Latest news with #settingpowder
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
My favourite setting powder is heatwave-proof – and it's 20% off right now
In 2015, there was powder baking, in 2009, there were foundation lips (never, ever again), and in 2025, we finally have a make-up setting middle ground: a powder – loose or pressed – that blots the skin and leaves your make-up looking fresh as the moment it was applied. For me, the crème de la crème in this category is without a doubt Urban Decay's all nighter waterproof powder (£23.20, As temperatures exceed 25C, you'd be hard-pressed to find me without it. If you're familiar with the Urban Decay brand, you'll remember the days of the naked palette (£41.60, and a heavily glammed eyelid supported by a primer potion (£18, base. Nowadays, the brand is best known for its setting sprays and powders, and renowned for its top-tier staying power. Urban Decay strikes a perfect price balance between luxury and budget, making their high-quality products accessible to most make-up enthusiasts. As The Independent 's beauty writer, I can attest to the long-lasting performance of these products. I haven't left the house without my trusty all nighter waterproof powder in more than three years – here's why. How I tested To be completely transparent, I barely needed to test this setting powder; I've been using it every day I've worn make-up for the last three or so years. Just take a look at the state of the pan in the picture above. When applying the powder, I sweep it liberally across the apples of my cheeks, forehead and chin, specifically targeting my oily zones. I've considered how effectively it conceals my oily skin 's shine, how long it lasts before I need a top up and, lastly, the feel of the product (especially after being layered). With the weather being so hot recently, I've had plenty of opportunities to put it through its paces in balmy, sticky conditions. Here's how I got on.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I tested powders at all price points – the cheapest option has gone straight into my handbag
THE warm weather has been playing havoc with my make-up, the battle to stop it sweating off having already begun. A glow-boosting setting powder that does not make my skin look matte could be the solution, so I put three to the test. Budget E.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter, £14 for 10g, Before even trying the powder, I was super-impressed that it comes in 12 shades. That is by far the most of those I tried, which is rarely the case for an affordable product as brands often skimp on shade range to shave costs. In the pan I was worried it might be glittery, but on my face it left a great soft-focus glow. The tinted powder also added some coverage to help blur over a couple of spots I am currently trying to evict from my chin. It has gone straight into my handbag for on-the-go touch-ups. I just wish there was a mirror in the compact. Mid-range Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Brightening Flawless Finish Powder, £39 for 9g, As a major fan of Charlotte Tilbury 's OG Airbrush Setting Powder, which is hands down the best on the market, I had high hopes for this brightening version. Disappointingly, it comes in just two shades. They are more translucent than the E.l.f. powder, so they do stretch to cover more skin tones. But this is half the number of the brand's non-radiant offering. Can coloured mascaras help turn back the clock? When I put it on my face, I noticed shimmery particles, which gave the game away and made me look festival ready rather than lit from within. If your skin is less oily than mine, that might not be as much of an issue, but I will be retiring it for now. Luxury Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, £52 for 10g, Hourglass changed the setting-powder game with its light-reflecting, radiance-boosting powders more than a decade ago, so I am well aware of how brilliant this product is. There are eight shades and you will find that more than one works for every skin tone. It is very finely milled, so skin does not look at all powdery. But I find if I use it, I've got to carry blotting papers to keep shine under control. If you have super-oily skin, you can layer it on top of a traditional setting powder. Given the price tag, this feels like a lot of work. Pick of the week 4 I AM on a constant quest to keep my hair healthy and shiny. And I am not alone, as it is one of the topics I am most frequently asked about. I might have found a solution – Space NK The Healthy Hair Edit for £75, but worth a huge £270. The limited-edition pouch has a combination of ten full-size and miniature products from brands including hair-repair experts Virtue, and a month's supply of Vida Glow supplements. See
