In the world of beauty and cosmetics, finding the perfect loose powder can often feel overwhelming given the plethora of options available. Loose powders are essential for setting makeup, controlling shine, and providing a smooth, flawless finish. With countless brands offering diverse formulas, it's crucial to identify the ones that stand out for their quality, performance, and suitability for different skin types. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of the best brands for loose powders, offering something for everyone below.
Illustration of loose powder
Best brands of loose powder in 2025
Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier is renowned as one of the top producers of loose setting powder, particularly with its cult classic Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which locks in makeup for up to 16 hours without adding weight or texture. This powder is ultra-finely milled, absorbs oil, and controls shine for 24 hours, ensuring a flawless, matte finish with no photo flashback. It is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, and combination skin, and is dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic. Notably, 95% of users find the powder feels lightweight and breathable on the skin, and it is sold every 20 seconds. The product is available in three shades to cater to virtually all skin tones.
Huda Beauty
Huda Beauty, launched in 2013 by Huda Kattan, is a prominent cosmetics brand known for its high-quality loose powders, such as the Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder. This product is popular among consumers for its light coverage and ability to control excess oil, contributing to the brand's significant market presence. Huda Beauty's products are widely available in stores like Sephora and Harrods, and the brand has been recognized for its inclusive range of shades and innovative products. In 2023, the global makeup market, which includes brands like Huda Beauty, was valued at USD 41.49 billion, with the powder segment expected to grow significantly due to rising demand for natural and organic products. Huda Beauty's annual revenue has also been notable, reaching $75 million as of September 2024.
Coty Airspun
Coty's Air Spun face powder, launched in 1935, is renowned as one of the "best beauty products of all time" according to Real Simple. This iconic product has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, highlighting its enduring quality and popularity. Air Spun face powder is part of Coty's extensive portfolio, which includes other successful brands like Max Factor, Rimmel London, and CoverGirl. With Coty's commitment to quality and innovation, Air Spun continues to be a staple in the beauty industry. The company's diverse product range and strategic brand acquisitions have solidified its position as a leader in the global beauty market.
Hourglass
Hourglass is renowned for producing some of the best loose setting powders, particularly with its Veil Translucent Setting Powder, which is ultra-refined, talc-free, and infused with light-reflecting particles and diamond powder to prevent flashback and blur skin imperfections. This powder is finely milled, weightless, and suitable for all skin types, including normal, dry, combination, and oily skin. It provides a natural, flawless finish and is cruelty-free. The product's innovative packaging features a gold sifter and a custom cap for precise dispensing. Hourglass has maintained a strong reputation in the beauty industry, with its products often praised for their high quality and effectiveness.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty is renowned for its high-quality loose powders, particularly the Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder, which is available in 8 sheer shades and praised for its superfine, weightless texture that extends makeup wear without causing flashback or a cakey appearance. Launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty has gained significant recognition for its inclusive product range, including 59 shades of foundation, and its effective use of social media and influencer marketing, with over 12 million followers on Instagram. The brand's partnership with LVMH has enabled global distribution to over 200 countries. The setting powder is finely milled, preventing dry or cakey looks, and is suitable for most skin types, excluding very oily skin. It also features practical packaging with a protector to prevent spillages.
RCMA
RCMA is renowned as one of the best producers of loose powder, particularly with their No Color Powder, which is a staple in the industry and a favorite among professional makeup artists. This finely milled, colorless powder is suitable for all skin tones and does not leave an ashy cast or change the color of the foundation, making it ideal for setting makeup with a flawless finish. The RCMA No Color Powder is available in an 85g container and retails for £14.75, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and high quality. With its lightweight and invisible formula, it ensures no flashback and is free from perfumes and fillers. The brand's products, including the No Color Powder, are highly pigmented, with some foundations containing up to 50% pigment, far exceeding the typical 18-23% found in other products.
Maybelline
Maybelline New York is a leading brand in the loose powder market, known for its high-performance and innovative products. The global loose powder market, which was valued at USD 6.30 Billion in 2021, is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.8%, and Maybelline's products are a significant part of this growth. Maybelline's loose powders, such as the Shine Free Oil-Control Loose Powder and Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, offer oil-free and mineral-based formulas that provide a smooth, matte finish. These products are popular due to their ease of use and effectiveness in controlling shine and smoothing skin texture. The brand's commitment to safety, diversity, and sustainability also contributes to its strong market presence.
Too Faced
Too Faced is renowned as one of the top producers of loose powder, offering high-quality products that cater to various skin types and needs. Their Soft Blur Setting Powder, for instance, is praised for its silky-smooth application and soft-focus finish, making it a favorite among makeup enthusiasts. This product is formulated with ingredients like Synthetic Fluorphlogite, Silica, and Sodium Hyaluronate, ensuring a lightweight and non-greasy feel. The increasing demand for natural and organic elements in cosmetics, coupled with the rising awareness of skin care and beauty routines, has contributed to the growth of the loose powder market, with the global market size expected to register a revenue CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Too Faced's innovative products and strong market presence are key factors driving this growth.
Chanel
Chanel International B.V. is a leading player in the loose powder market, renowned for its high-quality and versatile products that cater to various skin tones, including dark and white skin tones. The global loose powder market, which includes Chanel, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2030. Chanel's products enjoy popularity in regions such as North America and Europe, predicted to maintain significant market shares, with North America anticipated to dominate with over 40% by 2030. Chanel's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has established it as a preferred choice among consumers. The brand's market presence is further solidified by its robust distribution channels and marketing strategies.
NARS
NARS Cosmetics is a leading brand in the loose powder market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. Their Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder, for instance, is an award-winning formula that provides a luminous, photo-ready finish and is suitable for all skin types. This product is dermatologist-tested, non-acnegenic, and talc-free, making it a favorite among consumers. The global loose powder market, which NARS is a part of, was valued at USD 6.30 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% until 2030. NARS' commitment to using natural additives and organic elements aligns with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and skin-friendly products.
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