For anyone with dry skin, the struggle is real when it comes to getting makeup to last all day without flaking or looking patchy. I’ve been there myself, and it’s frustrating to say the least. But what if I told you that the key to a flawless, long-lasting makeup look lies in the right setting powder? Yes, you read that right – a setting powder is not just for those with oily skin, but for anyone looking to extend the wear of their liquid base products and reduce unwanted shine.
What is a Setting Powder and What Does it Do?
A setting powder is designed to lock your liquid base products, like foundation and concealer, into place, helping to extend wear throughout the day. It works by absorbing excess oils, reducing unwanted shine, and smoothing the appearance of the skin. But, as makeup artist and founder of Jordana Ticia Cosmetics, Jordana Ticia, explains, it’s not just about making makeup last longer – it’s about how the skin looks and feels throughout the day.
“For me, it’s never just about making makeup last longer,” says Ticia. “Whilst that’s a great benefit, there’s no point in long-lasting makeup if it doesn’t actually look good; if anything, it just makes you want to take it off even quicker. It’s really about how the skin looks up close and how it feels throughout the day.” The best setting powders should blur texture and soften fine lines, without ever looking heavy or sitting on the skin.
In fact, Ticia believes that people with dry skin often avoid powder unnecessarily because of the fear of it looking dry. But, when the formula is right, a setting powder can actually enhance the overall finish and help everything stay in place more seamlessly. “Where people go wrong is using powders that are too heavy or overly mattifying,” she says. “I’ve always believed powder should be something you can control and build lightly, rather than something that masks the skin.”
What to Look for in a Setting Powder for Dry Skin
When it comes to choosing a setting powder for dry skin, there are a few key ingredients to look for. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane can help support moisture levels, while ultra-fine particles and soft-focus pigments can elevate a formula by allowing the powder to melt into the skin rather than sit on top of it.
“I’d also avoid formulas that rely heavily on drying ingredients, particularly high levels of alcohol,” warns Ticia. “These are what tend to create that tight or uncomfortable finish people often associate with powder.”
Expert-Approved Setting Powders for Dry Skin
So, what are the best setting powders for dry skin? We’ve rounded up seven expert-approved options to try, each with its own unique benefits and ingredients.
1. Best Overall Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, £39
This translucent loose setting powder is a favorite among makeup artists and editors alike, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, buildable, and won’t cake or settle into fine lines. Plus, it’s infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help support moisture levels.
2. Best Loose Setting Powder: Makeup By Mario Surrealskin Soft Blur Setting Powder, £38
Makeup By Mario’s Surrealskin Soft Blur Setting Powder is a game-changer for dry skin. It’s infused with ultra-fine particles and soft-focus pigments to create a smooth, even finish that won’t accentuate texture. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Best Pressed Setting Powder: VIEVE Modern Powder Perfector, £33
VIEVE’s Modern Powder Perfector is a pressed powder that’s designed to be lightweight and buildable. It’s infused with hydrating ingredients like squalane and glycerin to help support moisture levels, and it won’t cake or settle into fine lines.
4. Best Shade Range: Jordana Ticia Cosmetics Setting Powder, £25
Jordana Ticia’s Setting Powder is a new launch from the brand, and it’s already getting rave reviews from editors and makeup artists. It’s available in six shades to suit a range of skin tones, and it’s infused with ultra-fine particles and soft-focus pigments to create a smooth, even finish.
5. Best Setting Powder for Sensitive Skin: NARS Lightweight Loose Setting Powder, £25
NARS’ Lightweight Loose Setting Powder is a great option for sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, and it’s infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help support moisture levels.
So, there you have it – the best setting powders for dry skin to try. Remember to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, and opt for ultra-fine particles and soft-focus pigments for a smooth, even finish. With the right setting powder, you can say goodbye to patchy makeup and hello to a flawless, long-lasting look.
Conclusion
Getting makeup to last all day without flaking or looking patchy is a challenge we’ve all faced at some point. But, with the right setting powder, it’s possible to achieve a flawless, long-lasting look. By choosing a powder that’s designed for dry skin and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, you can say goodbye to dry, cakey makeup and hello to a smooth, even finish.
So, which setting powder will you try? Let us know in the comments below!
