The 9 Best Mattifying Powders

If you have oily skin, you know the struggle. That 3 p.m. shine sneaks up on you no matter what foundation you use. I’ve been on a long quest to find the best mattifying powders that actually keep oil under control without looking like a dusty mess.

A good oil control powder should lock your makeup in place, blur your pores, and soak up grease for hours. But not all powders are the same. Some are chalky, some cause flashback in photos, and some just don’t last.

After trying a ton of them, from drugstore staples to high-end classics, I’ve narrowed it down. These are the powders that genuinely work, whether you need a light dusting or some serious baking power.

 

 

Our Top Mattifying Powders

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

This powder costs $43. The Laura Mercier powder is a legend for a reason. I was so impressed with how finely milled it is. It just melts into your skin instead of sitting on top.

It blurs everything so nicely, from pores to fine lines, and it sets my makeup for the entire day. And the best part? It never looks cakey, and I’ve never had an issue with flashback in pictures, which is a huge deal for me.

The Downside: It’s not waterproof. If you’re going to be sweating a lot, you’ll probably need to touch it up.

 

 

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Shine-Control & Blurring Setting Powder

This one is $44. If your T-zone is your main enemy, you need to try this. It promises 24-hour shine control, and I found it really does hold up for a ridiculously long time.

I even tried using it as a base layer before my foundation, just on my oily spots. It created a perfect matte canvas and my makeup stayed put all day. It gives a soft matte finish that doesn’t feel drying at all.

The Downside: The price is steep, and you can’t find it in every store.

 

 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

You can get this for $36. Fenty really delivered with the shade range here. I was able to find the perfect warm undertone that didn’t leave me looking ashy, which can be a problem with some powders.

It’s super lightweight and gives my skin a soft, filtered look that I love. It does a great job of blurring pores and keeping shine away for most of the day.

The Downside: If your skin is extremely oily like mine can get in the summer, you might need a midday touch-up.

 

 

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder

At just $12, this is such a good deal. This is one of those drugstore products I always come back to. It gives a natural matte finish and seriously blurs my pores.

It’s my go-to for throwing in my bag for quick touch-ups. The powder keeps my skin looking smooth and clear without breaking the bank. It’s just a solid, reliable choice.

The Downside: It’s easy to get carried away. If you apply too much, it can start to emphasize texture and look a little heavy.

 

 

NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop All Day Mattifying Powder

This powder is only $10. The rice powder in this formula is amazing for absorbing oil. I love how this compact keeps my face matte all day long.

It’s perfect for on-the-go blotting because it doesn’t get cakey, even when I reapply it. It just layers on smoothly and makes my makeup last so much longer.

The Downside: The shade range is pretty limited, especially if you have a very deep skin tone.

 

 

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Pressed Powder

The Huda Beauty powder costs $40. If you love that airbrushed, baked look, this is for you. It contains rice starch to absorb oil and it really works for up to 12 hours.

I was so impressed by the smooth, blurred finish it gave my skin. It sets my under-eyes perfectly without creasing and doesn’t look heavy at all. It truly lives up to the “easy bake” name.

The Downside: Since it’s a pressed powder, it can kick up a bit of product in the pan when you swirl your brush in it.

 

 

Kylie Cosmetics Setting Powder

For $28, this is a great mid-range option. This powder is fantastic for my combination skin days when I’m not a total oil slick. It’s lightweight and does a beautiful job of smoothing out texture.

It gives more of a soft-focus, radiant-matte finish, so you don’t look flat. A little bit goes a long way to lock in makeup for the day.

The Downside: If you have super oily skin, this probably won’t be strong enough to keep you matte all day.

 

 

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Powder

This one is priced at $36. I love that this powder is talc-free but still performs so well. It’s completely weightless on the skin.

It blurs pores and fine lines instantly for a soft matte look. It’s a great final step to smooth everything over and make my foundation last longer without settling into any texture.

The Downside: It can feel a little bit drying if you have any dry patches, so make sure to moisturize well beforehand.

 

 

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Blur-fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder

This L’Oreal powder is a steal at $13. This is another drugstore winner that really surprised me. It blurs my skin beautifully and keeps shine away for hours.

I especially like the brightening translucent shade for setting my under-eye concealer. It brightens without being glittery and doesn’t feel heavy at all. For the price, the performance is fantastic.

The Downside: The shade options are very limited, and it won’t work for many darker skin tones.

Finding the right powder really depends on your specific needs. If you need something for everyday T-zone control, a pressed powder from the drugstore like Maybelline or NYX is perfect for your bag.

But if you’re looking for something to set your full face for a long event, investing in a loose powder like the Laura Mercier or Huda Beauty might be the better move. Either way, the right powder can make all the difference for oily skin.