6 Best Setting Powder for Dry Skin – The Ultimate Guide

Unlike lipsticks, setting powders don’t really have a good track record, probably because it can make your face look dry, not to mention cakey.

But that’s only if you use the wrong one! A setting powder is actually an important finish step in your makeup process, albeit a very underrated one at that. Give your face a few dabs of the right setting powder and it’ll be enough to ensure that your makeup lasts throughout the day.

Most setting powders provide a matte finish to control the oiliness of your face. So, where does this put people with dry skin? That’s exactly what we are here for.

Also read : Best Exfoliator For Dry Sensitive Skin

The Secret(s) of a Great Setting Powder for Dry Skin

It’s simple really – it has to contain nourishing, hydrating, and conditioning ingredients.

Why?

To make up for the lack of moisture, dry skin automatically absorbs moisture from any product used on it. For some, even when using a moisturizing foundation, there’s still a possibility of their makeup looking cakey as the hours pass by.

A good setting powder works as a barrier between your skin and makeup to maintain a fresh look for a long time. You can use it alone or in conjunction with your foundation.

Today, we will walk you through the best possible setting powders for dry skin type like yours.

6 Best Setting Powder for Dry Skin

1. Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

If there’s one Hourglass Cosmetics product that’s found on most (if not all) makeup artists’ kits, then it’s the Hourglass Translucent Setting Powder.

Boasting a faux airbrushed finish, this loose powder is great for those who are looking to achieve that naturally radiant finish. The powder is finely milled, meaning it’s incredibly lightweight and won’t cake up. And don’t be fooled by the yellow color – it’s still translucent!

It also comes with a gold sifter and a cap so dispensing of product is just right. But best of all, this setting powder is infused with light-reflecting particles that leave a shiny (in a good way), blurred finish.

Lastly, it’s talc-free and paraben-free and works on all skin types and tones, so your dry patches are saved!

2. Dermablend Loose Setting Powder 

Want a matte finish with sheer translucence? Dermablend Loose Setting Powder is perfect for you. Quality aside, you’re also getting more than double of what others usually get from other makeup brands.

It’s also ideal for oily skin as much as it is for dry skin. In fact, you can use it together with your dewy foundation. This way, your makeup lasts all day. Sure, the formula makes your skin look silky and matte, but not to the extent that it dries your skin.

Suffice it to say, it’s one of the best drugstore setting powders you can have. It’s a tad bit pricier price may have you hesitating, but just so you know, it’s formulated for 16-hour wear. Amazing isn’t it?

3. L’Oreal Paris Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Face Powder

Rarely can we find a loose powder that is specifically formulated to be moisturizing and nourishing? But thanks to L’Oreal, the search is finally over.

This very light loose powder nourishes and protects your skin from the sun. The word ‘hydra’ alone on its name should give you more than an idea that it’s great for your dry skin.

Nonetheless, it still mattifies your skin like most setting powders do but without looking dull nor cakey. You can now go on your day without worrying about your makeup cracking.

It also helps minimize your pores and ‘blur out’ any blemishes you may have – and at an affordable price, at that. Lastly, it smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Thus, not only is it perfect for dry skin but it also works wonders on blemished and mature skin.

4. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder

This ‘hyaluronic hydra-powder’ from By Terry brand is named as such because of the infused hyaluronic acid ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid, in case you don’t know, moisturizes the skin AND keeps moisture at the optimum level. Because of this hydrating component, this loose powder is most suited for dry skin. However, as any competent setting powder does, it mattifies the skin, all the while blurring your imperfections and even filling in fine lines and wrinkles.

The result? A very light silky smooth, shine-free finish without sucking your skin dry.

Simply put, it caters to all skin types. It won’t clog your pores, too, since the formula is incredibly straightforward with only hyaluronic acid spheres and silica – a sheer white mineral that’s used in nearly every setting powder.

5. Sacha BUTTERCUP Setting Powder

Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder is a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic loose powder that’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s a translucent powder that perfectly compliments medium to dark skin tones.

This is a plus already since it isn’t really easy to find a powder for these complexions these days. Skin complexion aside, this powder leaves no flashback and is so finely milled.

For many, it’s been their go-to-powder that keeps their skin matte all day long without drying the skin out. What’s more, it comes with a budget-friendly price tag – definitely a dupe for high-end brands like Laura Mercier.

This buttercup powder can also be used around the eye area and blends seamlessly regardless of the product underneath it.

6. Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup

Want a face powder that perfectly matches your complexion? You’d surely find one among the 12 color ranges of Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup.

This setting powder for dry skin doubles as a pressed powder and can even be applied in the under-eye area. With Maybelline’s formula, you can now say goodby to creasing and caking. Furthermore, it has a saturated pigment that will cover most blemishes.

Do you have dry AND sensitive skin? This one has you covered since it is completely free from fragrance. Want a natural, matte finish that smoothes your skin’s texture? This too won’t let you down.

On top of that, it’s oil-free and lightweight to suit normal and dry skin. True to its budget-proof yet effective products, Maybelline truly is one of a kind.

FAQs

1. How are loose powders different from translucent and pressed powders?

Loose powders are small, very fine powder particles placed in a jar. A loose powder that’s translucent and has no coverage is what they call translucent powder. Meanwhile, a pressed powder (also known as compact powder) is usually tinted and comes in several skin-tone shades. It’s a powder that’s pressed and offers some coverage.

2. What’s a mineral powder then?

If there’s a loose, translucent, and compact powder, then what do you call loose tinted powders that have some coverage? Those are what they call mineral powder since they’re made of ultra-fine minerals. Also, this type of face powder is supposed to be better for your skin than other types.

3. How much powder should I put on my dry skin?

Many setting powders can accentuate dry patches. As such, it’s best to lightly dab a small touch of your preferred powder. Use a big fluffy powder brush to apply the powder after putting on a moisturizer and foundation.

4. How can I achieve light coverage?

You’d never go wrong with a natural look. Just put on a BB, CC cream, or even a tinted moisturizer then dust some mineral face powder. Then you’re good to go!

5. Which is the best setting powder for dry skin?

Our top pick would be the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder! For starters, it doesn’t contain talc, which is actually harmful to humans despite being used as a primary ingredient by many makeup products. Second, the airbrush effect is a must-have. And while it’s a drugstore brand, not to mention, a tad bit pricier, it’s truly worth it. The powder is even made with light-refracting particles, allowing you to achieve that soft-focus effect and natural glow throughout the day.

Conclusion

Tons of setting powders can be found on the market nowadays, especially with more and more people getting gravitating towards the makeup niche. Although pressed powders have been used by many for quite some time now, oddly, setting powders have only gotten the hype it deserves in the past couple of years. We hope our review article has helped you narrow down your list of the best setting powders for your dry skin. Best of luck!