We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best setting powders for mature skin, and expert advice on how to use them
Modern formulas promise a refined, velvety finish. Here's our guide to finding the right one
Dewy, glassy skin often signals good health, but in order to stop radiance turning into shine, professionals will always recommend having a face powder in your make-up toolkit. Taking down excess oil around the T-zone is the final touch to create an elegant, expensive-looking finish. Similar to finding the best foundation or tinted moisturiser, those with mature skin will also benefit from using powders designed for complexions in midlife and beyond, to ensure the skin stays looking fresh and not cakey.
Best powders for mature skin
How to find the best setting powder for mature skin
It's completely natural for the skin to feel drier and develop fine lines as we age. Some setting powders, though, can leave the complexion looking even more textured as they settle into wrinkles, or create a heavy, uncomfortable feeling.
"In midlife and beyond, South Asian skin in particular may experience hyperpigmentation, uneven tone or the challenge of finding a powder that doesn’t leave a white cast," adds make-up artist and founder of South Asian Beauty Collective, Aarti Pal. "Many powders can also appear too ashy or overly mattifying, reducing the skin’s natural radiance."
But rest assured, modern formulas cater for all these considerations, and ensure a smooth, velvety finish. Look for the inclusion of skin-plumping and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, while brighteners like vitamin C can help lift the complexion. Instead of shimmery textures, soft matte finishes and those with a gentle radiance will deliver a healthy glow without highlighting fine lines or blemishes. Ultra-fine textures will also guarantee a second-skin, seamless effect that won't appear ashy, no matter your skin tone.
How to use a setting powder on mature skin
Hydration is key, says Pal. Prep your skin with a moisturiser designed for mature skin or a hydrating primer before applying your foundation. Then, use a light hand with the powder. "Press a small amount of powder with a damp make-up sponge because this gives a seamless finish," explains Pal (you can also use a small tapered brush). In either case, tap off the excess product and apply your powder in a "press and roll" motion rather than dusting on with a big fluffy brush. "Powder only where needed, for example on your T-zone and under eyes, leaving the high points of the face fresh and radiant," she says. Next, Pal suggests using a hydrating setting spray to help "melt" the powder into the skin. She also recommends using blotting papers throughout the day to refresh the skin instead of piling on more product. The finished look should appear soft and velvety.
The best, editor-approved powders for mature skin
Pal is a big fan of this ultra-fine powder. "It is a weightless, second-skin finish that blurs imperfections and controls shine without being too matte," she says. The smallest amount will simply leave the skin looking fresh and ensure the longevity of your base.
- Type: Loose
- Finish: Soft matte
- Shades: 6
The brand's original loose powder is a longtime staple in many a make-up artist's kit. The Ultra-Blur version imparts a soft finish that's more velvety than matte, making it an ideal option for drier skin types. Gentle, light-reflecting particles leave a radiant glow in its wake and smooth out any texture or blemish issues. A little goes a long way in locking your make-up through rain, shine, weddings and long working hours.
- Type: Loose
- Finish: Soft glow
- Shades: 4
Hermès has perfected the art of refined finishes. This finely-milled, translucent (and neatly compact) powder is useful for beating that 3pm shine on-the-go. The finish is undetectable and keeps any caking at bay. It's designed for all skin types, but those with oily complexions will appreciate the non-illuminating texture.
- Type: Compact
- Finish: Matte
- Shades: Translucent
This slim compact fits perfectly in a little handbag, and comes with a useful sponge that allows you to press the talc-free formula into the skin, obliterating excess shine without creating a cakey effect. Those prone to oily skin will especially appreciate how mattifying yet elegant this powder is.
- Type: Compact
- Finish: Matte
- Shades: 5
Bazaar beauty director Katy Young is a big fan of this Nars powder as it leaves behind a soft, velvety finish. Instead of settling into fine lines, the oil-absorbing powder simply takes off excess shine and leaves a smoothing effect while extending the longevity of your make-up. The skin-kind formula is also laced with niacinamide and anti-oxidants for additional brightening and protecting benefits respectively.
- Type: Compact
- Finish: Matte
- Shades: 8
Developed with "soft-focus powders" and mica pearl, this translucent formula blurs out uneven texture and sets make-up in place without caking on dry skin types. It uses eight forms of hyaluronic acid to maintain plumpness and hydration, so the skin appears juicy-yet-velvety, not flat.
- Type: Compact
- Finish: Matte
- Shades: 1
After decades working with the world's most recognisable faces, such as Nicole Kidman and Kate Moss, Charlotte Tilbury has mastered the art of creating a picture-perfect finish.
This finely milled powder makes light work of lifting dark circles and imbuing the skin with a gentle, moonlit glow thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
- Type: Compact
- Finish: Matte
- Shades: 2
Givenchy Prisme Libre Matte-Finish and Enhanced Radiance Loose Powder
Pal is also a big fan of Givenchy's now-iconic skin-enlivening formula, which combines four hues to even out discolouration and redness. "It is a luxurious, finely-milled powder that colour corrects and brightens, making it ideal for South Asian skin tones. The multi-tone pigments help neutralise dullness and hyperpigmentation," explains Pal.
- Type: Loose
- Finish: Natural
- Shades: 7
