Powders are old school? Not anymore

Trends come and go, then they come around again. One product category that was popular in the past and is now making a comeback is powder makeup. Dewy, shiny skin has been in fashion for a while, thanks to trends like ‘glazed donut skin’ popularised by Hailey Bieber. But the spotlight is now on a shine-free, matte look, achievable with the new generation of powder makeup.

You might recall Rihanna’s iconic moment during her Superbowl half-time performance in 2023, when she stopped midway to touch up with some setting powder – from her brand Fenty, of course. More recently, model Bella Hadid showed off her quick beauty routine from the backseat of a car to her TikTok followers, topping off with a variety of powder products. Brands like MAC Cosmetics and YSL Beauté launched new powder formulas earlier this year, and these beauties look like they’re here to stay.

Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos believes there are two main reasons why we’re seeing new powder products. Firstly, the replacement of the controversial powder ingredient talc has pushed brands to innovate with alternative ingredients like mica, synthetic mica, and silica, leading to a wave of powder launches from beauty brands. Secondly, after the “unrealistic expectations of ultra-smooth, pore-less ‘glazed skin,’ consumers are seeking a more balanced and natural look from their makeup.”

“Powders offer oil control, longer wear, and the ability to set makeup,” adds Kelly. “New formulas provide both matte and satin-glowy finishes, allowing users to customise their look.”

Makeup artist Larry Yeo attributes the resurgence of powder makeup to a shift in the beauty landscape. As consumers become more familiar with liquid foundations, brands are innovating with new powder textures that offer a modern, soft-matte finish. Gen Z, known for embracing sheer tints early on, are now exploring powders as a versatile way to elevate their makeup looks with a fresh, “pore-blurring and skin-smoothing” feel.

We might be harking back to the past for makeup inspiration, but are the powder formulas of today just like they were back then? You might not be surprised to find that the new versions have evolved, making them look and feel better on skin.

“Advances in surface-treated pigments (STPs) have allowed us to create powders that are lightweight, blend seamlessly, and feature long-wear or transfer-resistant properties,” says Kelly. “Today’s formulas are also designed to offer skincare benefits with nourishing emollients, hydrating ingredients, and antioxidants.”

Kelly shares that powder formulas have several benefits over liquids or creams. For example, powders offer lighter, more natural coverage that can even out skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey.

“Powder makeup is fast to apply and often packaged in compacts that are easily portable, making them ideal for touch-ups and on-the-go use,” she explains. “Powders are especially effective for oily and acne-prone skin because they absorb excess oil and help reduce shine throughout the day.”

Larry seconds this: “Powders are great for touch-ups and to increase coverage on certain areas where needed,” he reveals. “They help take away shine where sweat rises and absorb excess light so there is no strobing effect on the face.”

He adds that the longevity of powder formulas depends on various factors such as skin condition and texture, initial skincare applied, and how easily the skin sweats or gets oily.

Kelly notes that powders tend to last longer in hot or humid conditions because they are less likely to melt or shift on the skin, making them a great choice for warm climates or active days.

When choosing or applying powder makeup, Kelly recommends starting with well-moisturised skin. Match the powder to your skin type – for oily or combination skin, look for mattifying and oil-absorbing claims; for sensitive, dry, or mature skin, opt for powders with hydrating ingredients to avoid emphasising dryness and fine lines.

“Use the right tools and build light layers to avoid a cakey appearance,” she explains. “For loose powder, use a fluffy brush for a light dusting or a powder puff for more targeted application and better setting power.”

For pressed powder, a dense brush or powder puff allows you to press and set makeup, especially in oil-prone areas, she adds.

Larry suggests researching what the brand offers with its powder formula, noting that they come in various formats and finishes. “We need to read the product information carefully to understand how to achieve the desired finish,” he explains.

The pro recommends applying powder products like foundations with cushion puffs that are “solid” and dense enough to pick up enough product but not too squishy, which can pick up too much product.

“To get that matte look, I’ll use a denser, shorter-bristle powder brush to pick up the product before patting it on the face and sweeping away the excess,” he adds.

We’ve picked 8 powder formulas to try.

Fenty Beauty Set It Down Superfine Blurring Setting Powder, $57

Credit: Fenty Beauty

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This hardworking formula keeps excess shine at bay with oil-absorbing chia seed extract and a finely milled blend of mattifying and soft-focus powders. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, it delivers a smooth, comfortable finish that never feels tight or dry. The included triangular puff makes it easy to reach every contour of your face like around the nose and under the eyes while the formula itself promises waterproof, sweat- and humidity-resistant wear. Choose from a range of shades, including pink-toned hues like Lavender and Strawberry Milk to brighten, or salmon-toned options like Banana and Cashew to color correct.

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Feather Matte Powder Foundation, $84

Credit: Laura Mercier

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Whether you’re spot-concealing with a few pats or going for full coverage with sweeping swipes, this versatile powder formula does it all. For light to medium coverage, the brand recommends applying it to dry skin using a gentle patting motion. Need more coverage? Simply dampen the sponge and smooth it over your skin for a flawless finish. This mattifying powder controls shine while still delivering a soft, lit-from-within glow with the help of skin-loving ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, nutrient-rich French sea algae, and pollution-fighting camellia flower extract.

Laneige Neo Cushion Mewy, $71

Credit: Laneige

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Available in six versatile shades for both cool and warm-toned complexions, this lightweight K-beauty cushion glides on effortlessly to blur pores and even out skin tone. Housed in a sleek compact with a built-in mirror, it features a subtly concave edge designed to hug the curves of your face, perfect for precise, on-the-go touch-ups around tricky areas like the sides of the nose and under the eyes.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Blurring Powder, $77

Credit: Bobbi Brown

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Get a demi matte look with this setting powder that contains soft pearl to boost luminosity. It controls oil and shine for up to 12 hours, while blurring imperfections. Its pink-marbled formula is not just pretty – its blend of pink and translucent pigments is a complexion-enhancing system that combats dullness. Use it as the final step in your makeup routine or drop it in your handbag to touch up your glow on the go.

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, $72

Credit: Mac Cosmetics

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The brand reimagines its iconic Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation for the first time in over 30 years with a fresh formula, new shades and a refillable option. If you’ve used the product before, you’ll know it’s long lasting, with an immaculate matte finish. This two-in-one foundation and powder is feather light, easily blendable and available in 35 shades. With a silky talc-free texture, it’s suitable for all skin types and is especially recommended for anyone who loves taking selfies as it doesn’t leave a grey cast.

Visée by KOSÉ Trinitas Glow Powder, $25

Credit: Visée

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Colour correction is the aim of this setting powder. The silk-touch loose powder is available in two variants, each with a trio of colour-correcting shades that blend flawlessly to naturally blur, brighten and balance your complexion. It also minimises the appearance of pores while evening out skin tone. Infused with a moist oil-in powder blend, it melts comfortably into your skin without leaving a powdery residue.

NARS Light Reflecting Prismatic Powder, $70

Credit: Nars

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This limited-edition powder is all about giving you a gentle glow. Available in pastel shades, they counteract dull complexions by adding a subtle brightness as well as reflecting light. This gives a soft-focus effect to blur any fine lines, wrinkles or pores. The formula also contains light-optimising pearls that increase radiance and a natural finish. 

Givenchy Beauty Prisme Libre 4-Color Pressed Powder, $98

Credit: Givenchy

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A face powder that also provides hydration? We’re for it. Prisme Libre 4-Color Pressed Powder is an all-day matte formula that corrects and unifies your complexion, while incorporating shine control. What you’ll see after applying it is visibly smooth skin and an even skin tone. Bonus: the weightless powder also has a second skin finish so you’ll barely feel anything on your face.