The 14 best setting powders to blot away shine

Setting powder has come a long way since the chalky clouds that wafted up from your grandma’s vanity. Patting it on still stops foundation and concealer from rippling, but now the flecks of powder look virtually undetectable to the naked eye.

In recent years, upgrades to formulas have ensured that powder doesn’t sit heavily on the skin or settle into fine lines. Rather, those with oily skin can choose a powder infused with silica to mop up excess sebum, while ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalene comfort dry skin.

Today’s versions also come in more than one shade to mattify. Translucent setting powders won’t change the shade of your foundation, while coloured powders are ideal for use over bare skin when you need to lean on deeper tones or colour correct redness.

Ahead some of the best setting powders to address different skin types, concerns and tones.

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Infused with radiance-boosting Arctic cloudberry and encapsulated hydrating hyaluronic acid, the vegan formula blurs imperfections and softens the appearance of fine lines.

A makeup artist favourite, this powder blends effortlessly for a matte, soft-focus finish that sets makeup flawlessly for 12 hours.

Perfect for nights when you’re hitting the dance floor, this powder makes foundation completely matte and waterproof for 11 hours.

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Ideal for sensitive skin, meet the setting powder made up of just four ingredients: mica, kaolin, zinc oxide and silica. Apply with a kabuki brush, pressing the powder into the bristles before dabbing over foundation.

Colour-correcting pigments disguise redness and, given the powder is created by a beauty blogger, it naturally prevents flashback in selfies, too.

Don’t be put off by the snowy white shade. Translucent, featherlight and non-drying, this powder is great for blurring the appearance of blemishes on all shades of foundation.

Two matte and two shimmer powders can be mixed together and buffed all over the face. Alternatively target specific areas to either take down or strategically add a subtle sheen.

Made with 99 per cent natural ingredients: tsubaki oil nourishes skin, mica adds luminosity and creamy pigments create a next-to-natural finish.

Available in seven shades, this airy powder renders ultra-light results, feeling like nothing on your skin as it helps your makeup last all day.

The only thing we love more than this skin-soothing mineral powder is the sifter that ensures this finely-milled powder is easy to use on the go. No spilling in the bottom of your makeup bag, guaranteed.

Formulated with what this makeup supremo has dubbed ‘Flex Form Matrix’, McGrath's powder creates a barely-there feel while amino acid-treated pigments ensure the very best skin adherence.

Glow runs through Glossier’s DNA and this powder is no different. Light-reflecting diamond powder ensures skin never looks flat while kaolin clay imperceptibly absorbs oil.

The cult-favourite formula is infused with ‘Photochromic Technology’ that diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of sunlight and artificial light throughout the day. So you can rest assured your makeup will stay looking seamless no matter what life throws at you.

Chic and high-performing, let this completely weightless powder minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It can even be used under eyes to set concealer without creasing or accentuating crow’s feet.