
It sounds like an oxymoron, but a powder can be both absorbent and moisturizing at the same time.ĭid you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers want to know-and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else.

#Sephora smoothing translucent setting powder skin#
If your skin is on the drier side, or you prefer a dewy finish, opt for a setting powder with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. As Zeinali notes, "People are normally the oiliest in their T-zone." Those with combination skin types can use a similar formula, though they may only want to apply the powder to shinier areas. If you have oily skin, you'll want to look for a highly absorbent, talc-free setting powder that keeps shine at bay. Just keep in mind that loose powders tend to be a little messier than their pressed counterparts.

Dorman recommends finely milled loose powders, as they're less likely to settle into fine lines. Pressed powders typically come in convenient mirrored compacts, making them travel-friendly and easy to stash in a purse or makeup bag. There are two main types of setting powder: pressed and loose. Other than that, it's mostly a matter of preference. If you have particularly oily skin and are looking to control shine, look for something that delivers a mattifying effect. Like foundation and concealer, setting powders offer various finishes, including matte, radiant, natural, and even dewy. You'll want to consider the finish as well. Many formulas also contain various minerals like zinc, calcium silicate, and iron oxide, which can offer complexion-enhancing benefits. Bear in mind that talc can be hit or miss with oily skin, so you might want to steer clear to avoid caking and creasing. Rice starch, cornstarch, silica, and talc often account for the bulk of the product, as they're highly absorbent and generally non-irritating on most skin types. When shopping around for a setting powder, be sure to check the ingredients list.

What to Look for When Buying Setting Powder Ingredients Shay Zeinali, is a makeup artist, based in LA.Jamie Dorman is a makeup artist, based in New York.Type: Pressed | Shades: 6 | Finish: Matte/natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes Considering the accessible price point, there's nothing we don't like about this product. No matter how much she applied, our tester said the lightweight and breathable formula "went on like a second skin." What's more, it set her makeup with a photo-perfect finish and held up in the hot sun. This setting powder even smoothed out her pores and corrected for redness around her nostrils. It blended effortlessly with our tester's natural skin tone without any remaining residue or white cast in sight. The mattifying finish was natural-looking with a subtle glow. She was surprised to report that this pressed powder is also slightly moisturizing, likely due to the hyaluronic acid, a go-to skincare ingredient that famously holds more than 1,000 times its weight in water. She said that it immediately eliminated shininess without making her face appear overly dry.

Our tester, who has combination skin with dry cheeks and an oily T-zone, tried the translucent shade. LYS Beauty Triple Fix clocked perfect scores all around in our lab tests.
