Best Setting Powders For Mature Skin

If you have mature skin, using a setting powder is necessary to help keep your makeup looking fresh all day long.

A good setting powder will help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while absorbing any excess oil.

We’ve rounded up the 20 best setting powders for mature skin, from drugstore to high-end, to help you achieve a flawless makeup look.

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Best Setting Powders For Oily Skin

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

This setting powder from Laura Mercier is ideal for mature skin, as it has a lightweight formula that doesn’t contain any shimmer or glitter.

The finely milled powder leaves a smooth, matte finish that can help your makeup last all day long.

It blends easily into the skin and blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines for a more youthful-looking complexion.

It’s available in three different shades to suit many skin tones. The shade ‘translucent‘ is best for those with fair to medium skin tones, ‘Honey‘ is best for medium to dark skin tones, and ‘translucent medium deep‘ is best for the deepest skin tones.

Avoid applying too much, as it can look cakey if you have aging skin. I tested this powder in hot, humid weather and was amazed at how well it kept my makeup in place throughout the day.

With its great staying power and natural-looking finish, this is one of the best setting powders for mature skin.

Pros:

  • Lightweight formula
  • Blends easily
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines
  • Available in three shades

Cons:

  • It can be a bit cakey if you apply too much

PRO TIP: For better results, apply the powder using a fluffy brush, focusing on the areas where you tend to get oily throughout the day. Avoid using a powder puff, as this can deposit too much product and make your skin look cakey.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder.

maybelline fit me powder

This setting powder from Maybelline is a great drugstore option if you have oily skin.

It has a lightweight formula that helps to control shine and prevent your makeup from looking oily.

It also helps to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines for a more youthful-looking complexion.

It’s available in 24 different shades, so it’s important to choose the powder which color suits your skin tone.

I recommend using a fluffy brush to apply this powder as it’s pretty pigmented and might look cakey if you apply too much.

Pros:

  • Lightweight formula
  • Controls shine
  • It helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines

Cons:

  • It can look cakey if you apply too much

Tarte Shape Tape Vegan Pressed Powder

This setting powder from Tarte is a great option if you like vegan makeup.

It has a lightweight formula that helps to control shine without looking cakey on the skin.

Although according to Tarte makeup, you can use this pressed powder alone and get light to medium coverage, it doesn’t provide much coverage as it only helps to even out the skin tone.

The best way to use it is as a setting powder to keep the foundation in place.

It comes with a powder puff, but I prefer to use a brush to apply it as the puff can leave a lot of powder on the skin.

Pros:

  • Vegan
  • Lightweight formula
  • Controls shine

Cons:

  • None

NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Matte Loose Finishing Powder

nyx loose powder

This setting powder from NYX Professional Makeup is perfect for those with mature skin that is on the oily side.

It has a finely milled formula that blends easily into the skin. It helps control shine and gives your makeup a matte finish that lasts all day.

A little bit goes a long way with this powder, so use a light hand when applying it.

Make sure not to apply too much, as it might leave a white cast on the skin. I don’t like to use it when I know my photo will be taken as it can show up a little bit on camera.

Pros:

  • A finely milled formula
  • Blends easily
  • Controls shine
  • Gives a matte finish

Cons:

  • Can leave a white cast on the skin

TIP: For a smooth look that lasts all day, use a primer before the foundation. The difference between a primer and a setting powder is that a primer will help smooth the skin before foundation, while a setting powder will set the makeup in place.

Check this guide on the best primers for mature skin for more suggestions.

RCMA MAKEUP No Color Powder

rcma powder

If you are looking for an invisible powder that will set your makeup and help control shine, this one from RCMA is an excellent option.

It has a fine, silky texture that blends easily into the skin and doesn’t look cakey or heavy.

I like to use it when I want my makeup to stay matte and last all day. It blurs fine lines giving the skin a soft, velvety finish.

You can use it to set cream foundations for mature skin, as it can keep the face smooth and soft.

The only downside is the packaging, which is a large, round, messy container.

Pros:

  • Fine, silky texture
  • Blends easily into the skin
  • Controls shine
  • Blurs fine lines

Cons:

  • Packaging can be a bit messy.

Best Setting Powders For Dry Skin

If you have mature skin on the drier side, you need a setting powder to help hydrate and nourish your skin while keeping your makeup in place.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

This setting powder from Charlotte Tilbury is perfect for mature, dry skin.

It’s formulated with almond oil to nourish and hydrate the skin, while the fine, light-reflecting particles help to give your skin a radiant finish.

The powder is easy to blend and doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.

It’s available in four shades: ‘fair‘ for those with light skin, ‘medium‘ for medium skin tones, ‘tan‘ for medium to deep skin tones, and ‘deep‘ for very dark skin tones.

It’s expensive, but a little goes a long way so that it will last a while.

Pros:

  • Formulated with almond oil to nourish and hydrate the skin
  • It gives the skin a radiant finish
  • Available in four shades

Cons:

  • Expensive

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder

This setting powder from Armani Beauty is perfect for mature skin that tends to be drier.

It has a satin finish that helps to give the skin a natural, glowy look.

It’s formulated with glycerin to hydrate the skin, and it is also silicone-based, which helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

It doesn’t look cakey, and it is also very long-lasting.

Make sure you apply a small amount, as too much can look cakey on dry skin.

Pros:

  • It gives the skin a natural, glowy look
  • Formulated with glycerin to hydrate the skin
  • It’s silicone-based, which helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles

Cons:

  • It can look cakey if you apply too much
  • Expensive

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder

This is for you if you want a long-lasting setting powder that sets makeup while adding some coverage.

It’s perfect for mature skin as it doesn’t emphasize texture and looks natural.

The powder is very finely milled and buildable, so you can use it to set your makeup or as a light foundation.

It’s available in 14 shades, so make sure to find one that matches your skin tone.

If you have yellow undertones, avoid choosing a pink shade so that your makeup doesn’t look pink.

Also, choosing a very light shade can cause your foundation to look grey. So, make sure to test the powder out first before buying it.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting setting powder
  • It does not emphasize texture
  • Buildable coverage

Cons:

  • None

Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder

URBAN DECAY POWDER

For a smooth look, try this setting powder from Urban Decay.

It’s perfect for aging skin as it blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines and helps set makeup.

The powder is fine and doesn’t look cakey on the skin.

It has a very lightweight formula that is also very long-lasting.

The only downside is that it’s not translucent, and it’s not available in other shades, so it might not be suitable for medium skin tones.

Pros:

  • Blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines
  • Lightweight and long-lasting formula

Cons:

  • Not translucent
  • Not available in other shades

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

For a soft finish that lasts all day, try this setting powder from NARS.

The powder contains light-reflecting particles that help to give the skin a radiant finish.

It also has glycerin and squalane to nourish and hydrate the skin.

It is available in four shades, with a shade for darker skin tones. The shade ‘crystal‘ looks white in the pan but is translucent.

Pros:

  • It contains light-reflecting particles to give the skin a radiant finish
  • Formulated with glycerin and squalane to nourish and hydrate the skin

Cons:

  • The white shade might leave a white cast if you apply too much.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder

This setting powder from Rare Beauty is perfect for dry skin thanks to its hydrating formula.

It has a soft, luminous finish that helps to blur the look of fine lines without emphasizing dry patches.

It has a custom sifter which makes it great for travel.

The powder is available in five shades, with two shades for darker skin tones. It’s also talc-free and vegan.

Pros:

  • It gives the skin a soft, luminous finish
  • Blurs the look of fine lines
  • Talc-free and vegan

Cons:

  • None

Best Face Powder To Use Without Foundation

L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Powder

L'OREAL POWDER

This powder is one of the best powder foundations for mature skin.

It has a fine texture, and you can use it alone to even out your skin tone.

It gives the skin light coverage and doesn’t emphasize dry patches.

With a makeup sponge, you can press it gently on the skin to get the most coverage. For light coverage, you can use a buffing brush instead.

The powder is available in 24 shades, so make sure to find one that matches your skin tone.

Pros:

  • Evens out the skin tone
  • It gives the skin a light coverage
  • Available in 24 shades

Cons:

  • None

Best Under Eye Setting Powder For Mature Skin

L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Sweep and Lock Translucent Setting Powder

L'OREAL LOOSE POWDER

You can use this powder to set the entire face, but I also like it for the under-eye area. It has a soft matte finish and doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines.

It is very finely milled, and it’s also translucent. I like to apply it with a small fluffy brush by dusting it under the eyes.

You only need a small amount, as too much can make the under-eye area look dry.

Pros:

  • It has a soft matte finish
  • It doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines
  • Very finely milled

Cons:

  • None

HUDA BEAUTY Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

This powder from Huda Beauty is perfect for mature skin thanks to its silky formula that helps to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.

It’s also long-lasting, perfect for setting the under-eye area or the whole face.

The powder comes in nine shades, with some shades for darker skin tones.

A little bit goes a long way, so apply only a little.

Some shades are also available in a mini size, so you don’t need to buy the full size as the mini one can last a long time.

Pros:

  • Blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines
  • A long-lasting formula
  • It comes in nine shades

Cons:

  • It can look dry if you apply too much.

Best Finishing Powder For Mature Skin

There is a difference between setting powders and finishing powders, but both can be great options for mature skin.

A setting powder helps the makeup last longer and controls shine, while a finishing powder helps blur imperfections and gives the skin a soft, smooth finish.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder

This powder has a very fine, silky texture that blends easily into the skin.

It helps blur imperfections and gives the skin a soft, smooth finish.

You only need a small amount for the entire face, so apply it with a light hand.

It might cause a flashback, so I prefer not to use it when I know my photo will be taken.

If you wear a liquid foundation, you can finish your look with this powder. Dust it lightly after you’ve applied your blush and bronzer to get a smooth look.

Pros:

  • Blends easily
  • Helps blur imperfections
  • It gives the skin a soft, smooth finish

Cons:

  • Can cause flashback

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

MAYBELLINE LOOSE POWDER

This is another great drugstore option for those over 40. It has a lightweight formula that helps to give the skin a soft look.

It’s available in many shades and might add some coverage to the skin if you use it alone.

I prefer using it as a setting powder because it’s very pigmented and can look cakey if you apply too much.

It helps to blur fine lines and pores without looking dry on the skin.

Pros:

  • Lightweight formula
  • It gives the skin a soft look
  • Blurs fine lines

Cons:

  • None

e.l.f. Cosmetics Perfect Finish HD Powder

ELF POWDER

This is a great budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a finishing powder.

It has a fine texture that helps blur imperfections and gives the skin a soft, smooth finish.

It doesn’t settle into creases and looks natural on the skin.

It looks white in the pan, but it goes on translucent.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Blends easily
  • Helps blur imperfections
  • It gives the skin a soft, smooth finish

Cons:

  • It might leave a white cast if you apply too much.

Best Talc-Free Setting Powders

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder

Don’t let the white color of this powder fool you; it’s completely translucent once applied to the skin.

It’s made shea butter to nourish mature skin, while the mineral-rich formula helps to control shine and absorb excess oil.

The formula is very lightweight and works great for all skin types. It’s also talc-free, which is ideal for older skin as talc can be drying.

To use, apply a minimal amount of this powder with a brush all over your face, or use it to set specific areas like your T-zone.

When used correctly, it doesn’t cause any flashback and helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.

Pros:

  • Nourishing formula
  • Controls shine and absorb oil
  • Lightweight and talc-free

Cons:

  • It can be a bit drying if you have very dry skin

Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc-Free Translucent Loose Setting Powder

This setting powder is super fine and light, giving the skin a soft, matte finish.

It’s talc-free and helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.

You can use it under the eyes to set your concealer or all over the face to set your makeup.

It also helps the face stay shine-free all day and doesn’t cause any flashback.

Pros:

  • Talc-free
  • Helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines

Cons:

  • None

Related: Best Eye Primers For Mature Skin

Best Banana Powder For Mature Skin

Banana Powder has a yellow tint that can help to brighten the under-eye area.

You can also use it for baking your makeup and setting your concealer.

Makeup Revolution Banana Powder

BANANA POWDER

This Banana Powder from Makeup Revolution helps to brighten the under-eye area, and it also sets makeup.

The powder is very finely milled, and it’s very easy to apply. It can last well on the skin and doesn’t crease or cake up.

You can use it for baking the under-eye area or setting your concealer. I tested it for baking, and it worked well without any cakiness.

The powder is also available in many shades, including a light banana powder color for cool undertones, so make sure you choose one that matches your skin tone.

Pros:

  • Brightens the under-eye area
  • Sets makeup
  • Finely milled

Cons:

  • It doesn’t sut many skin tones.

Your Questions, Answered

Should You Use Loose Or Pressed Powder For Mature Skin?

The main difference between loose and pressed powder is the formula and the coverage they provide.

Pressed powders have a lightweight and hydrating formula, making them more suitable for dry, older skin.

They can also provide lighter coverage which is perfect for everyday wear.

Loose powders have a drier formula that can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, mainly if you apply too much.

However, makeup companies are stepping up their game, and there are now loose powders like this soft radiance powder that are suitable for dry, mature skin.

So no matter what type of powder you use, make sure to choose one with a hydrating formula.

If you have oily skin, both powders can help to control shine and make your foundation last longer. Make sure to choose one with oil-absorbing properties.

How To Choose The Right Setting Powder For Mature Skin?

Choosing the suitable setting powder for mature skin depends on a few factors.

Know Your Skintype

If you have dry skin, look for a powder with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. These powders help to nourish the skin while providing a smooth and healthy look.

For oily skin, choose a mattifying powder that can control shine and absorb excess oil.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure to pick a fragrance-free powder.

Avoid Shimmery Formulas

Powders with shimmer or glitter can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines, so it’s best to avoid them.

Instead, look for powders with a matte or satin finish that can help to blur imperfections.

Silicone-based powders can also smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Define Your Skintone

Choosing the shade of your setting powder is just as important as choosing the right formula.

Some translucent powders can work for all skin tones, but they can look ashy on very dark skin tones.

If you want more coverage, you can skip translucent powders and choose a powder that suits your skin tone.

Many powders are available in different shades, so choose one that matches your foundation.

Choose The Best Packaging

The packaging of the powder also matters.

If you travel a lot, consider a powder that comes in a compact.

This will make it easier to carry around, and you won’t have to worry about the powder spilling into your bag.

Some powders also come with a built-in brush which can be convenient if you are traveling.

Your Budget

There are setting powders available at all price points.

You can find a great drugstore powder for under $10 or splurge on a high-end powder that can cost over $50.

It all depends on your budget and what type of powder you’re looking for.

If you want a powder with a luxurious feel, you should spend a bit more.

But if you’re looking for an essential setting powder, you can find an affordable one.

How to Use Setting Powder on Mature Skin

After applying your foundation, take a fluffy brush and tap it lightly into the powder.

Tapp off the excess and dust the powder on the areas where you get oily such as over your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

Make sure not to apply too much to prevent your makeup from looking cakey.

Does Translucent Powder Help Wrinkles?

Finishing powders can help to blur the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

They have a silky formula that gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance.

These powders are not skincare products so they won’t reduce wrinkles, but they can help to minimize their appearance and make your skin look more youthful.

Is Cream or Powder Better for Mature Skin?

Both cream and powder products can work well on mature skin. Creams can provide better coverage and are more suitable for dry skin.

Powders can help absorb excess oil and are more lightweight than creams.

Related Articles For Mature Skin

Best Face Powder For Mature Skin

Claire is a beauty enthusiast and lover of all things makeup. Her blog is a resource for makeup tips and tricks, product reviews and beauty tutorials.

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