The Best Powder? We’ve Got It! And We Tested Them Anywhere and Everywhere

You know that feeling when you do your makeup in the morning and say to yourself, ‘Today it's going to stay put!’ and then two hours later you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and see a shine that could rival the sun? That's exactly why powders exist. But be careful. Not every powder is your friend.

Powder can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Some powders sneak into your pores like a secret agent, while others dry you out to the level of the Gobi Desert. And then there are the right ones that do it all. They mattify, set, even out skin tone, and give you that satin finish that makes you look like you've just had an hour with a makeup artist.

We set out to test and find the best powder for oily skin and the best powder for dry skin in our editorial office (and beyond). We tested compact and loose powders, mineral and translucent powders – basically anything that comes in a powder form, mattifies the forehead and sets foundation. The results may surprise you, and you may finally say goodbye to that old dried-up powder from the depths of your makeup bag.

Powder Tricks That Really Work

• Only apply powder to areas where you shine. The T-zone is fine, but allow your cheekbones to glow as if you have just returned from a holiday.
• A powder brush instead of a powder puff? It's a must-have for a more natural finish. And above all, always tap off any excess from the brush before applying.
• Let the powder ‘set’ for a few seconds. Apply a thicker layer under the eyes and let it sit for a few seconds to blend with the concealer and set it in place. Then dust it off with a brush. It works not just on YouTube. The important word here is seconds. Otherwise, the area under your eyes will dry out.
• Do you have dry skin? Avoid heavy mattifying powders and give a fine loose powder with a brightening effect a try.
• And here's a tip from the pros: apply powder at the very end, after your foundation, concealer and cream. That way, it does exactly what it's supposed to do!

And This Is How Our Reviews Turned Out: Which Is the Best Powder?

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Hyper Finish

What I liked most: This isn't just the best powder in the ‘luxury’ category, it's more like YSL invented Photoshop for makeup. Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Hyper Finish is light and delicate, yet it makes me look like I've just stepped out of an editorial shoot. And I was just sitting on the tram. What impressed me the most was its ability to mattify without drying the skin, which is the holy grail for me personally. And that velvety texture? If powders had their own haute couture show, this one would bring the house down.

Advantages: YSL All Hours is the best powder for oily skin I have ever used. Seriously. My skin stays fresh for hours (sometimes even all hours, lol), it doesn't cake into wrinkles and doesn't sit on my face like a mask. Plus, it comes in an elegant black case that begs to be taken out in public and snapped shut dramatically. #MainCharacterVibes

Disadvantages: Well... probably just the price. But honestly? If you're bothered by shine in your T-zone and are looking for a powder that can handle all-day wear and also looks like a fashion accessory, this is it. Another downside? Maybe that once you try it, other powders will seem... well, a little boring.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Skin Refining Setting Powder

What I liked most: I found a powder that doesn't act like a makeup base, but like an equal partner. It has colour, coverage and staying power, and at the same time looks like a luxurious veil on the skin. I first tried it as a quick touch-up during the day and ended up using it as a full-coverage powder that can even be used on its own (yes, without foundation!) It evens out the skin tone, conceals minor imperfections and blends in beautifully with the skin.

Advantages: If you are looking for a powder with excellent coverage, you have come to the right place. The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Skin Refining Setting Powder beautifully mattifies without clogging the pores or drying out the skin. It has a velvety finish, does not oxidise and stays on the skin all day long, even in summer, when travelling or during sudden air conditioning outages. What's more, it has a pleasant, delicate fragrance and elegant packaging with a large mirror that deserves a place in the most luxurious of handbags.

Disadvantages: It's not the cheapest powder, that's for sure. And if you have very dry skin or flaky patches, it can accentuate the texture a little, so I recommend using a good moisturiser first.

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder

What I liked most: The powder is so fine that you almost feel ashamed to touch it. Instead of the classic matte finish, it promises hydration and smoothness, and surprisingly, it really delivers. When I used it for the first time, I expected a dry powder. But the result? Skin that looks like you have a filter on it and no tightness at all. It's the best transparent powder if you want to mattify but don't want to lose the dewiness in your face.

Advantages: The effect! Your skin is smooth, pores are less visible, and your foundation holds. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder works great as a setting powder, but also on its own over an SPF or BB cream when you want some light coverage. It's fragrance-free, non-irritating, and thanks to the hyaluronic acid, it keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day. Plus, no flashback in photos!

Disadvantages: If you are looking for the best powder for coverage, this is not it. It has no colour or coverage. And it requires a bit of skill to use. If handled carelessly, it may spread dust like freshly fallen snow in the mountains.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Invisible Silk Pressed Powder

What I liked most: This powder is like a well-coordinated background dancer. Doesn’t stand out, but without it, the whole show wouldn't work. I love how invisible it is on the skin, yet it sets foundation and mattifies exactly where needed.

Advantages: The texture of the Shiseido Synchro Skin Invisible Silk Pressed Powder is as soft as silk (the name doesn't lie), it doesn't highlight flaky skin, doesn't settle into pores, and is a great powder when you want to look natural, not like a cookie. It has light blurring properties, so the skin looks smooth but not mask-like. Ideal for the T-zone when you need a quick touch-up during the day.

Disadvantages: It's a compact powder, so you can't pick up too much at once, which is great if you just want a light finish. However, if you have extra shiny skin, you'll need to layer it.

Collistar Impeccable Compact Powder

What I liked most: The Collistar Impeccable Compact Powder won me over with its versatility. In my handbag, it resembles a serious business partner, while on my skin, it acts as a gentle beauty filter. And although it is called impeccable, it is not arrogant; it simply knows what its intended purpose is. Whether on holiday, at work, or on a first date, it never disappoints.

Advantages: It has a smooth texture, applies beautifully and evens out the skin without suffocating it. If you are looking for a compact powder that won't let you down during the day, this is a great choice. It has a matte finish but doesn't look dry. It doesn't clog pores or settle into wrinkles, and it has great staying power. It survived a two-hour meeting without any signs of shine (which I consider a cosmetic feat).

Disadvantages: It is slightly denser than ultra-fine transparent powders, so if you are looking for the best mineral powder or something ultra-light, this may not be the powder for you.

Is there such a thing as the perfect powder? Perhaps not just one universal powder, but definitely the right one for you. Because in the end, it's all about what suits you. Some people love matte, some love a glow, some need to survive eight hours in the office without shine, and others need a quick touch-up during the day.

Our ‘powder reviews’ will surely help you navigate through the flood of beautiful boxes and choose your perfect partner. And if that fails? Well, at least you’ll know what not to buy next time.