These Smoothing Setting Powders Are Makeup Artist-Approved for Mature Skin

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When applying makeup for mature skin there are countless products available to help you achieve a smoother, more radiant-looking complexion. While it’s true that the best primers, foundations, and concealers are a great place to start, there might be one thing your makeup bag is missing: the best setting powder for mature skin.

“I like to say that a setting powder is the top coat and insurance policy for your complexion products. It’s important to use it after applying your foundation and concealers to lock makeup in place so it lasts all day,” says Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.

Meet the experts: Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert; and Natalie Dresher, celebrity and bridal makeup artist

However, “the thought of powder is sometimes scary, especially for those with mature skin,” explains Natalie Dresher, celebrity and bridal makeup artist. “It is true that powder can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, but if you find the right powder for your skin type and the appropriate way to apply it, it will only increase the longevity of your makeup and make your application look like a professional did it!”

Many setting powders contain talc—a mineral mined from the earth that, in its natural form may contain asbestos, a known cancer-causing chemical, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA) previously issued cosmetic guidelines to prevent detectable amounts of asbestos in talc-containing products. But, if you’re concerned, choose a talc-free formula.

Below find top-rated, expert-approved setting powders for mature skin of every type so your makeup can look flawless all day long.

Bio-Blurring Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder

This skincare-infused, blurring powder is one of Lanice’s “all-time favorite” options for those with mature skin. She appreciates the talc-free formula, which helps avoid dryness and the tendency to settle into fine lines. This loose, translucent powder provides a smooth, “soft focus” to the skin while boosting hydration with plant squalane and vitamin E.

Halo Glow Soft Focus Setting Powder

This affordable setting powder from e.l.f. cosmetics aims to provide a filter-like appearance to the skin by blurring and smoothing pores and lines while reducing shine with a natural finish. The fan-favorite product has earned over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for the “flawless” finish it provides. One reviewer wrote: “I am 52 with fine lines and this powder works perfectly to take away shine. It doesn’t get into the fine lines and make them look worse like other powders I have tried.”

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder

“This drugstore powder is incredible for mature skin types because of its pore-blurring properties,” Dresher says of this pick from Maybelline. Plus, “for under $10, it is quite the bargain!” The powder comes in a translucent shade for those looking only to set and perfect their makeup, but it is also available in over 20 shades for those looking for additional coverage. With over 43,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and glowing reviews for the “smooth” and “poreless” finish it provides, we can bet it lives up to the hype.

Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder

“I love this powder for more mature skin types with dry skin because you truly need a very little amount and it does not dry out the skin,” Drescher says. The unique formula is infused with hyaluronic acid to add hydration to the skin while setting makeup and smoothing the complexion. Lanice also recommends the powder, adding that it is “great for all skin types.”

Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder

Lanice says that this setting powder “is ideal for oily skin” due to its “blurring and sweatproof” properties. The finely milled powder is formulated to provide 24-hour shine control and a smooth, matte finish. It is available in a translucent shade, a dark/deep shade, as well as five color-correcting shades including pink, peach, and yellow variations.

Airbrush Flawless Finish Brightening Powder

“I love this powder for those with combination skin because it has a very thin consistency and lays on the center of the face nicely,” Dresher explains. “They have a mini size for touch-ups as well!” Not only does this pressed powder set makeup in place without sinking into lines, but it also visibly brightens and blurs the skin while providing hydration with hyaluronic acid.

Evolution Setting & Blurring Loose Powder

Lanice calls this product from Danessa Myricks Beauty “the holy grail of all setting powders.” She appreciates that it comes in “various shades to fit any skin tone and color correcting shades as well.” The powder is formulated to set makeup in place, mattify shine, correct discoloration, and blur texture. It’s also “micro-fine” to help smooth the complexion and “great for all skin types,” Lanice adds.

No Color Powder

If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, translucent powder, check out this makeup artist-approved option from RCMA. “This powder doesn’t deposit color or coverage to the face and is in every pro artist’s makeup kit,” Dresher explains. “This huge bottle will also last a lifetime. I love this for special events because it photographs so well!” Shoppers love the formula too. One Amazon reviewer explained that the powder “keeps the makeup in place” and “blurs [the skin] but doesn’t whiten you out like others.”

Skin-Smoothing Talc-Free Perfecting Powder

“This powder is a filter in a compact,” Dresher says. “I love to use this on my mothers of the brides, grandmothers of the brides, and even the bride herself.” The formula is talc-free and lightweight to avoid emphasizing texture and dryness. It also includes squalane to prevent moisture loss while providing a blurred, soft-matte finish to the skin.

Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder

Lanice appreciates this setting powder for its “hydrating” formula and “radiant finish.” It is formulated with plant-based squalane to deliver moisture to the skin and uses a patented “aerated-cream technology” to set makeup, absorb oil, and give the complexion a radiant, “diffused glow.” It’s available in three semi-translucent shades (light, medium, and deep) for a slight amount of additional coverage.

Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder

If like many women with mature skin, you struggle with enlarged pores this powder might be the best option for you. Not only does it effectively set your makeup in place, but it also “smooths and blurs the appearance of pores,” Lanice explains. She appreciates that “it also comes in a wide range of shades” and notes that it is “best for normal to oily skin types.”

Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder

“This powder is my favorite for all ages for touch-ups because it does not deposit any color or coverage to the skin,” Dresher says. It also conveniently comes with a sponge for on-the-go use. The powder provides a natural matte finish and claims to blur the look of pores, absorb shine, and extend makeup wear. Plus, the compact is refillable—which is eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.

Tatcha The Silk Powder

Not only does this powder “control shine as needed” and effectively set makeup, but “it can be worn alone as well,” Lanice explains. It is suitable for all skin types and provides a “soft-radiant” finish that blurs the look of lines and pores. The brand also claims that the “protective” powder helps makeup last for eight hours and shields the skin from blue light and pollution.

(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen

When it comes to preventing the visible signs of aging, sun protection is key. And while nothing replaces the best face sunscreen, it’s always nice when our other products contain SPF for an extra boost of protection. “I love this setting powder. It’s mineral-based...and the best part is it’s a sunscreen as well!” Lanice explains. “So you can set and reapply sunscreen as often as needed.”

Tinted Face Powder

This tinted setting powder is none other than makeup pro-Bobbi Brown’s favorite for locking makeup in place and flattering mature skin. “I have not been a fan of powders in the past because a lot of powders are drying and settle into fine lines,” Brown previously told Prevention. However, these powders (available in eight shades) from her infamous brand, Jones Road Beauty are just the opposite. “They are super light, almost a silky feel. And it’s more transparent. I rather someone apply more of a powder where they need it and keep the sheerness on the rest of the face,” Brown explained. The formula is also talc-free which Brown says is important since talc tends to cause the “settle-in-the-line thing” that most people with mature skin dislike.

How to choose and use the best setting powder for mature skin

✔️Consider the ingredients. Since skin tends to lose moisture with age, Lanice recommends choosing a setting powder that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E to add back hydration and help maintain a smooth appearance. She also recommends searching for a talc-free formula, since ingredients like talc “can emphasize texture by settling into fine lines” and tend to “dry the skin out by absorbing too much moisture from the skin.”

✔️Look for a lighter texture. Dresher explains that “those with mature skin should look for powders that are lighter in texture” to help avoid a cakey or dry appearance. “I’d also look at how finely milled the powder is,” Lanice adds. “The finer it is, the more blurring it will be to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

✔️Apply like a pro. “If you have mature skin I would pick up some pressed or loose powder with a fluffy brush, tap off the excess, and gently press onto the area that needs setting,” Drescher instructs.

How we chose the best setting powders for mature skin

We spoke to Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert and Natalie Dresher, celebrity and bridal makeup artist for their recommendations. We also sifted through countless reviews of highly-rated products to select the best setting powders for mature skin available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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