Setting Powder Or Compact Powder: Which One Is Better For Oily Skin?

By Anupriya Jamuar

When it comes to face powders, we are seriously spoilt for choice. Finding the right formula is imperative, especially for oily skin, which can appear more greasy than dewy.  

Two popular products in this ever-expanding category are setting powders and compact or pressed powders. To find out which one works better on oily skin, first you need to know about their differences and particularities.

Setting powder and compact powder: The difference 

Setting powder, as the name suggests, is used to set your makeup in place and make it last throughout the day. It is applied on your entire face, especially over your concealer, to lock your makeup and avoid it from creasing (aka baking), giving your look an airbrushed finish.

Compact powder, on the other hand, has a velvety finish and is used to touch-up your makeup through the day. It is an oil-infused formula that mattifies the skin and provides sheer to full-coverage (depending on the brand) for your blemishes.

While setting powder melts into your skin, compact powder stays on your dermis. So be mindful of how much compact powder you apply as it feels heavier on the skin and can look cakey.

Another notable difference is that setting powder is available in fewer shades as its main purpose is to set makeup, not provide coverage. On the other hand, compact powders are available in exact skin tones and can sometimes even be used as a base.

Which one is more suitable for oily skin? 

While both powders are now available for all skin types, it is best that oily skin types stick to setting powders. This is because compact powders have more oils in their formulation and can feel cakey or turn patchy on oily skin. Meanwhile, setting powders are lightweight as they melt into your skin.

Also keep in mind what you require from the product— if you want to conceal then choose a compact as setting powders offer sheer coverage only.