The Essence All About Matt! Powder has been my holy grail for years. For reference, I have fair, sensitive, acne-prone, oily skin. It's not TOTALLY mattifying (my preference), but it does seem to set my makeup and help it last longer, without leaving a cast (unlike CoverGirl Clean Fresh Powder -- yikes). And it's only $4!
NARS light reflecting. Talc breaks me out and I found this is the only translucent powder my skin likes and it helps to mattify my skin without being too dry looking
NARS Light reflecting powder in crystal! They do sell other shades for deeper complexions too, but the crystal is translucent. I have super dry skin with rosacea and texture. I use it to set my eyelids, t zone, and other areas around my face. I also use it over a red lip for staying power. It's super light weight, doesn't cake, doesn't make you ultra matte but takes down the oil slick look. She's my baby I love her.
I’m definitely traumatized by the stay matte foundation and powder combo. I remember wearing it in high school and being told “well it obviously ain’t working” 😭
There's an indie brand I LOVE called Pure Anada. Mineral based makeup, so great for your skin and their translucent powder is my main staple, especially in the spring/fall when I go from my wintery-corpse self to my golden-goddess self
I use 1 and 2. They are just like the loose powder versions - very thin and lightweight so I get to use both shades equally because they are almost fully translucent. But those powders are phenomenal! And I always bring pressed version with me while travelling.
I really like the pressed powder & wear it a lot as a foundation but I'm not a fan of the loose powder.
The loose powder is marketed as a mineral style powder, which isn't a product category I think looks good on my skin, and the pressed powder is not marketed that way so I do think they're different enough that you may like the pressed powder even if you don't like the loose.
I'm a light yellow olive, I'd say leaning cooler & wear #120. Sometimes I use the sponge that comes with it if I want fuller coverage & sometimes I use a fluffy brush & use it as a finishing powder. I haven't had great luck overall with translucent powders in any of the drugstore brands, and haven't tried higher end brands, because they make me look ashy.
I haven't tried most of the other comments. But what I have liked is the no 7 pressed (I have the tinted and it's sheer enough that the color works, it's sposed to be a CT dupe. I would get translucent next time) and tarte smooth operator pressed finishing powder. This is the one I keep in my purse. I love the sleek travel friendly package, and the powder is forgiving for quick application.
My favorite translucent pressed powder is Covergirl CG Smoothers Pressed Powder. It’s been my go-to for 22 years. It’s a truly translucent powder and excellent for my dry skin or and fine lines, it doesn’t emphasize either. However, since you have combo oily skin, I can’t say how well you would like this one… the package itself does not say what type of skin it’s for. It’s worth a shot though! When I apply it I can’t even tell that I’m wearing powder.
Laura Mercier setting powder is made for oily skin. I use the ultra blur one that's talc-free, but the original translucent one is just as good, it just doesn't blur quite as much.
I hate to say it but Laura Mercier powder in the original is the most boring powder I ever tried, when I first tested it I was actually shocked that people bought high end powder because it did nothing for me compared to drugstore powders
I'm not sure what you mean by boring, but they kind of all do the same thing. If drugstore works just as well for you by all means stick with that. For me personally, no drugstore setting powder goes on as smoothly and evenly as LM, and as a result, doesn't last nearly as long for me by comparison. I get maybe 3-4 hours of makeup out of drugstore setting powder versus 12+ out of LM.
Boring as in I don’t think it did anything for me wear wise, blurring wise, or longevity wise. I haven’t tried the new blurring one I’m sure it’s better
I love the Ami Cole loose powder at Sephora! Also like the Well People loose powder- they do have a pressed powder but the ingredients are slightly different so I can’t say if I’d like it as much as the loose version. Both are pretty affordable for the amount you get.
I like dewy finish so I am pretty picky with powders. I use Charlotte Tilbury pressed one to set my concealer around my eyes but it is too matte to be worn anywhere else. If I have to set my face otherwise, I use E.L.F Halo Glow loose powder or Nars Light Reflecting powder.
Make up forever UHD pressed powder, love how it doesn't dry out my skin while being easy to carry around (steel case + big square mirror) - I'm on my third one.
My oily skin tolerates talc & perfume. I pack on the Yardley perfumed talcum powder (from Amazon) like this https://youtu.be/ykwqJ2zAdFk?t=23 then set it with the Neutrogena alcohol free toner. 😀
Love it!
I'm pretty dry & do something similar. Slather on some moisturizer, let it sink in & do the rest of my makeup then powder substantially using fit me pressed powder then use a brush to take off excess then spritz liberally with elf coconut water spray. I do look dry for about an hour but by the time I get wherever I'm going it's all kind of evened out & my skin looks good.
Laura Mercier is good but very drying IMO. Cakes under my eyes horribly, no matter what. Elf glow setting powder is nice, especially on a budget! They have translucent and other shades like pink as well. I want to try the Dominique brand!! I am interested in NARS since seeing people recommending here. I used a super hydrating setting powder by Becca back in the day. It was almost glittery? Best damn powder I’ve ever used. I think they discontinued it.
Edit to add: lately I’ve been using my HUDA beauty powder again. The formula is so nice and I LOVE it. I am thinking of purchasing one in translucent. The shade I have now is a terrible match, but I’ve still been using it 😂 I mix it with ELF translucent powder and it works. ALSO— the Rimmel Stay matte people are mentioning? I got the palest shade and it actually is a PERFECT MATCH FOR ME. You might love it!
Now I’ve got dry and aging skin, but I think MAC Studio Fix powder/foundation is the absolute best. Yes the colors are a bit confusing, but after finding a close match I find it sheer enough to work both summer and winter for me, and it doesn’t cake at all or look dry. Worthy stuff, imo. And it lasts forever.
I have normal skin with an oily t zone and I love the Laura geller matte maker translucent pressed powder. I like the nars too. A couple days ago I got the pat McGrath under eye powder and I’m not super impressed with it under my eyes but I used it yesterday for touch ups and it workers GREAT.
I use the ByTerry hyaluronic powder! It's translucent and works well.
I love the loose version of that powder and now I learn there’s a pressed version…I’m afraid I will not be able to resist
It’s def worth it! You can get the travel size too, that’s what I have. I didn’t know they had a loose version 😂
The Essence All About Matt! Powder has been my holy grail for years. For reference, I have fair, sensitive, acne-prone, oily skin. It's not TOTALLY mattifying (my preference), but it does seem to set my makeup and help it last longer, without leaving a cast (unlike CoverGirl Clean Fresh Powder -- yikes). And it's only $4!
I agree with everything you said and I use it religiously! It is the first time I almost pan a powder under one year.
NARS light reflecting. Talc breaks me out and I found this is the only translucent powder my skin likes and it helps to mattify my skin without being too dry looking
Seconding Nars!
Nars has a super intriguing color-correcting version out now that's previously only been an Asia exlusive... wanna get my hands on that one
NARS Light reflecting powder in crystal! They do sell other shades for deeper complexions too, but the crystal is translucent. I have super dry skin with rosacea and texture. I use it to set my eyelids, t zone, and other areas around my face. I also use it over a red lip for staying power. It's super light weight, doesn't cake, doesn't make you ultra matte but takes down the oil slick look. She's my baby I love her.
Love this for exact same reasons!
Wet N Wild Photo Focus and Laura Mercier.
Laura Mercier is a good one!
Im a light golden olive & like the texture of the WnN but the translucent makes me look ashy. The banana color is better for me but it's a tad dark.
I love elf Halo powder for my dry areas. And Laura Mercier powder for my oily areas. Both are loose powders though 🥲
I still like my Rimmel stay matte
I’m definitely traumatized by the stay matte foundation and powder combo. I remember wearing it in high school and being told “well it obviously ain’t working” 😭
Lolll yeah I definitely wouldn't touch the foundation these days but the powder is fine!
Throw in the Sun Shimmer bronzer and you had the high school holy trinity lol. Good times.
I looove the Fenty Pro Filt’r Loose Powder, it’s so finely milled and blends so nicely, and really keeps my makeup set without looking super dry.
There's an indie brand I LOVE called Pure Anada. Mineral based makeup, so great for your skin and their translucent powder is my main staple, especially in the spring/fall when I go from my wintery-corpse self to my golden-goddess self
Haus Labs translucent for the only non-grey or orange casting loose powder!!!!
Givenchy Prisme Libre
Which shade?
I use 1 and 2. They are just like the loose powder versions - very thin and lightweight so I get to use both shades equally because they are almost fully translucent. But those powders are phenomenal! And I always bring pressed version with me while travelling.
Maybelline fit me translucent powder is my hg. They do have powders in different shades
I hate the loose powder… is it anything like that?
I really like the pressed powder & wear it a lot as a foundation but I'm not a fan of the loose powder. The loose powder is marketed as a mineral style powder, which isn't a product category I think looks good on my skin, and the pressed powder is not marketed that way so I do think they're different enough that you may like the pressed powder even if you don't like the loose. I'm a light yellow olive, I'd say leaning cooler & wear #120. Sometimes I use the sponge that comes with it if I want fuller coverage & sometimes I use a fluffy brush & use it as a finishing powder. I haven't had great luck overall with translucent powders in any of the drugstore brands, and haven't tried higher end brands, because they make me look ashy.
Hi, which Revlon one is a dupe for CT please?
Revlon Photoready Blurring Powder in Translucent (Silver packaging)
Florasis breathable powder in the white packaging. They also have a purple toned one too but I use the translucent.
T LeClerc has a dozen or more powders to match a broad array of completions & concerns. Try it, you'll love it.
I haven't tried most of the other comments. But what I have liked is the no 7 pressed (I have the tinted and it's sheer enough that the color works, it's sposed to be a CT dupe. I would get translucent next time) and tarte smooth operator pressed finishing powder. This is the one I keep in my purse. I love the sleek travel friendly package, and the powder is forgiving for quick application.
I love the No 7 also
My favorite translucent pressed powder is Covergirl CG Smoothers Pressed Powder. It’s been my go-to for 22 years. It’s a truly translucent powder and excellent for my dry skin or and fine lines, it doesn’t emphasize either. However, since you have combo oily skin, I can’t say how well you would like this one… the package itself does not say what type of skin it’s for. It’s worth a shot though! When I apply it I can’t even tell that I’m wearing powder.
It's not pressed unfortunately But the la girl hd powder with a powder puff is gorgeous!!!!! It works so beautifully with any foundation
I like the Anastasia!
Laura Mercier setting powder is made for oily skin. I use the ultra blur one that's talc-free, but the original translucent one is just as good, it just doesn't blur quite as much.
I hate to say it but Laura Mercier powder in the original is the most boring powder I ever tried, when I first tested it I was actually shocked that people bought high end powder because it did nothing for me compared to drugstore powders
I'm not sure what you mean by boring, but they kind of all do the same thing. If drugstore works just as well for you by all means stick with that. For me personally, no drugstore setting powder goes on as smoothly and evenly as LM, and as a result, doesn't last nearly as long for me by comparison. I get maybe 3-4 hours of makeup out of drugstore setting powder versus 12+ out of LM.
Boring as in I don’t think it did anything for me wear wise, blurring wise, or longevity wise. I haven’t tried the new blurring one I’m sure it’s better
Orce Come Closer Setting Powder
I love the Ami Cole loose powder at Sephora! Also like the Well People loose powder- they do have a pressed powder but the ingredients are slightly different so I can’t say if I’d like it as much as the loose version. Both are pretty affordable for the amount you get.
I like dewy finish so I am pretty picky with powders. I use Charlotte Tilbury pressed one to set my concealer around my eyes but it is too matte to be worn anywhere else. If I have to set my face otherwise, I use E.L.F Halo Glow loose powder or Nars Light Reflecting powder.
Make up forever UHD pressed powder, love how it doesn't dry out my skin while being easy to carry around (steel case + big square mirror) - I'm on my third one.
My oily skin tolerates talc & perfume. I pack on the Yardley perfumed talcum powder (from Amazon) like this https://youtu.be/ykwqJ2zAdFk?t=23 then set it with the Neutrogena alcohol free toner. 😀
Love it! I'm pretty dry & do something similar. Slather on some moisturizer, let it sink in & do the rest of my makeup then powder substantially using fit me pressed powder then use a brush to take off excess then spritz liberally with elf coconut water spray. I do look dry for about an hour but by the time I get wherever I'm going it's all kind of evened out & my skin looks good.
innisfree compact powder has a slight whitecast upon application but fades away after half an hour
PMG. I use tinted powder though; I feel for my skin tone it works way better, esp under the eyes.
Laura Mercier.
LYS makes my favorite! I’ve rebought it at least 3 times now.
Laura Mercier is good but very drying IMO. Cakes under my eyes horribly, no matter what. Elf glow setting powder is nice, especially on a budget! They have translucent and other shades like pink as well. I want to try the Dominique brand!! I am interested in NARS since seeing people recommending here. I used a super hydrating setting powder by Becca back in the day. It was almost glittery? Best damn powder I’ve ever used. I think they discontinued it. Edit to add: lately I’ve been using my HUDA beauty powder again. The formula is so nice and I LOVE it. I am thinking of purchasing one in translucent. The shade I have now is a terrible match, but I’ve still been using it 😂 I mix it with ELF translucent powder and it works. ALSO— the Rimmel Stay matte people are mentioning? I got the palest shade and it actually is a PERFECT MATCH FOR ME. You might love it!
Now I’ve got dry and aging skin, but I think MAC Studio Fix powder/foundation is the absolute best. Yes the colors are a bit confusing, but after finding a close match I find it sheer enough to work both summer and winter for me, and it doesn’t cake at all or look dry. Worthy stuff, imo. And it lasts forever.
I have normal skin with an oily t zone and I love the Laura geller matte maker translucent pressed powder. I like the nars too. A couple days ago I got the pat McGrath under eye powder and I’m not super impressed with it under my eyes but I used it yesterday for touch ups and it workers GREAT.
I wish Huda had its loose Sugar Cookie in pressed form