7 Loose Setting Powders: Best and Worst For Fair, Dry Skin
Hello, people I am assuming are either super pale, or have dry skin, or have a combination of both (or have neither and just want to support me-in which case, thank you!). Today, I have a post that I have been meaning to share for quite some time, but finally had the time to finish up and get out on the good ol' blog.
Setting powder is a staple in any beauty collection, and it is something that I personally do not typically go a day without. Because of this fact, I tend to blow through powder as much as I breathe air-though I do not suggest breathing any of this in (I kid, I kid). One of the hardest tasks, however, with setting powder, is finding one that is not only light enough for my complexion, but also good enough for my dry skin. Since I know this is not a struggle I face alone, I thought it would helpful to share my thoughts and opinions on some loose powders for the pale and dry-skinned people of the world! Before I drone on for too long, let's just get started.
Starting from worst to the best!
IT COSMETICS: Bye Bye Pores Loose Setting Powder
Stay far far away from this powder if you have any hope of never looking like a character from Jersey Shore. This powder turned my face orange upon immediate contact with my skin. I tried using it to set my under-eye concealer and I could not wait to get it off my face. I have never seen a color change occur so rapidly.
I only had the powder on for a few minutes, but within that time, it had only gotten darker and darker, which defeated the purpose of trying to highlight the face. I have heard from people with darker complexions that it appears more yellow on the face, but either way, it does not stay translucent. The smell of this stuff is also quite horrid. I tried breathing while applying it and almost choked to death. Super powdery and super chemically.It also emphasized texture horribly, so if you have pale/dry skin, stay far away from this stuff. It is not worth the money, or the Cheetos tinge.
KAT VON D: Lock-It Setting Powder in Translucent
Probably the one powder on this list that is the worst for dry skin. This stuff dries the hell out of my face and doesn't even last that long before it starts to cause my skin to peal off. It looked like I had wrinkles under my eyes, and I am only 21. I don't have any! I felt like I needed to buy every wrinkle cream on the market after using it because it emphasized texture that badly.
While it keeps foundation and concealer from creasing and transferring, it does not provide any coverage whatsoever, so you can see any imperfections that may be still showing through. In addition, while it makes my skin look dry, it also makes it feel dry. Dry to the point where my face feels tight as if someone is stretching my face at every moment of the day. I cannot stand having it on my skin for longer than a few hours. In terms of its shade, it is translucent and great for those with fair skin, but, while it works for fair skin, I would not recommend it for dry. It is just not worth it.
COTY: Airspun Loose Face Powder in Translucent
A true cult favorite at a nice drugstore price. Unfortunately, it didn't really work out for me. Everyone talks about the Coty Airspun powder, but I have a few issues with it. Firstly, I wish when they say 'translucent' that it would actually be translucent. It is way to dark to set the under eye. I do occasionally use it for extra coverage around my face should I need it, but only sparingly because it will darken my complexion.
It does last on the face for a good long time though, even with my dry skin. It does not cling on to any dry patches and it does provide a smooth finish to the face. I find that it can get a tad cakey if you put too much on, but overall, if the color was a bit lighter, I would probably use it a lot more. OH, also, I should mention that it does have a quick heavy fragrance, so if your skin is sensitive, be careful.
SMASHBOX: HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder in Fair
Another powder that needs to expand its shade range! I love this powder for dry skin, but it is way too dark for me. I have used it on days when I am not going anywhere, but I could never where this in public. This powder is nice and hydrating, so it provides a nice smooth finish that leaves my skin feeling great all day long. It makes my face feel happy and healthy, which is a dream come true for people with drier skin.
Now, since it is a hydrating powder, it is not necessarily long-lasting. I can get a few hours wear before I need to touch up, but since I do not wear this on days when I leave the house, it is not a huge concern of mine. However, it is a very expensive powder ($50) - the most expensive powder on this list- so be warned. If you are as fair as me, I am not sure it is worth the splurge.
COVER FX: Perfect Setting Powder in Light/Medium
While I would love to say that the name is accurate with this one, it doesn't check all of the boxes for me. BUT, it is a pretty damn near perfect one! The main issue I have is that it is way too dark for fair skin. I used it a crap ton though, so that must mean it is a pretty great powder if I am willing to dowse my existence in bronzer to make it work.
I love the flawless, smooth coverage that it provides, and it lasts all day long. While it is not as creamy as the Maybelline powder-that I will mention in a minute- as I find it to be a bit more gritty (which sounds strange but is just to say that is not as finely milled), it does make my face look air-brushed. It also works well for dry skin without emphasizing any texture, and it leaves my face feeling happy: not tight, and not cakey. It fades gracefully throughout the day and is one of the best powders I have ever tried. I really want to test out other Cover FX powders in the future. If you have tried any of them, I would be happy to hear about your experiences!
LAURA MERCIER: Translucent Loose Setting Powder
I don't think I need to spend a great deal of time on this one. I have gone through a jar or two of this over the years, which must mean that it is worth the hefty price. This is one of the best powders out there, and it does work for fair and dry skin. However, after using other setting powders, I have found that this is not necessarily the lightest one. I like powders that not only set concealer well, but also highlight the face. While this one sets the face well, it is a tad too dark to brighten my face. It has more of a faint yellow undertone, so I would not consider it translucent, but it does work for my pale complexion.
As far as how it works for dry skin, it does not dry my skin out further or make it feel uncomfortable in the slightest. It can tend to cling to texture if my face is really, really dry, but it is only noticeable up close. At a reasonable distance it always looks fantastic. Just moisturize well and you should be fine. It also happens to be one of the longest lasting powders out there as I can get a full day's wear out of it no problem. I have relied on this powder quite a deal, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!
MAYBELLINE: Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in Fair 05
BEST POWDER EVER! Wow I am in love with this five dollar gem. This has become my go-to powder and even surpassed Laura Mercier as my champion. It gives me an incredibly smooth and creamy finish, that makes my face look photo-shopped. it has improved my makeup game, and I always get compliments about how great my makeup looks while I'm wearing it.
I love how this powder has a wide shade range, which means that it caters to all skin tones. I, of course, use the lightest shade and it is perfect. It highlights my face without it looking too bright, and it DOES NOT CREASE. I have never seen my face look more smooth, and it is all thanks to this powder. It hides all imperfections and gives an air-brushed look to the skin, and it keeps looking wonderful all day long without drying my face out. Also, the coverage is amazing! I love setting powders that have color, and color that works, because if imperfections are still peaking through, powder can take care of the rest. I think this is the best powder for fair, dry skin. You need this in your life, so what are you waiting for? Go get it!
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