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Beauty review roundup

The best setting powders, in plain English

Setting powder stops shine and keeps foundation and concealer in place. We read editor-tested reviews and boiled them down: which ones disappear on skin, which last all day, and which are worth the price.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 4 setting powders
  • 3 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder $40–$45 Nearly invisible, and a makeup artist favorite. See details Best pressed powder Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder $45–$52 Blurs pores, in a compact for touch-ups. See details Best for long wear Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder $34–$40 Heavy-duty hold for big days and nights out. See details Best under $10 Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder $7–$10 Sets makeup well for about $8. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Less is more.

Loose or pressed

Loose powder sets makeup best at home. Pressed powder comes in a compact with less mess, so it's better for touch-ups on the go.

Translucent or tinted

Translucent powder has little color and works on many skin tones, but too much can look white in flash photos on deeper skin. Tinted powders come in shades, so pick one close to the skin.

What “baking” means

Baking means pressing a thick layer of powder under the eyes, waiting a few minutes, then dusting it off. It helps concealer stay put. For everyday makeup, a light dusting on the forehead, nose and chin is enough.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

PowderBest forTypical priceTypeFinish
1. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Best overall $40–$45LooseNearly invisible, soft matte
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder Best pressed powder $45–$52PressedSoft-focus, velvety
3. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder Best for long wear $34–$40LooseMatte
4. Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder Best under $10 $7–$10LooseSatin, natural

The 4 best setting powders, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overallPick a shade

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

  • Loose
  • Nearly invisible, soft matte
  • A makeup artist favorite

$40–$45typical price

Nearly invisible on skin, and a makeup artist favorite. Who What Wear UK and PureWow both name it the best setting powder overall, and Cosmopolitan's editors praised its smooth, blurred finish.

Comes in shades. Pick the one that matches the wearer's skin on the listing. For a gift, ask their shade first or choose a pick that doesn't need one.

What testers liked

  • A fine, airy powder that disappears on skin.
  • A smooth, soft-focus matte finish.
  • Keeps makeup in place for hours.

Common complaints

  • Loose powder can get messy.
  • Expensive.

Skip it if: You're on a budget. Maybelline Fit Me Loose (#4) costs about $8.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Who What Wear UK, PureWow, Cosmopolitan.

#2Best pressed powderPick a shade

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

  • Pressed
  • Soft-focus, velvety
  • Light tint evens skin tone

$45–$52typical price

Blurs pores in a handy compact. Who What Wear UK picks it for smoothing skin, PureWow names it the best for an airbrushed look, and Cosmopolitan's editors liked how it evens skin tone.

Comes in shades. Pick the one that matches the wearer's skin on the listing. For a gift, ask their shade first or choose a pick that doesn't need one.

What testers liked

  • Blurs pores and fine lines.
  • A light tint that evens out skin tone.
  • A compact with a mirror, good for touch-ups.

Common complaints

  • Expensive.

Testers disagree on: Oily skin. PureWow says it suits oily and combination skin. Who What Wear UK, tested by an editor with oily skin, found it may not be enough for very oily skin.

Skip it if: They have very oily skin and need all-day shine control. Huda Easy Bake (#3) is heavier-duty.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Who What Wear UK, PureWow, Cosmopolitan.

#3Best for long wearPick a shade

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

  • Loose
  • Matte
  • Good for baking under the eyes

$34–$40typical price

Heavy-duty hold for long days and big nights. Who What Wear UK picks it for setting full makeup, PureWow names it the best for baking, and a Cosmopolitan editor found it lasted 10+ hours.

Comes in shades. Pick the one that matches the wearer's skin on the listing. For a gift, ask their shade first or choose a pick that doesn't need one.

What testers liked

  • Keeps full makeup in place for many hours.
  • Brightens under the eyes.
  • A smooth, matte finish.

Common complaints

  • Heavier than other powders, so it can feel like a lot for light, everyday makeup.

Skip it if: They wear light, everyday makeup. Laura Mercier (#1) feels lighter.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Who What Wear UK, PureWow, Cosmopolitan.

#4Best under $10Pick a shade

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

  • Loose
  • Satin, natural
  • Several shades

$7–$10typical price

Sets makeup well for about $8. PureWow names it the best budget setting powder, and Cosmopolitan's editors liked its satin finish.

Comes in shades. Pick the one that matches the wearer's skin on the listing. For a gift, ask their shade first or choose a pick that doesn't need one.

What testers liked

  • Very affordable.
  • Sets makeup with a natural, satin finish.
  • Helps control shine.

Common complaints

  • Sheer, so it needs building up for more coverage.

Skip it if: They want a powder that blurs pores too. Charlotte Tilbury (#2) does more.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from PureWow, Cosmopolitan.

How we pick

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