Health & Beauty

Dust It On: The Powder Trend Comeback You’ll Want To Try

January 2, 2025

After years of the dewy, glossy, and cream-dominated beauty scene, powders are making a major comeback—and we’re ready to dust off (literally) our makeup brushes! From setting powders to blushes and even powdered skincare, these lightweight, mess-free formulas are proving that matte doesn’t mean flat. Whether you’re looking for all-day staying power or that flawless, soft-focus finish, it’s time to embrace the beauty of powders again. Here’s our round-up of must-try powder products to add to your vanity ASAP. —Vicki Duong

nyx cosmetics. Pucker up and bring on the powder! The NYX Powder Puff Lippie Powder lip cream ($14) glides on like a mousse and sets to a dreamy, powder-soft finish. With its pillowy cushion applicator, it’s never been easier to achieve that perfectly flushed, just-kissed look. Available in eight vibrant shades—from a warm peach to a bold true red and everything in between—it’s the ultimate pick for a pout that feels as good as it looks.

charlotte tilbury. Flawless skin is just a compact away with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish setting powder ($65). This pressed powder blurs imperfections, reduces shine, and delivers a natural, luminous finish without caking or settling into fine lines. Infused with rose wax and almond oil for hydration, it keeps skin soft and smooth throughout the day. Best of all, it’s refillable—so you can maintain your glow while being eco-conscious.

laura mercier. Get a radiant, natural glow with Laura Mercier’s Ultra-Blur translucent loose setting powder ($71) in Rose. This peachy-pink shade is perfect for adding a soft, rosy luminosity while blurring pores and fine lines. Infused with hyaluronic acid for all-day comfort, it delivers a light, weightless finish that keeps your complexion looking smooth and shine-free. Whether you’re setting makeup or enhancing your skin’s natural vibrancy, this award-winning powder proves that pink truly is your power colour.

benefit cosmetics. Glow game strong! Cookie Shimmer highlighter ($47) became so popular as part of Benefit’s palettes that they released it solo—and it’s easy to see why. This silky-soft, superfine powder delivers a warm golden pearl shimmer that’s featherlight and effortlessly blendable. Perfect for creating a luminous, buildable glow, Cookie is your go-to for cheekbones that pop and a complexion that shines (in the best way).

makeup by mario. Achieve pro-level perfection with SurrealSkin Soft Blur setting powder ($52). This talc-free, weightless powder locks makeup in place while blurring lines and pores with a soft-focus finish. Packed with squalane for nourishment and kaolin for shine control, it ensures a smooth, non-cakey look that stays fresh all day. Designed for Mario’s signature SoftSet effect, it enhances skin with a natural, lit-from-within glow—no flashback, no fuss.

fenty beauty. Add a pop of perfection with Cheeks Suede waterproof blush ($38) from Fenty Beauty. Designed to withstand sweat, humidity, and long days, this pressed powder blush delivers bold, blendable colour that lasts. The shimmering baby pink shade, Wattabrat, gives a luminous flush with just one swipe, while the formula stays lightweight and never cakey. Perfect for all skin tones, this waterproof blush ensures your glow goes wherever you do.

milk makeup. Say goodbye to shine and hello to flawless with Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Matte setting powder ($44). Lightweight and talc-free, this setting powder locks your look in place for up to 16 hours without caking or settling into fine lines. Infused with skin-loving niacinamide and bakuchiol, it doesn’t just set your makeup—it smooths texture, blurs pores, and helps even out skin tone. Perfect for all skin tones, its translucent formula ensures no flashback, so you’ll look picture-perfect in every light. 

armani beauty. Get that “just back from the Italian coast” glow—no passport required! This ultra-creamy bronzing powder ($79) gives you the best of both worlds: the ease of a powder application with the smooth, creamy finish of a dream. Effortlessly blending into skin for a natural, sun-kissed shimmer, it’s like summer in a compact. With four luminous shades inspired by golden Mediterranean tans, you’ll look like you’ve been basking in the Amalfi sun—all year round. Buon viaggio to boring bronzers!

cheekbone beauty. Indigenous-owned Cheekbone Beauty’s Balance blush and bronzer duo ($30) is a talc-free pressed powder that delivers sheer, buildable coverage for a naturally sun-kissed look. Perfect for setting cream products or adding a soft glow, its velvety, weightless formula is made with sustainably sourced ingredients, including organic cornstarch for a smooth, mattified finish. Plus, the reusable tin packaging lets you repurpose it!

l’oréal paris. Why choose between liquid and powder when you can have both? The Infallible 24H Fresh Wear foundation ($25) gives you full coverage that blurs, evens, and smooths like a dream—all with a weightless, creamy texture that melts into your skin. The best part? It’s waterproof, sweat-resistant, heat-resistant, and transfer-proof, so it stays put no matter what life throws at you.

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