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Jun 11, 2025

12 best setting powders that won't dull your glow

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Smooth, not shiny It’s no secret that we’re all after that glassy skin glow. But here’s the thing: there’s a very fine

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Smooth, not shiny

It’s no secret that we’re all after that glassy skin glow. But here’s the thing: there’s a very fine line between glowy skin and greasy skin. And no matter how fresh your foundation looks at 9am, by lunchtime (or post-gym class), it’s often a different story.

Which is why, despite what our teenage years taught us about powder (chalky compacts, zero shade range, and seriously cakey finish), we’ve come full circle. A good setting powder is a beauty essential – especially now that formulations have had a serious glow-up.

These days, powders aren’t about flattening your skin. They’re about blurring, soft-focusing, and locking your base in place – without clinging to dry patches or turning your skin matte in a dull way. And with more formulas packed with skincare ingredients, you can now control oil and support your skin barrier in one.

So whether you’re after a powder that’ll survive a sweaty spin class or one that gives your skin that lit-from-within finish, these are the products the Women’s Health beauty team swear by.

To find the best setting powders on the market, we examined various products, from compacts to lose powders. We looked at how well the formula reduced the appearance of shine, how to long it lasted. We also examined whether the formula contained other skin-kind ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to help nourish and hydrate. Elements like texture and application were important to consider, too; we looked at how well the formulas sat on the top of makeup.

If you want your makeup to not budge, this is the one. I’ve worn this through long-haul flights, beach days and yes, even gym classes. It sets your base down hard, but the texture is still surprisingly light. Its oil control and longevity are next-level.

This powder is super buildable, offers a slight hint of coverage, and doesn’t feel heavy at all. You can layer it up in oilier zones without it looking powdery, plus it’s available in four shades – which gives a nice tonal match to a range of skin tones. An ideal choice for setting undereye concealer or for midday touch-ups.

Think of this as the brand's more modern update to its cult classic loose powder. It has a super silky texture and blurs beautifully – plus it contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so it’s hydrating and calming on the skin. Ideal if you’re dry or reactive, and want a natural-skin finish that still feels polished.

A newer launch that’s quickly becoming a favourite among the WH team. The pigment is sheer, but the finish is radiant – kind of like a setting powder and soft highlighter hybrid. It’s perfect for touch-ups when your skin looks a bit tired, and it doesn’t cake even if you reapply throughout the day.

This is a truly brilliant powder for those people who usually hate powder. It’s soft, sheer, and packed with skincare (niacinamide, bamboo stem extract, passionfruit leaf) to smooth and hydrate while absorbing excess shine. The finish is your-skin-but-better – not flat, not too glowy – just a perfect everyday setting powder.

I didn't expect to love this powder as much as I do. While it's technically a 'powder foundation', I love using this as a setting powder when I want that soft-velvet skin look. It offers slightly more coverage than most on this list, so it's a dream for evening or events. And the blur effect is strong – it doesn’t settle into fine lines, which is rare for something this pigmented.

If you love luxury, this is your winner. The compact is sleek, the formula is clean and skincare-infused (vitamin C and probiotics), and it leaves skin looking like you – but with a real-life filter. There's no lying – it's pricey, but a little goes a long way.

NARS' finish is truly weightless, with light-reflecting particles that subtly blur imperfections without looking sparkly or powdery. It’s a favourite for bridal and red-carpet makeup for a reason – because it photographs so well.

A backstage classic for a reason. This powder blots rather than blankets, meaning it keeps oil under control without messing with the makeup underneath. It’s sheer, so not ideal if you want coverage – but it’s perfect for touch-ups throughout the day without adding layers. Bonus: it comes in multiple shades for different skin tones.

This one is so finely milled, it feels almost weightless on the skin. It’s designed to mattify while still letting your glow shine through – and it really delivers. Use it with a big fluffy brush and it gives a soft blur that doesn’t crease or feel dry.

This pleasingly-affordable powder offers serious coverage, so you can wear it solo or over a tinted base for a flawless finish. It holds up incredibly well under heat, humidity, and gym sessions. My only note: go light-handed if you don’t want a matte-matte finish.

The texture of this is dreamy: it’s super finely milled, smooth, and gives a soft-focus finish without feeling heavy. It genuinely lives up to its 'airbrush' name. It’s lightly tinted, comes in a decent shade range, and gives skin a creamy-matte finish that doesn’t dull your glow.

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