- Makeup
- Best Face Powders
The Best Face Powders You Need in Your Collection
When it comes to makeup, face powders are the unsung heroes of any routine. Whether you're after a flawless matte finish, need a touch of setting power to lock your look in place, or just want to keep that midday shine at bay, a good powder can make all the difference. It’s the little dusting of magic that can elevate your makeup from pretty good to absolutely flawless.
We’ll be diving into the best face powders that suit all oily and dry skin types, offer different finishes, and serve a variety of uses, so no matter what you’re after, there’s a powder on this list for you.
What does a face powder?
Face powders are the secret weapon to keeping your makeup flawless all day long. They help set your makeup, locking it in and boosting its staying power, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups as the day goes on. For those with oily skin, powders are a lifesaver when it comes to controlling shine, giving your face that fresh, matte finish without looking greasy. Drier complexions can benefit from face powders too as with the right formula, your makeup look can be kept in place without clinging onto dry patches.
Not only do they keep everything in check, but they also work wonders in smoothing the skin and blurring imperfections, leaving you with a flawless, airbrushed look. Luckily, there’s a powder for every desired effect so you can choose the finish that suits your style with our guide on the best face powders to add to your makeup arsenal.
What are the different types of face powders?
- Loose Powders
Loose powders are perfect when you need that extra level of precision, especially for baking or setting your makeup. These finely milled powders offer a lightweight finish and are ideal for dry, normal, or combination skin types. - Pressed Powders
Pressed powders are the go-to for ease and portability, making them perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. If you have oily or combination skin, these are a great option to keep shine at bay throughout the day. - Translucent Powders
Translucent powders are a versatile choice that works beautifully across all skin tones. They’re best used for setting makeup without adding any extra coverage, leaving your skin looking natural and shine-free.
The best face powders, as picked by Cosmetify
The best face powders for oily skin
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
£5.74A drugstore favourite, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder is perfect for keeping shine in check all day. It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and offers a long-lasting matte finish without feeling cakey.
Laura Mercier Flawless Encounter Powder & Puff Translucent
£34.95This cult classic is a must-have for anyone with oily skin. Laura Mercier’s powder sets your makeup flawlessly while controlling shine, all without adding any colour, making it a go-to for a natural, matte finish.
Maybelline Matte Maker Mattifying Powder
£5.46Affordable and effective, Maybelline’s Matte Maker delivers instant oil control and a smooth, matte finish. It’s perfect for touch-ups throughout the day, keeping your skin looking fresh.
L.A. Girl Pro.Powder HD Setting Powder
£6.12 £7.04 (14% off)L.A. Girl’s Pro.Powder offers a lightweight, silky texture that helps to blur imperfections and absorb excess oil. It’s ideal for achieving a matte, HD-ready finish that lasts.
L.A. Girl Pro.Powder HD Setting Powder
£6.12 £7.04 (14% off)For a budget-friendly option, pick up the L.A. Girl Pro.Powder HD Setting Powder. The mineral silica absorbs oil to keep your makeup set and your complexing glowing. Dust away fine lines, discolouration and blemishes with your choice of two shades - translucent (universally wearable) or banana yellow (to minimise dark undertones).
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Setting Powder
£65.00For a luxurious option, Pat McGrath’s setting powder provides a soft-focus finish that controls shine and leaves your skin looking flawless. It’s finely milled for a weightless feel, making it perfect for all-day wear.
The best face powders for dry skin
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish
£36.87 £39.69 (8% off)This pressed powder from Charlotte Tilbury is a dream for dry skin, offering a soft airbrushed finish that never looks cakey. It blurs imperfections like no other and gives a subtle glow, making it perfect for those with drier complexions.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder
£28.51 £40.00 (29% off)This innovative face powder from Shiseido can be applied wet or dry, making it ideal for those who have dry skin. You can also wear this super-powered powder for up to 24 hours as it’s heat, sweat and humidity-resistant.
Laneige Neo Essential Blurring Finish Powder
£24.68 £27.00 (9% off)You can’t go wrong with this skincare-infused powder from Laneige. Carefully crafted with hydrating Blue Hyaluronic Acid, you can set your makeup without worrying about your skin feeling extra dry and cakey.
Sigma Beauty Beaming Glow Illuminating Powder
£24.99 £32.00 (22% off)Offering a beautiful, barely-there glow, this face powder from Sigma Beauty will give you the confidence to take on any challenge. It’s finely milled and provides a pearlescent finish, so a little goes a long way.
SOSU by SJ Face Focus Loose Setting Powder
£5.98 £14.95 (60% off)SOSU by SJ offers a silky, lightweight powder that’s great for dry skin. It smooths the skin and sets makeup beautifully, adding a soft, radiant finish that lasts all day.
And there you have it, our expert picks for the best face powders that are a must for your collection. For the ultimate perfect finish to your makeup look, face powders go hand in hand with setting sprays - take a look at our top choices of the Best Makeup Setting Sprays To Keep Your Look In Place.
Written by Ellie Child
With five years’ experience under her belt, Ellie has worked alongside a range of highly regarded makeup artists, giving her a real insight into what consumers should be spending their money on.
Written by Gabriella Buckner
Gabriella is a junior content writer with a background in creative writing, content marketing and journalism. She’s passionate about all things makeup and skincare, but especially vegan and cruelty-free beauty that is effective and inexpensive.