If you’ve taken the time to apply makeup, then you owe it to yourself to use a setting powder. Today I’m sharing my recommendation for the best talc free setting powders.
A setting powder is an underutilized makeup product that has the power to filter out shine, minimize the appearance of pores, and keep your makeup in place.
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Best Talc Free Setting Powder
I really love the Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder. It’s not heavy and feels like a mix of skincare with your powder- the best of both worlds. It’s great for my dry skin and doesn’t feel cakey or heavy. Plus, the sleek compact looks so chic!
What is talc?
Talc is used in cosmetics, personal care products, and even in food products as an anti-caking agent. Talc is a soft mineral that absorbs moisture and provides a smooth texture.
Related Content: Best Talc Free Makeup Brands
Setting Powder
1. What is it?
Setting powder as the name implies, helps to set or “bake” your makeup in place. It essentially extends the life of your makeup.
A setting powder usually contains talc, silica, rice, or other finely milled particles producing that filtered, smooth, and slightly blurred complexion.
Setting powders come in loose or pressed forms and translucent or tinted shades.
2. How do you use it?
If you’re using a loose powder, you’ll want to pour a little powder onto the lid of the setting powder and use a large powder brush to swirl and tap away any excess powder.
If using a pressed powder, you’ll want to use a powder brush or beauty blending sponge to swirl and then tap away any excess powder.
After applying foundation (if you’re using it), layer on setting powder in circular motions starting in the T-zone.
Allow the powder to set for a minute and then brush away any excess powder.
3. How to choose the right talc free setting powder?
Finish
A loose, translucent setting powder provides a sheer finish, whereas a pressed powder usually provides a little more coverage and does a better job of minimizing imperfections.
Skin Type
If you have oily skin, loose setting powders will be your best friend in managing shine.
If you have dry skin, pressed powders will be your trusted companion, because they usually contain hydrating ingredients in them.
Shade
Some brands carry tinted setting powders which can help even out skin tone and neutralize redness or dark under eye circles. When choosing a tinted powder, just make sure to choose a shade that matches your skin color and foundation.
Why does talc need to be avoided in a setting powder?
Talc can become contaminated with asbestos through the mining process or manufacturing processes. Asbestos is a known carcinogen when inhaled.
Related Content: Best Talc Free Eyeshadow Palettes
6 Best Talc Free Setting Powders
Crunchi Translucent Finishing Powder
**Best For Oily Skin/Mature Skin**
Type – Loose powder
Shades available – 1
Finish – Matte
Cost – $36
Review
This is a great setting powder for oily and mature skin. It really helps to blot out shine and keep your makeup in place. Perfect for places where it’s hot and humid and your makeup can tend to run by the end of the day. It’s also great for mature skin because it doesn’t settle into fine lines.
I just add a little powder to the cap and swirl a large powder brush in the powder and then tap off the excess into the cap. Then apply it over your face. This is especially great for the eyelids if you tend to have oily eyelids and want to keep your foundation in place. I’ve found using it before applying my shadow primer and then after I’ve applied my eye shadow gives me the best outcome- no creasing at all!
I will say you want to be careful you’re not too heavy handed with this as it is white and if you apply too much you can look a little ghostly. I also like this for sensitive skin as it just contains one ingredient- silica.
Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder
**Best For Dry Skin/Normal Skin**
Type – Pressed powder
Shades available – 10
Finish – Natural
Cost – $35
Review
This setting powder is not as matte as other setting powders I’ve listed in the post. It’s not going to look flat like others, but give your skin a more dimensional look to it. Great for finishing off your look to give it some staying power, but not have it look matte. Also, a great setting powder for under eye concealers. It’s not so heavy that it creates a crepey look but more natural.
It comes in a variety of colors too, so another reason it looks more natural is you’re able to customize it to your skin. The texture feels very buttery and soft for a powder. I like that it’s a pressed powder too and not a loose powder- less mess overall! This is one I like for all over my face after I apply foundation, but it doesn’t work as well for cutting shine or helping set eyelids I found.
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder
**My Top Pick For A Talc Free Setting Powder**
**Best For Dry Skin/Normal Skin**
Type – Pressed powder
Shades available – 5
Finish – Natural
Cost – $75
Review
This is such a unique setting powder. It’s not a traditional powder like I just mentioned above when giving my Kosas review. But it’s not a traditional setting powder like Crunchi either. It’s a hybrid and I love that it has the best of both! It feels so soft on the skin. It’s micro-milled which helps it lay so nicely on the skin and blend right in. Your skin looks natural instead of looking powder heavy.
It only comes in 5 colors, and you choose the color depending on what you want your skincare outcome to be. For example, if you want a brighter complexion, and to combat sallow skin then you would want to choose Pink Bubble. It even had a Skin Defense Complex in the formula that helps to protect skin from blue light and free radicals! The more you wear it the more the complex can help combat sebum and skin texture. I also love the sleek powder case that comes in- oozing luxury. I love this one for setting my makeup the most. I do have dry skin and it doesn’t feel so heavy or matte. But it feels lightweight, like I’m not wearing anything when I apply it, plus I love the brightness Pink Bubble gives me!
Beautycounter Mattifying Powder
**Best For Oily Skin/Mature Skin**
Type – Loose powder
Shades available – 1
Finish – Natural
Cost – $43
Review
This has been my long standing fave that I recommend for shine control and for helping to keep eyelids and the under eye area looking fresh. It is great at helping reduce shine for the face or for eyelids. I apply this on my eyelids before applying shadows to help them stay put and after to set them. It works so well! I get great shine control out of this too for my face, but feels a little more moveable than Crunchi’s powder that really gets things matte quick. This also just comes in one translucent white color. I also like to swirl my brush in the powder once it’s in the cap and then tap the excess off and then apply it over face. A little goes a long way.
MOB Blurring Loose Setting Powder
**Best For Dry/Oily Skin**
Type – Loose powder
Shades available – 3
Finish – Natural
Cost – $28
Review
I know it might seem strange to have this product be suited for both dry and oily skin, but let me explain. The powder contains some skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, avocado oil, and anti-inflammatories – making it great for dry skin. It doesn’t feel drying or cakey when applied, but really provides a multi-dimensional look to the skin.
For oily skin it is great too because it does have kaolin clay in it that helps to absorb excess moisture. It comes in 3 colors. I have the translucent shade. I love that it comes in a 100% plastic free container! It doesn’t feel heavy, but still offers the benefits of a traditional finishing powder. A great powder to achieve that blurring effect, without making the skin feel dry.
Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder
**Best For Dry Skin/Oily Skin/Mature Skin**
Type – Loose powder
Shades available – 1
Finish – Natural
Cost – $36
Review
This powder is made with some oils as well, making it a great pick for those with dry skin. It feels soft on the skin just like the name suggests. Although, it works well for oily skin too, giving skin the blurring effect and helping to control shine throughout the day. I love it for mature skin as well because it doesn’t settle into fine lines. It just comes in one color- translucent. It does such a great job of keeping the shine away but also not looking cakey or heavy. The longevity of this powder is really good too! You can apply it in the morning and still have your makeup looking fresh by nighttime.
Did I miss your favorite talc free setting powder? Share below!
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Hi Suzi,
I have found your blog very helpful!
Regarding Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder, could you tell me what shade/color you are using on the picture, please?
I have found that your choice tends to work for my skin tone.
Thanks!
Hi! Wearing Breezy Light. 🙂