10 Best Setting Powder for Oily Skin in 2025

Managing oily skin can feel like an uphill battle, especially when your makeup starts sliding off by midday. The secret weapon you need? A high-quality setting powder specifically designed to control oil and keep your makeup looking fresh for hours.

Setting powders work by absorbing excess sebum, creating a matte finish, and providing a barrier that locks your foundation and concealer in place.

The right setting powder can transform your beauty routine from frustrating touch-ups every few hours to long-lasting, flawless coverage that withstands humidity, sweat, and daily activities. Whether you prefer loose or pressed formulas, translucent or tinted options, there’s a perfect setting powder waiting to revolutionize your makeup game.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder remains the gold standard for setting powders, particularly for those with oily skin. This finely-milled powder creates an invisible veil over your makeup, providing up to 24 hours of shine control without adding any unwanted color or texture to your complexion.

What makes this powder exceptional is its unique optical blurring technology that diffuses light to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while absorbing excess oil. The formula is talc-free and weightless, making it suitable for daily use without causing irritation or clogging pores.

Beauty enthusiasts consistently praise this powder for its ability to lock makeup in place without creating a cakey or heavy feeling on the skin. It works equally well for baking techniques or light dusting for everyday wear.

Pros:

• Provides 24-hour oil control and shine reduction
• Invisible finish works on all skin tones
• Finely milled texture prevents caking
• Includes professional velour puff for application
• Suitable for both baking and light setting

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to drugstore alternatives
• Large container can be messy for travel
• May appear slightly powdery in flash photography for some users

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Powder has become a cult favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts for its exceptional oil-absorbing properties and professional-quality finish. This loose powder is specifically designed for both setting and baking techniques, making it versatile for various application methods.

The formula contains light-reflecting particles that create a soft-focus effect while maintaining a matte finish. Available in multiple shades including the popular Banana Bread tone, this powder works to color-correct and brighten while controlling oil production throughout the day.

Users with oily skin particularly appreciate how this powder doesn’t emphasize texture or settle into pores, instead creating a smooth, airbrushed appearance that photographs beautifully both with and without flash.

Pros:

• Excellent for both setting and baking techniques
• Light-reflecting particles create a soft-focus effect
• Available in multiple color-correcting shades
• Doesn’t settle into pores or emphasize texture
• Professional-quality results for photography

Cons:

• Can be too matte for those preferring subtle glow
• Requires careful application to avoid over-powdering
• Limited shade range compared to some competitors

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder

The Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder takes oil control to the next level with its advanced waterproof formula that withstands sweat, humidity, and even light water exposure. This translucent powder is engineered to provide up to 11 hours of shine control while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish.

What sets this powder apart is its unique micro-fine texture that creates an imperceptible layer over your makeup, effectively sealing it in place without altering the original color or finish of your foundation. The formula is particularly effective for special occasions or long days when you need your makeup to stay perfect.

The powder’s oil-absorbing technology works continuously throughout the day, making it ideal for those with very oily skin who struggle with breakthrough shine even with other setting powders.

Pros:

• Waterproof formula withstands sweat and humidity
• Provides up to 11 hours of oil control
• Micro-fine texture feels weightless on skin
• Doesn’t alter foundation color or finish
• Excellent for special occasions and long wear

Cons:

• Higher price point than basic setting powders
• Waterproof formula may be unnecessary for daily wear
• Can feel slightly drying on already dry areas

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder

Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless proves that effective oil control doesn’t require a luxury price tag. This pressed powder combines setting properties with foundation coverage, making it perfect for touch-ups throughout the day or as a standalone base for lighter makeup days.

The formula features Perlite Mineral technology that absorbs oil while blurring the appearance of pores for a smooth, matte finish. Available in a wide range of shades, this powder can double as a light foundation or work as a setting powder over your existing base.

Users love the convenient compact format that makes it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, while the affordable price point makes it accessible for those building their first makeup collection or looking for a reliable backup option.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Convenient pressed format for portability
• Can double as light foundation coverage
• Wide shade range available
• Effective pore-minimizing technology

Cons:

• May not provide as intensive oil control as loose powders
• Can build up if over-applied
• Compact may crack if dropped

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder

The NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder offers a unique approach to oil control by combining matte-ifying properties with subtle light-reflecting technology. This creates a luminous yet shine-free finish that’s perfect for those who want oil control without completely eliminating their skin’s natural radiance.

Available in both loose and pressed formulations, this powder uses advanced micro-sphere technology to absorb excess oil while diffusing light to create a soft-focus effect. The formula is particularly effective at minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines while maintaining a natural skin texture.

What makes this powder special is its ability to provide oil control without looking flat or powdery, making it ideal for those who want a more natural finish while still managing shine throughout the day.

Pros:

• Combines oil control with subtle luminosity
• Advanced light-diffusing technology
• Available in both loose and pressed formats
• Minimizes pores and fine lines effectively
• Natural-looking finish that’s not completely matte

Cons:

• May not provide enough oil control for very oily skin
• Higher price point than drugstore options
• Light-reflecting properties may emphasize some skin textures

Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder

Fenty Beauty’s Invisimatte setting powder lives up to its name by providing invisible oil control that works on all skin tones without leaving any ashy residue or color cast. This pressed powder is specifically designed to absorb oil instantly while setting makeup for extended wear.

The formula is talc-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The powder’s unique pressed format makes it incredibly portable while still providing the oil-absorbing benefits typically associated with loose powders.

Users particularly appreciate how this powder doesn’t disturb underlying makeup during application, making it perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day without disrupting your carefully applied foundation and concealer.

Pros:

• Truly invisible on all skin tones
• Talc-free and non-comedogenic formula
• Convenient pressed format for touch-ups
• Doesn’t disturb underlying makeup
• Instant oil absorption upon application

Cons:

• Smaller size compared to loose powder options
• May require frequent reapplication for very oily skin
• Limited availability in some regions

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Finish represents the luxury end of setting powders, offering professional-quality oil control with a sophisticated formulation that includes skincare benefits. This powder contains rose wax and almond oil to condition the skin while providing superior shine control.

The formula creates an airbrushed finish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want your makeup to look professionally applied. The powder’s micro-fine texture ensures smooth application without any visible powder residue or texture enhancement.

What sets this powder apart is its refillable compact system, making it both environmentally conscious and cost-effective in the long run while maintaining luxury performance standards.

Pros:

• Professional airbrushed finish quality
• Contains skincare ingredients like rose wax
• Refillable compact system for sustainability
• Micro-fine texture for smooth application
• Excellent for special occasions and photography

Cons:

• Luxury price point may not be accessible to all
• Packaging may be bulky for everyday carry
• May be too perfecting for natural everyday looks

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Setting Powder

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores setting powder combines anti-aging skincare technology with superior oil control, making it perfect for those who want their makeup to work harder for their skin. The formula includes peptides, silk, collagen, and antioxidants that continue to benefit your skin while controlling shine.

This translucent powder is designed to blur pores and imperfections while providing long-lasting oil control. The formula is particularly effective for mature oily skin that may have enlarged pores or fine lines that need additional attention.

Users appreciate how this powder doesn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize skin texture, instead creating a smooth, perfected appearance that looks natural rather than heavily powdered.

Pros:

• Contains anti-aging skincare ingredients
• Excellent pore-blurring technology
• Suitable for mature oily skin types
• Doesn’t emphasize fine lines or texture
• Translucent formula works on all skin tones

Cons:

• Smaller container size for the price point
• May be too heavy for very young or clear skin
• Skincare ingredients may cause reactions in sensitive individuals

e.l.f. Halo Glow Soft Focus Setting Powder

e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Setting Powder proves that effective oil control can be achieved at an incredibly budget-friendly price point. This powder creates a soft-focus effect that minimizes pores and controls shine while maintaining a subtle, healthy-looking glow.

The formula is silky and lightweight, making it comfortable for all-day wear without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin. Despite its affordable price, this powder delivers professional-quality results that rival much more expensive options.

Available in multiple shades, this powder can be used for both setting and light coverage, making it versatile for various makeup techniques and skin tones while providing reliable oil control throughout the day.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable price point
• Creates soft-focus effect for natural finish
• Lightweight, comfortable formula
• Available in multiple shades
• Versatile for setting and light coverage

Cons:

• May not provide intensive oil control for very oily skin
• Smaller container requires frequent repurchasing
• Formula may be too light for heavy-duty setting needs

bareMinerals Mineral Veil Translucent Setting Powder

bareMinerals Mineral Veil represents the clean beauty approach to setting powders, utilizing natural minerals to provide oil control without synthetic additives. This translucent powder is talc-free, vegan, and designed to work with your skin’s natural properties rather than masking them.

The mineral-based formula provides buildable coverage that can range from light setting to more intensive oil control depending on your application technique. The powder helps extend makeup wear while allowing your skin to breathe naturally throughout the day.

Users with sensitive skin particularly appreciate this powder’s gentle formulation that provides effective oil control without causing irritation or clogging pores, making it suitable for daily use even on reactive skin types.

Pros:

• Clean, mineral-based formula
• Talc-free and vegan formulation
• Buildable coverage from light to intensive
• Gentle enough for sensitive skin
• Allows skin to breathe naturally

Cons:

• May not provide enough coverage for severe oil control needs
• Natural formula may feel different from synthetic alternatives
• Can be more expensive than drugstore options

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder

Wet n Wild’s Photo Focus setting powder delivers professional photography-ready results at an incredibly accessible price point. This loose powder is specifically formulated to provide a flawless finish under any lighting conditions while controlling oil for extended wear.

The formula features ultra-fine milling that creates a smooth, even application without visible powder residue. Despite its budget-friendly price, this powder performs comparably to high-end alternatives in terms of oil control and longevity.

Available in both translucent and tinted shades, this powder offers versatility for different skin tones while providing reliable shine control that works particularly well for photography and special occasions.

Pros:

• Exceptional value for professional-quality results
• Ultra-fine milling for smooth application
• Photography-friendly formulation
• Available in multiple shades
• Reliable oil control at budget price

Cons:

• Basic packaging may not feel luxurious
• Limited shade range compared to premium brands
• May require more product for intensive oil control

How to Choose the Right Setting Powder for Your Oily Skin

Selecting the perfect setting powder involves considering several factors beyond just oil control. Your skin’s specific needs, lifestyle, and makeup preferences all play crucial roles in determining which formula will work best for you.

Loose versus pressed powders each offer distinct advantages. Loose powders typically provide more intensive oil control and are better for baking techniques, while pressed powders offer convenience for touch-ups and travel. Consider your daily routine and whether you prioritize maximum oil control or portability.

Formula ingredients matter significantly for oily skin. Look for talc-free options if you have sensitive skin, and consider whether you want additional skincare benefits like antioxidants or pore-minimizing technology built into your setting powder.

Application Techniques for Maximum Oil Control

The way you apply your setting powder can dramatically impact its effectiveness in controlling oil throughout the day. Proper application technique is just as important as choosing the right product for your skin type.

For intensive oil control, try the baking method by applying a generous amount of powder to areas that tend to get oily, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, then brushing away the excess. This technique helps absorb oil before it even appears while creating a long-lasting matte finish.

For everyday application, use a large, fluffy brush to lightly dust powder over your entire face, focusing on the T-zone where oil production is typically highest. Build coverage gradually rather than applying too much at once to avoid a cakey appearance.

FAQs About Setting Powder for Oily Skin

How often should I reapply setting powder throughout the day?

For most people with oily skin, reapplying setting powder 1-2 times during the day is sufficient. Focus on areas where oil breakthrough occurs first, typically the T-zone. Blot excess oil with a tissue before reapplying to avoid buildup and maintain a smooth finish.

Can setting powder replace foundation for oily skin?

While setting powder can provide light coverage, it’s not typically enough to replace foundation entirely for most people. However, some pressed setting powders with more coverage can work as a light base for minimal makeup days or for touch-ups over existing foundation.

Should I use setting spray with setting powder for oily skin?

Yes, using both can provide enhanced longevity for your makeup. Apply setting powder first to control oil, then finish with a light mist of setting spray to lock everything in place. Choose a matte-finish setting spray to complement your powder’s oil-controlling properties.

How do I prevent setting powder from looking cakey on oily skin?

The key to avoiding a cakey appearance is using the right amount and proper application technique. Start with less product than you think you need, use a fluffy brush for even distribution, and build coverage gradually. Also, ensure your base makeup isn’t too heavy before applying setting powder.

Is it normal for setting powder to slightly change my foundation color?

Slight color changes can occur, especially with heavily pigmented foundations. To minimize this, choose a translucent powder that matches your undertones, or opt for a tinted setting powder that complements your foundation shade. Always test the combination in natural light before committing to the look.

Can I use setting powder if I have acne-prone oily skin?

Absolutely! Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores. Many setting powders designed for oily skin are specifically formulated to be acne-friendly. Avoid powders with heavy oils or pore-clogging ingredients, and ensure you remove all makeup thoroughly at the end of the day.

Last update on 2025-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!