If you have oily skin, then you know the struggle of constantly having to wipe your face to prevent it from looking shiny or greasy. This is where face powders come in handy. They are known for their oil control and mattifying properties, ideal for those with oily skin to keep the shine at bay.
If you've always struggled to find a face powder that will complement your oily skin, we have your back! We have prepared a guide to help you choose the best face powders to avoid looking shiny. We even included comments and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison!
Quick List - Top Face Powders for Oily Skin
NARS
A Long-Lasting Setting Powder That Turns Dry Skin Into Picture-Perfect
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
In choosing face powders you must first decide on its form. Perhaps you prefer the silky finish of a loose powder or you are more partial to the convenience of a pressed powder.
Loose powder has a finer consistency, and it gives a lightweight or sheer coverage. It is generally applied after foundation as a finishing powder to set the makeup. Loose powder is also ideal for baking. This allows you to have that flawless-looking complexion afterward or if you want to highlight any features.
Loose powder could also be used throughout the day if you need to reduce shine, especially on your T-zone. It is usually translucent, so it is not enough to cover minor imperfections on your face, which is ideal if you just want to zap excess oil and not pile anything too heavy on your face.
Loose powders are finely milled face powders packaged in a jar or tub. It is easier to pick it up on a brush, and it’s easier to tell how much it’s in use. However, they can be prone to spillage if the cover of the jar becomes loose, so extra caution is advised when you're on the go. A loose powder leaves the skin with a refined texture and soft glow.
The talc in the powder makes the formula easily absorbed on the skin, and it makes the face free from oil, making it suitable for oily skin. It also helps to prevent makeup transfer or runoff one may experience in the middle of the day. Loose powder seals the moist consistency of the foundation and makes it last longer.
A pressed powder, on the other hand, has more coverage than a loose powder as it has a heavier formulation, which can sometimes end up cakey if not applied properly. It is usually pressed into a compact that comes with an accompanying sponge and is ideal for oily skin, as it absorbs shine and mattifies oil.
Given its wider shade range, it can double as a foundation and can be applied by itself or be used for touch-ups. It is also ideal for days when you want to skimp on liquid foundation and want a more natural look. Its convenient packaging makes it portable and travel-friendly as you have all the tools you need.
Full-coverage face powders with increased pigments and light reflective particles are usually packaged as a cake in a compact and applied to the face with a puff. Pressed powders are more convenient because they are housed in a compact, and they are not prone to product spillage.
If you don't have much time in your hands and want to look presentable right away, this can be used as a powder foundation, too. It glides easily over skin to provide a flawless, natural-looking matte finish. This type is recommended for covering blemishes and dark spots, with effective results.
When picking your face powder, keep in mind to look for ingredients that control oil. Check if its ingredients have minerals such as mica, which has the ability to give your skin a glowing effect while absorbing oil, as well as zinc oxide, which is used to regulate the skin’s oil production.
Another mineral is silica, a colorless and light powder but has the ability to absorb several times its weight and size. It has mattifying properties and won’t leave a white cast on your skin. Kaolin clay is also beneficial for oily skin as it balances oil production, as well as rice powder, which is effective in oil control.
Facial powders contain predominantly talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) and increased amounts of covering pigments. They also contain magnesium carbonate and/or kaolin (hydrated aluminum silicate) to absorb oil and perspiration.
Titanium dioxide has the least covering ability, followed by kaolin. Meanwhile, zinc oxide, rice starch, and talc have the most covering ability among face powder ingredients.
If you have oily skin, you are more prone to having clogged pores, which is the last thing you need. Look for face powders that are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores and exacerbate your oiliness. This way, you are also less likely to irritate your skin and have an acne breakout.
For those with oily and acne-prone skin, some face powders have salicylic acid and sulfur to help unclog pores. Look also for face powders that are fragrance-free to minimize the chances of skin irritation.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation | ![]() | The Top Choice for Pressed Powders | |
2 | Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Powder Foundation | ![]() | Stay Matte for up to 16 Hours | |
3 | Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder | ![]() | For Flawless-Looking Artista Skin | |
4 | NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder | ![]() | A Long-Lasting Setting Powder That Turns Dry Skin Into Picture-Perfect | |
5 | Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder Foundation | ![]() | Has a Smooth and Velvety Finish and Shades Fit for Filipina Skin | |
6 | Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder | ![]() | Jeju Minerals to Mattify and Soothe Your Skin | |
7 | essence all about matt! fixing compact powder | ![]() | Lets You Achieve Instant Filter Effect | |
8 | L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder | ![]() | Look Fresh Even During Rush Hour | |
9 | Nichido Final Powder | ![]() | No More Mid-Day Touch-Ups With This Final Powder |
MAC is considered a holy grail in liquid foundations for its ability to be long-wearing without looking hulasan throughout the day, and its face powder is no different! This product won't disappoint, that's why it's our and many makeup artists' top pick!
You can use it on its own or for touching up your foundation as it has great coverage and provides an ultra-matte finish, perfect for those with oily skin. This powder holds up very well, so it's a trusty product to use even on very hot and humid days. What's more, is that since it's non-acnegenic, this powder won't cause or worsen breakouts!
Maybelline may have released its Superstay line just recently, but it quickly became a fan favorite because it delivers budge-proof coverage at an affordable price. Powder foundations don’t get as much recognition because they can look too chalky or powdery, but this one looks like your skin, but better.
It allows you to stay matte for up to 16 hours, and it has oil-control properties. It also has full coverage, so you can use it as an alternative for your regular foundation. This is ideal if you want to look more polished without the heavy feeling on your skin, as it easily blends and gives you a seamless finish.
Do you want your face to look as poreless and as creaseless as the people you see on television? Make Up For Ever’s powder is specifically created to look invisible for the high definition technology of the film and television industry, so you are guaranteed to avoid having a shiny forehead in real life.
Its potent formula has silica as its primary ingredient, which is beneficial in mattifying and controlling oilー just remember that a little goes a long way. It provides a matte finish as well as a light-diffusing effect so you can look flawless under any lighting. Despite having only one shade, it is translucent enough to suit all skin tones.
With NARS translucent powder, you can create a flawless, camera-ready look that appears stunning in real life and on screen! Its light-reflecting element enhances the skin's inherent glow and conceals flaws. In addition, the Photochromatic technology guarantees there will be no flashback in photos.
This face powder is formulated for all skin types, including dry skin. According to customers, it keeps makeup in place without accentuating dry patches. Thanks to its blend of natural and synthetic moisturizing ingredients, you can confidently enjoy a radiant complexion without worrying about any dryness!
Maybelline's Fit Me line is a crowd-favorite among Filipina beauty junkies because it delivers a wide shade range that matches most Filipinas' skin tones. The Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder Foundation promises to deliver poreless and shine-free skin, and many users can attest to that, which is why this product deserves your attention!
Upon application, you will notice that it gives a velvety finish that makes your skin look poreless. It feels lightweight, yet it has medium coverage, so it can cover some skin imperfections. This powder is ideal for everyday use and even on hot days when you are too lazy to reach for your foundation, as it can make you look fresh all dayーall on its own!
Don’t be fooled by its humble appearance. This tiny powder sure packs a punch! It is loved by K-beauty enthusiasts for its ability to control oil and keep your skin fresh all day long. Made with Jeju mineral powder and Jeju mint, it absorbs oil and keeps moisture under control to keep your face healthy.
It has a very fine texture that leaves your skin looking smooth and does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Despite its white color, it disappears upon application and instantly mattifies your skin without drying it out. Its packaging is very compact, so you can definitely bring it with you for on-the-go touch-ups.
If you're looking for a quality translucent pressed powder that won't break the bank, we're sure that you will like essence's all about matt! It's a good pick for oily-skinned individuals because it has a lightweight mattifying formula that can last for hours. Some reviews even say that it's an affordable dupe for Fenty Beauty's powder!
The powder has a velvety smooth finish, so it lets you achieve that instant filter effect. Aside from using this as a setting powder, it's also best for quick touch-ups as it comes in a compact powder. One of the downsides, however, is that it could have a white flashback, so remember to apply this powder with a light hand!
Want your face to remain shine-free without the need for frequent touch-ups? L'Oréal's pro-matte powder gives you a matte finish that can last up to 16 hours, which is enough to get you through the day and your commute home without looking haggard. It is also lightweight, so your face won't feel heavy.
Their formula can be used alone or as a setting powder after foundation application, as well as for touch-ups. This is ideal if you want to achieve a no-makeup, makeup look as it has a light but buildable coverage that evenly blends into the skin while providing you with heavy-duty oil control.
Forget cakey foundation and say hello to a flawless, all-day look with this silky setting powder. Shine control is easy to achieve, with no white cast left behind. Makeup artists and beauty influencers swear by its lightweight texture, perfect for baking and ensuring your makeup stays put all day long.
Formulated with kaolin, a natural ingredient that acts like a sponge, this powder balances oil production while soaking up excess grease. It also blurs fine lines and sets makeup for a soft matte finish that lasts. The best part? You get high-end quality at an affordable price, and users can't stop raving about it!
Having a good face powder that can regulate your oil is nice, but you shouldn’t rely on them all the time. Here are some ways you can reduce oil without piling on the makeup.
Moisturizer is important even for those with oily skin because it prevents transepidermal water loss and prevents our skin from being dehydrated. Lightweight moisturizers in lotions or gel formats are recommended for those with oily skin.
Look for moisturizers that have more humectants in the ingredients list, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
Powders should have the ability to eliminate shiny skin in certain facial areas by absorbing excess sebum and sweat. Materials for this purpose should have a high absorptive capacity, but at the same time, should not change the appearance of the powder on the skin.
There are several components of face powder that have this absorptive property, such as kaolin, starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium, and calcium carbonate. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are better in masking skin greasiness, but chalk powder, kaolin, and starch have better moisture absorption capacity.
Using blotting papers to remove excess sebum during the day can also be done, especially on the T-zone. Applying more face powders can cause it to cake, especially if too much product is already applied.
The colors used in face powders came mainly from two sources: inorganic pigments like iron oxides (ochres, sienna, and umbers) and organic lakes and toners. Various synthetic or natural inorganic pigments used are iron oxides for yellows, reds, and browns and ultramarine for green and blue.
There are many ways to get the shade of face powder that matches your skin tone. Aside from going to the physical store to try different shades, you can also pick a beauty blogger with the closest skin tone to yours, or you can check the color swatches on a particular brand's social media sites.
Make sure to always clean your makeup brushes and puffs or sponges regularly because the bacteria in those tools can transfer to your face which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Also, it is always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for any skin, hair, or nail concerns!
If you're still unsure or still need more convincing whether you should get a face powder or not, see below what Dr. Meg has to say about the most asked questions about face powders!
Face powders are made of very fine particles. They also do not contain oils or emollients so they are less likely to clog pores. This makes face powders a great choice of makeup for anyone!
Yes, baby powders can actually be used as a setting powder for your foundation! Just make sure to use a brush for an even application.
It's alright to re-apply face powder throughout the day to control oil and shine. However, when re-applying, make sure to concentrate more on the T-zone to avoid caking.
Are you looking for more products to keep oil in check? These items are curated for oily skin so you don't have to worry about having your face looking greasier than an oil slick.
10 Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Facial Mists for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: Justine Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: MAC |Studio Fix Powder Foundation
No. 2: Maybelline|SuperStay Full Coverage Powder Foundation
No. 3: Make Up For Ever|Ultra HD Loose Powder
No. 4: NARS|Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
No. 5: Maybelline|Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder Foundation
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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