10 Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
If your midday face-check has you sighing (loudly) at your exposed oily patches, a setting powder can help lock things in place.
Whether you’re wearing a barely there look or a full-on beat face, the best face powder for oily skin will keep your skin (and makeup) looking fresh for longer.
Scared of looking cakey? Not sure what the difference is between pressed and loose powder? We’ve found the formulas and tips that your oily skin will love.
Anyone with oily skin knows the struggle: you spend ages (or at least several precious minutes) getting your complexion to a place you like.
Yet before you’ve even walked out the door, your makeup is starting to slip and slide all over the place - so rude.
So if you're tired of wasting your time and money on good makeup only to have it betray you before the day is even over, it might be time to get your hands on a good setting powder.
What is a good setting powder for oily skin?
A good setting powder will absorb excess oil from your skin and help you maintain a picture-perfect finish. While we’re not suggesting that the best oil control powder for oily skin will replace your favourite Insta Stories filter, instead, it’ll help reduce immediate shine.
From a matte powder foundation for oily skin to a loose setting powder with no flashback, it can be hard to work out what formula will work best for your skin. Obvs, you don’t want a formula that’ll clog your complexion. The best powder for oily acne prone skin will keep you free of shine without adding to your skin problems. A finely milled loose format is easy to build up and rests lightly on your face.
Aside from tackling oily patches, a good translucent powder will blur the look of your pores and set your makeup without changing the shade of your foundation. Face powder can help smooth out the texture of your skin and even help disguise acne scars.
Never tried a powder foundation? Not sure how to apply pressed powder? Scroll down for 10 setting powders you might want to play with.
Blur the look of fine lines and imperfections with this powder foundation.
When it comes to finding the best mineral powder foundation for oily skin, you want a formula that looks and feels light. Mirenesse Skin Clone Mineral Face Powder SPF 15 is a finely pressed formula that lets your skin breathe. When you have oily skin, it’s super-tempting to keep applying makeup to cover the problem. Working with your complexion and giving it the room it needs to stay healthy-looking, this lightweight formula glides on seamlessly. Giving oily skin a pore-free, soft-focus finish (without the Insta filter), the powder is easy to build up. Whether you want a sheer look or medium coverage, you can personalise your look with Skin Clone.
If you’re looking to mattify your oily skin, Mirenesse Skin Clone Mineral Face Powder SPF15 is here to help. The gentle formula with sun protection is ideal for sensitive and oily skin types alike. Made without artificial fragrances, this vegan face powder has been enriched with some impressive anti-ageing ingredients. Renovage is a Peptide molecule that can help improve your skin’s firmness for a more youthful appearance. Zinc offers a blurred effect and can also calm redness. The last thing you want when you have oily skin is a makeup-related breakout. Is powder foundation good for oily skin? When it’s as breathable and lightweight as this one from Mirenesse, it’s a great option for oily skin.
Help your skin stay shine-free with this mineral setting powder.
If you’re worried that setting powder will clog your skin, innisfree Matte Mineral Setting Powder will make you think again. One of the best mineral powder for oily skin, it absorbs excess sebum without caking, making your complexion look naturally beautiful and smooth. The silky-soft formula can be layered comfortably over foundation and concealer to lock your look into place. Keeping your moisture levels balanced, this portable powder mattifies slick patches in seconds. And because this bestselling setting powder is super-affordable and portable, you can pop one in your bag for breezy touch-ups.
Made with natural minerals and Mint from Jeju, innisfree Matte Mineral Setting Powder 5g keeps oily skin refreshed and hydrated. Just a few soft dabs will give your skin an even texture, control excess oil, and set your foundation. But it’s also a good product to wear alone or over primer for a slightly smoother look than bare skin. One of the best setting powder for oily T zone, it can also be used as a dry shampoo! Apply a small amount to your roots and bangs, and rake your fingers through to absorb excess oil.
Get happy skin with this dual-coverage powder foundation.
Who doesn’t love a ‘show-offable’ makeup product? More than a pretty face, Benefit Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation is one of the best powder foundation for oily skin. The effective dual-coverage formula has a natural matte finish and a lightweight, comfortable feel. Made with a blend of skin-loving ingredients, this foundation smooths and softens the look of your oily skin. Rather than clogging your pores and sinking into fine lines, this creamy formula keeps your skin looking healthy. You can mattify your oily skin by wearing this powder on its own. Or you can layer the product over liquid foundation to keep your look in place. If you want to diminish the look of your oily patches, apply this formula during the day to help keep shine away.
Made to last for up to 12 hours, Benefit Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation comes in a good selection of shades. The ideal formula for normal-to-oily skin, its coverage can be tailored to suit your needs. Apply with the sponge to build foundation-like coverage that doesn’t cake. Or apply with a fluffy brush to enjoy a light dusting. The Shea Butter in the blend gives the formula a creamy, smooth texture no matter how you use it. So, smile!
You’ll love this mineral foundation and its wide range of shades.
Treat your skin to a 100% natural, vegan face powder: Inika Loose Mineral Foundation. If you’ve been on the hunt for the best cruelty free setting powder for oily skin, you’ll be pretty impressed with this blend. Australian made and certified organic, this loose powder gives skin of any tone, type, and age a filtered look. Made without harsh fillers or synthetic ingredients, this mineral formula works as a concealer, foundation, and powder. The feather-light powder evens out the look of your complexion to enhance your natural look. The award-winning mixture features Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide the skin with SPF 25 protection.
Mineral powder is a great option if you’re dealing with blotchiness and inflammation. Made with a blend of potent antioxidants to help reduce redness, Inika Loose Mineral Foundation gives skin a smooth, healthy-looking finish. The weightless, super-pure formula won’t sink into pores or aggravate existing acne. Apply with a big brush, then work the formula down and out over your complexion to create a smooth and even look. You can also build this powder up for a full-coverage foundation look. Simply buff the product into the skin with a flat brush and circular motions.
Love the look of smooth skin? Achieve your goals with this loose powder.
Available in a variety of shades, Youngblood Loose Mineral Foundation is a great setting powder for dark oily skin. Because of its luxurious but light feel, this cruelty-free loose powder won’t make your skin feel icky and clogged. The ultra-fine mineral particles sweep gently over the skin to create a full-coverage look without the need for a heavy liquid foundation. This inventive mineral blend was originally made by a medical esthetician to help camouflage the look of post-surgical scarring. Today, this mineral makeup is favoured amongst professional makeup artists. Suitable for all skin types, it makes your skin look radiant and healthy but not glittery. The soft, fine powder sweeps over skin without highlighting any problem areas.
If you’re looking for a buildable powder that’ll help cover the look of acne scarring, melasma, and more, you could check out Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Loose Mineral Foundation. The Mica in the formula is a natural mineral with light-reflecting properties that give the skin a healthy glow and a more energised look. Titanium Oxide offers protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Iron Oxides are a safe, natural pigment to add colour without nasty dyes or any animal ingredients. You can buff this powder into your skin and build it up for a full-coverage finish. Or you can sweep a light dusting over areas prone to oiliness.
Think all loose powders are the same? No way; some are pretty damn impressive! Maybelline Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Loose Powder is an affordable blend that outshines many luxe products. Rather than clogging your pores and potentially causing breakouts, this powder sets your makeup as it blurs imperfections. Fancy a no-makeup makeup day? Master Fix powder enhances your natural skin when it’s worn alone, and the microfine particles won’t sink into fine lines.
Does translucent powder help oily skin? In the case of Maybelline Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Loose Powder, the answer is yes, it does. A good translucent powder helps oily skin by creating a seamless finish and a soft-focus effect. The perfect product to help set your makeup, this finely milled powder keeps your look exactly where you want it: on your face! One of the best translucent powder for oily skin, this formula can be applied for sheer coverage and built up as your day goes on if you start to get shiny. P.S. Follow our guide if you want to know the best way to apply loose powder.
This handy powder reduces the look of shiny patches.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your makeup routine, you could introduce a handy powder. Love a photo-ready look? MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra UD Pressed Powder is designed to withstand the intense scrutiny of a high-def camera. This silky powder keeps your makeup looking fresh without clogging your pores. The advanced micro-filtering technology sets makeup in place for a long-lasting, natural finish. A great solution for oily skin that peeks through foundation, this pressed powder leaves your skin looking hydrated, not dull. And the versatile formula works well at creating a natural look on all skin types and tones.
Some powders can leave your skin looking dull and flat. This super-fine blend of synthetic Mica, silicone powders, Silica, and Hyaluronic Acid makes your skin look healthy and radiant. The perfect product to bake, set, or finish your look, MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Pressed Powder - Translucent 01 blurs the look of pores and imperfections. This skin-loving translucent powder leaves a natural, matte finish on all skin tones and no ashy cast.
Love the look of perfect skin? Buff on this weightless powder.
Whether you’re a liquid foundation advocate or a BB cream devotee, if you have oily skin, you might want to mix things up with a clever powder foundation. Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation delivers a polished look that lasts as long as you need it to. Made to leave a soft, cashmere-like finish, this formula is available in plenty of true-to-skin shades. Inspired by the look of clear, healthy-looking skin, this sulphate-free, oil-free powder won’t clog your pores. The creamy, lightweight texture applies beautifully, so your skin looks smooth and feels comfortable. If you’ve always steered clear of powder foundation because you thought it would make you look cakey, this formula might change your mind.
A blendable powder that applies seamlessly to all skin types, Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation especially benefits those with oily skin. Do you struggle to keep your makeup in place on a hot summer day? This formula can keep a potentially shiny or sweaty complexion fresh, smooth, and matte. If you love a medium to full coverage look, you can apply this powder with a dry sponge. Prefer a sheer look? Dust the product on lightly to help keep shine at bay. If you crave the look of super-soft, velvety skin, this powder will help your skin stay comfortable and covered.
You can’t go wrong with a classic matte powder foundation.
There’s something so easy about a compact pressed powder. Easy to carry around and easy to apply, the right pressed foundation makes even troubled skin seem manageable. Designed to help control shine and oil throughout the day, M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation has been topping ‘most wanted’ lists for a while now. Long-wearing, buildable, and super-comfortable, this formula gives your skin a healthy (not clogged) finish. A flawless look is something only an Instagram filter can achieve. But you can get closer to flawless with this velvety-soft powder foundation.
Love a swipe-and-go formula? M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation could be your dream foundation. Crafted to leave oily skin with a matte finish, this blend is popular in part because of its versatility and comfort. Plus, this cult classic pressed powder compact foundation comes in a wide range of shades. Offering longevity, this powder stays colour-true and won’t sink into fine lines as your day wears on. Designed to minimise the appearance of pores, this powder controls shine without looking cakey or flaky. Want to define your cheekbones? Pick up a darker shade and use an angular brush.
If you have oily skin, using a powder to set your makeup look is essential. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder-Translucent is a pressed formula that’s designed to smooth and blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Perfectly airbrushed skin is something only Photoshop can achieve, but this powder certainly smooths over most problem areas. More travel-friendly and less messy than a loose formula, this compact powder helps hide the look of imperfections. The blend is made without talc but contains skin-enhancing Silk, Collagen, Peptides, and Antioxidants. Perfect for all skin types and tones, this pressed powder can mattify the look of even very oily skin.
Worried that a translucent powder will interfere with the colour of your foundation? That won’t be a concern with this blend. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder- Translucent simply enhances your look and makes it last longer. The ideal formula to mattify skin that’s prone to oily patches and imperfections, this blend actually helps improve the condition of your skin. Just pop the compact in your pocket or handbag for easy touch-ups anytime. Apply over makeup to hold your look down, or wear on its own to enjoy a natural, healthy complexion.
How to apply face powder on oily skin
Curious about the best way to apply powder on oily skin? It really depends on the format you use. If you choose one of our best matte pressed powders for oily skin, you can achieve a silky-smooth effect by using the sponge that comes with the product.
If you’re using a translucent finishing powder, you might want to invest in a big, fluffy powder brush like the IT Cosmetics Jumbo Powder Brush #3. A big brush like this will help to seamlessly sweep pressed and loose powder over the skin and blur the look of your pores.
You can also apply a loose powder to your under-eye area, but for maximum staying power, you might want to try a specially formulated under eye setting powder.
If you find your skin type is more on the combination side, meaning only some areas getting oily, you may want to apply to those areas only (like the t-zone).
Watch the video below for the best foundations for oily skin as Shanthi takes us through how to best prep and prime oily skin...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Need a Quick recap? Here's the 10 Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin
Inika Loose Mineral Foundation$75.00
Mirenesse Skin Clone Mineral Face Powder SPF15 - Currently not available
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Loose Mineral Foundation$84.95 $74.95
Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation$90.00 $79.00
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Pressed Powder - Translucent 01$42.70 $61.00 - Currently not available
Maybelline Lasting Fix Loose Setting Powder$19.99
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder- Translucent$69.00
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