I think that setting powder is a step that a lot of people overlook in their makeup routine. This is a really important thing to include if you want your makeup to last all day. Who doesn’t want that? I use setting powder lightly brushed all over my face when I’m wearing foundation, to set my concealer to prevent it from creasing, and when I’m feeling fancy, to bake.
Setting powder is generally translucent and therefore a big shade range isn’t very necessary. When you’re looking to purchase a setting powder, you should ensure the product does not create a white cast. Many people tend to shy away from setting powder to avoid this as it looks very fake and unattractive. This is a result of using the wrong baking powder and often flash photography. My favorite setting powders that I have listed below do not create a white cast and are great for everyday use as well as photography.
What is baking? Baking entails putting a thick layer of setting powder on your face to let the heat from your skin set your foundation and concealer. You then wipe off the excess powder and are left with a creaseless and perfect base for your skin. It’s actually very easy and straightforward to do. Here is a video on how to bake to get you prepped.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJyIOu1EPpQ
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
I have been using this setting powder for the past 6 years and it is a cult favorite. It is very finely milled so it covers fine lines very well and smooths out the entire makeup look. There are only two shades of this, one that is used for lighter skin tones and another for darker skin tones. It does not create a white cast and is perfect for everyday use as well as for nights out. When I apply this, my makeup lasts all day and looks seamless for longer. The hard plastic filter allows just enough product to come out and is very easy to control. One complaint about this product is that when it’s brought on airplanes a lot of the product can come loose and it is a nuisance.
Shade range: 2 shades
Coverage: Translucent
Finish: Natural
Price: $51 1oz
Applicator: Loose powder with hard plastic filter
You can buy it here
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder
This is a recent find for me. I’ve been lusting over this setting powder for a year or so now and finally splurged and got it. It was definitely worth the price and actually comes with quite a bit of product. It is finely milled, glides over and hides fine lines and does not create a white cast. This product stands out from the Laura Mercier product to me because of its tints. It adds some extra coverage to the under eyes which brightens them and also can act as a subtle color corrector. When choosing a shade for this product, it is important to consider your skin undertones. I have included a link to help you find yours if you do not know it already. My only complaint about this product thus far is the filter makes it slightly harder to get a lot of products so baking can be more challenging.
You can find out your skin’s undertone here
Shade range: 8 shades
Coverage: Translucent with tint
Finish: Natural
Price: $45
Applicator: Loose powder with soft fabric filter
You can buy it here
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
By now you know that I am a sucker for Charlotte Tilbury products and their packaging. Unfortunately this setting powder just did not do it for me. It’s very expensive compared to how much product you get. It definitely did the job, and did it well, but it wasn’t anything worth writing home about. I thought I should include it here because I know that a lot of people recommend this product and love it. It may work for you but I think you and your money are better off getting another one of the setting powders in this list.
Shade range: 3 shades
Coverage: Translucent with light tint
Finish: Natural
Price: $59 0.28oz
You can buy it here
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