In case you missed the other posts in my Makeup Series, click here to read them! Every week or so I focus on a different makeup category and review some products in that category that I’ve tried (both drugstore and high-end.) This week, I’m reviewing some Setting Powders!
Setting powder is something you use (they sell both pressed or loose powders) after you do your face makeup in order to “set” it and thus extend the staying powder of your makeup throughout the day. Personally, I set my concealer after I apply it. Then I proceed with my bronzer and blush, and after that I will set my entire face with powder. A translucent powder works best, because a colored one will alter the shade of your skin depending on what makeup you’ve already applied underneath. Setting powders are especially important for all my oily skin girls who are looking for any extra way to mattify the skin! Also, feel free to read all about my favorite brushes for applying powder (affordable options!) here. Below, you can click the name of any of the setting powders that I reviewed to see more details and shop the item.
To be honest, I haven’t tried out many drugstore setting powders yet. I used to use the Covergirl and that works well from what I remember, but that was a few years ago and I don’t want to recommend anything I haven’t used recently and don’t feel confident reviewing in depth! I do hear good things about many drugstore setting powders, so if you’d like to check those out, some tried and true drugstore brands for me are: NYX, L’Oreal, Maybelline, and I would venture to bet that e.l.f. may make a decent one too.
Now, what I CAN review with confidence are the following high-end setting powders:
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Setting Powder • $33 for 0.32 oz – This packaging is great – the lid twists on and off and the inside has the little holes (like a salt shaker!) that allow just a little product to escape for use at a time. I love this so that if I knock it over it won’t all spill anywhere and go to complete waste! It is great for us clumsy gals!
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder • $38 for 1oz – This is a better deal than the Tarte powder if you cannot get that one on sale! (I bought it during their Friends & Family sale.) I love this powder so much! I got it as a deluxe sample from Sephora and this is the one I always bring with me when I travel! It has lasted me a surprisingly long time! The jar setup is just like the Tarte one above.
The Balm Sexy Mama Anti-Shine Translucent Powder • $20 for 1oz – If you are unfamiliar with this brand, TheBalm, they actually make some great makeup! They make a cult classic highlighter, some great bronzers, and lipsticks (but more on that in another post! 😉 ) This powder has done a great job for me (hence why it is an ’empty’ now!) and I would definitely repurchase. In fact, TheBalm does a flash sale of 50% off their entire site a few times a year. I’ll let you know when that happens again! Last time, I posted it on my Instagram.
BareMinerals Mineral Veil Setting Powder SPF 25 • $22 for 0.3oz – I used to use this one and it is another great option! It is especially great for sensitive skin as it is a mineral based power! This is definitely one to check out; I would totally repurchase!
Hope this post was helpful for you all! Have a great week! Xoxo, Nicole