If oily skin is your daily battle, you know how tricky it can be to keep your makeup matte, fresh, and shine-free all day long. The right setting powder controls oil, blurs pores, extends your foundation’s wear, and ensures a flawless finish. But with so many powders out there, how do you pick the best one?
We’ve researched and tested countless drugstore powders to bring you the top affordable picks that truly work for oily skin, including some popular Huda Beauty setting powder alternatives, yellow setting powders, and alternatives for Laura Mercier setting powder.
Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Oily Skin
Ami Colé Skin Melt Loose Powder
Best Matte Option
What We Like:
- Impressive oil absorption
- Melts into the skin
- Doesn’t cling to dry patches
What to Consider:
- Could be more blurring
Ami Colé’s Skin Melt Loose Powder is a standout because it perfectly balances hydration and oil control, a rare find for oily skin prone to dryness in some areas. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and baobab seed extract, this powder melts seamlessly into the skin, absorbing excess oil without emphasizing dry patches. Instead of a heavy, chalky finish, it leaves a soft matte veil with a natural radiance, partly credited to embedded powdered amethyst and rose quartz. It won’t overly blur imperfections but gives a fresh, refined look that’s perfect for normal to combination skin with oily zones.
Best for Baking: Morphe Bake & Soft-Focus Setting Powder
Best for Baking
What We Like:
- Ideal for baking
- Soft-focus finish
- Controls oil without looking cakey
What to Consider:
- Can be a little too mattifying for dry skin
Morphe’s Bake & Soft-Focus Powder is crafted for makeup enthusiasts who love the baking technique. This powder contains kaolin clay, an excellent oil absorber, to keep shine in check for hours. It delivers a soft-focus matte finish that locks foundation and concealer into place without feeling powdery or cakey. The texture is finely milled, creating an airbrushed, flawless effect that is particularly popular among those who want their contour and highlight stays precise. Keep in mind, it may feel a little too mattifying for dry skin types.
Coty Airspun Loose Powder
Classic Favorite
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Soft and fine texture
- Long-lasting matte finish
What to Consider:
- Strong fragrance
- Not great for deeper skin tones
A cult classic drugstore powder that’s affordable and effective at oil control. It has a soft, finely milled texture that does a great job absorbing oil and preventing makeup meltdown. The translucent formula lends an even matte finish without weighing down the skin though the fragrance is potent and may be off-putting for sensitive skin or scent-averse users. One limitation is its tendency to look too pink or orange on deeper skin tones, so lighter tones should stick to the translucent version for a better match.
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
Best for Smoothing
What We Like:
- Lightweight texture
- Smooth finish that doesn’t emphasize texture
- Good for oily and combination skin
What to Consider:
- May not work well for dry skin
A favorite for a reason, Maybelline’s Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder offers a lightweight texture that smooths skin and keeps oily shine at bay. Available in multiple shades to suit a wide range of skin tones, it’s one of the go-to alternatives for Laura Mercier setting powder because of its finely milled formula and affordable price point. The powder sets makeup without looking dry or cakey and is especially good at blurring imperfections subtly. That said, it may not work as well on dry skin, as it could highlight flaky spots.
Read Full Review: Maybelline Pressed Powder Fit Me Matte + Poreless
Wet n Wild Photofocus Loose Powder
Best No-Fragrance Option
What We Like:
- No fragrance
- Lightweight and non-cakey
- Great for setting makeup
What to Consider:
- Can look a bit powdery if too much is applied
For those who want to avoid fragrances but still control oil and mattify effectively, Wet n Wild Photofocus Loose Powder is a superb option. It’s lightweight and finely milled, preventing cakiness while locking foundation in place. It has gained popularity through glowing wet n wild photo focus loose setting powder reviews highlighting its shine control without being heavy or powdery. The related Wet n Wild pink setting powder also offers added brightening benefits. This powder works best with sparing application to avoid any dry or powdery look.
E.L.F. HD Powder
Best for Blurring & Photos
What We Like:
- Great for blurring imperfections
- Sets makeup without looking heavy
- Affordable and high-quality
What to Consider:
- Might not be mattifying enough for very oily skin
E.L.F.’s HD Powder is regularly praised for its ability to blur imperfections, fine lines, and pores, delivering a naturally flawless finish that’s perfect for photos and everyday wear. It’s lightweight but sets makeup effectively and keeps shine under control without looking mask-like. Many turn to the e.l.f. halo glow setting powder for a radiant version, but the HD Powder remains a favorite for those who want a matte, airbrushed effect on a budget.
Why Setting Powder is Essential for Oily Skin
Setting powder is a must-have if you want your makeup to last, especially if you have an oily T-zone. It helps to:
- Absorb excess oil and reduce shine
- Set foundation and concealer for long wear
- Blur imperfections and pores
- Prevent creasing and settling into fine lines
Pressed Powder vs. Loose Powder – Which is Better?
If you’re unsure whether to choose pressed vs loose powder, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pressed Powder: Best for touch-ups, travel-friendly, and provides a natural finish.
- Loose Powder: Ideal for setting makeup, controls oil better, and often gives a smoother, airbrushed look.
For oily skin, loose powders tend to offer better oil control, but pressed powders are great for convenience.
How to Apply Setting Powder for a Flawless Finish
Face powder is an essential tool in any makeup routine, whether you’re setting your makeup, controlling shine, or achieving a flawless finish. However, to get the best results, it’s important to apply it correctly.
Step 1: Pour Powder into the Lid
Pour a small amount of powder into the lid of the container. Swirl your brush lightly in the powder to pick it up.
Step 2: Tap Off Excess
Before applying, tap the brush against the side of the container to remove excess powder. This prevents you from over-applying, which can accentuate fine lines or dry patches.
Step 3: Choose the Right Brush
Your brush choice will also affect your results. We recommends a dense, large brush, like the e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush, which provides even, gentle coverage.
Step 4: Apply to Your T-Zone
Start with your forehead, nose, and chin—the areas that are most prone to oil buildup. Powdering these areas first helps control shine and ensures your makeup stays in place.
Step 5: Powder Your Chin
Continue applying powder down to your chin, covering your nose in the process. This will help to set your makeup evenly across your face.
Step 6: Powder Your Cheeks (If Needed)
If you have oily skin, powder your cheeks lightly to lock in blush and contour. However, if you have dry or combination skin, you may find that your makeup holds up fine without additional powder.
Step 7: Final Look
To maintain your look, avoid reapplying powder throughout the day. Instead, opt for blotting papers to absorb excess oil. Only touch up with powder when necessary. For touch-ups, Rimmel Stay Matte is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Each of these powders excels in different ways, tailored to varied oily skin needs and preferences from hydration with matte control, airbrushed finishes, classic high-performing staples, to fragrance-free and photo-friendly favorites. When choosing, consider your skin type, desired finish, and any concerns like sensitivity or complexion depth.
