The 8 Best Setting Powders for Oily Skin in 2025
If you have oily skin, you need one product in your makeup bag above all else: setting powder. But not just any setting powder. You need a powder that’s going to keep your skin matte, your makeup in place, and your T-zone from turning into a grease slick by lunchtime. That’s where setting powder for oily skin comes in. It’s the difference between makeup that looks fresh all day and makeup that melts off your face before 2 p.m.
Setting powders help lock in your foundation, minimize shine, and blur the look of pores and texture, but not all setting powders are created equal. Especially if you have oily skin. Some powders are too cakey. Some are too drying. And some just… don’t do anything. So if you’re tired of reapplying blotting papers and touching up your makeup a million times a day, you’re in the right place.
I’ve tested dozens of setting powders on my very oily, very shiny face (think: mid-afternoon mirror checks that could double as flashlights). I’ve tried loose powders, pressed powders, drugstore staples, luxury splurges, you name it. And after years of testing, I’ve narrowed it down to the best setting powders for oily skin that actually do what they promise.
Best Picks
1. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
If you’ve ever watched a makeup tutorial or scrolled through beauty TikTok, chances are you’ve seen this powder pop up at least once. And for good reason. The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is one of the OG setting powders that beauty editors, pros, and influencers swear by. It’s ultra-fine, completely weightless, and designed to control oil without leaving your skin looking dry or cakey.
What makes it special:
Offers 16-hour shine control
Blurs fine lines and large pores
Doesn’t cause flashback in photos
Comes in different shades (translucent, honey, deep) to suit various skin tones
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
If you’re looking for a drugstore setting powder that actually delivers, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder is your best bet. It’s lightweight, buildable, and gives you that smooth, filtered-skin finish without making your skin feel dry or tight. Plus, it’s under $10.
What makes it special:
Contains micro-powders that absorb oil and blur pores
Comes in a wide range of shades for every skin tone
Compact format makes it super convenient for on-the-go touch-ups
Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic (read: it won’t clog your pores)
3. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder
This powder was made for high-performance, long-wear makeup looks, especially if you’re a fan of baking or need something that’ll last through sweat, humidity, or long hours. Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Powder is super-finely milled and blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a smooth, almost airbrushed finish.
What makes it special:
Available in 8 shades to match different undertones
Provides a soft matte finish with a bit of a glow (so your skin doesn’t look too flat)
Works especially well with full-coverage foundations
Contains Vitamin E for a little skin-loving benefit
4. RCMA No-Color Powder
Makeup artists have been using RCMA No-Color Powder backstage and on set for years, and it’s finally getting the mainstream love it deserves. This translucent setting powder has zero pigment, which means it won’t alter the color of your foundation, oxidize, or leave behind a weird cast.
What makes it special:
No flashback in flash photography
Absorbs oil without adding texture
Great for sensitive skin (formulated without talc, parabens, or fragrances)
A little goes a long way – one bottle lasts forever
5. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
Rihanna didn’t come to play when she launched Fenty Beauty, and this setting powder proves it. The Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder was made with long-wear and oil control in mind, and it comes in an impressive eight different shades, so there’s no risk of white cast or ashiness.
What makes it special:
Lightweight, silky texture that mattifies without flattening your skin
Reduces the look of pores and fine lines
Comes in shades that work for very fair to very deep complexions
Light vanilla scent that smells luxe (but not overpowering)
6. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
If you want a pressed setting powder that gives you a soft-focus, “your skin but smoother” effect, this one is it. The Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is like a real-life Instagram filter, it sets your makeup and blurs imperfections, all while keeping oil at bay.
What makes it special:
Infused with skin-loving ingredients like rose wax and almond oil
Minimizes shine without making your skin look dry
Perfect for setting under-eye concealer or touching up during the day
Chic, luxe packaging that makes you feel like a million bucks
7. One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
Created by makeup artist and YouTuber Patrick Starrr, One/Size’s Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder is a powerhouse when it comes to long-lasting, oil-controlling power. It’s especially beloved by people with combo-to-oily skin for how well it locks everything in place, without making your face feel like it’s coated in powder.
What makes it special:
Blurs like a filter and keeps your makeup fresh for 12+ hours
Comes in two shades (translucent and deep) that adapt to your skin tone
Doesn’t crease, flake, or settle into pores
Gives you that velvety finish without over-drying
8. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Powder
If you’re ballin’ on a budget but still want something that performs like a high-end product, this NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Powder is one to try. It’s super mattifying, which makes it ideal for very oily skin, and it also helps reduce the appearance of shine and pores throughout the day.
What makes it special:
Oil-absorbing formula that stays put without clinging to texture
Vegan and cruelty-free
Super compact and easy to take with you on the go
Matte finish that lasts for hours
What is the purpose of setting powder for oily skin?
Setting powder is used to lock in your makeup, absorb excess oil, and reduce unwanted shine throughout the day. For people with oily skin, it’s especially important because foundation and concealer tend to slip, crease, or melt away faster due to sebum production. Setting powder helps your makeup last longer while giving your skin a smooth, matte finish that still looks natural.
Can I use setting powder without foundation?
Yes, absolutely. On no-makeup days, setting powder can be used alone to mattify your skin, reduce shine, and blur pores. It gives a more polished look while still letting your natural skin show through. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with mid-day oil or want a quick refresh without applying full face makeup.
What’s the difference between loose and pressed setting powder?
Loose powder is typically finer in texture and offers a more seamless, airbrushed finish. It’s great for setting your makeup at home and is often used in techniques like “baking.”
Pressed powder is more compact and easier to travel with. It’s ideal for touch-ups throughout the day and can double as a blotting product.
Both can work well for oily skin—choose based on your needs and preferences.
Can setting powder cause breakouts on oily or acne-prone skin?
It can, but usually only if the powder contains pore-clogging ingredients or you’re not removing it thoroughly at the end of the day. To prevent breakouts:
Look for non-comedogenic or dermatologist-tested setting powders.
Avoid powders with heavy fragrances or unnecessary fillers.
Always cleanse your face properly before bed to remove any buildup.
If you’re acne-prone, try options like RCMA No-Color Powder or Maybelline Fit Me, which are formulated with sensitive skin in mind.
Do I still need setting spray if I’m using setting powder?
While setting powder helps with oil control and staying power, setting spray adds a final seal that locks everything in and helps makeup stay in place longer. For oily skin, using both can be a game-changer:
Powder controls shine.
Spray sets the look and prevents makeup from moving.
Some sprays also help melt powder into the skin, giving a more natural, non-powdery finish. Look for oil-control or mattifying sprays if you’re especially greasy throughout the day.