If you use a setting powder for your makeup, you probably know it helps your look stay put for hours and hours. So, what's the point of an under-eye setting powder, specifically?
"The benefit of using an under-eye setting powder is to ensure your concealer stays in place and keeps creasing to a minimum," explains celebrity makeup artist Buster Knight. "It takes the unnatural 'sheen' away from the concealer and makes the product look more skin-like."
Of course, not everyone has the same needs for an under-eye setting powder. Ahead, find our roundup of the very best, including picks from Knight and best-sellers Bazaar's editors love.
The Best Under-Eye Setting Powders
Makeup Artist Pick
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Pros
Skincare-infused
Cons
Some reviewers found the finish too yellow
Laura Mercier's loose powder is a cult favorite, and Knight calls it his number one pick: "It’s seamless, lightweight, long-lasting, and looks natural in pictures," says the pro.
Number of Shades: 4
Finish: Matte
Customer Review:
"All-time best product, I use every day and have been for the past 3 years! I don’t see myself buying anything else! I use a powder puff, which has worked best for me!" —mgl345
Best Baked Setting Powder
PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Setting Powder
Pros
Blends in seamlessly with skin
Cons
Some reviewers complained that the product broke
Our beauty director, Jenna Rosenstein, calls this soft-focus powder a favorite. It has a blurring effect for under eyes with more fine lines, so they won't appear cakey or creased. The baked texture feels totally weightless on the skin, too.
Number of Shades: 5
Finish: Radiant
Customer Review:
"The best under eye and really face powder I’ve ever used. Blurs like a dream, by the way I’m 56." —imbw
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Best for Dry Skin
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder 8HA
Pros
Super finely milled for flawless application
Cons
Some reviewers said it didn't blend all the way in on their skin
"The eye area can become dry and flaky, so this is a great option," says Knight of this translucent loose powder, which is infused with eight types of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate skin.
Number of Shades: 1
Finish: Natural matte
Customer Review:
"This is by far the most amazing setting powder I’ve ever used and I’ve tried lots! It is so finely milled and doesn’t settle in any of the creases on my 50 year old face. I have tried to find a dupe but nothing comes close. I also love the pink powder too. I will forever repurchase this." —Andie
Pros
Ultra-micronized powder never looks cakey
Cons
Has a fragrance
All of the shades in the Easy Bake range of powders are worth exploring, but consider the newest, the pinky-purple Ube. It brightens, color-corrects, and sets your look while adding a subtle blush.
Number of Shades: 10
Finish: Matte
Customer Review:
"UBE POWDER?!? I was so pleasantly surprised by this powder! I have never tried a pink or yet purple powder so I was skeptical at first, but the results are everything!! I applied this under the eyes and in my t-zone and let bake for a few minutes. I brushed it off and my skin had a beautiful light pink finish with a bit of radiance. The color isn’t super intense but definitely looks so beautiful! Can’t wait to play around with this more!" —livmurray3
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Best Long-Lasting
tarte Creaseless Setting & Brightening Powder
Pros
Comes with a cute puff for easy application
Cons
Some reviewers said their product oxidized
The brand’s first-ever under-eye-only setting powder is a great one: The shade range is fantastic (it comes in deep shades most other brands don't offer, plus color correctors) and helps concealer stay put up to 16 hours.
Number of Shades: 9
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"This setting powder is mattifying and absorbent without being drying. My skin is SO dry, so I was curious how this product would work for me. It’s amazing. I have very creasy under eyes, and this really doesn’t crease! The purple shade is super subtle and gorgeous." —sassandraaa
Best Multicolor
Givenchy Prisme Libre Illuminating & Color-Correcting Loose Powder
Pros
Lasts up to 12 hours
Cons
Longtime fans don't like the reformulation as much
Givenchy's powder was a game-changer when it first launched, and continues to be now (even after a reformulation). With two colors for correction and two for radiance, it puts the control in your hands but always leaves you with blurred, even-looking skin.
Number of Shades: 6
Finish: Radiant
Customer Review:
"I never tried the old formula but this new version is stunning! Unlike any powder I’ve ever used, so soft, disappears into the skin, does not cling to dry patches, gives a slight color correction and radiance to the skin. I don’t feel like it’s too glowy at all but I apply a small amount all over my face and to set my under eyes. Helps my makeup last all day. I wasn’t sure if it was worth the splurge but it absolutely is!" —Joyfulshop
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Best Natural Finish
HOURGLASS Veil Translucent Setting Powder
Pros
Infused with diamond powder for a slight radiance
Cons
Some reviewers don't like the packaging
If you don't want a matte finish, consider Hourglass's setting powder. It has a cult following thanks to its weightless, airbrushed look, which helps makeup last up to 10 hours.
Number of Shades: 3
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"I love the ambient lights palette so I decided to give this a try for under my eyes and in my T-zone. It has such a beautiful finish! It melts into my skin and doesn't look cakey and I have no creasing. This is my new holy grail loose powder." —Stacie
Best Full Coverage
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Makeup
Pros
Broad shade range
Cons
May be too heavy for everyday wear
If you have a major event coming up, consider this powder foundation from MAC, which Knight uses for red-carpet photography. "I tend to go a shade lighter than the rest of the face, and it just creates a completely flawless undereye," he says.
Number of Shades: 48
Finish: Matte
Customer Review:
"Great coverage for a pressed powder. Been using this for a few years. Love it. Quick and easy." —Jan
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Tower 28 GetSet Blur + Set Talc-Free Pressed Setting Powder
Pros
Made with hydrating squalane
Cons
Some reviewers said it cracks easily
The base of this pressed powder is kaolin clay, which is safe for sensitive skin and won't clog pores. The finish is matte, but thanks to hydrating squalane it isn't overly drying on skin.
Number of Shades: 4
Finish: Soft matte
Customer Review:
"This product is hands down the best I've tried so far when it comes to a pressed powder. I've had issues with my concealer creasing, but that's not a problem anymore thanks to this beauty." —MissNmm
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Do You Stop Under-Eye Setting Powder From Creasing?
"To stop the setting powder from creasing, initially, I like to ‘buff’ the concealer in, making sure there’s not a build-up of excess wet product," explains Knight. Once the concealer has set in, he says, "I like to lightly dust a small layer over with an eyeshadow blending brush. I then work some powder into a powder puff and press the powder under the eye." This two-step process "ensures the product's longevity and the layers help to stop creasing," he says.
How Do Different Setting Powders Colors Change Your Look?
Unlike regular pressed powder, you'll see a lot of under-eye setting powders come in shades like yellow and pink. Knight says the shade you choose first depends on your skin tone: "For a fairer skin tone, I tend to use translucent or pink. These brighten up under the eye and diminish grey tones," he explains. "For a medium golden skin tone, I use a more yellow/peach tone to lift any sallow green undertones and brighten." Lastly, "For deeper skin tones, I’ll use deep golden tones to brighten and lift the complexion."
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Meet the Expert
Buster Knight is a London-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Millie Bobby Brown, Priyanka Chopra, Kris Jenner, and more.
More Expert Recommendations for Eyes:
- The 13 Best Concealers to Minimize Dark Circles
- The 13 Best Caffeine Eye Creams That De-Puff in a Flash
- The 18 Best Eye Creams That Actually Address Dark Circles
- I Tried PRP Injections for Dark Circles and I Look Like I Slept for a Month
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