We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.
Any top makeup artist will tell you how important setting powder is to perfecting a makeup look. It’s the finishing touch that mattifies in just the right places, giving the face dimension and a filter-like finish. When used the right way, a good loose or pressed powder can blur signs of aging and imperfections on mature skin to make it look more youthful. Here, celebrity makeup artists share their favorite setting powder for mature skin, and they’re all talc-free.
Featured Experts
Pro Tips for Using Setting Powder on Mature Skin
Celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin says her top tip for powdering mature skin is to use it very sparingly and only where you need it. “For most people, that is in the T-zone,” she notes. “Skip it altogether under the eyes if you can. I would rather get a little creasy under the eyes and still look hydrated than eliminate all moisture and sheen and look dry and powdery.” Makeup artist Tomy Rivero also recommends avoiding powder under the eyes, as well as around the temples and crow’s-feet, for the same reason. “You don’t want it to accentuate the look of fine lines and wrinkles throughout the day, especially if you touch-up your makeup,” he says. Many concealers these days also have anti-crease properties, which can benefit mature skin around the eyes as well.
Celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm agrees that less is more. “I’d recommend setting the face with the smallest amount of powder on a brush by tapping off excess then applying it with a gentle sweeping motion before any creases occur. Less is more, especially with mature skin.”
Skin prep is also important before applying powder. “First, prior to even selecting a powder, start with the proper skin-care products to prep,” says Sewell. “Start with a rich cream or moisturizer and then use very hydrating makeup products. Then, only set with a natural-looking powder in the areas you want your makeup to last.”
The Best Setting Powders for Mature Skin
1 / 9
“This is one of my favorite setting powders for mature skin because it’s very finely milled,” says Holm. “It’s thin, so it sets makeup without enhancing fine lines.” It comes in five shades and feels really silky and comfortable on the skin. This is thanks to the brand’s proprietary Flex Form Matrix technology, which allows the powder to move with your facial expressions without settling into lines.
2 / 9
“I would highly encourage using a light, finely milled powder like this one if you have mature skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell. This one comes in six shades, comes with the puff applicator and gives skin a soft-matte finish that lasts 24 hours. Plus, the mess-free jar dispenses just the right amount so you don’t overdo it, and it also locks shut so you can travel without worry.
3 / 9
“I like this setting powder, although you do have to use a very light hand if you have mature skin,” says Patinkin. “It is easy to over-apply, which can make the complexion look dull. I recommend applying it with a small brush, like our Powder & Highlight Brush, which is intended to give a precise placement of product. It will give a lovely blurred, mattifed effect that doesn’t look flat or too opaque.”
4 / 9
“Look for formulas labeled as hydrating or blurring, which will help smooth your skin without emphasizing texture,” says makeup artist Victoria Lyn. “One of my favorites I’d recommend is this powder from Kosas. It is so blurring on the skin without adding too much coverage.” It comes in an impressive 13 shades, some of which have brightening benefits as well.
5 / 9
Sewell is also a fan of this powder, which is pressed, if you prefer that format versus a loose powder. It comes in one universal, translucent shade that Rihanna says works on all skin tones, and it contains an exclusive pore-diffusing complex to banish shine for a filter-like finish.
6 / 9
“If you like translucent powder, this setting powder is a staple!” says Lyn. “It isn’t going to add any coverage, but it helps blur and mattify the skin.” The powder comes in four shades and sets makeup for up to 16 hours of wear. It also provides 24-hour shine control, which is one of the big reasons makeup artists love to keep it in their kits for long photo shoots.
7 / 9
“If you’re looking for a glowy, hydrated look, try this powder, which would be applied as the last step in your makeup routine,” says Lyn. “These powders actually diffuse and soften the look of texture while adding a gorgeous glow. They aren’t heavy on the skin, which makes them a great choice.” It comes in eight shades, and its unique Photoluminescent technology captures, diffuses and softens surrounding light on the skin.
8 / 9
“This is a talc-free satin finish powder that brings down shine without magnifying the face or enhancing skin texture,” says Rivero. It comes in seven different color combinations, each with four shades for color correction depending on your skin tone. And, it’s recently been reformulated to be 46 percent thinner than the previous version, so it feels feather-light on the skin.
9 / 9
“This powder is an amazing bang for your buck with a great color range,” says Rivero. “It creates a weightless, soft glow, and I love it for very dry skin. It’s best used on top of cream foundations.” The loose powder comes in five shades and gives the skin a really pretty airbrushed finish.
