Pressed or loose powder for dry skin

Have you ever wondered what your fave beauty guru's secret to getting FaceTune-level skin IRL is – you know, aside from actual FaceTune? The key is a layer of setting powder that can make your skin look smooth and silky. But if your skin leans on the drier side, powders can make your foundation look flaky and cracked, which is definitely not a vibe. The key is finding the right one for your skin type. The best setting powders for dry skin are lightweight, hydrating, long-wearing, and on the list ahead.

If you have dry-skin, you may be tempted to skip setting powder altogether because it can feel so impossible to find a formula that won't look cake-y. But setting powder helps keep your makeup in place (and shine at bay if you have combination skin), so it's an important step. The good news is, there are setting powders designed for dry skin that won't flake or dry out your skin more. "Even dryer skin types can use setting powder. Setting powder is an integral part of the makeup application that helps to set foundations, control shine and oil, and creates a better blending surface for powder sculpt, highlight, blush, and bronzers," Global Director of Artistry and Education for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, Nick Lujan, tells Seventeen.

If you've been through the trial and error process while shopping for the best setting powder for dry skin and have yet to find anything but error, keep reading. We tapped the pros — Nick Lujan and Kate Synnott, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beauty Creative Director of Róen — to narrow down best setting powders for dry skin — plus, everything you need to know about setting powders, including the difference between setting powder and translucent powder and loose and pressed powder.

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What is the difference between loose and pressed powder?

Before choosing a setting powder, it's important to figure out which formula you need.Synnott says that loose powders tend to be more lightweight while pressed powders are more compact and provide more coverage. "I use the more compact setting powders on clients who want a full coverage look," she tells Seventeen. "The loose powder gives more of a sheer veil setting effect, which tends to look more natural."

So, if you're looking to achieve that no-makeup makeup look while controlling shine and keeping skin hydrated, a loose powder may be your best bet. According to Lujan, they tend to have fewer ingredients, which makes them easier to apply evenly. "A good loose powder will have all the setting benefits and the ability to smooth texture and refinish the skin in areas with concerns for pore and fine lines," Lujan explains.

Want to cover up a pesky pimple or prefer a full glam? Opt for a pressed powder, which Synnott says leans a little heavier. "Sometimes, pressed powder in a compact is better for dry skin even though it’s heavier consistency," Synnott reveals. "It also contains more oils than loose powder so used lightly it can be the best option for dry skin." She tells Seventeen that she likes applying pressed powders on the T-zone and any areas with blemishes to achieve a long-lasting matte effect.

While pressed powders provide more coverage, Lujan reveals that they actually require more work and time to effectively apply and set makeup. "You will have to dip into the compact multiple times to load your brush before applying," he advises.

How do you apply setting powder on dry skin?

Synnott emphasizes that skincare actually plays a huge role in how makeup sets on your face. For dryer skin types, she recommends prepping skin with moisturizing products before applying makeup and setting with powder. "Focus on the earlier steps in the makeup application and use more hydrating and nourishing formulas for moisturizers, primers, and foundations. If you are hydrating and nourishing the skin in the early steps, you can use almost any setting powder to finish the makeup," Lujan explains.

To avoid a cakey finish when applying, Lujan says that it's all about creating a sheer veil of loose powder and not baking or buffing too much. "Once you load the brush, it’s all about a gentle press and roll action. After creating a thin veil, you can go over it with additional layers or sweep off the excess powder with a big fluffy brush," Lujan adds. To reduce fallout from too much powder, Lujan notes that you can create smoother blends by working the product into the bristles of your brush on the back of your hand before putting it on.

Synnott also adds that using a brush to apply powder helps diminish any traces of cakiness and that tapping off extra powder helps control how much product you use. "Apply directly onto the T-zone where you are oilier, then blend all over the face," she advises. "Go back to the powder on the lid if you need more rather than dipping it into the pot again."

Ready to find the right one for you? Here are the best setting powders for dry skin.

1

Best hydrating powder

Hourglass

Veil Translucent Setting Powder

2

Best for sensitive skin

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

Always an Optimist Loose Setting Powder

3

Best brightening powder

Maybelline

Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder

4

Best pressed powder

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

5

Best lightweight loose powder

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

Loose Setting Powder

6

Best full-coverage powder

Kosas

Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder

7

Best SPF-infused powder

Supergoop!

(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35

8

Best shade range

Beauty Bakerie

Face Flour Baking Powder

9

Best affordable powder

ColourPop

No Filter Loose Setting Powder

10

Best matte powder

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Loose Setting Powder

11

Best natural-looking powder

bareMinerals

Mineral Veil Setting Powder

Samantha Olson Editorial Assistant Sam is the editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, celebrity news, health, and beauty.

Kelsey Stiegman Senior Style Editor Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd.

What type of powder is best for dry skin?

A cream-based compact or a translucent powder is the best choice for dry skin types. This will make your face look smooth, flawless, and less flaky. Avoid a matte finish compact as it can make your skin drier.

Is Loose powder foundation good for dry skin?

Liquid foundation is generally the best choice for dry skin because it hydrates your complexion, while powder can cling and exacerbate dry patches. Being a little heavier and richer than powder foundation, liquid blends also hold moisture within your skin and prevent unnecessary dehydration throughout the day.

Is pressed or loose setting powder better for oily skin?

The Best Powder for Your Skin Type Loose powders are preferable for oily or combination skin types. “If you tend to become shiny throughout the day, reach for a translucent loose powder to mattify without disturbing the shade and coverage of your foundation,” Cervantes says.

Does dry skin need setting powder?

It can help absorb excess oil and prevent your liquid foundation from separating during the day. If you have dry skin, you may not need a setting powder, but it can still be helpful. It can help lock your makeup into place and prevent your foundation from creasing or settling in fine lines.