My Favourite Setting Powder for Dehydrated, Textured & Mens Skin.

For so long I had avoided using powders on my skin for the sole reason that they make me look older than I actually am. The older I get, the more foundation and concealer likes to crease on me throughout the day- so, SETTING POWDERS to the rescue! There’s actually a huge variety of setting powders on the market and through my experimenting I found that many are EXTREMELY DRYING and can give you even more texture. After trying almost all of the setting powders available in Canada, I have narrowed down a list of my top recommendations for you to try out.

1. Givenchy

Poudre Première Mat & Translucent-Finish Loose Powder

$66.00 CAD / 16g

From the packaging to the formula, Givenchy would have to be the most luxurious setting powder on the market. As soon as you touch this powder you will feel how finely milled it is, to me it feels like putting powdered silk on your face. It disappears instantly when blended on the skin. If you don't want someone to know you are wearing makeup, and want to matte down your skin this setting powder could fool even the sharpest eyes. I would have to say it's also the most blurring formula I have ever used, after applying you do not look dry and powdery instead a very set, younger version of yourself. The Givenchy Logo / sift does not allow a large amount of product out at time and has a great microfiber puff to keep it inside if it’s rolling around in your makeup bag. The formula also contains no parabens, sulfates or phthalates. My only dislike of this product is that you don't want to bake with it as it could cause a slight radiant white hue. I would also not recommend it for any medium- deep to deep skin tones as a grey hue could appear. 2. Cover FX

Perfect Setting Powder

$42.00 CAD 0.35 oz/ 10 g

When my skin is recovering from a salt hangover or is feeling very parched, the Cover FX setting powder is my immediate go to. You would not think a powder could be hydrating, but this talc-free powder leaves the skin looking blurred and hydrated. This formula does not darken foundation or concealer and keeps it looking bright and radiant and never creased and greasy. This powder also is vegan and free of fragrance, gluten and mineral oil. If you have any skin sensitivities or are acne prone, this is one of the best powders you could use. It is also available in two shades and does not cause any grey hues on the skin. My only dislike of this powder is the container, I find it very messy when trying to get product out of the sift.

3. Dermablend

Setting Powder

$34.00 CAD / 28g Need a quality setting powder on a budget? Dermablend setting powder has been a go- to for my kit for the past few months now. This amazing formula is fragrance free, and non-comedogenic. It is available in three shades, so no need to have any ashy grey hues on the skin. I love that this formula comes in a pressed compact version for on the go. As a final touch, I find that this setting powder really does stand up to its transfer-proof status.

TIP - Double Setting To ensure that I don't start looking powdery or dry during the day, I always set any brand of setting powder with a hydrating setting spray. I recently discovered a glowy new setting spray that totally needs more recognition, BeautyCounter Plumping Facial Mist. This alcohol-free setting spray instantly refreshes with its infusion of peony root to help plump skin, while rye seed is used to minimize the appearance of fine lines. The mist is super fine when spritzed so you will not be dripping in setting spray like many other brands.

Honorable Mention

Charlotte Tilbury

AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FINISH

$58.00 CAD / 8 g My favorite setting product for mature skin or large pores, is the Charlotte Tilbury flawless finish compact. This magic formula is like putting a powder primer on top of makeup, blurring fine lines and large pores. Available in three shades, this product is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, sulfate-free, and not tested on animals. The rose gold packaging also looks stunning on any countertop.

Photos by Julian Ross