13 Best Setting Powders For Dark Skin, As Per A Cosmetologist (2024)

Pamper your skin with lightweight products specially crafted for holding your makeup in place all day.

Reviewed by Laura Dale, Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Dale Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc Shatabdi Bhattacharya BSc linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
Last Updated on
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If you are looking for the best setting powder for dark skin, we got you covered. While you may spend a lot of time on your makeup concealing, contouring, and highlighting your best features, all your efforts can melt away if you don’t seal your makeup with a setting powder. Make sure to select the right one that perfectly matches your skin tone. We have enlisted the top 13 setting powders that are meant to naturally blend into dark skin tones, for your reference. Keep reading to check them out.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Non-Comedogenic: Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder
Price on Amazon
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Best Lightweight: Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder
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Best Dermatologically Tested: Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Crease-Free: Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder
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Best Transfer-Resistant: Dermablend Professional Illuminating Banana Powder
Price on Amazon
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Best Sheer Coverage: NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Finishing Powder
Price on Amazon
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Best Anti-Aging: Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder
Price on Amazon
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Best Matte Finish: Revolution Banana Deep Baking Powder
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan: Hourglass Veil Setting Powder
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Price on Walmart
Best No-Cakey Look: Revlon Photoready Candid Setting Powder
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13 Best Setting Powders For Dark Skin (2024) – Prep, Set, And Go!

1. Best Non-Comedogenic: Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder

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4.5
Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder Image: Sacha Cosmetics

The Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder absorbs excess oil and gives you a matte-finished, airbrushed look for hours. The radiant formulation blends seamlessly with the medium to dark skin tones. It leaves no makeup build-up or creases. It is flash-friendly – it leaves no ashy cast or a white flashback while you take selfies. This silky, oil-controlled, lightweight powder is finer in texture. It smoothens the skin and blurs the fine lines and wrinkles. The product is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for ethically conscious makeup lovers who are seeking cruelty-free options. You can also check this YouTube video to learn about a tester’s experience with the product for better understanding.

Skin Type: Oily | Color: Buttercup | Product Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.57 inches | Weight: 1.25 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Blends easily
  • Radiant finish
  • No white orashy cast
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles

Cons

  • May create bumps or rashes in super-sensitive areas

protip_icon Quick Tip
Use tapered brushes to apply this setting powder for an airbrushed look.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 15,648 great reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Lightweight: Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder

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4.1
Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder Image: Aesthetica

The Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder is easy to apply. It sets the base makeup and absorbs excess oil, giving you a matte finish look. This diffusing and invisible powder blends seamlessly with the skin. It helps blur fine lines and wrinkles and masks, and, to some extent, minimizes pores. This lightweight formula absorbs oil primarily from the T-zone and the chin and gives you a luminous, airbrushed look. A powder sifter helps release the exact amount of powder you need to apply without increasing the makeup weight. This makeup setting powder is easy to apply and travel-friendly, making it great for special occasions too. Several reviewers have noted that it creates a sheer coverage that lasts all day long.

Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 4.5 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Blends easily
  • Absorbs excess oil
  • Packed with high-quality ingredients
  • Hides large pores
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
  • 100% vegan
  • Travel-friendly
  • Includes high-quality, luxurious velour powder puff
  • Easy to apply
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Creates coverage that lasts all day long

Cons

  • May irritate the skin
  • Leaves a cakey look

protip_icon Pro Tip
Dab the setting powder all over your T-zone, your forehead, and chin to avoid looking oily.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 1,523 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

3. Best Dermatologically Tested: Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup

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4.5
 Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup Image: Maybelline New York

The Maybelline New York Fit Me Set naturally sets makeup for a smooth, crease-free look. This oil-free, breathable powder blends easily with dark skin tones and leaves a matte finish. Its breathable formula does not clog pores. This high-performance setting powder absorbs oil from the skin and leaves you with a gorgeous glow. The setting powder has excellent blending coverage and long-lasting wear. It is available in various shades to suit light and deep skin tones.

Skin Type: Dry; Normal | Color: 355 Coconut | Product Dimensions: 0.78 x 2.56 x 2.56 inches | Weight: 1.82 Ounces

Pros

  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Long-lasting
  • Free from fragrances
  • Breathable setting powder
  • Gives a crease-free look
  • Available in different shades

Cons

  • May look dry on the skin

Our Tester's Experience

"This powder spreads evenly on my skin and refreshes it. It helps set my makeup for hours. I find it very effective for touch-ups too. The best part is that it never cakes up my base makeup."


Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder
Best Non-Comedogenic
Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder
Best Lightweight
Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup
Best Dermatologically Tested
Skin Type Oily - Dry; Normal
Color Buttercup - 355 Coconut
Dimensions 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.57 inches 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches 0.78 x 2.56 x 2.56 inches
Weight 1.25 Ounces 4.5 Ounces 1.82 Ounces
Rating
Reviews15,6481,5232,750
Price$25.0$21.97$12.95

4. Best Crease-Free: Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder

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4.3
Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder Image: Black Radiance

The Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder minimizes skin imperfections and provides all-day wear with no creases. The silky, lightweight, loose powder blends perfectly with the skin tone and leaves a smooth finish with a flawless complexion. Several reviews on online forums indicate that it provides a soft-focus appearance on combination skin without any flashback.

Skin Type: CombinationColor: Banana | Product Dimensions: 3.23 x 3.23 x 1.57 inches | Weight: 3.25 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • No flashback
  • Provides all-day wear
  • Minimizes skin imperfections
  • No white or ashy cast

Cons

  • Has a chemical smell
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 6,465 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

5. Best Transfer-Resistant:  Dermablend Professional Illuminating Banana Powder

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4.3

The Dermablend Professional Illuminating Banana Powder is a weightless formula that flatters your skin tone. This professional-grade setting powder is formulated with banana shade and pearl pigments that give a warm, luminous sheen to one’s complexion, restoring the natural skin glow. The yellow-toned banana shade gives a naturally flawless HD finish. It helps blur imperfections and fine lines with no creasing. Reviewers have noted that it provides up to sixteen hours of long wear that is smudge-free and transfer-resistant.

Skin Type: Combination, Oily Sensitive, NormalColor: Banana Powder | Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.85 x 1.85 inches | Weight: 0.2 Ounces.

Pros

  • Up to sixteen hours of makeup wear
  • Natural finish
  • Smudge-free
  • Transfer-resistant
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Non-allergenic
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • SLS-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Contains high-performance pigments
  • Blurs imperfections

Cons

  • May leave a cakey look
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,540 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

6. Best Sheer Coverage: NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Finishing Powder

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4.3
NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Finishing Powder Image: Nyx Professional Makeup

The NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Finishing Powder provides a matte finish with a hint of coverage. Lock in the long-wear look as this setting powder restores a radiant glow and makes your makeup feel lighter. You need to apply this lightweight sheer powder over the foundation or directly to your face after moisturizing. This statement-making powder offers a sheer, matte finish.

Skin Type: All | Color: Medium-Dark | Product Dimensions: 1 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.28 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sheer coverage
  • Suitable for light makeup
  • Gives a matte finish
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Absorbs excess oil

Cons

  • Creates a flashback effect
  • Contains parabens

Our Tester's Experience

"This product controls excess oil production without triggering breakouts. It mattifies my oily, acne-prone skin and provides a soft finish. It offers lasting hold and never cakes up. However, it may settle into fine lines, so careful touch-ups are necessary."


7. Best Anti-Aging: Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder

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4.4
Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder Image: Smashbox Los Angles

The Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder provides a light coverage and creates a healthy, radiant complexion for long-day wear. The patented hydration technology gives you a soft, hydrated, natural, and airbrushed look. It is infused with pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids, and a potent peptide that blurs the signs of aging. The breathable, pressed powder with a built-in powderizer allows you to grind the perfect amount for a single application. The hydration system continuously hydrates, revitalizes, and restores the youthful glow. This loose finishing powder easily blends with the dark skin tone. It never looks cakey or over-powdering.

Skin Type: All | Color: Dark | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.5 Ounces

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Dewy finish
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Non-drying formula
  • Restores hydration
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
  • Long-day wear
  • Provides light-coverage
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Infused with minerals and peptides

Cons

  • None

8. Best Matte Finish: Revolution Banana Deep Baking Powder

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4.2
Revolution Beauty Make Up Setting Powder Image: Revolution Beauty London

The Revolution Banana Deep Baking Powder Setting Powder is the perfect finishing touch for your makeup look. The ultra-fine loose powder is enriched with natural banana extract and kaolin clay to give your complexion a smooth, matte finish. The formula is designed to lock in your makeup while controlling excess oil and shine, helping you to achieve a flawlessly smooth and even finish. The lightweight, non-drying powder will not settle into fine lines or cake onto your oily or dry skin. The soft banana hue adds a subtle warmth to your complexion and gives your skin a natural, healthy glow.

Skin Type: Combination | Color: Banana Deep | Product Dimensions: 2.16 x 2.32 x 1.49 inches | Weight: 1.13 Ounces

Pros

  • Mattifies skin
  • Adds subtle glow
  • Smooth finish
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting effect
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Might give an ashy look if over applied

Our Tester's Experience

"It sets my makeup in place for hours and banishes excess shine. I like its subtle scent that does not trigger my nausea. It gives a matte finish to my face and balances out my skin tone. The best part is that it provides optimum coverage."


9. Best Vegan: Hourglass Veil Setting Powder

If you want to transform your look with a flawless finish, the Hourglass Veil Setting Powder could be your best choice. This weightless setting powder is formulated with a soft-focus, light-reflecting diamond powder that blurs imperfections, fine lines, wrinkles, and masks open pores. Reviewers have noted that the translucent formula easily blends with the skin tone and offers an invisible and natural look to the skin.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2 x 1.2 x 1.2 inches | Weight: 0.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • No synthetic dyes
  • Fragrance-free
  • Weightless setting powder
  • Finely-milled
  • Instantly blends with the skin tone
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
  • No cakey appearance

Cons

  • May dry on mature skin

10. Best No-Cakey Look: Revlon Photoready Candid Setting Powder

The Revlon Photoready Candid is a lightweight setting powder that evens out skin tone and protects it from environmental aggressors. The antioxidant and anti-aging formula helps correct all the signs of aging and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and makes you look photo-ready. It does not leave any white or ashy cast and has a smooth texture. The available shades easily blend with the skin tone and offer a matte finish.

Skin Type: All | Color: Shade 004 | Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.75 x 1.19 inches | Weight: 2.1 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Ultra-fine texture
  • No white cast
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Protects the skin from oxidative damage
  • Blurs signs of aging
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • No added synthetic dyes
  • No fragrances
  • Gives a natural, airbrush finish

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"This powder mattified excess shine without feeling heavy on my skin. Its ultra-fine particles sit well on my face, providing adequate coverage to my imperfections. I love that it does not accentuate my pores or fine lines. It also never turns chalky on my face."

11. Best For Fine Lines: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

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4.4

The Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder gives a fresh, matte finish. It easily blends with the dark skin tone and sets makeup for up to twelve hours. It leaves no creases. It has a no-flashback formula that creates a soft focus and blurs all fine lines, wrinkles, and imperfections. It is available in two shades that work best for medium-deep to the deeper skin tones.

Skin Type: All | Color: translucent medium deep | Product Dimensions: 3 x 2.8 x 2 inches | Weight: 1.02 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Gives a matte finish
  • Sets makeup for up to twelve hours
  • Long-day wear
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Available in two different shades

Cons

  • None
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 380 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

12. Best For Dark Skin: COVER FX Perfect Setting Powder – Deep

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4.4
COVER FX Perfect Setting Powder - Deep Image: Cover Fx

The COVER FX Perfect Setting Powder in the shade deep is a loose face powder that gives a translucent finish and is suitable for all skin types. This setting powder contains green tea, and vitamins C, E, and F, which not only protect your face but also give you an instant soft-focus finish. The talc-free product can set your makeup up instantly and doesn’t smudge, fade, or make your face cakey. The lightweight face powder can illuminate your face and make your makeup look all the more luminous.

Skin Type: All | Color: translucent medium deep | Product Dimensions: 3 x 2.8 x 2 inches | Weight: 1.02 Ounces

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Talc-free formula
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
  • No fragrance or mineral oil
  • Suits all skin types

Cons

  • Can be hard to dispense the powder

Our Tester's Experience

"This powder gives my skin buildable coverage and lends it a flawless finish. It does not clog my pores. Instead, it eliminates excess oil and banishes shine. It mattifies my skin and I love how it locks my makeup in place for hours."


13. Best Blendable: Huda Beauty Setting Powder

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4.4

The Huda Beauty Setting Powder creates a flawless finish and makes makeup melt-proof. It is formulated with vitamin E which protects the skin from oxidative damage. This non-comedogenic formula blends seamlessly with the darker skin tones and masks the fine lines and wrinkles. It is particularly formulated for all skin tones. It creates an airbrushed look. This statement-making makeup product controls the shine and offers a luminous finish all day long.

Skin Type: AllColor: Beige

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Blends easily with the skin
  • Long-day wear
  • No cakey appearance
  • Blurs fine lines and pores
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

If you have dark skin, you know that finding the right setting powder can be a challenge. You want a powder that will help keep your makeup in place all day long, without looking cakey or leaving your skin feeling dry. We have rounded up a few points to keep in mind before you make your final decision.

Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing Setting Powders For Dark Skin

Finish:

When it comes to setting powder, there are two main finishes – matte and luminous. If you have dark skin, you may want to stay away from powders with a matte finish. These can sometimes make dark skin look flat and lifeless. Instead, opt for a powder with a luminous finish. This will help provide your skin with a healthy glow.

Coverage: For dark skin, you may want to choose a powder with full coverage. This will help even out your skin tone and offer a flawless finish. Choose a powder with a yellow or a golden undertone. This will suit all undertones and help neutralize any redness or hyperpigmentation in your skin.

Formula: If you have sensitive skin, it is important to find a powder that won’t irritate your skin. Some setting powders are made with ingredients that can actually clog pores and cause breakouts. Look for a powder that is specifically designed for sensitive skin, or one that is labeled “non-comedogenic.” You should also avoid setting powders that contain talc, which can be drying and irritating to severely sensitive skin. Instead, opt for setting powders that comprise rice or tapioca starch, which will absorb excess oil without causing irritation. People with sensitive or allergy-prone skin can also go for expertly crafted powders to avoid any side effects after use.

Shade Test: No matter what type of setting powder you choose, be sure to test it out on a small area of your skin before applying it all over your face. This will help you determine if the powder is the right shade for your skin tone and if it will provide the desired effect.

Price: Setting powders can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. It all depends on what brand you purchase, the quality of the product, and how much you need. The most affordable setting powders will usually be drugstore brands that can be found at your local grocery or drugstore. These powders typically work just as well as their more expensive counterparts, but may not last as long.

These are the top 13 setting powders for dark skin that you can add to your enhanced beauty makeup routine. If you want to get a crease-free airbrushed finish, you need to pick the right setting powder. The next section can help you with that!

Tips To Choose The Right Product

  • The setting powder should be lightweight to avoid makeup build-up. It should blend easily with dark skin and leave no white cast.
  • It should be able to revitalize and rejuvenate the skin. It should not settle into fine lines.
  • It must have anti-aging properties and help blur fine lines and wrinkles. It is recommended to conduct a patch test before committing to a setting powder for consistent use.
  • It should be able to provide long-lasting shine and absorb excess oil for a matte finish.

Infographic: A Step-By-Step Guide To Using A Setting Powder Like A Pro

Knowing how to master the art of using a setting powder can take your makeup game to a whole new level. Setting powder is your answer to keep your makeup intact and crease-free so that you can look fresh and ready to step out all day long without worrying about touch-ups. Check out the infographic below for a step-to-step guide to using a setting powder like a pro.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Using A Setting Powder Like A Pro (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Setting powders seal the deal when it comes to makeup! To choose the right setting powder, you should be very careful about your skin tone. The Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder is a top choice for those with oily skin. The Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder offers a matte finish anywhere, anytime, while the COVER FX Perfect Setting Powder – Deep is perfect for a non-cakey and soft-focus finish. Some setting powders also tend to absorb excessive oil and offer you a seamless matte finish. Always opt for setting powders that blend effortlessly and help in blurring fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots as well. For makeup enthusiasts with super sensitive skin, make sure to avoid setting powders that might create bumps or rashes on your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a translucent powder the same as a setting powder?

Yes, a translucent powder is the same as a setting powder. It should be able to blend easily with the skin tone.

What shade should your setting powder be?

Always choose a setting powder whose undertone color matches your skin tone.

What is the best way to apply a setting powder?

After your regular skincare regimen, brush the setting powder over your skin and tap a foundation. This sets the canvas for brilliant makeup.

How long do you leave the setting powder on?

Ideally, 5-10 minutes are enough for your setting powder to settle.

How do I know my powder shade?

Match your powder shade to your foundation and skin tone. You can also choose a translucent setting powder if you cannot find one in your shade.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya is an expert in makeup artistry and a certified image consultant who uses her to write comprehensive articles for her readers. After researching and evaluating numerous online options, she has made this list of the best setting powders for dark skin. These lightweight, non-comedogenic products help you to blur the imperfections and blend easily to give you that flawless look.

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Laura Dale
Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.

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Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor
Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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