Up until recently, I don't think I'd touched a setting powder since high school. That's truly not even an exaggeration. Growing up, I had oilier skin that tended to turn my foundation into an oil slick after a few hours so it felt like a necessity. But as an adult, I've found that my skin gets dehydrated easily (thanks to a bit of barrier damage) so setting powder makes me look drier than the Sahara almost immediately upon application. Needless to say, I wouldn't normally be excited when a new setting powder hits the market, but this new one is a game-changer.
I've always been a fan of Milk Makeup's products since they're clean, sensitive skin-friendly, and work incredibly well. I have to give a special shoutout to the brand's Hydro Grip Primer ($38)—it's one of my all time faves because it's silicone-free and is one of the only primers that doesn't make my sensitive skin break out. Anyway, I digress. The brand recently released another winner, the Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder ($32). Normally, I'd see the word "matte" and immediately run in the opposite direction, but this setting powder really surprised me. If you normally don't use setting powders either but could use one occasionally to really lock in a look, keep scrolling! I'm sharing my thoughts on this rare gem below.
When applied correctly, setting powder can give any makeup look an airbrushed finish. But if you're like me and setting powders just age you and make you look dry, just try Pore Eclipse. It's totally weightless, which I appreciate since some powders can be too heavy, and provides a smooth, matte finish without drying out my skin. The great thing about Milk is that the brand often includes extra skincare ingredients to give your complexion a boost.
This particular formula is packed with lentil extract to help absorb excess oil on the surface of your skin, bakuchiol to smooth texture and fine lines, and niacinamide to minimize the appearance of pores. I think the addition of sodium hyaluronate is also what helps keep your skin from getting too dry throughout the day. I was worried about it settling into fine lines or emphasizing my laugh lines, but I wore it for over six hours and didn't seem to have an issue. It really blurs and smooths the skin without looking too over the top.
I'm not saying this product will work for absolutely everyone because everyone's skin is different, but I will say that it worked well for me and didn't make my normally dehydrated skin run for the hills. Even if my glowing review isn't enough, spend a few minutes perusing the customer reviews on Sephora. Overall, the powder has a 4.7/5-star rating and over 330 reviews. An overwhelming amount gave it five stars. You can shop it below.
Powder still not your thing? No worries! Keep scrolling and check out a few of my favorite makeup products for a flawless base.
More Products That Create a Flawless Base
Flawless Filter is a classic creamy base product that can be used alone or under foundation. It really does give you a boost of radiance, but also provides your skin with an airbrushed finish.
I love the texture of this concealer and it doesn't dry down overly matte. It's great for anyone who struggles with dehydration.
This is one of my favorite foundations on the market. It is a bit more glowy so keep that in mind if you like more of a matte finish, but it's completely noncomedogenic, silicone-free, and easy to work with. The amount of coverage it provides is also fantastic—I only need one pump to cover my entire face.
Sorry—this story would feel incomplete if I didn't include this primer. My makeup just doesn't sit right without it now and I can't say enough good things about it—especially if you have dehydrated, acne-prone skin.
I love pairing this skin tint with a concealer for lighter coverage days. Although I don't normally like fragrance in my skincare or makeup products, this one is the exception. It smells like a full-on beach vacation and I absolutely love it.
Shhh, this glowy complexion booster might just be a $14 dupe for Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. It creates a soft focus effect on the skin and adds extra radiance for those who like a sunny glow year-round.
This glow-boosting serum from Laneige also doubles as a makeup primer. It's lightweight, hydrating, and never feels sticky on the skin. Light Fit Prep Technology in the formula also helps your makeup stay in place longer while a ceramide hydration gel helps seal in moisture.
This non-irritating setting spray really locks in a look. I like to use it on nights that I head out to an event and it keeps my makeup in place all night and even adds some much needed hydration to my skin.
This is another great product to use for days you want lighter coverage and it can be used as a concealer with another foundation.
