MECCA HQ Try The Greatest Setting Powders Of All Time
January 22 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
These little pots (or palettes) of magic hold the power to your best finish – and one that lasts. But not all setting powders are created equal.
Some blur imperfections, minimising the look of pores, fine lines and redness. Some include ingredients you’d find in your serums, to hydrate, brighten and even improve the look of skin over time. But the best? They do all of this at once, while excelling at setting your makeup, ensuring it stays there for an extended period of time and without a hint of caking of course.
So you see (and, as our HQ guinea pigs discovered), it is not enough for a powder to merely ‘set’ your makeup. Here are the best setting powders for your skin type, as tested by us.
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Shivan tries Polite Society More than a Pretty Powder in ‘Brightening Peach’
Skin type: combination/oily
Because no one should have to settle for a sub-par powder, Polite Society made theirs so fine that you’d never know you’re wearing a powder at all. Aside from the fact it erases pores, shine and fine lines. Plus, they snuck in vegan hyaluronic acid and nasturtium flower extract to give a matte but slightly moisturised effect.
Shivan’s first impression, after putting it through its paces? “It wore amazing throughout the whole day. It was a 12-hour day for me and I caught a flight right after work. I felt it mattified my skin but didn’t leave me feeling dry. I actually had someone compliment my skin at the airport and asked what product I used!”
He loved the texture and lightness on the skin, adding: “I can see myself wearing it to work but also a big night out where I know I may break out in a sweat.”
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Nat tries Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder Refillable in ‘2 Medium’
Skin type: normal to dry
Though Nat is a longtime Charlotte Tilbury fan, this was the first time trying this award-winning setting powder – a brightening formula with soft-focus micro-powders to smooth fine lines, and rose wax and almond oil for the signature Charlotte Tilbury glow.
Not only did it set her makeup flawlessly (“it works beautifully with the Hollywood Flawless Filter foundation” she adds) but it also provided added coverage, blurring imperfections and giving her skin a subtle airbrushed look for hours.
The verdict? “I absolutely love it! It’s everything I’ve been looking for in a setting powder." According to Nat, this is the setting powder for anyone wanting a little coverage and a glowy finish. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Charlotte Tilbury!
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Hayley tries Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in ‘Translucent’
Skin type: combination
The idea that makeup should allow skin to shine through (rather than mask it) has always been within the DNA of visionary French makeup artist Laura Mercier’s eponymous beauty brand. It’s why her translucent powder is loved the world over; for imparting a filter-like finish that still looks like skin.
This is exactly what Hayley loved most. “The fine formula gives an airbrushed effect that lasts all day and lets some radiance through.” She was surprised by the amount of product in the packaging. “Based on how much you need to set your face (it goes a long way!) you wouldn't need to repurchase it very often.”
You’ll catch Hayley wearing this whenever she needs more mileage out of her makeup aka for every foreseeable event and workday.
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Georgia tries Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder Brightening in ‘Peachy’
Skin type: combination/dry
“I couldn't believe the colour match for my skin tone, and how it instantly blurred my skin,” gushed Georgia, adding, “I just love how this didn't feel cakey on my skin.” It has a lot to do with the airy, mousse-like formula which gives skin an incredibly smooth and plump appearance while locking down your look.
Like all Kosas products, this setting powder is spiked with skincare ingredients (passion-fruit leaf extract and bamboo stem extract) to brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles immediately and with consistent use.
“I also received sooooo many compliments, so that's always a win,” she adds.
