15 Best Setting Powders 2024 For A Flawless Finish

Longing for a makeup finish that lasts all day? Get acquainted with the best setting powders of 2024. What is the best setting powder, you ask? Whether you go for a barely-there look or all-out drama, any pick from this line-up will guarantee a smooth, MUA-worthy finish and long-lasting hold. There’s a good face powder for every skin type, too. Excess oil? No problem. Dry skin? We’ve got you sussed. Stay here for some tried-and-true formulas or head to our full edit of setting powders for even more options.

How we choose the best setting powders

Using our in-house beauty experts, we sought out their insider knowledge on the top face powders for an airbrush finish that lasts. As always, we consider the price tags and the reviews play a big part; if a product is raking in all those five stars, you should know about it.

One thing’s for sure, these best setting powders grant zero caking, creasing or powdery finishes and we’ve included options to suit every need - from upping your glow to blurring fines lines and more. Get obsessed.

Is translucent powder the same as setting powder?

While in the same powder family, translucent powder and setting powder serve slightly different purposes in makeup application. First up? Translucent powder. Perfect for a wide range of skin tones, this finely milled powder is typically colourless or very lightly tinted and can be applied over foundation or concealer to set makeup and reduce shine. Its main purpose? To absorb excess oil and lock makeup in place, so it won't catch you slipping throughout the day.

Setting powder is a broader term that can refer to any type of powder used to set makeup, including both translucent powders and tinted powders. These come in various shades that match specific skin tones. To provide additional coverage, opt for tinted setting powders that help even out skin tone for a more polished look.

In short, while translucent powder is a type of setting powder, not all setting powders are translucent. Other setting powders may have a specific colour or tint, which can be used to adjust your complexion. Pick your preference, grad your powder puff and go wild.

Can you use setting powder all over your face?

Yes, you can use setting powder all over your face (it's a common step in our makeup routine) but whether you choose to do so is completely up to you. It's mostly used for area prone to creasing or where makeup tends to wear off more quickly, such as the under-eye area, around the nose, and the forehead. It's a personal preference, though, so you can do as you please.

Reducing shine or minimising pores? You can do both with setting powder. Use it to give oily or combination skin a more matte finish, and blurring or pore-filling properties help to create a smoother appearance on the skin. If you have dry skin, you might want to use setting powder more sparingly to avoid emphasising dry patches. Or, if you prefer a dewy finish, we love pairing our fave setting powder with a hydrating setting spray (ONE/SIZE, we're looking at you).

Whatever you choose, our product roundup will help you to find the best baking powder for makeup and which powder is best for your face. We recommend applying a thin, even layer over your face using a fluffy brush, and to prevent a cakey appearance, try not to use too much - despite how much you love it!

Is loose or pressed powder better for under eyes?

Unsure what powder to use under eyes? Fortunately, both loose and pressed powders can be used effectively for setting the under-eye area, and the choice between the two often comes down to your personal preference and specific makeup goals.

The finer, lighter texture of loose powders can be beneficial for the delicate under-eye area, as it's less likely to settle into fine lines or look cakey. When applied with a brush, puff, or makeup sponge, loose under-eye powder allows for more precise placement and controlled application. Their ability to provide a matte finish and help absorb excess oil is an added bonus. 

When we're after a convenient under-eye powder for on-the-go touch-ups or travel, pressed powders are a dream. Coming in compact form, pressed powders are less likely to create a mess during application compared to loose powders, which can sometimes be more challenging to control. And if you're looking to add a bit more coverage to the under-eye area, pressed powders can offer buildable coverage. 

Both forms are great additions to any makeup routine for makeup artists and enthusiasts alike. It's also worth noting that the formulation of the powder itself (whether it's specifically designed for setting under eyes, its texture, and ingredients) can be more important than whether it's loose or pressed. Happy experimenting!

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 5 February 2024