This Hailey Bieber-Approved Setting Powder Is Actually *That* Good
Glassy complexions may be all the rage, but professional make-up artists understand that what sets a dewy, ultra-expensive skin finish apart from make-up that veers too greasy is clever, targeted use of setting powder.
Those with oilier skin types are probably accustomed to a dusting of powder to set make-up and keep excess oil at bay, but modern setting powders are formulated with all complexions in mind - yes, even dry ones. If you're someone who usually opts for nourishing, ultra-hydrating foundation formulas for your dehydrated complexion, a small amount of powder can help balance any excess shine without obliterating your skin's natural glow.
A-list make-up artist Zoë Taylor and Pat McGrath shares their top tips on making setting powders work your skin.
What is a setting powder?
As the name suggests, these are finely-milled powders in either pressed (these are found in compact formats) or loose textures. Setting powders are used as the final step in your make-up routine to take down excess shine, leave a more even, mattified finish and lock your make-up in place.
Setting powders are available in both translucent and pigmented hues. The former are usually white powders that should look invisible on skin while the latter are often flexible, ultra-sheer shades to match pale to deep skin tones. 'The main difference between pressed and loose setting powder is that pressed tend to have more coverage,' says Taylor, who's also a Sisley artist-in-residence.
She prefers a loose translucent powder to 'absorb any excess oil from skin or product [for example from your skincare and base make-up]'. That said, Taylor notes that 'a pressed powder with blurring benefits is so convenient on-the-go, and is great for touch-ups.' She rates Sisley Blur Expert for making skin appear smooth and perfected.
For dry complexions, seek out formulas that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to ensure comfortable, all-day wear.
How to use a setting powder without looking cakey
Swap an old-school, XXL fluffy brush for a much smaller one - think a fluffy eyeshadow brush - instead. It's the best way for a more targeted application. 'Apply your powder only where it's needed: the sides of nose, a little bit on your forehead, and leave your chin for a more dewy look. The powder will be undetectable!' says McGrath.
The lower parts of your cheeks (just off of your nose) is a useful place to powder, too, as extra shine in that area can make the face appear puffy. Gently pat your brush onto the skin, or use a powder puff, fold it in half and apply in a dab-and-roll motion - Taylor also uses this technique on oily skin to simultaneously set and blot. Always start with the smallest amount (tap off the excess) and build up, to avoid a heavy finish. If you've gone overboard, don't fret. Use a hydrating face mist to help soften the matte effect.
What colour setting powder should I use?
Translucent powders are best, as the good ones should look completely invisible on all complexions. There are plenty of non-translucent options available if you want the tiniest hint of added coverage, but bear in mind that the pigments are often very sheer, unless it's marketed as a powder foundation.
How we test
Thankfully, the ELLE beauty team is made up of various complexion types - from the driest to the one that gets the shiny by 12pm. We apply each product at the start of the day, around 8AM, and keep a close eye on how well it lasts on our skin. The powders should be undetectable on all skin tones, and contain ingredients that can benefit the skin - because every little helps.
The best setting powders, ever
Airbrush Flawless Finish
This powder has graced the complexions of A-listers such as Cynthia Erivo, Amal Clooney and Reese Witherspoon, which means it's been tried and tested to withstand the heat from spotlights while looking undetectable on camera. It gives the complexion a soft-focused effect, blurring pores and setting your make-up without sinking into fine lines. Ultra-fine mica diffuses light while the inclusion of almond oil and rose wax keep dehydrated and mature skin types feeling cared for.
Loose Translucent Setting Powder
Iconic for a reason, the secret to using Laura Mercier's translucent powder is all in the application. Instead of dabbing, take the accompanying applicator puff, fold it in half (so it resembles a taco) and roll the powder onto your skin. It'll set your make-up in seconds while looking completely invisible on skin. Its lasting prowess makes it a winner for weddings and special occasions.
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
A favourite of professional make-up artists backstage at fashion week, this ultra-soft powder has gentle, pearlised pigments baked into it for subtle luminosity (no Edward Cullen sparkle here, don't worry). Despite the glow, it doesn't make oily skin appear greasy nor does it accentuate uneven texture. Just expect a velvety, healthy-looking complexion.
Cloud Set Setting Powder
Hailey Bieber is a fan of this cult-favourite face powder, and we can see why. True to its name, this feels as light as a cloud on your skin, yet packs a punch when it comes to minimising shine. It's talc-free and contains jojoba oil alongside glycerin to ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. It's great all year-round, but feel especially lovely in the colder weather. There are ten sheer shades to pick from.
Sheer Finish Loose Powder
Even the greasiest complexions don't stand a chance against this powder. It locks make-up in place through long hours and keeps excess shine at bay, all without leaving a cakey effect. It feels lightweight and fresh on oily skin, and the formula is oil-free.
Airbrush Pressed Powder
Neither too matte nor too radiant, this sophisticated formula comes in five flexible shades and simply minimises shine without looking heavy on the skin. It plays well on all skin types and mattifies without leaving dry complexions looking flat. Press onto skin with the accompanying powder puff to keep your complexion looking fresh. The sleek compact is easily portable for work and play.
Blur Expert
Back in the early days of film-making, filmmakers often smear Vaseline on camera lenses to help smooth out the complexions of their leading stars. This compact achieves exactly that, with the gentlest dusting on your under-eyes, forehead, lower cheeks and wherever you tend to gat greasy throughout the day. It doesn't completely mattify the skin nor does it contain glitter pigments; it just leaves your make-up looking significantly fresher and more polished.
Plein Air Radiant Matte Powder
Hermès' compact powder is as chic as they come, and it delivers impressive results too. This silky formula takes care of any greasy areas using rice powder and is endlessly refillable. In true Hermès fashion, expect an elegant finish - no chalkiness or caking here.
The POREfessional Power Matte 'n Blur Loose Setting Powder Mini
Benefit's takes the pore-care category very seriously, so it's no surprise that this ultra-fine loose powder works hard to deliver a smooth finish without clogging the pores of even the oiliest skin type. The translucent finish goes on completely invisible. This mini version is excellent for on-the-go touch-ups, and comes with a handy little puff.
Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder 8HA
This truly does look like second skin, and wears like one, too. It feels completely invisible, and does the job of simply obliterating excess oils and keeping foundation in place without leaving the skin feeling stripped of all moisture. Combination skin types will especially love this in the winter, when faces generally feel drier than usual.
Soft Matte Advanced Perfecting Powder
Beauty director Katy Young is a big fan of this powder, which leaves skin plush and extra velvety. It takes care of excess oil, extends the longevity of your make-up, and mattifies without obliterating the skin's natural radiance. Instead of relying on talc, this clever formula uses niacinamide to rebalance oily skin types while nurturing dry-prone ones.
Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
Yes, this is essentially a foundation, but if you're someone who's looking for additional coverage to set your base or need extra lasting power for your foundation, this velvety powder seriously delivers. Plus, it comes in 50 shades, which means there truly is something for every skin tone.
Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder
Revered make-up artist Pat McGrath is known for creating luminous complexions, so it's no surprise that her powder is undetectable on skin. It sets under-eye concealers without settling into fine lines or accentuating uneven texture, and has a brilliant, blurring effect that make skin appear extra polished. It comes in five tones, including soft pink and yellow for added colour-correcting benefits.
Reset Rebalancing Setting Powder
We've put together a useful guide to finding the best make-up for rosacea here, but if you simply experience the occasional mild redness, this green-tinted powder will help to re-balance the complexion. Don't worry, it won't leave you looking like Elphaba. Instead, the ultra-fine powder appears invisible on skin and contains squalane to keep dehydrated complexions feeling comfortably plush. It's refillable, too.
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