The 14 Best Setting Powders To Blur Your Skin

For the longest time, I figured that setting powders were a no-go for me and my extremely dry skin. But as summer comes around, I can’t deny that my under-eye creases are starting to bug me, and the pores around my nose are really interfering with my selfies. People with oily skin have known it for years: Setting powders are a necessary step in your beauty routine.

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What are the benefits of using a setting powder?

“A setting powder can help extend the wear of makeup, prevent creasing in crease-prone areas, like under the eyes or around the mouth, decrease shine, and also give the skin a smoother, blurred look,” says Priscilla Quaye, Brand Director of Ami Colé. You can even use setting powders to boost your makeup look. “I use setting powder–typically a loose powder–underneath where I applied a bronzer or contour shade to clean up that area and sharpen the cheekbones further,” adds makeup artist Felicia Tricome.

Can people with dry skin use setting powders?

“All skin types can use setting powder. It’s all a matter of how much you need to use for your skin type,” says Tricome. If you’re worried about increasing your skin's dryness, it’s important to really be selective with the setting powders you buy. “People with drier skin can opt for setting powders that offer more nourishing ingredients to prevent skin from drying out, and that have a super-fine formula which makes it more lightweight on the skin,” says Quaye. “With dry skin, applying less powder is more, and ensuring that the skin underneath is well moisturized prior to application.”

How can you avoid looking too matte or dusty with setting powders?

“Lean into the philosophy that less is more,” says Quaye. “Always start with a very light layer and go from there. It’s always easier to add than to remove.” There are also a few application techniques that help avoid that caked-on look. "Apply powder with a damp beauty blender,” adds Tricome. “I like to do this with a pressed or compact powder, but it can also be done with loose powder. I dip the beauty blender in the powder and apply it where it is needed. It sets the makeup while keeping the skin looking hydrated.” Tricome also recommends using a setting spray at the end of application to melt away some of that graininess.

Here, find the 14 best setting powders to blur, set, and mattify your skin–without looking dusty or cakey.