When you have oily skin, you quickly learn that finding the right setting powders and setting sprays is important to helping extend the life of your makeup. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing my setting products ranking for oily skin.
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Setting Powder Collection
6 | Dermablend Translucent Setting Powder ($29.00)
The Dermablend Translucent Setting Powder* was okay. However, I am unlikely to repurchase due to issues with the formula.
First, the translucent setting powder is not truly translucent. It leaves a white cast that is noticeable in photos or bright lighting. Therefore, this powder would not work on skin tones any deeper than mine.
Second, the formula is not as finely milled as the other powders on this list. The powder feels thick and almost sticky.
Finally, the formula did not keep oil at bay as effectively as other setting powders on this list.
5 | Givenchy Matte Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder ($58.00)
I received the Matte Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder as a gift from a friend. The packaging is beautiful. Also, the concept of color correcting powders is nice. However, I just don’t tend to reach for powders like this.
4 | BECCA Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder ($39.00, CF)
When I first tried the BECCA Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder, I was obsessed with the formula. This powder felt unlike anything I ever used before. When applied to the face, the powder felt wet and cooling. More importantly, this setting powder kept my makeup in place all day without looking or feeling heavy.
However, this is placed fourth within my setting powder ranking due to the quick expiration. In other words, within 2 months of opening this powder, the cooling sensation completely stops. Therefore, users need to fly through this powder (a.k.a. over apply it).
3 | Milk Makeup Blur + Set Matte Loose Setting Powder ($29.00, CF)
Milk Makeup’s Blur + Set Matte Loose Setting Powder* is a super lightweight blurring powder. Although it is not as mattifying as the setting powder in the number spot, it receives brownie points for being talc-free.
This is a great setting primer for anyone looking for a setting powder that isn’t super mattifying and is free from talc.
2 | Laura Mercier Secret Under Eye Brightening Powder ($28.00)
When I first tried the Laura Mercier Secret Under Eye Brightening Powder,* I didn’t understand the the hype of this product. However, after I ran out of my mini, I missed this in my routine. For individuals who regularly wear concealer, the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder does exactly what it promises to do. It brightens the under eye.
1 | Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($38.00)
At the top of the setting powder ranking is the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.* This setting powder is a classic in the beauty world for good reason. This finely milled loose powder sets the skin without looking heavy or cakey. However, the one drawback is that this powder contains talc.
Setting Powder & Setting Spray Collection
Setting Spray Ranking
6 | Smolder Cosmetics – Nebula Lumi Dew Hydra Mist ($21.00, CF)
The Smolder Cosmetics Lumi Dew Hydra Mist was an Instagram-influenced purchase. Sadly, this setting spray didn’t provide noticeable luminosity. Additionally, this mist made my foundation break apart.
Consistency-wise, this mist reminded me of the Sol Body Dry Oil. More specifically, similar to the dry oil, the Smolder Cosmetics spray had tiny particles of what looked and smelled like glittery baby powder in it. Prior to using the spray, the bottle needed to be shook in order to spread the particles around.
I would not recommend this to anyone with oily skin or even dry skin!
5 | Pixi Beauty – Hydrating Milky Mist ($15.00, CF)
The Pixi Beauty Hydrating Milky Mist* is technically a facial spray. However, I enjoy using the Milky Mist as a part of my makeup routine, too. On the days when I’ve applied too much powder, the Pixi Mist breathes life back into my skin. Also, the spray nozzle emits the finest amount of hydration.
4 | Pixi Beauty – Glow Mist ($15.00, CF)
Similar to the Mily Mist, the Pixi Beauty Glow Mist* breathes life into my skin when I’ve applied too many mattifying products. This is a glowy setting spray that provides a luminous glow to the skin without looking greasy.
Oily skinned beauty lovers will certainly need to blot their face throughout the day if they use this mist. However, the spray does not cause complexion products to break apart in the way that the Smaller Cosmetics spray does.
3 | MAC – Prep + Prime Fix+ ($27.00)
MAC’s Fix+ is a well-loved setting spray in my collection. I love using this iconic MAC spray to add an intense foiled effect to eyeshadows or to add life to my skin. This spray does not provide any radiance, but it helps to melt powders together to create a skin-like finish on days where I’m wearing a full face of foundation.
However, this spray will not extend the life of makeup. Also, the price of this iconic spray has steadily increased over the years as I’ve repurchased it ($26 – $28)
2 | Urban Decay – All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($32.00, CF)
The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is my most repurchased setting spray of all time. It is the best setting spray on the market for oil control without weird films or extensive drying. Nevertheless, the smell of this product is potent and the inside of the bottle looks unsettling.
If making makeup last all day or night is the main concern to be addressed, the All Nighter Setting Spray is perfect.
1 | Smashbox – Photo Finish Weightless Long Lasting Setting Spray ( $32.00)
To be candid, I likely would not have tried the Smashbox Photo Finish Weightless Long Lasting Setting Spray if I didn’t receive it from Influenster in 2019. However, I’m glad to have received this setting spray.
The Photo Finish Weightless Setting Spray combines the best of the Urban Decay All-Nighter and MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ sprays. The spray, itself, is ultra fine and feels like nothing on the skin. Read my full review on the Smashbox Photo Finish Weightless Setting Spray & Mattifying Primer.
Final Thoughts After Completing my Setting Products Ranking for Oily Skin
Ultimately, don’t let generic ‘makeup rules’ dictate what you can or cannot use for your skin type. As you can clearly tell from my post ranking setting products for oily skin, I use a combination of mattifying and luminous products. Ultimately, it is important to strike a balance between makeup lasting all day and creating looks that still look natural and skin-like.
Also, I do not recommend that one person own all of these setting products at one time. Find a few formulas that work for your skin and rotate between them to create the desired effect.
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Did you enjoy this post ranking setting products for oily skin? Please read my primer ranking, my foundation ranking or my concealer ranking.
Do you agree with my thoughts regarding ranking setting products for oily skin? What type of finish do you prefer? Please let me know in the comments below.