Loose powders gain popularity again

Loose powders are making a comeback in 2026, as beauty consumers turn back to this classic product type after a period where compacts and hybrid formulas were more popular. This trend reflects a desire for lightweight, effective products that offer both makeup setting and skincare benefits.

Modern loose powders have new ingredients

Today's loose powders are different from those of the past, according to Sarah Tanno, International Artistic Director of Haus Labs. These products are described as clean, enriched with care actives, and lighter in texture, offering benefits like controlling shine and blurring imperfections while maintaining a fresh look.

Lightweight options for different skin types

The Cloud Set Loose Skin-Tone from Kosas is noted as the lightest loose powder, offering a translucent finish with ingredients like mica, jojoba oil, and glycerin. The Skin Finish from Refy is recommended for oily skin, with a lightweight formula based on water, glycerin, and spherical powder particles.

Affordable and long-lasting options

The Unlimited Long Lasting Matte Loose Powder from Kiko Milano is highlighted as the best affordable option, providing a matte effect lasting up to 12 hours. The Ultimate Blurring from One/Size is noted as the best transparent loose powder, popular in the United States and available in France.

Skincare-infused powders

The Set&care powder from Erborian is recommended for a fresh, bare skin effect, incorporating white ginseng and hyaluronic acid, which can reduce the appearance of pores by 16%. The Airbrush Flawless Blur Loose Powder from Charlotte Tilbury is noted for its ability to smooth the skin and set makeup.

Light textures and universal shades

The Neo Essential Blurring Finish Powder from LANEIGE is praised for its universal shade and featherlight texture, enriched with chamomile water, mint extract, and blue hyaluronic acid. The Bio-Blurring Loose Setting Powder from Haus Labs is highlighted as the best talc-free option, enriched with fermented arnica and vegetable squalane.

Celebrated and popular powders

The Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra Blur Jumbo from Laura Mercier, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is recognized for its ability to blur fine lines and imperfections. The Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder from Huda Beauty is noted as the most popular, with a new duo version and mini version.

Innovative formulas and packaging

The SurrealSkin™ Soft Blur Setting Powder from Makeup By Mario offers a "second skin" effect with a light texture. The Zinc PCA 1% T32 from Typology is highlighted as the best matifying loose powder, enriched with zinc and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Radiant finishes and precise application

The Airset Radiant Loose from Saie is noted for its ability to absorb excess sebum and offer optimal coverage. The All Hours Hyper Blur powder from Yves Saint Laurent is described as the most chic, housed in padded packaging.

Specialized powders for specific needs

The Phyto-Teint Loose Powder from Sisley is recommended for makeup that stays in place, incorporating Ideal Skin Complex technology. The Creaseless Setting Powder from Tarte is noted for its triangular puff allowing precise application.

Pore-reducing and mature skin options

The POREfessional Power Powder from Benefit is highlighted for reducing the appearance of pores by up to 55%. The Veil Translucent Setting Powder from Hourglass is recommended for mature skin, offering radiance and luminosity.

Matte finishes and vintage formulas

The Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder from Milk Makeup is noted for a matte finish without drying out the skin. The rice powder from Bourjois, launched in 1879, is highlighted for its velvety finish with a slight shimmer.

Application techniques for best results

According to Sarah Tanno, the application technique involves gently pressing the powder onto the skin using a puff or a soft brush, focusing on areas where makeup tends to move, followed by a light layer of setting spray to revive the complexion.