beauty
The newest release on this list, this radiant powder has quickly become a favourite of ours. Keeping excess oil in check, while extending the wear of your make-up, this is a night-out must-have if you want to illuminate, set – and even bake. Airy, sheer and never cakey, we love that it comes in both translucent and coloured shades to suit everyone.
Available at SpaceNK.com
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