The 13 Best Setting Powders For Oily Skin In 2024, According To An Expert
Stay fresh and prevent unwanted shine with matte finish setting powder for oily skin.
Oscar VelazquezMakeup Artist 
Oscar Velazquez is a professional makeup artist who specializes in a wide range of makeup styles, including bridal, editorial, fashion, and special effects. His deep understanding of different skin tones and facial features helps him tailor... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati 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 ... more
Image: Shutterstock
If you’re looking for the best setting powder for oily skin so that your face has a matte look at all times, you’ve come to the right place. One of the trickiest skin types, oily skin makes it challenging to wear makeup as it takes only a matter of several minutes for it to start secreting excess oil and develop that unwanted shine. Well, no more! When you have a setting powder that is specifically made to control the oiliness of your skin, thus making your skin look greaseless, you have nothing to worry about.
The market is replete with options from brands that compete for your attention. How will you be able to tell what’s best suited for your skin type? That is where our research comes to your rescue. To help you with your search for the right setting powder that is formulated for all the oily skin beauties out there, we have compiled a list of the top-rated products that are sure to address your beauty bane. So, go ahead and take a look at our list of the best products and pick your fav to flaunt your enhanced features with flawless makeup sans shine!
In This Article
13 Best Setting Powders You Can Try To Lock Oil Away
1. Best Crease-Proof:Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder
Our first contender in the race to defy cakey appearances and oily T-zones is the one from Sacha Cosmetics. If you’re one who likes to bake –not cakes but your concealer, then, the Sacha Buttercup setting powder is going to be your go-to product! Our first contender in the race to defy cakey appearances and oily T-zones is the one from Sacha Cosmetics. If you’re one who likes to bake –not cakes but your concealer, then, the Sacha Buttercup setting powder is going to be your go-to product! Its oil control formula provides a long-lasting finish. With minimal effect and a brightening result, switch to this loose, yellow-warm toned mineral powder to either let it sit and bake under the eyes or end your final makeup step. If you’re opting to bake, then we recommend using a beauty sponge to simply dab the layered product into the skin as it gives better, much more radiant results than when swished with a brush. For a complete matte and oil-control look, you’d want to use a brush to stroke the parts of your face which tend to melt your makeup faster. Check out the review and reviewer’s experience of the product for more information.
- Oil-free
- Smooth and creaseless finish
- Soft-focus effect
- No gray/white cast when light refracts
- Some might find it drying.
"The powder remarkably withstands intense heat and does not cause any side effects on my mature skin. It is refreshing and keeps my skin matte for an extended period of time. I think it's safe to say I'll be purchasing this again."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 15,648 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
2. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder – Original Translucent
Let’s get this straight, powders are meant to feel like air on the skin while shielding our faces with a film of mattifying magic. This tub of expertly crafted translucent powder does just that. Formulated with expert advice, the mattifying powder not only shields oil from seeping through the makeup, but is also unalterable once swiped on. You could never go wrong with a translucent powder as it blends into invisibility, suitable for universal shades, and leaves no space for white casts. It is time to bid farewell to the good ol’ pores as the product is built with loads of dermatologist love, free from cruelty, fragrance, SLS, and phthalates! Bonus is that this expert-recommended setting powder for sensitive skin is non-comedogenic, and tested safe for allergy-prone skin. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its features.
- Quick in absorbing oil
- Sets into the skin in no time
- Doesn’t settle in fine lines
- Natural to matte finish
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Contains parabens
"The Dermablend powder has become my go-to. Just a tiny bit of it gives good coverage and a lasting effect, It impressively outperforms other brands I've tried. It doesn't irritate my skin or trigger sensitivities. The finish is smooth, never cakey. Remember to use a decent makeup brush for application and you will love it!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 11,047 reviews claiming its efficacy.
3. Best Moisture Locking:Mehron Makeup Setting Powder – Neutral
Got a 9-to-5 job that requires you to be totally absorbed while your makeup works on absorbing oil underneath? Consider this jar of translucent powder activated with strong moisture-absorbents and a clump-free formula! The Mehron Makeup Setting Powder exists in the form of finely processed powder, and when applied, soaks up excess moisture from the surface of the skin. You could apply this powder with a sponge for an even finish and shine-free complexion. Just dust off the remaining with a brush or buff it in.
- Finely processed
- Locks in moisture
- Lasts all day long
- Keeps makeup rich and vibrant
- Contains parabens
"This product is a handy addition to my makeup bag. It gives my makeup impressive longevity with no creases throughout the day. It is a boon for makeup setting and baking, but remember to use the white one only with lighter foundations for a seamless blend."
Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder Best Crease-Proof | Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder - Original Translucent Best Dermatologist-Tested | Mehron Makeup Setting Powder - Neutral Best Moisure Locking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily | Combination, Oily Sensitive, NormalColor | UniversalColor |
| Color | Buttercup | - | - |
| Dimensions | 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.57 inches | 2.69 x 2.69 x 3.5 inches | 4 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 1.25 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces | 1.44 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 15,648 | 11,047 | 6,426 |
| Price | $25.0 | $29 | $10.35 |
4. Best Allergen-Free:Wunder2 Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder
We do love a pore minimizing smooth finish, and the Wunder2 Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder provides absolutely the minimal appearance of pores. Curb the fear of an overly done and cakey look with this product as it blends in perfectly into the skin, leaving a natural, healthy glow on your high points whilst preventing your sebum production to show through. So, if you’re scouring the internet for a product that completely merges into your makeup with not an ounce of powdery residue, turn your attention to this product to witness its wonder. It allows for an effortless setting powder application for a flawless makeup look and delivers exceptional results. This video review will give you a better insight into the product and the reviewer’s experience.
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
- Allergen-free
- Cruelty-free
- Stays matte all day
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Some may find it to be chalky.
"The powder brilliantly absorbs facial oil and keeps your makeup fresh for a long time. I wear it over my foundation and also on naked skin and it blends seamlessly. It makes my skin look smooth. It's a valuable addition to my collection."
5. Best Talc-Free:Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder
Are you an environmentally conscious beauty enthusiast? Must you be 100% aware of what you put on your skin? Look no further, because we’ve found just the perfect translucent setting powder for oily skin which will sit on your face leaving no flashbacks or any regrets. The Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder is completely vegan, free from all sorts of skinemies (skin enemies), resulting in a seamless look. The lightweight setting powder has a formula that barely reveals any of the blemishes and blurs out the imperfections, providing a sheer veil of a coverage. Color yourself impressed with not only with this setting spray alternative but also the packaging it comes in, a powder puff sits on the top layer of the tub which makes it all the more portable and handy. Enhance your skills in makeup artistry with this wonderful product.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben and gluten-free
- Talc-free formula
- Softens fine lines
- Soaks up excess oil
- May need reapplication
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,523 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
6. Best Mattifying:Palladio Rice Powder – Translucent
Rice has been known to be a prime element in tons of skincare products, now here’s a makeup product that infuses rice concentrate to make the picture-perfect lasting effect on your face. The Palladio Rice Powder has supreme effects in terms of its lasting nature, how it sits on the layer of your makeup, and it surely does the job to absorb as much oil as possible without making you appear chalky or pale. You can now forget about having your fine lines accentuated because this miracle oil-free makeup product sits ever so diligently on your skin without budging for the perfect base to keep in place your favorite celebrity-inspired looks.
- Vegan
- Mattifying
- Gluten and paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Hydrating
- Contains talc
- Perfumed
"I'm thrilled I gave this setting powder a shot. Ideal for oily skin, its effects on limiting shine and softening appearance can't go unnoticed. This powder is particularly useful for undereyes."
7. Best Lightweight:Revlon PhotoReady Candid Setting Powder – Shade 3
Keeping one beauty product that is free from any harmful ingredients is a small step towards catering to your skin’s needs, and what better than to opt for a celebrity-endorsed brand. Revlon’s PhotoReady Candid Setting Powder’s lightweight and finely milled features benefit your skin as it evens out tones and sets the makeup while at it. Infused with anti-pollutant and antioxidant properties, the longevity of this product holds strong. Your search for the smoothest texture in a loose powder ends here. Give it a swirl or a dab into the skin, this setting powder for acne-prone skin is here to stay and slay. Choose a shade or stay neutral white, all shades are perfectly translucent with tint or not. Shade 3 is what we recommend for all our dusky skin beauties out there.
- Oil-free
- Matte to dewy finish
- Formulated with antioxidants
- Prevents environmental pollutants
- Free from fragrance and parabens
- May not entirely mask pores
"This powder is perfect for sealing makeup on dry skin. It has a light texture that doesn't cake but provides a natural, radiant glow. The product met the expectations I had from the Revlon brand. I'd readily recommend it."
8. Best In Budget:W7 Banana Dreams Loose Powder
Wanna look like a million dollar celebrity by just spending a dime size amount? Check out this little jar by W7 that is perfected to provide you the best matte film on top of your greasy skin, and it does so while adhering to a commitment of no animal testing. This loose powder has been raved in the beauty community, and we can see why. This setting powder for combination skin supports your need to contain sebum production while on a budget. It is ideal for a majority of skin tones and complexions. Brighten up your look with the W7 Banana Dreams powder and achieve a high-end product result.
- Budget friendly
- Smooth and soft on skin
- Evens out skin tone
- Minimalizes discoloration
- Ideal for most skin complexions
- Tends to settle into fine lines
- Contains talc
"Happy with my purchase! The product blends well with my fair skin, matching tones perfectly and blurring my pores for a smooth finish. It sets under-eye concealer effortlessly, lasting a full workday. Will purchase it again."
9. Best Long-Wearing:Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Powder
For the love of drag, cosplay, theatre, or daily makeup, if you expect nothing but translucent powders with zero white cast, do reach out for this cult favorite product from Ben Nye, as supported by positive reviews. The Neutral Set Colorless Powder comes in 4 sizes depending on the which, the bottles are crafted for ease of access and portability. All you need to do is dust a bit on to the back of your hand and swirl a powder or tapered brush on to your face with it, and watch as the oil-absorbing setting powder entirely blends in leaving for enhanced beauty and no proof of application.
- Long lasting
- No cakey finish or feel
- Blends seamlessly
- Does not settle in fine lines
- Does not tamper the color of skin or makeup base
- Contains aluminum
"It's essential for my oily skin. It is lightweight and requires only a little for a great finish. It even stands up at anime conventions! I was initially skeptical but now I appreciate its sheer finish. It doesn't sit heavily or add unwanted color. Highly recommended!"
10. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder – Medium
Oily skin inevitably calls out for the need to mattify a makeup look, well, what about a luminous but also oil-controlling powder? E.l.f’s Halo Glow Setting Powder– as the name suggests, is a one-of-a-kind powder that tends to leave a lasting glow on your face without inherently making you look shiny. This setting powder benefits those with oily skin who aspire to have a glowy or dewy look without gaining much attention to the tip of their glazed up nose. So, if you are someone with oily or acne-prone skin who wants a dewy, misty end product, you will not regret giving this setting powder a chance!
- No flashbacks
- Does not leave white cast
- Exudes a radiant, natural glow
- Silky and buttery to the feel and touch
- May settle in fine lines after hours of usage
"I'm quite fond of this e.l.f product. Amidst my less-is-more phase, it provides the desired coverage without the cakey feel. It's an effective talc-free powder. You need a brush to apply it right. Once applied, it's not thick and evens out the texture smoothly, lasting the entire day. A truly good product."
11. Best Non-Comedogenic:Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Setting Powder – Vanilla
A full coverage powder not only helps set the base makeup but also enhances the skin tone, which is why we recommend ABH’s Setting Powder. The shade Vanilla has a peach undertone, but don’t fret, it is just as suitable for most skin tones regardless of its high coverage feature. Be it a full glam or a subtle wear, buff this superfine powder on your face and check off one less thing to worry about— visible oiliness on the surface. This product is super soft to touch, and is ideal for both baking or setting a whole face ending in a blurred, sheer and seamless finish.
- Buildable
- Long lasting
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
- Extremely lightweight
- High coverage setting powder
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- May settle in finer lines under the eyes
- Could feel a little drying
"On long office days with intense air-conditioning, my skin tends to glisten excessively. This product manages to subdue the shine gracefully. The makeup holds even through a bustling 12-hour shift. It even enhances skin texture. A strong recommendation from me."
12. Best Transfer Proof:Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder
The Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder is a finely milled finishing powder. It is designed with a lightly-tinted formula that offers a matte finish. It can soften your complexion and reduce the appearance of aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles. Its blurring effect helps in minimizing pores and even out the skin tone. This setting powder is infused with the goodness of rice starch and cornstarch and offers no flashback in photos. It enables you to set your foundation in place all day long and is available in six shades.
- Lightweight
- Even out skin tone
- Anti-aging benefits
- Offers matte finish
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- None
"Using this setting powder has made my makeup routine wholesome. I admire its smooth texture and how it rejuvenates my face, making it look vibrant, not greasy. It doesn't settle in my lines or crease, giving an even finish. It keeps shine at bay without caking."
13. Best Hypoallergenic:Mineral Fusion Setting Powder
We’ve been recommending a ton of loose setting powders for oily skin, this one from Mineral Fusion takes on a vintage roll with its pressed and clean compact nature. This vegan and cruelty free brand boasts its supremely oil-absorbing and rich matte veil. Milled in 3 extensive layers, the mineral powder assures you an airy, silky smoothness when applied. Not only is the product compact and portable, it also benefits in avoiding unnecessary fallout of the product. If you’re a sucker for that natural yet ready for a party look, then get your hands on this oil-fighting setting powder.
- Gives a natural and sheer finish
- Gluten, paraben, and talc-free formula
- Not tested on animals
- Hypoallergenic
- Not translucent
- May settle in fine lines
"This setting powder provides sheer coverage to my skin. It absorbs excess sebum from my greasy skin and lends it a shine-free look. Its nourishing composition soothes my skin and fills it with moisture. I like the natural look it imparts. It never stings my sensitive eyes."
"This setting powder provides sheer coverage to my skin. It absorbs excess sebum from my greasy skin and lends it a shine-free look. Its nourishing composition soothes my skin and fills it with moisture. I like the natural look it imparts. It never stings my sensitive eyes."
Setting powders can help set your look and block any form of unwanted shine, however, there are other products too that do the same in different formulations. Here’s helping you understand how to choose the best setting powder!
How To Choose Setting Powder For Oily Skin
- Ingredients
Educate yourself on some of the high powered oil absorbing ingredients. Rice is an excellent natural oil absorbent along with its various other skin perfecting properties. Alongside this, chemicals like salicylic acid and antioxidants do an impeccable job in slowing down the appearance of oil production on the surface.
- Shades
Setting powders usually come in either colorless or translucent or with subtle tints to either merge with the base makeup or amplify the effects of coverage. You could either choose to opt for one that is colorless or translucent as these are specifically formulated to turn invisible when blended in. If you’re okay with a little color, then be sure to check your undertone and select a powder that has either yellowish or pinkish tones.
- Consistency
Setting powders come in 2 different textures— loose and pressed. While loose powders have just risen to popularity, you must’ve noticed a compact powder in your mom’s purse. If you’re someone who decides to only apply setting powder once on your face– then select loose powder, as they do tend to get messy. If you’re one who would like to do a few touch-ups here and there when you’re on the go, then pressed compact is the way.
Oscar Velazquez, a professional makeup artist says, “When it comes to controlling oil and keeping your makeup in place, choosing the right setting powder is crucial for those with oily skin. Look for setting powders specifically formulated for oily skin types. Opt for finely milled powders that offer a mattifying effect without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin. Ingredients like silica or kaolin clay can help absorb excess oil and minimize shine throughout the day. Translucent setting powders are great for all skin tones and won’t alter the color of your foundation. Make sure to apply the setting powder with a fluffy brush, focusing on the T zone and any other areas prone to oiliness. With the right setting powder, you can achieve a long lasting, matte finish and keep shine at bay.”
Applying a setting powder might just look like the easiest thing to do when you’re enjoying watching a beauty Guru on Youtube, but reality may seem a tad bit steep with this item. So, here’s explaining how you do it the right way.
How Do You Use Setting Powder On Oily Skin?
For Loose Powders
Step 1: If you’re using loose powder, select your weapon of choice: brush or sponge, since the 2 give drastically different finishes.
Step 2: Dust out some of the loose powder onto the lid of the product jar. Now, with your brush or sponge, press into the loose powder. Should you choose to use a brush, then lightly tap off the excess product from the tips of the brush and gently pat or swirl the product on your face. With a beauty sponge, you would want to press the powder on the skin first and then move the excess product across the surface; you could also use a brush to brush off the excess powder.
For Compact Powders
Step 1: Compacts usually come with a flat sponge applicator, you could either use that or a brush of your desire.
Step 2: Press your beauty tool into the product then gently pat the product on your face. You can always build up the amount as compact powders tend to be picked up in lesser quantities compared to loose powders.
The Bottom Line
Your skin needs skin-benefiting products that can address the specific concerns of your skin. One common concern with oily skin is that the finished look might appear shiny due to the skin’s oiliness. Excessive oiliness may cause your face to appear greasy. To combat that problem, you can try the best setting powder to achieve the final matte finish and prevent greasiness.The Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder delivers a long-lasting matte finish, ideal for oily skin types, while the Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder – Original Translucent is non-comedogenic and controls sebum production for combination and oily skin types. The Mehron Makeup Setting Powder – Neutral is moisture-absorbent with a clump-free formula that suits all skin types. The setting powders or finishing powders mentioned above provide your skin with a smooth finish and make it appear flawless. They also prevent your makeup from rubbing off. Some setting powders provide a matte finish, while some control excess oil, and some cover blemishes and other imperfections. Consider investing in finishing powders that are free from harmful chemicals as they are safer for your skin. And restrain from finishing powders that leave a residue.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De has a deep interest in makeup. She reviews different makeup products. After thorough research, she has provided a detailed list of the best setting powders for oily skin in this post. She went through numerous reviews and feedback on multiple forums and brand websites to help you pick the best setting powder. The products in this post control the oiliness of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is setting spray or powder better for oily skin?
A key point to note is that you can always use a setting spray at the end of your makeup routine, even with a setting powder included in the steps. Setting sprays set the makeup look so that the products do not move or melt. Setting powder is essentially used to absorb oil and block the appearance of unnecessary shine or grease throughout the day.
Why is setting powder important to apply on top of foundation?
Buffing or dabbing setting powder right after your liquid base– foundation or concealer– helps even out the tone. It provides a smoother canvas to paint blush, bronzer, and highlighter. It also boosts the radiance of the liquid base products.
What is the difference between setting powder and finishing powder?
If you have found yourself confused with the myriad of beauty products offering just the similar resulting promises, then we should clear the air when we say that a setting powder is nowhere in close proximity to a finishing powder. A finishing powder is typically a translucent powder, its main job is to blur out harsh blemishes or pores, it should be– as the name suggests– the finishing product on your makeup routine. Whereas, a setting powder does the job of setting your makeup, ensuring to hold the makeup on for hours long.
Which setting powder is the best for oily skin?
The Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder is the best for oily skin. The powder is free from all skin allergens. It controls excess sebum production and delivers sheer coverage to your skin.
Does setting powder prevent oily skin?
Yes. Setting powder blots the excess oil off your face and sets your base makeup. They absorb the extra moisture and control the shine.
When should I use setting powder if my skin is oily?
Use the setting powder after using the liquid foundation and concealer on the face. This way, you can reduce the excessive shine, hide blemishes and create an even canvas for bronzer, blush, and highlighter.
Can I use setting powder without makeup on oily skin?
Yes. Use a setting powder after your skin care regimen on oily skin. It will even out your skin tone and deliver a smooth finish to your facial skin.
Is setting spray or setting powder better for oily skin?
A setting spray has hydrating properties that are ideal for dry skin. On the other hand, a setting powder absorbs the excess oil and controls the extra shine from the oily skin. Therefore, setting powder is better for oily skin.
Do I need both setting powder and finishing powder?
A setting powder is enough if you only want to set your base makeup. And a finishing powder is the last step of the makeup that blurs out pores and adds a glow to your face. Therefore, you will need both powders if you want that last bit of glow, along with a long-lasting base.
Should I use setting powder and setting spray?
Yes. Use setting powder to absorb the excess oil from your face, and add a few spritzes of the setting spray to hold your makeup in place for many hours.
Do I use a setting spray after setting powder?
Yes. Dab the powder on the face after applying the foundation and concealer. And add a few spritzes of the setting spray once the whole makeup is complete.
