We researched the best choices for dry skin and consulted with a makeup artist for advice. Some are also targeted at those with dry and sensitive skin! Our buying guide is comprehensive enough to put an end to your confusion about what you need to choose.
Quick List - Top Setting Powders For Dry Skin
Airspun
Ultra-Lightweight Setting Powder for a Flawless, Shine-Free Finish
Maybelline New York
Matte Finish and Poreless Look with Long-Lasting Shine Control
IT Cosmetics
Achieve an Airbrushed, Poreless Finish with Skin-Loving Ingredients
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
A good setting powder can work as a barrier between the skin and makeup and retain your look for a long time. In short, it can prevent your skin from drying out and your makeup from disappearing! It can be used alone or to set your foundation and can make you look fresh all day.
A setting powder can also be used to accentuate the under-eye area. The best ones can also conceal fine lines and other imperfections, no matter how long it is worn. You can use it to highlight specific areas of your face or apply a bit of it all over your face for great coverage.
The secret to setting the makeup on dry skin lies in finding the right setting powder and applying it the right way. By perfecting the application, you can sculpt your face and brighten its great features.
Some might have the belief that all setting powders are oil-controlling and mattifying. That's not true! While the wrong product can end up giving you the dreaded cakey look, the right one with hydrating and moisturizing elements can work like a charm. Let's see what to look for while choosing a setting powder for dry skin.
The first thing to determine is whether you need a colored powder or a translucent one. While a colored powder is flash-friendly, a translucent powder can end up giving your face flashback, if not blended well. And if you want to correct some patches or irregularities on your face, a matching tinted or colored powder is the best choice.
If you want a product that can effectively cover any imperfections in your skin, choose a tinted powder. Anything from fine lines to blemishes to wrinkles to scars can be blurred using colored powder. It can also correct your skin tone, even out your complexion, and is a great choice when you need a quick touch-up.
Depending on how much you need to conceal on your face, you can choose a product from light to medium to heavy coverage. The coverage it gives depends on the pigment it contains. As long as the product is lightweight, reapplication wouldn't cause your makeup to look cakey and thick.
Tinted powders are available for all types of skin tones. You need to choose a product that can mimic your skin tone or the one that is a close match to your foundation. And if you are headed for a special photography session, there is nothing that can beat the look that a colored powder can render.
Translucent powders are for almost every skin tone and can be mainly used to highlight specific areas of your dry skin. Blending the right way is the key to achieving the perfect look using a translucent powder.
They are lightweight, so you can safely reapply as required without changing your face's tone. Some experts suggest using a translucent powder for baking or highlighting the under-eye area. It can also brighten your skin and give it a radiant glow, too!
You can also find a translucent powder with hydrating elements to moisturize your skin and keep your face glowing all day! Those with fair to tan tones can benefit a lot from these powders.
Translucent powders don't always work well on darker skin tones as they can leave behind a white cast or cause flashbacks. To prevent this, you can use a setting spray! You can also search for a tinted powder designed for warm undertones or deep skin tones.
Those with oily skin tend to stay away from pressed powders with a thicker texture. While that benefits those with dry skin, loose forms can also work for those seeking only a lighter coverage.
Pressed powders are mostly available in the tinted or pigmented form. They are more pigmented than loose powders and can easily conceal your blemishes such as hyperpigmentation. However, applying too much powder to your skin will make it appear cakey.
Usually, pressed powders are formulated with thicker particles of the ingredients. Emollients such as silicone, oils, glycerin, and wax are added to these products to keep them in a semi-solid state.
Being enriched with emollients, they can keep your dry skin hydrated better than a loose powder. They can give your skin a dewy, glowy look, too! Besides, they are easy to carry around without the worry of dust flying or spreading around once opened.
A pressed powder can moisturize dry skin and control oil at the same time. When your face is extra dry in certain areas, you want a full coverage but not cakey look, so reach for your pressed powders to set the skin without adding too much product.
If you have dry patches, your foundation can cling to it and show its texture. A pressed powder has more ingredients that will blur the skin while adding moisture and a cooling effect. Dehydrated skin needs an extra boost with makeup or we will find our skin to not look so good during the makeup process and won't last till the end of the day.
Most professionals choose a loose powder over a pressed one for several reasons. They are much finer in texture compared to the pressed ones, and can therefore blend nicely into the skin to cover your blemishes.
However, loose powders might settle into your pores and fine lines. Also, since they are less pigmented, makeup professionals can use them on clients with a range of skin tones.
Loose setting powders come with finer particles, and so they can get very messy if not correctly handled. If not closed properly, they can spill inside your handbag and make a mess as well. However, if you are looking for lightweight coverage to your face, a loose powder will be ideal.
A loose powder is meant to mainly set the skin with adding coverage. A setting powder is great for mattifying oily skin and adds brightness to your complexion. A loose powder is meant to buff into the skin adding a velvety finish. Loose powders are great for blending the makeup together. A loose powder can also be used to bake under the eye without creasing or adding dryness.
Using a setting powder for dry skin will get you a flawless finish that is made to last. A good one can also keep your face hydrated and resistant to smudges, besides keeping it glowing and smooth.
First, try to avoid a matte finish product. It usually contains talc, a mineral substance that prevents caking. Talc can also absorb moisture and will leave your dry skin even drier. Even if it isn't for the talc, a matte look can make your skin look and feel dehydrated.
Demi-matte is the look you need for your dry skin. It will give your skin a radiant look without drying it out or making it look too shiny. However, be careful about reapplying demi-matte powders, as they can turn cakey with multiple touch-ups. A bit of dewiness and shine can work great for you, but watch how much goes on your face.
That being said, a product with a glowing finish can also look good on your dry skin. It can give a reflective sheen without making it appear oily. Powders with a natural finish can also work great for dry skin without enhancing the dryness of the skin.
For those living in humid areas, makeup smudging as a result of sweating can be a regular experience. To prevent any accidental smudging, consider a waterproof setting powder!
It can save you from having to do multiple touch-ups to keep the look in place. Likewise, a transfer-resistant product can ensure your makeup stays in place no matter how much rubbing it goes through.
The staying power of a setting powder can vary, but certain powders can last for a long time, such as Urban Decay's All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder, which can last for 11 hours. Make sure to thoroughly check reviews before purchasing!
Those with dry skin will benefit from some additional hydration and moisturizing. Before you click the buy button, have a look at what emollients and other moisturizing elements your makeup has. At the same time, there shouldn't be any ingredient that can clog your pores and result in an unprecedented breakout.
Like matte is for oily skin, hydration is for dry skin. It’s not tedious to find products containing hydrating ingredients. Humectants are nothing but moisturizing agents added to cosmetics - two good examples are glycerin and squalane.
They can attract moisture from the air to your face and keep it hydrated all the time. Hyaluronic acid is another great ingredient that can moisturize your face and give it the perfect luminescence.
Consider oils and plant-based butters like shea butter and jojoba seed oil. It will give your skin some extra moisture and a glowy look, so nobody can tell you have dry skin! Vitamins E and C also have a moisturizing effect on the skin.
When your skin gets dehydrated, the sebaceous glands in the skin might produce extra sebum to fight dryness. And this extra sebum might block your pores and cause acne! So if you find yourself experiencing breakouts, try to opt for non-comedogenic ingredients as they won't block your pores.
An example is salicylic acid, which can prevent pores from getting clogged and cause acne. Jojoba oil is great as it can keep your skin moisturized while not clogging your pores.
Comedogenic doesn't always mean 'back off' for those with dry skin. While oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil are comedogenic ingredients, they can still suit your dry skin if it's not prone to comedones.
Some setting powders have ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, talc, synthetic fragrances, and triclosan. These components have no good properties to add to your skin. They are used to increase the product's shelf life and improve its texture.
The health concerns speculated to be caused by the presence of talc lead some to call for the use of a talc-free product. There have been no official statements about its adverse outcomes, though. Either way, talc has mattifying properties, and the matte look is what you never need.
Also, we recommend avoiding alcohols, such as isopropyl alcohol and its derivatives such as isopropyl palmitate and isopropyl isostearate. They are strong comedogenic components. If you dread the thought of acne breakouts, a comedogenic product isn’t right for you.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Translucent | Powder Form | Demi-Matte Finish | Contains Humectants | Non-Comedogenic | Volume | |||||
1 | e.l.f. High Definition Powder|Soft Luminance | ![]() | Sheer, Natural Coverage for a Radiant Complexion | Loose | 0.28 oz | |||||
2 | Airspun Translucent Loose Face Powder | ![]() | Ultra-Lightweight Setting Powder for a Flawless, Shine-Free Finish | Loose | 1.2 oz | |||||
3 | Maybelline New York Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Powder Foundation Makeup|Classic Ivory | ![]() | Matte Finish and Poreless Look with Long-Lasting Shine Control | Pressed | 0.29 oz | |||||
4 | IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Loose Setting Powder | ![]() | Achieve an Airbrushed, Poreless Finish with Skin-Loving Ingredients | Loose | 0.23 oz | |||||
5 | KimChi Chic Beauty Puff Puff Pass Set & Bake Powder|03 Translucent | ![]() | Achieve a Long-Lasting, Matte Finish with Skin-Loving Ingredients | Loose | 0.84 oz | |||||
6 | bareMinerals bareMinerals|Mineral Veil® Setting Powder|Original Translucent | ![]() | Achieve a Weightless, Airbrushed Finish with Pore-Blurring Benefits | Loose | 0.3 oz | |||||
7 | wet n wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder|Translucent | ![]() | Achieve a Soft-Focus Finish with Lightweight, Versatile Setting Powder | Loose | 0.8 oz | |||||
8 | Physicians Formula Powder Palette® Multi-Colored Face Powder|Translucent | ![]() | Enhance and Even Out Skin Tone with Hypoallergenic Multi-Colored Face Powder | Pressed | 0.3 oz | |||||
9 | NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder | ![]() | Perfect for Absorbing Oil and Setting Makeup with a Blurred Matte Finish | Loose | 0.21 oz | |||||
10 | Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder|Transparent | ![]() | Control Shine and Minimize Pores for a Flawless Matte Finish | Pressed | 0.49 oz |
Translucent |
---|
e.l.f. High Definition Powder is a versatile loose setting powder designed to blur imperfections and provide a soft-focus effect on the skin. Its sheer, natural coverage helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and blemishes, delivering a radiant, smooth finish without caking or creasing. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight powder blends effortlessly, ensuring a flawless, photo-ready look every time.
This product features a sifter that disperses the perfect amount of powder for easy application. Free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, it is also 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Manufactured in Fair Trade Certified™ facilities, e.l.f. High Definition Powder aligns with ethical standards while offering effective, skin-loving ingredients. Whether used alone or to set foundation, this powder provides a lasting, natural finish ideal for everyday wear.
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.28 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Airspun Translucent Loose Face Powder features an exclusive microspun formula established in 1935, designed for ultra-lightweight, cloud-like softness. This talc-free powder offers a mattifying effect that smooths and softens the appearance of the skin, helping to hide fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. Suitable for all skin types, it can be used either as a foundation or to set makeup, providing a long-lasting, velvety finish without creasing or caking.
The powder helps absorb excess oil, ensuring a shine-free complexion throughout the day. The kind-to-skin formula won’t clog pores, making it ideal for everyday use. Available in several shades to match various skin tones, it blends seamlessly to provide a natural look. With its lightweight texture and ability to deliver a flawless finish, Airspun Loose Face Powder remains a trusted choice for achieving a smooth, polished appearance.
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 1.2 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.29 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.23 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.84 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.3 oz |
Translucent |
---|
This versatile setting powder can be used in multiple ways: dust it lightly over foundation for sheer coverage, buff it with a Kabuki brush for a natural look, or apply generously with a sponge to the T-zone and other areas for long-lasting makeup. Formulated with ingredients like Nylon-12 and Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, it blends effortlessly and ensures smooth application while maintaining a flawless finish throughout the day.
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.8 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.3 oz |
Translucent |
---|
To use, lightly buff the powder onto the T-zone with your preferred brush for a flawless matte finish. A little goes a long way with this product, ensuring longevity and value. The powder is vegan, cruelty-free, and compatible with a wide range of other makeup products from the NYX Professional Makeup line, allowing for complete, customizable looks from foundation to finish.
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.21 oz |
Translucent |
---|
Demi-Matte Finish | |
---|---|
Contains Humectants | |
Volume | 0.49 oz |
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Natalya took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about setting powders for dry skin.
"Your setting powder should be the same as your foundation shade. Most brands have the same color in the liquid foundation as the pressed or loose powders," Natalya points out.
If you are still unsure what color, you can never go wrong with a translucent or banana powder. Banana powders have a yellow hue can be used to set, highlight or bake the face. For those with fair and pale skin, a translucent would be best, but someone with warm undertones can use this to set under the eye and to dust over the entire face."
Natalya says, "Powder products work best with powder products. Cream products work best with cream products.
If you are contouring with a cream contour, you will want to wait to set your face after applying the cream contour. If you are using a powder bronzer or contour, you would set your foundation with a setting powder and then go in with your bronzer product."
No. 1: e.l.f.|High Definition Powder|Soft Luminance
No. 2: Airspun|Translucent Loose Face Powder
No. 3: Maybelline New York|Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Powder Foundation Makeup|Classic Ivory
No. 4: IT Cosmetics|Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Loose Setting Powder
No. 5: KimChi Chic Beauty|Puff Puff Pass Set & Bake Powder|03 Translucent
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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