Top 10 Face Powders to Combat Oiliness – Best Picks Reviewed

Face powder serves to even out skin tone, control shine, and conceal minor imperfections. It's also handy for touch-ups throughout the day, ensuring your SPF protection remains intact. The key requirement for a good face powder is a natural appearance without masking effects, effectively absorbing excess sebum. We've curated a list of 10 compact powders that are convenient for on-the-go use, effectively managing oily shine while maintaining a natural look.

Choosing the right powder depends on your skin type and makeup preferences. For those with oily skin and a preference for matte finishes, powders with excellent mattifying properties are ideal. Semi-matte or satin-finish powders are suitable for normal and combination skin, providing a natural glow while controlling excess sebum. Dry skin types would benefit from powders containing moisturizing ingredients that smooth out fine lines without highlighting dry patches.

Additionally, consider the shade of the powder. Transparent textures are perfect for setting makeup and combating oiliness discreetly. Their translucent appearance blends seamlessly into the skin, effectively hiding pores and evening out texture. For concealing imperfections and achieving an even skin tone, opt for a classic tinted powder that matches your skin tone, ensuring a natural look.

Marie Claire's Top 10 Face Powders for 2024

Radiant Fusion Baked Powder by Kiko Milano

A shimmering finish powder that imparts a natural radiance, evens out skin tone, and masks imperfections. It effectively controls oily shine, blends easily, and looks naturally flawless.
Wonder Me Compact Powder by Pupa Milano

This powder evens out skin tone without a powdery residue, smooths pores, evens skin texture, and improves tone, eliminating any greasy appearance. Its formula withstands sweat and sebum, keeping makeup intact throughout the day.
Alliance Perfect Compact Powder by L'Oreal Paris

A compact powder with a satin finish that gives the skin a semi-matte glow, making makeup look more natural. It helps set makeup and control oiliness while concealing minor imperfections and evening out skin texture.
Wet Coating Powder Two Way Cake by Catalinageo

This powder can be applied dry or wet for fuller coverage. Its formula hides imperfections and evens out skin tone without feeling sticky. It also provides SPF 45 protection against sun damage.
True Color Matte Compact Powder by Divage

A mattifying powder that lightly veils the skin, concealing flaws and oily shine. The silky texture blends naturally and doesn't settle into fine lines.
Flawless Finish Foundation Compact Powder by Babor

This cream-to-powder formula with a semi-matte finish hides minor imperfections and evens out skin tone. It blends seamlessly with the skin, allowing you to build and adjust coverage density without caking or settling into wrinkles.
Your Face Perfect Powder Foundation by Annbeauty

A moisturizing powder that smooths skin texture, hides pores, and fills fine lines. It gives the skin a soft, semi-matte finish and includes SPF 10 protection against sun exposure.
Subtle Setting Powder SPF 30 by Arive Makeup

A translucent mattifying powder with SPF 30 that sets makeup and prolongs its wear. It leaves the skin matte and velvety, absorbing excess sebum while smoothing skin texture with a soft-focus effect.
Puri Pore No Sebum Pact by Holika Holika

This formula includes green tea and mineral powder to combat inflammation. It absorbs excess sebum, mattifies the skin, and evens out texture. The powder prevents oxidation of foundation and protects against harsh environmental factors.
Radiant Fusion Baked Powder by Kiko Milano (Again)

Featuring a semi-matte finish, this powder gives the skin a light, natural radiance. With shimmering particles, it evens out skin tone and masks imperfections while controlling oily shine effortlessly.
How to Apply Powder Correctly?

For a more opaque coverage, apply the powder first with a sponge, then remove excess with a fluffy brush for a more natural look.

Target the powder primarily on the T-zone, which is most prone to oiliness. This tip is especially useful for those with combination skin, where both oily and dry areas can coexist.

Avoid circular motions when applying powder. Instead, use a brush to pick up the product and press it onto oily areas without rubbing. Repeat across the face with tapping motions to achieve an ideally matte finish.

To transform powder into a foundation-like consistency, use the "wet" method. Dampen a sponge, squeeze out excess water, and pick up the powder. Apply it to the skin with tapping motions, blending it smoothly with the sponge.

Allow time after makeup application before applying powder to ensure all products settle and absorb into the skin. If your complexion appears too oily, blot excess foundation with a tissue before applying powder. This ensures a smooth, natural finish without clogging pores or settling into wrinkles.