Editor-Approved: These Setting Powders Give Each Makeup Look the Perfect Finish
When it comes to beauty, keeping a look in place and making sure it lasts is of utmost importance. These editor-approved setting powders get the job done.
When it comes to your makeup, whether you choose a product that is cream or powder is a very personal—and sometimes arbitrary—choice. But regardless of what floats your boat (or works with the weather or occasion), you usually still have to take steps to set your makeup into place, to make sure your look doesn’t budge, fade, or melt away.
And when it comes to setting a great makeup look in place, any beauty enthusiast knows what a good setting powder is worth. Not only does it keep your look in place, but it also minimizes oil and shine, and extends a look’s life. Whether it’s loose or pressed, a good setting powder locks each product into place—Philippine heat, humidity, sudden downpours, pollution, hulas, and all.
Here at Allure Philippines, we love the power of a good setting powder. And to save you the time of weeding through every single setting powder in the market, we’re listing our Editor-Approved picks below. Read on!
TEVIANT The Ultimate Skin Master Loose Powder
Teviant’s Ultimate Skin Master Loose Powder has become one of my go-to everyday setting powders. Its lightweight texture feels really comfortable on the skin and the soft finish helps lock my makeup in place. A little goes a long way. I’ve had mine for quite some time now, and I’m still far from “hitting pan.”
Sacha, multimedia artist
Banila Co. Prime Primer Finish Powder
If you need an everyday loose powder, the Banila Co. Prime Primer Finish Powder is a makeup staple I can vouch for. I usually use setting powders for a full glam look, but this one is light on my skin. It sets my makeup seamlessly with a matte finish. It also does wonders for oil control—said as someone who has combination skin.
Yeyen, video producer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
My oily skin begs to be powdered, but with blemishes and uneven texture, finding one that doesn’t emphasize them can be tricky. This one creates a soft, blurring finish without piling up on the skin, which is common when powder is overapplied. I recommend using this product with a big, fluffy powder brush for a more diffused finish, instead of a puff.
Liam, wellness writer
GRWM Cosmetics Powder Rush – Velvet Setting & Finishing Pressed Powder in Maple
I’ve hit pan on this multiple times already because it keeps my oily skin velvety smooth and matte, whether I use it for everyday or full glam looks. As a morena, I struggled looking for powders that matched my skin tone, but this doesn’t make my skin look whiter or ashy.
Bianca, editorial associate
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder Cherry Blossom
Huda Beauty’s loose powder will always be my go-to because it brightens the areas of my face where I apply it, making me look more put-together! The shade cherry blossom is great for fair-to-medium skin tones.
Martina, social media associate
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
I’ve tried a lot of powders, but this one really helps my oily skin. It instantly mattifies without making the skin look flat or powdery, as well as blurs out my pores. I use a fluffy brush to apply it. And because a little goes a long way, the product lasts long.
Ambrosia, video editor
Make Up Forever HD Skin Skin Setting Powder
I’ve been using this translucent loose powder to set my makeup for years, and I’ve literally called it my magic dust to friends and former colleagues. Before blurring powders became all the rage, this powder was doing just that. It somehow creates a glowy filter on your face, without ever leaving a sheen that’s too white. It also makes you look great in photos and videos. I reach for this when I want my skin to look good for the camera.
Lia, associate digital editor
Frequently Asked Questions
Several editors with oily skin recommend the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder for instant mattification without a flat or powdery finish, and the GRWM Cosmetics Powder Rush in Maple for a velvety matte result through everyday and full-glam wear in tropical conditions.
The GRWM Cosmetics Powder Rush in Maple was specifically noted for not whitening or leaving an ashy finish on morena skin — an issue the editor had previously encountered with other powders. The shade and formula were flagged as inclusive for deeper Filipino complexions.
The Banila Co. Prime Primer Finish Powder was recommended for everyday combination-skin use — noted for its light feel, seamless matte finish, and effective oil control without the heaviness associated with full-coverage setting powders.
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder was chosen specifically for skin with blemishes and uneven texture. Applied with a large, fluffy brush rather than a puff, it creates a soft blurring finish without piling up or drawing attention to problem areas.
The Make Up For Ever HD Skin Setting Powder was highlighted for creating a glowy, filter-like effect on camera without leaving an overly white sheen — the editor’s go-to for photo and video work, noted for blurring performance before the category became mainstream.
