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
L'Oreal Paris
Long-Lasting Waterproof Powder Foundation With Natural Coverage
Dr. Sensitive
Blur Pores and Control Shine With This Oil-Absorbing Powder
Sunnies Face
Soft Matte Setting Powder for A Flawless Finish
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.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
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 | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Powder Type | Key Ingredient | Shades | Highlights | |||||
1 | Maybelline Fit Me Compact Powder | ![]() | Mattifying Finish With SPF for All-Day Oil Control | Pressed compact powder | Talc, Perlite, Titanium Dioxide, Kaolin | Light to Deep tones | Controls shine up to 12-16 hours, SPF 28 PA+++, blurs pores, lightweight | |
2 | L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Powder Foundation | ![]() | Long-Lasting Waterproof Powder Foundation With Natural Coverage | Pressed powder foundation | Silica, Talc, Dimethicone | Wide shade range | Long-lasting 24-hour wear, waterproof, buildable coverage | |
3 | Dr. Sensitive All Day No Sebum Blur Powder | ![]() | Blur Pores and Control Shine With This Oil-Absorbing Powder | Loose/pressed blur powder | Talc, Mica, Squalane | Light to Medium | Controls oil, blurs pores, lightweight, suitable for sensitive skin | |
4 | Sunnies Face Skin So Good The Perfecting Setting Powder | ![]() | Soft Matte Setting Powder for A Flawless Finish | Pressed setting powder | Talc, Silica | Light to Medium | Soft matte finish, finely milled, controls shine | |
5 | Careline Oil Control Face Powder | ![]() | Affordable Powder that Controls Oil and Evens Skin Tone | Pressed face powder | Talc, Mica, Silica | Light to Medium | Affordable, controls oil and shine, compact size | |
6 | Ellana Stay Matte Poreless Oil Control Powder with Kaolin Clay | ![]() | Oil-Control Powder With Pore-Minimizing Kaolin Clay | Loose powder | Kaolin clay, Talc | Light to Medium | Absorbs oil and impurities, minimizes pores, matte finish | |
7 | Happy Skin Weightless Pressed Powder SPF 20 | ![]() | Lightweight Pressed Powder With Sun Protection | Pressed powder | Talc, SPF ingredients | Light to Medium | SPF 20 protection, lightweight, natural finish | |
8 | GRWM Cosmetics Powder Rush Velvet Setting & Finishing Pressed Powder | ![]() | Velvety Setting Powder for Smooth, Shine-Free Skin | Pressed setting powder | Talc, Silica | Limited shades | Velvet texture, controls shine, non-cakey | |
9 | Luxe Organix 24H Zero Sebum Instant Pore Blurring Weightless Matte Powder | ![]() | High SPF Powder that Blurs Pores and Controls Oil | Pressed powder | Sebum control powders, SPF 50 ingredients | Natural tones | High SPF 50 PA, pore blurring, matte and lightweight | |
10 | Absidy Complexion Blur Translucent Perfecting Powder | ![]() | Translucent Blurring Effect for a Flawless, Filtered Look | Translucent pressed powder | Talc, Silica | Universal shade | Blurs imperfections, lightweight, shine control |
Users frequently praise its excellent oil control, noting it keeps their skin shine-free for many hours even in humid conditions typical of the Philippines. Many appreciate the natural matte finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey. However, some users mention the shade range could be expanded to better accommodate deeper skin tones.
Powder Type | Pressed compact powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, Perlite, Titanium Dioxide, Kaolin |
Shades | Light to Deep tones |
Highlights | Controls shine up to 12-16 hours, SPF 28 PA+++, blurs pores, lightweight |
This powder foundation is highly regarded for its long-lasting wear and waterproof qualities, which make it ideal for active lifestyles and humid weather. Users report that it provides smooth, buildable coverage that looks natural and doesn’t cake throughout the day. Overall, it is praised for its durability and ability to withstand sweat and oil.
Powder Type | Pressed powder foundation |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Silica, Talc, Dimethicone |
Shades | Wide shade range |
Highlights | Long-lasting 24-hour wear, waterproof, buildable coverage |
Many users find this powder effective in controlling oil and reducing shine, helping maintain a fresh look throughout the day. The pore-blurring effect is often highlighted, with users appreciating how it smooths the skin’s appearance. It is also favored for its lightweight, breathable feel that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Powder Type | Loose/pressed blur powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, Mica, Squalane |
Shades | Light to Medium |
Highlights | Controls oil, blurs pores, lightweight, suitable for sensitive skin |
Users like the soft matte finish it provides, which helps set makeup while controlling shine. Many find it suitable for various skin types, including combination and oily skin. A few users express a desire for more shade options to better match different skin tones. This setting powder is praised for its finely milled texture that applies smoothly without emphasizing dry patches or texture.
Powder Type | Pressed setting powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, Silica |
Shades | Light to Medium |
Highlights | Soft matte finish, finely milled, controls shine |
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate this powder for its affordability and effective oil control, making it a popular choice for everyday use. It provides light to medium coverage that helps even out skin tone while reducing shine. The compact size is convenient for on-the-go touch-ups. Some users note that the powder’s staying power could be improved, especially for those with very oily skin.
Powder Type | Pressed face powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, Mica, Silica |
Shades | Light to Medium |
Highlights | Affordable, controls oil and shine, compact size |
This powder is well-liked for its ability to absorb excess oil and impurities thanks to kaolin clay. Users report a noticeable reduction in shine and pore visibility, contributing to a smoother complexion. Overall, it is favored for its pore-minimizing and oil-control benefits.
Powder Type | Loose powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Kaolin clay, Talc |
Shades | Light to Medium |
Highlights | Absorbs oil and impurities, minimizes pores, matte finish |
Users value the added sun protection with SPF 20, which is a welcome feature in daily makeup. The powder’s lightweight formula feels natural and provides buildable coverage that doesn’t look heavy or cakey. Some express a wish for higher SPF options for more intense sun protection.
Powder Type | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, SPF ingredients |
Shades | Light to Medium |
Highlights | SPF 20 protection, lightweight, natural finish |
This powder receives positive feedback for its velvety texture that glides on smoothly and sets makeup effectively. Users like the shine control it provides without making the skin look dry or dull. It is lightweight and doesn’t cake, making it comfortable for long wear. A few users suggest the brand could offer more shade variations to cater to a wider range of skin tones.
Powder Type | Pressed setting powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, Silica |
Shades | Limited shades |
Highlights | Velvet texture, controls shine, non-cakey |
Many appreciate the lightweight and breathable formula that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Some users with dry skin find it slightly powdery but overall recommend it for oily and combination skin types needing sun protection. Highly praised for its high SPF 50 PA protection, users feel confident wearing this powder outdoors. It effectively blurs pores and controls oil, leaving a smooth matte finish.
Powder Type | Pressed powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Sebum control powders, SPF 50 ingredients |
Shades | Natural tones |
Highlights | High SPF 50 PA, pore blurring, matte and lightweight |
Users like this translucent powder for its ability to blur imperfections and even out skin tone without adding color. Many find it suitable for all skin tones and appreciate that it doesn’t feel heavy or cakey. Some users wish for a larger size option for longer use, but overall it is well-received for daily wear.
Powder Type | Translucent pressed powder |
---|---|
Key Ingredient | Talc, Silica |
Shades | Universal shade |
Highlights | Blurs imperfections, lightweight, shine control |
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 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Professional Makeup Artist
10 Best Facial Mists for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2025 | 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: Maybelline|Fit Me Compact Powder
No. 2: L'Oreal Paris|Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Powder Foundation
No. 3: Dr. Sensitive |All Day No Sebum Blur Powder
No. 4: Sunnies Face| Skin So Good The Perfecting Setting Powder
No. 5: Careline|Oil Control Face Powder
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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