Photo: Imaxtree
Everyone wants their makeup to stay all day, all night (or maybe both). Setting powder is a tried and true method of keeping the makeup looking fresh and preventing it from sinking into the skin. A timeless staple, whether it be in the 50s for colorful glam, or our modern-day no-makeup-makeup looks, setting powder has never been out of style because of how functional it is. If you struggle with dry skin, finding a setting powder that keeps the makeup on without it looking cakey, flakey, or dry can be a feat. Keep reading to check out our recommendations!
HYDRATING INGREDIENTS
The thing that sets these powders apart from the masses, and what makes them perfect for people with dry skin, is their special focus on retaining moisture. Perhaps the most popular hydrating ingredient ⎯ gaining its status following the decades-long skincare craze ⎯ is hyaluronic acid. Known for its plumping, moisturizing abilities, this one is probably the most key!
Glycerin is another very common hydrating skincare ingredient ⎯ as a humectant, it draws water to the skin and helps combat dryness. Squalane is a different version of the natural squalene we find within our skin. This ingredient is weightless and moisturizing and also popular because of its ability to hydrate without feeling greasy on the skin. Other popular ingredients include ceramides, lactic acid, sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid), and plant extracts from the likes of aloe and algae. These hydrating superstars keep your skin from feeling dull, and when infused in makeup products, can help to prevent that cakey look everyone fears.
10+ BEST SETTING POWDERS FOR DRY SKIN
Below are our selection of the best setting powders for dry skin for a variety of budgets
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder $60
This cult-favorite (and highly rated) moisture-boosting setting powder blurs pores and bumps with ease and sets the skin in an innovative way. The infusion of hyaluronic acid into the natural formula helps retain water within the skin, preventing it from appearing dry and dull. This natural, vegan power is made by an award-winning French luxury brand that prides itself on its focus on powerful ingredients! Perfect for smoothing and ultra-hydrating, this skincare-makeup hybrid is a favorite among many searching for a setting powder for dry skin.
Juice Beauty Flawless Finish Powder $28
This soft powder made with organic ingredients is sheer and luminous, making it perfect for blurring those fine lines and pores. Made with organic argan oil and rice powders, it manages to keep the makeup set without drying the skin or patching up. Infused with phyto-pigments ⎯ including that form rose and purple carrot ⎯, the powder disguises imperfections and leaves a glowy finish! Perfect for hot days or humidity, it keeps the skin glowy without looking sweaty. The natural formula perfect dry skin is perfect for setting a lot or a little makeup, one reviewer really did say it best ⎯ “this product hits all the right buttons”. If you’re looking for a tinted version check our Juice Beauty’s Phyto-Pigments Light Diffusing Dust $30.
Kosas Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder $34
This unique best-selling setting powder for dry skin begins as a mousse and then finishes into an airy, light powder that feels weightless on the skin. Soft, sheer and perfect at swiping away the shine, the skin-beneficial powder that comes in 10+ shades leaves your skin with a beautiful, healthy look. The clean beauty formula is made with a special bamboo extract that helps to balance and control oil production. Along with that, it has infused passionfruit leaf extract and Chinese peony, both with essentially smooth out the skin by minimizing pores and fine lines. This finishing powder perfect even for the most sensitive skin manages to keep all of the qualities of a loose powder, including that diffused finish, without any of the mess!
Vapour Ethereal Perfecting Powder Loose $38
If you want the matte finish without it looking grainy on your face, Vapour’s formula is your one true match. This powder is made with tapioca powder, numerous plant-based extracts and amino acids that work to nourish the skin. When those natural ingredients are paired with silica ⎯ which swipes away the oil magically ⎯ the powder is able to keep your skin feeling soft without looking greasy. Despite the powders slight hue, it applies clear, making it a universal fit for any skin color.
Trying to find something more travel friendly consider Vapour’s Ethereal Pressed Perfecting Powder ($38) that’s also more compact too. If you don’t want the naturally diffused look and prefer more powder coverage, this pressed version might just be your new go-to.
Kjaer Weis Refillable Pressed Powder $36
This luxury pressed powder perfect is made of finely milled botanicals ⎯ , specifically vegetables! We love this clean beauty formula for its focus on sustainability, with the choice of purchasing refills that can fit right into the compact version. The compact is refillable and “designed to last for a lifetime”. It seems as though the customers that buy this powder once keep coming back for more! The powder comes in two shades ⎯ one meant for light to medium, and the other meant for medium to dark. Sheer and light-filtering, this powder works great on its own or as a final step to makeup.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder $39
Can we even talk about setting powders without talking about the queen of them ⎯ the iconic Laura Mercier powder! This long-wearing, matte-finish powder has millions wrapped around its finger for good reason ⎯ it works like crazy! The award-winning powder locks in makeup and softening the skin, like a real life filter. If you want no shine all day, but hate the feel of powder on your skin, this weightless, non-drying formula will not disappoint you.
RMS Beauty Tinted ‘Un’ Powder $36
This lightly tinted powder follows the mantra “less is more” in a way we are here for! With 3 different shades to choose from, and useful for all skin types, this light-reflective powder is the perfect subtle addition to any makeup look. With just the right amount of coverage, this powder absorbs all the excess oil without taking the glow away from your complexion. With a cult following of the “Un” line, RMS Beauty’s powder proves that a little powder really can go a long way!
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder $46
With a natural finish, this Hourglass loose powder gives you the subtle blur without it overpowering your entire look. Finely milled and perfect for softening the imperfections and appearance of fine lines, this powder works perfect both on its own or to set a full face of makeup. The long-wearing formula leaves you with a flawless finish that, as one reviewer put it, “never looks cakey”. Not too matte, not too dewy, the perfect in-between!
Ilia Tinted Radiant Translucent Powder SPF $34
One of the superstars of clean skincare, Ilia has done it once again with this setting powder. Made with hydrating oils and organic powders from aloe vera, rosemary, thyme and hibiscus, this formula proves how organic products can really set the bar high. This powder also products from harmful UV rays, so it doubles as extra sunscreen protection too! The ultra fine pearl pigments leave a subtle sparkle finish that keeps the skin looking naturally radiant.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Don’t shy away from the beautiful blurring qualities of a powder just because you have dry skin ⎯ each of these products are made with hydrating ingredients that control the oil without the cakey look! Powders can be a gamechanger in anyone’s routine, including setting foundation or just minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. These setting powders made for dry skin are certain to keep you looking smooth and fresh all day long!
