Are you tired of your daily makeup routine wearing off in a few hours? What every makeup artist would follow religiously is a dash of setting powder after the makeup. It sure sounds flaky, and we think of makeup cracks after hearing powder. To our surprise, new technologies have brought silky smooth and matte finish setting powders. They do not change your complexion and make you look like a ghost but hold your makeup together. Well, dark-skinned women are extra conscious of setting powders as they tend to leave an ashy look on dark melanin skin. Setting powder is the glue that could make your makeup stay for long hours. So today, we’re looking at the Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin.
Setting powder is the finishing touch we apply after we’re done with our makeup. Setting powder absorbs extra oil and covers our pores. It helps conceal all the skin abnormalities and gives you a matte finish look. The popular opinion is that it leaves your makeup in cracks and gives you a patchy look. Although according to experts setting powder gives your makeup a final look and keeps it going for a long time. It absorbs all the excess oil throughout the day and does not let your makeup smudge. With the suitable setting powder, you don’t have to worry at all.
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8 Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin | Buying Guide 2022
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying Drugstore Setting Powder
When buying a setting powder for dark skin, we must remember that we should have the right consistency and a long-lasting makeup glow. Dark skin is melanin-rich and prone to look dry when we apply excess powder. What should we look for in a setting powder?
Consistency: The setting powder could be more of a loose powder or a semi-loose powder. There are also some which come in a gel-based form. It could be a translucent and transparent powder. Although fine powder works best for all skin types, it is the transparent powder that works best for dark skin.
Matte Finish: We must get a matte finish after applying the setting powder. To avoid the cakey and chalky look, we get after the powder, apply an appropriate amount of setting powder so that you get a matte look. It would be best if you brushed off the excess powder.
Long-Lasting: A setting powder’s main concern is that it has to hold your makeup. After applying your primer foundation and contour, the next step is using a setting powder. The setting powder absorbs the excess oils and keeps your makeup dry and radiant. Setting powder is supposed to help you get through the long parties and schedules without your makeup spilling.
Mode of Application: If the setting powder is loose or semi-loose, you could use a brush or sponge for application. You need to make sure that the applicator is comfortable enough to apply and not slather too much of it. If a brush is not sufficient, you can use a sponge.
Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark/Brown Skin
Prototypes of Setting Powders
Translucent Powder: The famous technique with translucent powders is to let it set under your eyes and areas where you want it to sit and bake. Baking is a trick where you need to apply a thick layer of powder in places where you need extra refinement, and after a few minutes, you can brush the excess powder off. It gives you a matte finish, and it is a see-through powder.
Pressed Compact Powder: A pressed compact powder could be mattifying, translucent, and finishing powder all in one. A small and pressed powder with the right consistency helps to put your makeup in place. Also, a deep pigmented powder is a perfect travel companion.
Loose Powder: Loose powder works as a mineral and a translucent powder. Loose powder is supposed to be applied with a brush, and you can freely choose the amount of powder you want to use. The only thing to remember with loose powder is that you may need an appropriate brush to top off the powder before brushing off the excess powder.
Banana Powder: Do not go by the name, but the banana powder is yellow-toned. It doesn’t just set your makeup, but it also corrects and sets your skin tone. It absorbs excess oil and hides all the fine lines and wrinkles. Flattering for all skin tones and reduces the bumps and irregularities of your makeup. Mentioned below are some of the best banana powders for dark skin.
Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin | Top 8 Choices
Amongst all the new-gen setting powders, I came across eight options that seemed appropriate after going through many reviews about setting powders for dark skin. They are setting powders that keep your makeup intact and give you a matte finish.
Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder
One of the Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin, according to reviews and ratings, was Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder was one of the best powders for dark skin. The best part about this setting powder is that it comes in 3 shades: buttercup, light, and transparent. You can choose a shade according to your skin tone. Both medium and dark-skinned women should use this setting powder. It absorbs the extra oil that comes up throughout the day and does not let your makeup melt away.
With these properties, it stays on for an extended period. It gives you a flawless matte finish and makes your pores look very small. You’ll never look ashy under any light or in any photo. It blurs fine lines and hides your pores. This lightweight formula blends in your skin and is finely milled to give you long-lasting radiance. You can use the baking technique with this setting powder for your trouble areas and brush off the excess.
Pros
- Creamy Formula
- Blends In Skin
- Prevents Ashiness
- No Parabens
- No Artificial Fragrance
- Long-Lasting
- Finely Milled
- Best for Dark Skin
- Used for Baking
- Used in Pageants
- Easy to Apply
Cons
- Awful Bumps
- Clogs Pores
- Rashes
- Itchiness
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
It is a translucent loose powder formula by Maybelline, which gives you a matte finish. The mineral-based formula will help control the shine and texture of your face. It comes with a puff applicator that is easy to use and enables you to cover your entire face with the powder. The best part about it would be the varied shades it came in.
There are light, medium, and dark shades to suit your complexion. You can use it alone or over foundation. It is travel friendly which comes in a compact tight box to avoid spillage and any mishaps. The pigmented and finely milled powder blends your skin to give you the best translucent powder for dark skin. For most people, unscented makeup products are a boon, and the same is the Maybelline Fit Me Powder. It is not scented and does not give out any foul odor. Thus, it can be the Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Mineral Based
- Translucent Powder
- Different Shades
- Shiny and Radiant Face
- Stand Alone Product
- Unscented
- Blends In Skin
- Matte Finish
- Easy Application
- Suitable for all Skin Types
Cons
- Creases After Sometime
- Not For Oily Skin
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder
Neutrogena Loose Powder is the best drugstore setting powder for dark and sensitive skin. The extremely lightweight formula is a finely milled powder. To top it off, it contains Vitamin A, C, and E; it boosts collagen production and nourishes your skin. It smoothes skin and gives you a fantastic matte texture.
You can use it over liquid foundation or any foundation you use. Provides coverage to the entire face and gives you an even tone. Dark-skinned people are prone to patchiness and blots, but using an excellent loose powder setting cream will not cause that. But it would help if you remembered to brush the excess powder off, which could give you an ashy and chalky look.
Pros
- Pocket Friendly
- Even Texture
- Finely Milled
- Nourishes Skin
- Even Complexion
Cons
- Not For Oily Skin
- No Longevity
- Clogs Pores
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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mineral Matte Finishing Powder
NYX is a mineral-based translucent powder that aims to give you a matte finish look. It is a loose setting powder that fills in your skin and gives you flawless skin. Radiance and even texture is the primary goal of the loose powder. It comes in two distinct shades, light-medium and medium-dark.
Dark skin tones should choose the medium-dark shade to suit their complexion and give you an even tone throughout your face. It holds your makeup and keeps your look fresh and radiant throughout the day. You can also apply it over your makeup or use it alone as it includes a hint of color. Although you should not use the formula for baking, it might not provide you desired results.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Mineral Formula
- Smooth Texture
- Radiant Skin
- Dark Shade
- Cruelty-Free
- Vegan Product
- Coloured
- Blends in Skin
- Travel Friendly
Cons
- Blotchy
- Too Thin
Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Finishing Powder
Flower Beauty Finishing Powder is a setting powder specially made for your t zone. It keeps your t zone oil-free and covers all the pores there. Finely milled silica is proving to be working wonders to protect your t zone and keep it refreshed. It comes with an applicator inside it, but it would be better to use a brush to apply it.
Loose powder is always best applied with a brush as we can apply the desired amount on our face and cover it. It is a translucent powder that will look ashy if you use more of it. It does not look cakey or chalky, blends with your skin without melting and seeping into your makeup. Also, it works like a finisher to your makeup. The unique properties make it the best setting powder for oily skin.
Pros
- Finely Milled
- Blends in skin
- Best For T Zone
- Translucent Powder
- Does not Create a Mess
- Long-Lasting
- Matte Finish
- Use on Bare Skin
Cons
- Bad Packaging
- Less Amount
- Useless Applicator
- Big Vessel To Carry
Rimmel London Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder
Are you troubled with dark oily skin? Rimmel Pressed Powder brings an all-rounder solution for you. The dermatologist-tested formula will give you 5 hours of shine. Successfully hiding your pores and absorbing all the excess oils gives you a fresh, natural finish after application. Made with natural ingredients and is a mineral-based formula.
The formula is a beige-colored formula which is ideal for dark skin. The fragrance is synthetic but fades away with time. It gives you a nice matte effect after application and hides your pores, scars, and discoloration if there are any. It feels light on the skin and aims at giving you your desired shine. The Transparent shade, as previously mentioned, is best for baking your troubled areas. It comes in a varied variety of shades to choose from. Dark-skinned females must go with the Transparent Shade.
Pros
- Lightweight Formula
- Natural Ingredients
- Dermatologist Tested
- Absorbs Oils
- Effective for T Zone
- Shines Skin
- Hides Pores
- Covers Acne Marks and Scars
- Natural Matte Finish
Cons
- Fragile Packaging
- Does not Cover Effectively
- Not the best Texture
- Frequent Touch Ups
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Powder
Were you looking for a highlighter for dark skin? What if I tell you your setting powder can come along with it? L’Oreal Paris Powder is the solution for it. It does not leave behind a matte finish but gives you the most decent glowy finish. Blend the powder on your skin for a setting powder and also an efficient highlighter. It gives you a subtle non-cakey glow instantly.
Long-lasting and goes on for hours. Absorbs excess oil and gives your skin a perfect texture. The shades it comes in makes it one of the best setting powder for dark skin. It hides your pores and face imperfection, giving you a finished look. Contouring the powder gives your features an enhanced look.
Pros
- Long-Lasting
- Glowy Look
- Best for Dry and Oily skin
- Highlighter
- Radiant Look
- Good Texture
- Cover Skin Abnormalities
- Finished Look
- Defines Features
- Paraben-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Fragrance-Free
Cons
- Minimal Coverage
- Doesn’t Work without Foundation
- Irritating
e.l.f Cosmetics Halo Setting Powder
Are you dreaming of the airbrushed finish with a setting powder? e.l.f has got you a formula which will solve those problems. It is a loose setting powder used for an airbrushed fantastic finish, and the weightless formula creates a soft glowy look on the skin in no time. It does not create a shine on your skin but gives you a matte finish.
Blurs imperfections and reduces the appearance of pores on your skin. It is crafted with sapphire particles that blend in your skin to give you a finished look. Finely milled, talc-free setting powder lifts your makeup and holds it for a long time. It is said to work best with foundation. When applied with foundation, it helps control the oil and gives you a long-lasting look making it the Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Brown Skin.
Pros
- Weightless Powder
- Sapphire Particles
- Finely Milled
- Blurs Imperfections
- Glowy Skin
- Fills Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Talc Free
- Vegan Product
- Cruelty-Free
- Paraben and Phthalate Free
- Variety of Shades
Cons
- Shiny
- Less Quantity
- Clumps
Closure | Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin
While searching for the Best Drugstore Setting Powder for Dark Skin, I came across many potential options. Women must choose a shade appropriate for them as we don’t want ashy or cakey looks. We use setting powder as a finishing touch to keep our makeup intact. Choosing the suitable powder over the makeup we’re using is essential. Creating a combination out of foundation and setting powder is a powerpack combination, and the foundation below helps the oil control and the strength of your makeup.
Baking and brushing off the excess powder is a master technique we all must follow. You must spread the powder evenly not to look patchy or create cracks in their makeup. The duration of your makeup depends on the longevity of the setting powder. That is why you must choose an appropriate powder that is long-lasting. For oily and damaged skin, learn to apply the setting powder in a way that will cover your imperfections and prefer a powder of the right consistency.
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