Style Makeup Foundation, Powder, and More Best Setting Powders for Dry Skin That Won't Accentuate Flakes Who knew dry skin and powder foundation could be friends? By Hana Hong Hana Hong Instagram Hana Hong is the beauty & fashion editor at RealSimple.com. She has been a writer and editor in the beauty and fashion industry for more than six years, sharing her expansive knowledge on skincare, hair care, makeup, fashion, and more. In addition to her broad network of beauty experts, she uses her family's background and training in skin science and cosmetic chemistry to differentiate between effective skincare formulations and marketing jargon. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 27, 2023 Medically reviewed by Hadley King, MD Medically reviewed by Hadley King, MD Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.Dr. King is a highly sought after dermatologist in New York City, where she has been treating patients for almost twenty years. She has won numerous awards including Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Top Doctors New York Metro Area, New Beauty Top Beauty Doctor, and RealSelf Top Doctor. Learn More Fact checked by Emily Peterson Fact checked by Emily Peterson Emily Peterson is an experienced fact-checker and editor with Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and French. Our Fact-Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email If you struggle with desert dry skin like me, chances are that matte makeup isn't really your cup of tea. But while it's relatively easy to shop for a dewy foundation, powders pose a challenge because, well, they're matte by nature. So, why opt for a powder at all? Not only do they set your makeup so it lasts longer, but they also help smooth everything over and keep your foundation in place, which is especially needed with the increased use of face masks this year. But don't worry—that doesn't mean all of the benefits of setting powders are lost to you. While the majority of powder formulas are made with oily skin in mind, some powder products can still be incorporated into a dry skin routine. We compiled a selection of hydrating powder formulas infused with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E to help you set your face without making it glaringly obvious to the world that you have dry skin. 01 of 05 Koh Gen Do Natural Lighting Powder neimanmarcus.com Infused with hyaluronic acid, this powder is specifically suited for dry skin sufferers. Believe it or not, I find that my skin actually feels softer (like velvety smooth) after I put it on. 02 of 05 M.A.C. Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ulta.com This dome-shaped formula has a slightly luminous effect, thanks to the low-level pearlized pigments that subtly catch the light with every head turn. It leaves behind a natural, never-ashy finish. 03 of 05 Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder sephora.com Some loose powders tend to look flat and grainy on the skin, but because this blend has been so finely milled, it melts into your pores to be virtually invisible on application. This powder has gained a cult following among beauty experts for helping diffuse the appearance of pores without settling into fine lines. 04 of 05 Maybelline Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder ulta.com This drugstore gem is the closest thing you can get to scoring FaceTune-level skin in real life. The pore-blurring, patch-reducing effect is worthy of even the most unforgiving HD cameras—sans flashback. While it's meant to reduce shine, it sops off lurking oil without going overboard and looking powdery. 05 of 05 Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Translucent Setting Powder sephora.com This finely milled batch is formulated with light-reflecting diamond powder to instantly blur imperfections and give you a glowy radiance even Nam Vo would approve of. One reviewer even said that she "sat and cried for like...over an hour" with absolutely no running or breaking. How To Get Glowy, Post-Vacation Skin Without Actually Going Anywhere Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit