Setting Powders: Which Ones REALLY Work For Oily Skin?

We all favour that fresh-faced dewy glow, but when your t-zone insists on out-shining your lipgloss (literally), it can be a tedious relationship between you and your powder compact.

It's an unfortunate daily occurrence: we've mastered our morning skin regime with a cocktail of oil-busting, mattifying products, primed and filled with confidence that our shine is reduced to a minimum. Then by lunchtime (if not sooner) you look like you've moisturised with Filippo Berio and it's time to grab the blot paper.

So what must us walking oil-slicks do, you may ask? Well, unfortunately there's nothing that will completely rule out the need to retouch during the day, but we've listed our top five blot/setting powders that will ensure your t-zone is tamed for longer.

1. NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder - £25

This invisible silky powder diffuses and adjusts to light throughout the day ensuring your pores are virtually undetectable. Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. In layman's terms? Free of all the nasties that clog pores and aggravate oily skin.

2. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - £23

There's a reason this is Clinique's top selling powder. It's great for oily skin and maintains a fresh look and feel, even after frequent touch-ups.

3. MAC Blot Powder - £20

Containing Mica and Silica to absorb excess oils and reduce shine on the skin's surface, this old faithful is the Holy Grail in anyone's make-up collection.

4. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - £3.99

For a truly pocket-friendly purchase, this pressed powder controls shine for up to 12 hours... not bad for under a fiver.

5. Inika Mineral Setting Powder - £10.95

A cheaper alternative to the NARS Loose Setting Powder, and also non-comedogenic, not only does it control shine but it can also be applied under foundation to absorb any excess oil.