6 Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin
If oily skin’s got you down, these 6 setting powders are your new best friends! From Lancôme’s Dual Finish to Maybelline’s Fit Me, they banish shine and keep your look matte and fresh all day long. Whether you prefer loose, pressed, or translucent powders, these products absorb excess oil, blur pores, and stay put longer than your favorite snack. Ready to discover which one’s perfect for you? Keep exploring—you’ll find all the glow-free secrets here!
Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation
If you struggle with oily skin and need your makeup to stay matte all day, Lancôme’s Dual Finish Powder Foundation can help. This powder offers a matte finish, long-lasting wear, and full coverage. It comes in a sleek pressed format that feels lightweight on your skin. The foundation covers redness, blemishes, and imperfections naturally. It blends easily, making it simple to apply. You can also use it to touch up during the day. This product is reliable and perfect for those wanting a shine-free look all day.
Best For: People with oily or combination skin who want a natural, matte finish that remains fresh throughout the day.
Pros:
- Holds shine and controls oil all day
- Provides full, natural coverage
- Thin and comfortable to wear
Cons:
- The applicator may be cheap or ineffective
- Packaging can break or include old, discolored puffs
- The product may develop texture issues if stored improperly or old
LAURA GELLER New York Matte Maker Pressed Setting Powder
Meet the Laura Geller New York Matte Maker Pressed Setting Powder. This powder is a great choice if you have oily skin. It gives a matte finish and controls shine all day. The powder minimizes pores and blurs fine lines, helping your skin look smooth. It is lightweight and gentle. It won’t irritate sensitive skin or feel heavy on your face. Use it to set your makeup or do a quick touch-up during the day. It keeps oil away for 6 hours or more. Apply it easily with a brush. It helps you stay fresh and photo-ready, no matter what your day brings.
Best For: people with oily or sensitive skin who want a light, translucent powder that reduces shine and creates a matte finish all day.
Pros:
- Controls oil and shine for at least 6 hours
- Minimizes pores and blurs fine lines for a smooth look
- Works well for all skin types and tones, including sensitive skin
Cons:
- Some users have received broken or clumpy products through international shipping
- You may need to do a baking step for better matte results
- As a translucent powder, it does not provide coverage for blemishes or marks beyond setting makeup
Waterproof Pressed Powder Compact for Oily Skin
Looking for a pressed powder that controls oil all day? The Waterproof Pressed Powder Compact for Oily Skin is your solution. It is talc-free and provides 24-hour oil control. This powder keeps your skin matte, smooth, and free of shine. Its ultra-fine particles help blur pores and imperfections, giving a natural finish. The powder is waterproof, so your makeup stays fresh even with sweat or rain. It comes with a compact design, puff, and mirror for easy touch-ups. Use it to keep oily skin matte and flawless from morning to night.
Best For: people with oily or combination skin who want all-day matte, poreless, and waterproof makeup.
Pros:
- Controls oil for 24 hours, keeping skin shine-free
- Blurs pores and imperfections for a natural look
- Comes in a compact with a puff and mirror for quick touch-ups
Cons:
- May leave a white cast if over-applied, especially on dry or mature skin
- Some users may suffer from transfer or dryness over time
- Puff quality might be poor, so you may need other tools for application
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Radiant Setting Powder
Say goodbye to shine and hello to a flawless, radiant look that lasts all day. The LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Radiant Setting Powder helps create a luminous, smooth finish. This sheer, color-correcting powder neutralizes redness and dullness while blurring pores and fine lines. It gives your skin an airbrushed appearance. Use it to set your makeup and control excess oil without looking cakey. The tricolor formula brightens dull skin and helps produce a natural glow that stays bright. After applying foundation, swirl this powder over your face for a fresh, luminous look that makes you feel confident all day.
Best for: Anyone who wants a lightweight, luminous setting powder that neutralizes redness, blurs imperfections, and highlights a natural, radiant glow for a perfect finish.
Pros:
- Sheer, color-correcting formula fits all skin tones
- Blurs pores, fine lines, and controls shine for an even look
- Long-lasting radiance that brightens dull skin and reduces redness
Cons:
- Might not provide enough coverage for very oily skin without extra products
- Can look slightly shiny if over-applied on very dry or mature skin
- Needs a fluffy brush for best application, adding a small step to your routine
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder
If you deal with shine and oily skin during the day, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder might become your go-to product. This powder works well for normal to oily skin types. It helps create a smooth, poreless look and controls oil for up to 12 hours. The coverage is buildable, so you can start with a natural finish and add more for a full glam look without feeling heavy or cakey. The formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle on sensitive skin. It provides a wide range of shades to match different skin tones perfectly. After applying, your skin will look matte, smooth, and fresh—almost like a filter.
Best For: People with oily or combination skin who want a natural matte finish and long-lasting shine control.
Pros:
- Controls shine for up to 12 hours.
- Creates a matte, poreless look.
- Can be layered for more coverage.
- Safe for sensitive skin, as it is non-comedogenic and allergy tested.
Cons:
- Not ideal for very dry or flaky skin.
- Some shades may not be available in very light or very deep tones in certain areas.
- Reapplication may be needed in hot or humid weather for best results.
Airspun Loose Powder Translucent
If you have oily skin and want a setting powder that controls shine well, Airspun Loose Powder Translucent is a good choice. This talc-free powder feels light on your skin. It absorbs extra oil and reduces shine, keeping your face matte all day. The powder smooths out small lines and imperfections, giving a natural look. It is gentle, non-comedogenic, and safe for daily use. You can wear it on its own or set your foundation. It is an affordable option that helps you achieve a flawless, shine-free face.
Best For: People with oily skin who want a lightweight, long-lasting matte setting powder that reduces shine and blurs imperfections.
Pros:
- Absorbs excess oil to prevent shine
- Feels light and natural on the skin
- Helps hide fine lines and blemishes
Cons:
- Has a noticeable fragrance that some dislike
- Can feel dry or patchy on dry or sensitive skin
- Less suitable for very dewy or luminous makeup looks
Factors to Consider When Choosing Setting Powders for Oily Skin
When picking a setting powder for oily skin, you want something that really keeps shine away without feeling cakey—that’s where oil absorption efficiency is key. Don’t forget to match your shade perfectly to avoid looking ghostly or off-tone, and consider how long the product stays put, even on your busiest days! Plus, a lightweight texture and portable packaging make your makeup routine smoother and more fun—who said staying fresh can’t be easy?
Oil Absorption Efficiency
Choosing the right setting powder for oily skin makes a big difference. Use powders with ingredients like silica, kaolin, or micronized talc. These ingredients act like tiny sponges that absorb excess oil and reduce shine. A translucent, matte-finish powder keeps your look natural and matte without adding glow. Apply the powder gently by pressing or patting to boost oil absorption. Regular touch-ups help you stay shine-free in humid or oily environments. When your setting powder absorbs oil well, you maintain a fresh, confident look all day.
Shade Compatibility Options
Choosing the right setting powder shade becomes easy when you understand your options. Use translucent powders to match most skin tones without adding color or cast. If you prefer a touch of tint, select a powder that matches your skin tone to correct redness or dullness naturally. For darker or richer skin tones, avoid powders that look ashy or grey. Pick shades made for deep skin to achieve a smooth finish. Some powders let you layer or adjust shades for more versatility. Always test powders in natural light or swatch them on your skin. Doing so will help you find your perfect match. Your skin will look natural, fresh, and flawless.
Longevity and Wear Time
Long-lasting wear makes your makeup look flawless all day or night. Choose a setting powder that provides 12 to 24 hours of control. This reduces the need for frequent touch-ups. Use powders with very fine particles. These particles stick better and help keep your makeup fresh longer. Look for powders that absorb oil. They lock in moisture and help control shine, even on hot or sweaty days. Matte finishes or pore-filling powders work well to make your makeup last longer. Proper application is important. Building layers of powder and finishing with a setting spray can improve longevity. Pick the right powder to keep your glow looking great all day.
Texture and Feel
When choosing setting powders for oily skin, texture matters most. You want a powder that feels light and won’t feel heavy or look cakey by midday. Look for powders that are finely milled, with tiny particles about 1.5 microns. These glide on smoothly and hide pores and fine lines easily. Good textures feel soft, airy, and comfortable on the skin. They give a natural finish and won’t emphasize dry patches or rough areas. Powders with a microspun or honeycomb structure blend seamlessly. They help reduce patchiness and unevenness. The best setting powders balance a velvety, matte feel with breathability. They keep your skin feeling fresh, smooth, and comfortable throughout the day—without making it feel like you’re wearing a mask.
Packaging and Portability
Choosing the right packaging for setting powder improves convenience, especially when you move often. A small, portable design with a mirror allows quick touch-ups anywhere. Secure, airtight lids prevent spills and keep powder fresh. Compact containers fit easily into bags, saving space. Materials that resist cracking protect your powder during travel. Including a puff or brush helps you apply powder easily and quickly. This makes it simple to look your best, no matter where you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Setting Powders Control Oil Throughout the Day?
Setting powders absorb excess oil and create a matte finish, helping control shine throughout the day. You apply them after foundation, and reapply as needed to keep your skin looking fresh and grease-free.
Are Matte Finish Powders Better for Oily Skin?
Matte finish powders are generally better for oily skin because they absorb excess oil, reduce shine, and give you a non-glossy look. You should choose a matte powder to control oil and maintain a fresh appearance throughout the day.
Can Setting Powders Clog Pores or Cause Breakouts?
You might worry about clogging pores or breakouts, but choosing non-comedogenic setting powders helps prevent that. Always look for oil-free, lightweight formulas, and make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly to maintain clear, healthy skin.
How Often Should I Reapply Setting Powder During the Day?
You should reapply setting powder every few hours, especially if you notice shine or oil building up. Touch up as needed to maintain a matte finish, but avoid overdoing it to prevent a cakey look.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Powders for Oily Skin?
When choosing powders for oily skin, avoid ingredients like talc, parabens, heavy oils, and artificial fragrances, as they can clog pores, increase oil production, or cause breakouts. Opt for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formulas instead.