The 13 Best Setting Powders, And How To Properly Use Them According To Make-Up Artists

This powder has graced the complexions of A-listers such as Cynthia Erivo, Amal Clooney and Reese Witherspoon, which means it's been tried and tested to withstand the heat from spotlights while looking undetectable on camera. It gives the complexion a soft-focused effect, blurring pores and setting your make-up without sinking into fine lines. Ultra-fine mica diffuses light while the inclusion of almond oil and rose wax keep dehydrated and mature skin types feeling cared for.

Iconic for a reason, the secret to using Laura Mercier's translucent powder is all in the application. Instead of dabbing, take the accompanying applicator puff, fold it in half (so it resembles a taco) and roll the powder onto your skin. It'll set your make-up in seconds while looking completely invisible on skin. Its lasting prowess makes it a winner for weddings and special occasions.

A favourite of professional make-up artists backstage at fashion week, this ultra-soft powder has gentle, pearlised pigments baked into it for subtle luminosity (no Edward Cullen sparkle here, don't worry). Despite the glow, it doesn't make oily skin appear greasy nor does it accentuate uneven texture. Just expect a velvety, healthy-looking complexion.

Hailey Bieber is a fan of this cult-favourite face powder, and we can see why. True to its name, this feels as light as a cloud on your skin, yet packs a punch when it comes to minimising shine. It's talc-free and contains jojoba oil alongside glycerin to ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. It's great all year-round, but feel especially lovely in the colder weather. There are ten sheer shades to pick from.

Even the greasiest complexions don't stand a chance against this powder. It locks make-up in place through long hours and keeps excess shine at bay, all without leaving a cakey effect. It feels lightweight and fresh on oily skin, and the formula is oil-free.

Neither too matte nor too radiant, this sophisticated formula comes in five flexible shades and simply minimises shine without looking heavy on the skin. It plays well on all skin types and mattifies without leaving dry complexions looking flat. Press onto skin with the accompanying powder puff to keep your complexion looking fresh. The sleek compact is easily portable for work and play.

Back in the early days of film-making, filmmakers often smear Vaseline on camera lenses to help smooth out the complexions of their leading stars. This compact achieves exactly that, with the gentlest dusting on your under-eyes, forehead, lower cheeks and wherever you tend to gat greasy throughout the day. It doesn't completely mattify the skin nor does it contain glitter pigments; it just leaves your make-up looking significantly fresher and more polished.

Hermès' compact powder is as chic as they come, and it delivers impressive results too. This silky formula takes care of any greasy areas using rice powder and is endlessly refillable. In true Hermès fashion, expect an elegant finish - no chalkiness or caking here.

Benefit's takes the pore-care category very seriously, so it's no surprise that this ultra-fine loose powder works hard to deliver a smooth finish without clogging the pores of even the oiliest skin type. The translucent finish goes on completely invisible. This mini version is excellent for on-the-go touch-ups, and comes with a handy little puff.

This truly does look like second skin, and wears like one, too. It feels completely invisible, and does the job of simply obliterating excess oils and keeping foundation in place without leaving the skin feeling stripped of all moisture. Combination skin types will especially love this in the winter, when faces generally feel drier than usual.

Beauty director Katy Young is a big fan of this powder, which leaves skin plush and extra velvety. It takes care of excess oil, extends the longevity of your make-up, and mattifies without obliterating the skin's natural radiance. Instead of relying on talc, this clever formula uses niacinamide to rebalance oily skin types while nurturing dry-prone ones.

Revered make-up artist Pat McGrath is known for creating luminous complexions, so it's no surprise that her powder is undetectable on skin. It sets under-eye concealers without settling into fine lines or accentuating uneven texture, and has a brilliant, blurring effect that make skin appear extra polished. It comes in five tones, including soft pink and yellow for added colour-correcting benefits.

We've put together a useful guide to finding the best make-up for rosacea here, but if you simply experience the occasional mild redness, this green-tinted powder will help to re-balance the complexion. The ultra-fine powder appears invisible on skin and contains squalane to keep dehydrated complexions feeling comfortably plush. It's refillable, too.