While natural-looking foundation, full-coverage concealer, or punchy lipstick shades tend to get the bulk of the credit for outstanding makeup looks, true beauty lovers know that a great setting powder is really the glue that holds everything together. But the right powder isn’t just ideal for under-eye baking: In addition to catching flaky eye shadow fallout, a setting powder can mean the difference between a flawless, velvety finish that lasts all day and your makeup mysteriously disappearing as the hours tick by. Since not all setting powders are created equal, we’ve pulled together the most tried-and-true options worth adding to your makeup rotation. Here, 8 of the best setting powders to keep shine, oil, and ghostly selfies at bay.
We like to consider this silky translucent powder one of the beauty GOATs, as it’s been beloved by editors (including this one) and professional makeup artists for years. Plus, the powder has racked up close to five stars from more than 16,000 customer reviews at Nordstrom alone, with one shopper raving about how it “literally melts into your skin.”
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Here’s a highly coveted loose mineral powder from holy grail beauty brand Maybelline that’s garnered close to five stars on Amazon, with more than 22,000 (!) customer reviews and counting.
If there’s anyone who knows about setting powder, it’s makeup icon Pat McGrath. Her version is designed to feel weightless on skin and is treated with amino acids for a pigmented color payoff that won’t budge—even when you work up a sweat. If you’re already a fan of the brand’s Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, this correlating powder is the cherry on top of your face makeup.
This full-coverage pressed powder contains rose wax and almond oil to keep your skin hydrated as it mattifies, and even reflects light to leave your complexion looking extra dewy (but not overly shiny).
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Here’s a highly coveted, talc-free option shoppers are raving about to round out your routine, with one customer describing how this lightweight powder “feels like nothing.”
Whether you decide to apply this powder with a sponge or makeup brush, you don’t have to be a hard-core J-Beauty fan to appreciate its luxe feel, which is powered by Japanese pearl powder and actual silk extracts.
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With close to five stars and more than 14,000 loves on Sephora, this top-rated setting powder from beauty influencer Patrick Starrr is designed to last for up to 14 hours and is totally fragrance free.
This translucent setting powder from the makeup aficionados at Urban Decay is designed to stay put for up to 11 hours per wear. Since the powder is also waterproof and has a powdery matte finish, it’s especially ideal for oily and combination skin.
A version of this story originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US