17 Best Setting Powders for Dry Skin to Keep Your Makeup Seamless

June 04, 2024

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer

Updated on Feb 20, 2024

The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Say goodbye to your days of creasing makeup and welcome this game-changing makeup essential! The best setting powder for dry skin helps keep your makeup from moving and do exactly what they say — set it in place. While most common foundations and concealers take all the credit for a flawless finish, it is not until you have used the right kind of setting powder that you will decipher what you have been missing!

From absorbing excess oil to preventing creasing and making your skin imperfections vanish, a good setting powder can work wonders.

Traditional powders when used on individuals with dry skin, often exacerbate dryness and emphasize uneven texture. However, these specialized setting powders are meticulously formulated to address concerns of dry skin while delivering a flawless finish. Drawing from our experience, most setting powder for dry skin are crafted with nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These setting powders lock in moisture, ensuring your skin remains comfortably hydrated throughout the day. With a plethora of options in the market that help you achieve a luminous and long-lasting makeup look without sacrificing hydration, we listed the top ones to make your shopping experience hassle-free!

Our top picks

17 Best Setting Powders for Dry Skin

An absolute hit among makeup aficionados, this setting powder is ideal for getting a translucent look without looking baked. Suitable for all skin types, this powder is easy to use and quickly gets absorbed into your skin. The water-resistant formula doesn't get affected by sweat either. Plus, it adds a sheen to your face without looking artificial. "To my surprise, my makeup was still flawless and entirely in place! No smudges, just perfection!" wrote an Amazon user.

Pros

Easy to use
Long-lasting
Hydrating formula
Luminous effect

Best for All Skin Tones

CINEMA SECRETS Pro Cosmetics Ultralucent Loose Setting Powder

Conceal your dark circles and dry skin patches with CINEMA SECRETS' loose-setting powder. The soft custard shade makes it suitable for all skin tones. The mineral-based powder is moisture resistant, controls oil, prevents shine, and is breathable. It hydrates the skin without drying it further. It provides enough coverage to a point where you can skin using a foundation. Just dab some on your face and under your eyes, and let it get absorbed to enjoy glowing skin all day.

Pros

Vegan
Talc-free
Paraben-free
Cruelty-free
No flashback

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL Loose Setting Powder - Original Translucent

Seal your makeup with a matte finish, thanks to this loose-setting powder from DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL. It is formulated to absorb excess oil and blend smoothly on your skin to flawlessly lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours straight without smudging or transferring. This setting powder for dry skin is sheer translucent and can be used not only for setting your makeup but also for baking and finishing. It is weightless, non-comedogenic, and also suitable for allergy-prone sensitive skin.

Pros

Non-comedogenic
Toxin-free formula
Smudge-free formula
Not tested on animals
Suitable for sensitive skin
Transfer-resistant formula
Locks in makeup for 16 hours

Cons

Slightly pricey

Most Budget-formula

NYX PROFESSIONAL HD STUDIO PHOTOGENIC FINISHING POWDER - Translucent

Get photogenic and flawless-looking makeup with the HD Finishing Powder from NYX Professional. Made with 100% pure mineral silica, this translucent formula is weightless and is sure to feel like second skin. It gives your makeup a luminous effect, blends seamlessly into the skin to absorb excess oil, and keeps the makeup locked in for long hours. A little goes a long way and makes your skin appear silky smooth with a flawless matte texture with no chalky residue. As per our expertise, this is the best setting powder for dry skin that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and conceals skin imperfections.

Pros

Vegan
Cruelty-free
Weightless formula
Long lasting formula
Works on all skin tones
A little goes a long way
Adds a subtle luminous glow

Cons

Slightly cakes in fine lines
Not suitable for mature skin

Best for Luminous Finish

e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder - Medium

Give your makeup a dreamy airbrushed finish with the Halo Glow Setting Powder by e.l.f. This setting powder for dry skin contains Sapphire particles which are lab-created that lightly veil the skin and create a soft glow without adding shine. It smoothens the appearance of fine lines and pores and enhances your complexion with its soft-focus effect. Available in 5 skin tone shades, this setting powder will be your go-to when you want a radiant finish makeup. Based on our first-hand experience, this setting powder gets you selfie-ready instantly!

Pros

No Talc Affordable
Weightless texture
Vegan and cruelty-free
Available in 5 color shades
Eliminates fine lines and pores

Cons

Slightly difficult to blend into the skin

Editor’s Pick

Aesthetica Banana Setting Powder

Solve every makeup woe and lock your makeup for hours with the one powerful setting powder by Aesthetica. The ultra-flattering banana tint of this best setting powder for dry skin is sure to not only adhere to your makeup but also camouflage your skin’s imperfections while neutralizing blue under-eye circles. Packed with high-quality ingredients, the formula ensures to keep oiliness away while giving your skin a flawless finish without making it appear cakey. The powder comes with a luxurious velour puff that allows you to touch up your makeup and keep it shine-free while you are on the go.

Pros

No talc
No gluten
No paraben Travel-friendly
Lightweight formula
Vegan and cruelty-free
Conceals skin’s imperfections

Cons

Provides sheer coverage
Works better on lighter skin tones

Best for Combination Skin

COVERGIRL SIMPLY AGELESS INSTANT WRINKLE BLURRING PRESSED POWDER - 210 Classic Ivory

The simply ageless instant wrinkle-blurring pressed powder by COVERGIRL is a boon for those with dry skin. This hydrating setting powder for dry skin goes on creamy and makes sure to instantly conceal skin imperfections including fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Ideal for mature skin, the formula takes a few years off your face with its skin-perfecting formula. It is enriched with hydrating properties from hyaluronic acid, while the vitamin C in this powder refreshes and even tones your skin. Through our trial and error, we discovered that this formula does not flake or cake even after long hours.

Pros

Cruelty-free Hydrating formula
No caking and flaking
Conceals signs of aging
Available in eight shades
Delivers a flawless finish
Minimizes appearance of pores

Cons

Not hypoallergenic
Not suitable for sensitive skin

Best for Daily Use

Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Setting Powder Palette - Beige

This ultra-versatile multi-colored pressed powder by Physicians Formula will be your go-to once you get your hands on it. The formula of this hydrating best pressed powder for dry skin is packed with ingredients that enable it to instantly melt into the skin and lock in moisture. It is a lightweight formula that gives a natural finish that settles your makeup and seals it for a long time. It has soft-focus pigments that smoothen the skin’s texture while providing long-lasting hydrating. With just a few swipes, the formula delivers a soft and monotone cast that corrects your skin’s imperfections. And yes, we did actually test the product!

Pros

Vegan No gluten
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic
Hydrating formula
Non-comedogenic formula
Dermatologically approved

Best for Special Occasions

W7 Banana Dreams Loose Powder - Yellow

Try out the W7 Banana Dreams Loose Powder for a no-cakey and natural finish look. The formula is finely milled and settles on your makeup flawlessly to give you an airbrushed effect. It mattifies your skin while camouflaging the undertones and even toning the skin. This is certainly a good setting powder for dry skin as it works for every skin tone and is perfect for those who prefer baking their makeup. The ultra-smooth and fine texture of the powder fills pores and fine lines to make it appear even tone and flawless. This formula contains talc which allows a smooth application without a cakey finish, while the aluminum starch octenyl succinate acts as an oil-absorbing agent while delivering a smooth velvet finish. It keeps excess oil at bay in order to keep your makeup shine-free and matte.

Pros

Affordable
Controls oil
Blurs the pores
Natural matte finish
Works on all skin tones
Prevents creasing and caking
Reduces the appearance of skin discoloration

Cons

Prone to oxidizing the foundation
Does not blend evenly with a beauty blender

Most Luxe Formula

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Makeup Pressed Powder - Light

Perfect for dry and mature skin, the Lift & Luminate Pressed Powder by No7 has age-defying properties while it locks in your makeup. The formula improves the appearance of your skin texture and adds an illuminated finish to your skin. Formulated with Skin Expert technology, the formula has the ability to match true skin tone and blends in smoothly for a seamless finish. It has vitamin C in the formula that boosts radiance and makes your skin look naturally glowing. Through our trial and error, we discovered that the formula leaves skin looking smoother while concealing all signs of aging.

Pros

Promotes radiance
Lightweight formula
Available in 4 shades
Conceals signs of aging
Suitable for mature skin
Reduces the appearance of fine lines
Compact and travel-friendly packaging

Cons

Adds a prominent yellow tint to the skin

Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder - White

Refresh your face not with a mist but with this hydrating setting powder for dry skin from BECCA. This Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder is an ultra-translucent formula that sets makeup for extended wear with a revitalizing and mist-like effect on the skin. It has an ultra-fine, light-reflecting pigmentation that floats over the skin to smoothen and blur the appearance of fine lines and imperfections. The lightweight formula is infused with glycerin and water to give all skin types a hydrated effect that prevents caking, creasing, or settling. Based on our first-hand experience, this product softly diffuses light for a naturally pore-free with a portrait-mode finish. The formula instantly melts into the skin to form a seamless veil.

Pros

Lightweight formula
Works on all skin types
Prevents caking and creasing
Locks in makeup for long hours
Leaves skin feeling comfortable
Contains light-reflecting particles
Hydrating effect to revitalize makeup

Cons

The quantity is less for the price

COVER FX Illuminating Setting Powder - Deep

Set your makeup while giving your face a soft luminous effect with the Illuminating Setting Powder by COVER FX. The formula not only seals your makeup for long hours, but also prevents it from smudging, fading, and creasing. This is the best setting powder for dry skin as it adds a natural and mattifying finish to your skin. It is formulated with micronized green tea leaves which soothes the skin and helps in protecting it against free radicals. The Phyto sphingosine in this formula is a natural component of healthy skin that helps in reducing and soothing the redness of your skin while replenishing and restoring the skin’s natural barrier. This setting powder is also loaded with vitamins C, E, and F which are rich in antioxidant properties that defend the skin against environmental stressors.

Pros

No talc
No gluten
Controls shine
No mineral oil
Adds a subtle radiance
No paraben and sulfates
Locks in makeup for hours

Cons

The powder is hard to dispense

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Setting Powder - Translucent

This lightweight and talc-free pressed setting powder by bareMinerals sets and extends makeup wear with a soft-matte finish. With just a few swipes, the mineral veil pressed powder reduces the look of pores over time. It is infused with cacao and shea butter that helps in nourishing and conditioning your skin while sealing the makeup. The vitamin E in this setting powder for dry skin has antioxidant properties that defend your skin against environmental stressors. This formula visibly smoothens your skin’s texture, absorbs oil, and blurs the look of fine lines and imperfections. The pressed powder comes with a puff that makes it easier for you to use it on the go.

Pros

No talc
No gluten
Vegan and cruelty-free
Hypoallergenic formula
Includes a puff applicator
Non-comedogenic formula
No paraben and formaldehyde

Cons

Slightly pricey

Jouer Soft Focus Hydrate & Setting Powder - Fair

Hydrate your skin with the potent ingredients packed in this best setting powder for dry skin by Jouer. The Soft Focus Hydrate & Setting Powder is a luxurious demi-matte formula that minimizes excess oil from your skin and helps extend makeup wear. It melts into the skin without settling into fine lines or making your skin appear cakey or patchy. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid that binds moisture and makes your skin appear plump. Vitamin E is loaded with antioxidant benefits that promote healthy-looking skin while acting as a natural conditioner for your skin. The allantoin in the formula softens the skin to make it appear younger-looking. Drawing from our experience, with just one swipe, the formula makes your makeup last all day without having to regularly touch-up.

Pros

No gluten
No paraben
Hydrates the skin
Minimizes oiliness
Blurs imperfections
Extends makeup wear
Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

It settles into the pores
The shade might seem different than expected

FV Loose Finish Setting Powder - 001 Nature

Keep oiliness and shiny-looking makeup at bay with the FV loose powder for dry skin. This formula gives you a flawless matte finish without making your skin appear cakey, dry, or creasing. The powder is a perfect choice for baking your makeup, and to keep it swear-free for hours while making sure your skin remains hydrated. It is a hypoallergenic formula that suits all skin types without making them greasy or wrinkly. The formula contains Centella Asiatica which is gentle on the skin and has a soothing effect, caprylic triglyceride smoothens and makes the skin silky, while glycyrrhiza helps in repairing and rejuvenating the skin. Our analysis of this product revealed that the fine powder of the formula makes your skin appear smooth.

Pros

No gluten
Affordable
Controls oil
Provides full coverage
No paraben and alcohol
Suitable for all skin types
Prevents creasing and caking

Cons

Requires frequent application

Tatcha The Silk Powder - Beige

Blur the pores and give your skin a silky finish with Tatcha’s The Silk Powder. This talc-free setting powder for dry skin helps make your makeup last longer while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of pollution and blue light. It is enriched with two protein silks - sericin and fibroin that are rich in amino acids. They form a protective veil of hydration on your skin and are super light on the skin. These silk extracts help in adding a lustrous glow to your skin while keeping your skin thoroughly hydrated. We have found from using this product that it deflects UV lights emitted from the sun and electronic devices in order to protect your skin. It also contains Japanese pearl powder that adds a beautiful radiance to your skin and makes it appear selfie-ready!

Pros

Controls oiliness
Dermatologist tested
Non-irritating formula
Conceals uneven texture
Suitable for all skin types
Non-comedogenic formula
Eliminates fine lines, wrinkles, and pores

Cons

Highly expensive

Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder

Say no to photo flashes and shiny skin with the Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder by Too Faced. This is the best setting powder for dry skin that effortlessly blends into your skin to blue out any skin’s imperfections like pores and fine lines. It puts a luminous veil on your skin and gives it a naturally flawless texture while locking your makeup for long hours. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid that helps your skin appear plump and younger-looking. Our team discovered through using this product that the formula also helps brighten your skin and make it appear smooth.

Pros

Brightens skin tone
No paraben and talc
Photo-friendly finish
Cruelty-free formula
Non-comedogenic formula
Smoothens skin’s appearance
Reduces shine and absorbs oil

Cons

Has a subtle white cast

We listed some of the best setting powders for dry skin for you. However, in order to pick the best one from the list, it is important to look beyond the mentioned pros and cons. There are a few key factors that help you validate that the setting powder you pick is certainly the best one in the market.

How to Choose the Best Setting Powder for Dry Skin?

Choosing the best setting powder for dry skin involves considering factors that will help you achieve a matte finish without aggravating dryness or caking your makeup. So, here are a few things you must consider before investing in a good setting powder –

Choose the Right Formula

To start with, look for a setting powder that has keywords or is labeled as ‘hydrating’, ‘moisturizing’, ‘translucent’, or ‘finely milled’. These powders often contain potent ingredients that help seal in the moisture and prevent your skin from looking overly dry or cakey. You can pick formulas that are translucent or sheer as they are less likely to alter the color of your foundation and help you in achieving a natural look.

As per our expertise, it is best to steer clear of powders that have labels such as ultra-matte, and oil-absorbing, as these can exacerbate dryness and even strip your skin of its natural oils.

Ingredients to Pick and Avoid

When shopping for a good setting powder for dry skin, make sure you do not skip reading the fine print. Ingredients like talc, cornstarch, alcohol, rice starch, or silica which are often found in powders can cause a lot of damage than good to your skin. They are mostly amongst ingredients that are highly absorbent and can lead to drying the skin.

Look for setting powders that contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, silicone, oils, butter, glycerine, or ceramides. These ingredients can help retain moisture while improving the overall appearance of dry skin.

Finish

Along with ingredients, make sure you pick the best setting powder for dry skin based on its finish too. Just as other makeup products like foundation or concealer, setting powders also have various finishes, including matte, radiant, and natural. While a matte finish is one of the most common options to go for, make sure it has nourishing ingredients. Picking finishes that have natural, dewy, or radiant finishes are your safer bets when it comes to shopping for dry skin. The safe route is to go for finely milled texture as they are smooth and demi-matte, but also are super fine and blend seamlessly into your skin to minimize the appearance of dryness.

Pressed vs. Loose

There are two categories of setting powders - pressed and loose powders. While both loose and pressed setting powders can work for dry skin, loose powders are generally easier to apply without disturbing your makeup while pressed powders can sometimes disturb your base. However, when it boils down to the hydration factor, pressed powders have more oils infused in them which makes them a better fit for dry skin. Having said that, loose powders with hydrating ingredients can also be a great pick if that is easier for you to work with.

After picking the best powder for dry skin, let's move on to the next crucial factor of how to apply it correctly without disturbing your makeup or making your face appear cakey.

How to Apply Setting Powder on Dry Skin?

When it comes to the best setting powder for dry skin, remember that your skin requires a gentle approach to avoid making it appear cakey. Applying haphazardly could end up with you emphasizing or highlighting dry patches or causing irritation. So, follow these steps in order to achieve a smooth, matte, and flawless-looking finish -

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Start with cleaning and thoroughly moisturizing your skin with a hydrating formula while focusing on the dry areas. Leave your skin for a few minutes till your moisturizer is fully absorbed in your skin before proceeding further.

Step 2: Apply Base Makeup

Apply your makeup (foundation and concealer) as you usually do. Make sure your makeup has settled into your skin before you move on to using a setting powder for dry skin.

Step 3: Pour Out the Setting Powder

If you are using a loose setting powder, pour out some of the hydrating setting powder for dry skin onto the lid of the setting powder.

Step 4: Using a Beauty Sponge or Powder Brush

Using a damp makeup sponge, pick up a small amount of setting powder. The damp sponge will help distribute the product more evenly and prevent it from sitting heavily on your skin. Gently tap the sponge to remove any excess powder.

For those using a powder brush: Swirl the brush onto the powder in the lid of the setting powder and gently tap it to remove the excess powder off the brush.

Step 5: Applying the Setting Powder

When using the powder brush, buff the powder on your face in circular motions. But when using a damp sponge, dab it gently on areas where you tend to get oily or where makeup tends to crease. This is typically the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) then work your way outward such as the under-eye area, and under your cheekbones.

Additional Tips:

Through our practical knowledge, avoid applying too much product, as this can make your skin appear dry and cakey. Instead of swiping or rubbing the setting powder, it is best to gently press as this helps set your makeup without disturbing the foundation underneath or causing excess dryness. After setting your makeup, you can mist your face with a hydrating setting spray. This will help lock in moisture and set the makeup while providing a natural finish.

Conclusion:

Setting powders is a game changer when it comes to taking your makeup to the next level. The best setting powder for dry skin not only locks in your makeup to make it last longer than usual, but also ensures that your skin feels hydrated and comfortable. It prevents smudging or creasing of makeup while giving you flawless-looking skin. Be it lose or pressed powder, we listed the best ones on the market for you to help you make your investment worthwhile.

Our findings show that these powders will not only help in even toning your skin and texture, but also blur out your spots, fine lines, pores, and wrinkles. However, before investing in a setting powder, make sure you go through the key factors mentioned above to ensure that you pick nothing but the best one. Whether opting for a loose or pressed formula, these setting powders are your key to achieving a radiant, well-set makeup look that enhances your natural beauty while keeping dryness at bay. So, shop wisely!

FAQ's

Can I use setting powder if I have dry skin?

Yes! You can absolutely use the best setting powder for dry skin after you make sure that the formula has hydrating ingredients that help lock your makeup while keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable.

Is translucent setting powder suitable for dry skin?

Yes. The best translucent powder for dry skin helps in locking your makeup without affecting your complexion.

Should I use a loose or pressed-setting powder for dry skin?

While loose powders also work great for dry skin, however, based on our observations, most people prefer to use pressed powder as they are formulated with more oils which prevent your skin from appearing cakey or patchy.

What ingredients should I look for in a setting powder for dry skin?

When looking for hydrating setting powder for dry skin, make sure the formula consists of ingredients like butter, silicone, oils, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin.

Will setting powder make my dry skin look worse?

In case you pick a wrong formulated setting powder, then yes. It could make your skin appear cakey, patchy, and chalky. So, it is best to opt for a formula that has hydrating properties to make your skin look drier.

Can I use a mineral-based setting powder for dry skin?

Indeed! Our research indicates that mineral-based setting powders work the best for dry skin as they have hydrating properties and are highly comfortable on the skin.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Author BIO

Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sbXNpK2ipJyWe6S7zGiqnqSVmMFwrsSsq2arlanBqrrGZqeor5Sav26yzqtknaqpYsCstc1maGtsYmeEdg%3D%3D