8 Best Waterproof Setting Powders of 2026

This game-changing pressed powder delivers flawless oil control and a natural matte finish that stays put for hours—perfect for those battling midday shine. Infused with skin-loving ingredients, it sets makeup without drying, making it a standout for combination to oily skin types seeking a comfortable, breathable feel. The ultra-soft silky texture blurs pores and smooths imperfections in one swipe, solving the all-too-common issue of cakey, heavy powders that accentuate texture.

In real-world testing, this powder excels in daily wear and humid environments, keeping the T-zone shine-free for up to 8 hours without touch-ups. Its 0.35oz compact is travel-friendly and features a built-in mirror and puff, making on-the-go fixes effortless. While it performs admirably on oily zones, it’s light enough to dust over dry areas without clinging or emphasizing flakes. However, those with very dry skin may want to prep thoroughly to avoid minor settling into fine lines.

Compared to pricier pressed powders like CARSLAN’s, this one punches well above its weight class, offering professional-level oil control and portability at a fraction of the cost. It’s ideal for students, commuters, or anyone who values affordable, no-fuss touch-ups without sacrificing performance. While it doesn’t blur as intensely as loose powders like L’Oreal’s Blur-fection, it delivers reliable, real-world staying power that outshines most budget contenders.

Step into the spotlight with e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Setting Powder, a weightless loose powder that delivers a soft-focus, lit-from-within glow—no filter needed. Its silky, fine-milled texture melts into the skin, blurring pores and fine lines while maintaining a natural, luminous finish that never veers into oily territory. This is the go-to pick for those who hate flat, matte powders and crave a youthful, airbrushed look that still looks like skin.

During testing, this powder proved exceptional at softening texture under flash photography and natural light, making it a favorite for events or video calls. The loose formula disperses evenly with a fluffy brush, giving a dreamy, diffused effect that lasts 6–8 hours. It works beautifully under or over foundation, and the vegan, talc-free blend is gentle on sensitive skin. That said, it’s not the strongest oil controller—those with very oily skin may need to blot midday.

When stacked against CARSLAN’s matte-focused powders, this one trades maximum shine control for radiance and elegance. It’s perfect for normal to dry skin types or anyone chasing a “my skin but better” aesthetic. While it doesn’t lock down makeup as aggressively as Mehron or L’Oreal, it delivers a luxurious, glow-first experience that outshines other drugstore loose powders in refinement and wear.

Mehron’s Setting Powder is a pro-grade powerhouse built for extreme wear and moisture resistance, making it the gold standard for performers, brides, and anyone who needs makeup to survive sweat, tears, or stage lights. With a finely milled, neutral-toned formula, it locks down cream bases without altering color, delivering a matte, poreless finish that lasts 12+ hours without fading. This is the ultimate weapon against melting makeup, trusted by Hollywood and Broadway artists for over 90 years.

In high-stress scenarios—like humid weddings or long shoots—this powder absorbs heavy moisture and prevents creasing like no other. Its 1oz jar with removable sifter allows for generous application, and when paired with Mehron’s Barrier Spray, it creates a sealed, waterproof barrier that keeps makeup vibrant. It applies smoothly with a puff and brushes off cleanly, though it can look slightly heavy if over-applied on textured skin.

Compared to CARSLAN or e.l.f., this powder isn’t about subtlety—it’s about unmatched staying power. It’s ideal for oily skin, stage use, or anyone needing bulletproof longevity. While it lacks the glow of e.l.f. or the compact convenience of NAISSIYA, it outperforms them all in sheer durability, making it the best choice for extreme conditions where failure isn’t an option.

CARSLAN’s Pressed Powder is a masterclass in matte refinement, combining 24-hour oil control with a translucent, pore-blurring finish that looks like a soft-focus filter in real life. Its ultra-fine 1.5-micron particles create a honeycomb-like layer that prevents caking while smoothing imperfections—ideal for those who hate patchy, ashy powder. The talc-free, SGS-certified formula is safe for sensitive skin and delivers a natural, second-skin effect that lasts from morning commute to late-night dinner.

In daily use, this powder shines in hot, humid climates, keeping shine at bay for 10+ hours with minimal touch-ups. The two-layer compact with mirror and puff makes it perfect for blotting on the go, and it layers beautifully over liquid or cream products without pilling. It’s particularly effective on combination skin, taming oil in the T-zone while staying invisible on drier cheeks. However, it can emphasize dry patches if skin isn’t prepped well.

Against NAISSIYA’s budget option, this one offers superior blurring and longevity with a more luxurious feel. It’s the best pressed powder for those who want high-performance convenience without the mess of loose formulas. While not as glowy as e.l.f. or as extreme in wear as Mehron, it strikes the perfect balance of elegance, function, and portability—making it the top pick for everyday perfectionists.

CARSLAN’s Soft Focus Loose Powder is the undisputed champion of all-day perfection, merging 24-hour waterproof wear with a silky, matte finish that never sacrifices comfort. With an ultra-fine 9-micron texture, it melts into skin to blur pores, acne, and fine lines, delivering a poreless, airbrushed canvas that stays flawless through humidity, sweat, and long workdays. This is the holy grail for oily and acne-prone skin seeking a natural, shine-free look without compromise.

Real-world testing confirms its SGS-certified staying power—it resists smudging, fading, and transfer like few others. The innovative mesh sifter ensures a controlled pour, eliminating mess, while the talc-free, paraben-free formula keeps skin calm and clear. It applies evenly with a puff or brush and works wonders on acne scars or redness. The only caveat? It’s best suited for oily to combination skin—dry types may need extra hydration underneath.

Compared to L’Oreal’s Blur-fection, this powder offers better oil control and a more natural matte finish, without the pink tint that can clash with deeper tones. It outshines Mehron in blurring ability and beats e.l.f. in longevity. For those who want maximum performance with minimal effort, this is the best overall setting powder—delivering luxury-level results in a no-nonsense, skin-friendly package.

L’Oreal’s Blur-fection Powder is a blurring beast with a subtle pink glow that brightens dull skin while locking makeup in place for up to 24 hours. Its airy, talc-free formula floats over pores and fine lines like a photoshop filter, delivering a soft matte finish that never looks flat. The pink-tinted particles neutralize sallowness and add a healthy radiance—perfect for tired or mature skin needing a youthful refresh.

In testing, it proved exceptional at diffusing texture under harsh lighting, making it a favorite for influencers and professionals. The powder presses in beautifully with a puff, then dusts off cleanly, leaving a smooth, crease-resistant base. It controls oil well for 8–10 hours and resists flashback—uncommon in tinted powders. However, the pink cast may not suit very deep skin tones, and it can look slightly ashy if over-applied.

Next to CARSLAN’s neutral matte powder, this one trades true transparency for brightening magic. It’s ideal for normal to dry skin or anyone chasing a lit, blurred effect. While not as waterproof as Mehron or CARSLAN’s loose version, it delivers superior blurring and luminosity, making it the top choice for camera-ready skin with a touch of elegance.

ROUSE Setting Powder steals the show with its incredibly soft mushroom puff—a cloud-like applicator that buffs powder into skin for a smooth, matte finish without harsh lines or excess fallout. This lightweight, waterproof loose powder is infused with pearl powder, corn starch, and rose oil, offering a brightening, nourishing effect rarely seen in budget formulas. It’s a multi-tasking marvel, working on face, lips, eyes, and even oily hair—making it a versatile staple for minimalist routines.

In practice, the powder delivers solid 6–8 hour wear, controlling shine and setting makeup without drying. The plant-based blend feels hydrating, a rare plus in matte powders, and the translucent light apricot shade warms up fair to medium tones beautifully. The compact includes a mirror, making it travel-ready. However, the puff, while luxurious, can absorb too much product if not tapped properly, leading to waste.

Compared to BLUE LOVE’s oil-focused powder, this one offers more skincare benefits and a gentler finish, though with less intense shine control. It’s perfect for normal to combination skin types who want a little glow with their matte. While not as long-wearing as Mehron or CARSLAN, it delivers exceptional value and sensory pleasure, especially for those who love a touch of luxury in their daily routine.

BLUE LOVE Setting Powder is a no-nonsense oil terminator, engineered for oily skin warriors who need maximum shine control in humid, sweaty conditions. Its waterproof, breathable formula locks makeup in place all day, resisting sweat and humidity like a second skin, making it ideal for tropical climates, workouts, or long shifts. The translucent, universal shade blends seamlessly into all skin tones without ghosting or chalkiness—solving the common problem of mismatched powders.

Real-world use proves its oil-absorbing power—it keeps the T-zone matte for 10+ hours with minimal touch-ups. The lightweight texture doesn’t clog pores, making it safe for acne-prone users, and it works flawlessly under and over foundation. The compact design (despite being loose) includes a sifter and mirror, offering portability without mess. However, it lacks the blurring or brightening effects of L’Oreal or e.l.f., focusing purely on function over flair.

Against ROUSE or NAISSIYA, this powder wins on pure oil control and sweat resistance, though it sacrifices glow and skincare benefits. It’s the best pick for oily to combination skin types in hot, humid environments who prioritize shine-free staying power above all. While not as luxurious as CARSLAN or as soft as ROUSE, it delivers raw, reliable performance that outperforms its price tag in tough conditions.