No Filter Needed: Here Are the Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin

Applying your makeup can be a little tricky when you have oily skin. Sometimes, it seems like products just slide right off your face, and other times, it feels impossible to combat shininess for longer than a few minutes. Finishing your look with a powder can make a big difference, and luckily, there are a ton of excellent options for addressing oily skin.

Setting powders actually set your makeup, helping it stay in place for hours on end. They also absorb moisture and minimize shine, which is ideal for people with oilier complexions. “Normally, people are the oiliest in their T-zone,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Shay Zeinali. “I recommend to put the setting powder in the T-zone and to use a damp beauty blender to dip into the powder and press the powder into the oily areas.”

Read on for the best setting powders for oily skin.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder at Sephora

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Best Budget:
Covergirl Professional Loose Powder at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:
NYX Professional Makeup Finishing Powder at Amazon

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Best Splurge:
La Mer Powder at Sephora

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Best Loose:
Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Translucent Setting Powder at Sephora

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Best Pressed:
IT Cosmetics Setting Powder at Amazon

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Best Blotting:
Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder at Amazon

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Best Talc-Free:
Glossier Finishing Powder at Glossier.com

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Best Mineral:
Range Beauty Smooth Out Translucent Powder at Rangebeauty.com

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Best Shade Range:
Estée Lauder Powder Foundation at Sephora

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Best Overall:
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

4.9

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What We Like

• Waterproof

• Long-lasting

What We Don’t Like

• Reviewers note its not truly translucent

All Nighter is ideal for those days (or nights) when you want to apply your makeup and forget about it. While it might be easier said than done with oily skin, this waterproof setting powder is up for the job. It keeps your skin matte for up to 11 hours and stands its ground against sweat, tears, humidity, and rain.

Shades: 1 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Review2Coupon Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Where setting powders for oily skin is concerned, Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder is basically untouchable. The loose, lightweight formula blends brilliantly into your skin, setting your foundation without smudging or streaking your makeup. However, if you’re on a budget, Covergirl’s Clean Professional Loose Finishing Powder is a solid choice. It controls shine, sets your makeup, and leaves you with a pro-level finish.

What to Look For in a Setting Powder for Oily Skin

Ingredients

When buying setting powder, you’ll want to take a peek at the ingredients list. Cornstarch or rice starch often make up the bulk of the product. These ingredients absorb oil and help set your makeup. A lot of options also contain minerals, like zinc, magnesium, silica, calcium silicate, and iron oxide. They’re generally gentle on all skin types and can even provide complexion-boosting benefits.

Some are made with talc, which can be hit or miss with oily skin. If you run into caking and creasing when applying makeup, look for a talc-free powder. Additionally, some setting powders have light-diffusing ingredients, like mica, bismuth oxychloride, and HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer.

Shade

If you’re not sure what color to get, we recommend a translucent setting powder for oily skin. The sheer, colorless formula will hold your foundation in place without affecting your makeup look. Also, since you might only apply it to your T-zone, you don’t have to worry about an uneven color.

Some translucent powders come in only one universal color. Others are available in a range of shades. If it’s labeled as translucent, the powder itself will be pale in color, but it should appear colorless on all skin tones. You can also find many tinted setting powders, which typically offer a sheer finish with just a hint of color.

Pressed vs. Loose

Choosing between a loose or pressed setting powder is mostly a matter of preference, as both work well for oily complexions. Loose powders tend to be a little messier, and they typically need to be applied with a brush or beauty sponge. On the other hand, pressed powders usually come in convenient compacts, making it easy to stash one in your purse or pocket.