Setting Powders
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
To my understanding, face powder was an extremely popular makeup product for much of the 20th Century, primarily because it helped to absorb sweat on hot sticky days.
After air conditioning became more widespread in the 1960’s and 1970’s, powder became much less popular, to the point that I rarely used it even when I was putting on a full face of makeup for work every day.
Recently powder seems to be experiencing a resurgence, due in large part to foundations and other base products now including large amounts of moisture and/or mica to create a dewy look.
If the amount of shine is too much for a particular occasion, powder can mute it somewhat.
While I sometimes do use powder for that, I more often reach for it during the summer months when I am planning to be spending time outside.
I try to choose a product using cornstarch for those occasions, because that does a good job of absorbing sweat and oil.
During the winter months, I tend to avoid powders that contain cornstarch since my face does not need to be any drier during that time.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars
+Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder ($30)
Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder ($30)
Glossier Wowder ($22)
Haus Labs Bio-Blurring Loose Setting Powder ($38)
+Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder ($35)
+RMS Beauty “Un” Powder ($36)
Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder ($30)
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare ($75)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder ($56)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Aveda Inner Light Mineral Pressed Powder ($26 + Case)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Haus Labs Bio-Blurring Loose Setting Powder ($38)
√ Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder ($35)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
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Aveda Inner Light Mineral Pressed Powder – $26
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: High
Main Ingredients: Mica, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate
Type: Pressed
Number of Shades: 2
The description of this product reads, “Trade unwanted shine for welcome radiance. Our ultra-fine, weightless-feeling formula lends the power of tourmaline and other reflective minerals to skin, while helping control oil to reduce shine, improving the appearance of imperfections and uneven skintone. Formulated without parabens. Sheer coverage; semi-matte finish. Increases radiance. Talc-free; non-acnegenic.”
I tried this product (in the Honey shade) in the Aveda store and I thought that it looked nice without being drying.
This product does contain dimethicone (silicone) and natural fragrance.
Although I usually do okay with Aveda’s fragrance mixtures (stated as being derived from all-natural ingredients) and although I didn’t really notice the powder in the store as having a scent, I suspect that it still would bother some chemically sensitive people and wonder why Aveda feels it necessary to put fragrance in powder at all.
While the product does not seem that expensive compared to some other powders, note that it does not come with its own case and that refillable Aveda compacts are $30 each.
The product is available in just two shades, stated as being appropriate for medium and deep skin tones.
Size: 0.24 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.6 Stars (104 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Rating: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Non-Organic Soybean Oil)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Natural fragrance (8), Linalool (3), Limonene (5), Geraniol (5), Citronellol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Soybean Oil, Methicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
All Ingredients: Mica, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Lauroyl Lysine, Squalane, Magnesium Myristate, Rice Starch, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Tourmaline, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Soybean Oil, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbic Acid, Boron Nitride, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol. May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powders – $30
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild (SPF25 Version); None (Other Versions)
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients (Hydrating Version): Silica, Rice Lipids
Main Ingredients (SPF25 Version): Titanium Dioxide, Cornstarch
Main Ingredients (Other Versions): Cornstarch
Type: Loose
Number of Shades: 5
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, talc-free loose setting powder that sets makeup and extends wear while blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines, for a soft-focus finish with no flashback. Sets makeup and extends wear. Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Absorbs excess oil. Delivers a naturally airbrushed finish.”
Bare Minerals offers five versions of loose finishing powder, and I think that all of them may be worth considering.
The Original Version contains cornstarch as the main ingredient and thus is quite drying to the skin. I use this product only in the summer when I am outdoors and expecting to be sweating, and it has worked very well for me for that. I may buy this one again specifically for that purpose.
The Illuminating Version also is based on cornstarch, but it includes a substantial amount of mica and is quite sparkly. While it is a pretty product, the effect is rather intense even if I apply it with a fan brush and try to be very careful in terms of the amount. I’ve had more success if I mix the product in the cap with another kind of loose powder before applying, but this is rather a lot of effort. I would really like to see Bare Minerals offer a more muted version of this product.
The Hydrating Version is based on silica and rice lipids, with some botanical extracts and a few other ingredients included. I have enjoyed using this product and have not noticed that it has a scent.
The SPF25 Version has titanium dioxide as the first ingredient and also includes cornstarch. My skin is always bothered by titanium dioxide when it is used in a high enough concentration to serve as a sunscreen, and that happened with this product as well. However, I think that for most people it could be a good product to consider for outdoor activities during the summer months since the cornstarch would absorb sweat while the titanium dioxide would provide a little sunscreen. (I do wonder how much of the powder would need to be applied in order to get sunscreen benefits though.)
Finally, there is a Tinted Version (which I have not tried) that is based on cornstarch. This is stated as being appropriate for those with darker skin tones, but I have heard that it pulls orange on many people and so would want to be able to try it before commiting to it.
Except for the Tinted Version, all of the products are a light beige that I would guess would work best for people with fair to medium skin tones.
While Honest Beauty used to make a pressed powder with cornstarch that I really liked, it recently seems to have disappeared from their website.
The Original Version of this Bare Minerals powder is the only other one that I have tried so far that contains cornstarch, and so probably I will be using it frequently next summer.
Size: 0.21 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (4503 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Requirements
Clean at Sephora: Meets Requirements
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Requirements
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Honeysuckle Flower Extract
All Ingredients (Original Version): Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides.
All Ingredients (Illuminating Version): Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides.
All Ingredients (Hydrating Version): Silica, Water, Silica Silylate, Rice Lipids, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Sodium Dehydoracetate, Sorbic Acid. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Iron Oxides
All Ingredients (SPF 25 Version): Titanium Dixoide, Corn Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
All Ingredients (Tinted Version): Corn Starch, Modified Corn Starch, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides.
Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder – $30
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Mica, Silica
Type: Pressed
Number of Shades: 6
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, vegan, talc-free setting powder that sets and extends makeup wear, while reducing the look of pores over time. Lightweight powder sets makeup and extends wear, while improving the look of skin. Proven to reduce the look of pores over time. Instantly blurs the look of lines and imperfections. Leaves a soft matte finish —no filter needed. Infused with conditioning Shea and Cacao Butters and Vitamin E to help defend against environmental stressors. Included puff applicator is perfect for on-the-go use. Talc-free,clean vegan formula.”
This setting powder has worked well for me without irritating my skin and has a reasonably clean ingredient list.
The price is also more reasonable than some of the more expensive powders that I have tried.
The product avoids the use of cornstarch and includes both cocoa butter and shea butter in the formula.
It is available in six shades (including translucent).
I have the Sheer Light version and it seems about the right shade for my skin.
I also tried the Translucent version and thought that it looked less nice on me, making me suspicious about the company’s claims that it is appropriate for “all skin tones” (since I myself have light skin).
While I don’t think that this product has worked as well for me as the Kosas powder, I think that it is a good product and don’t mind using it at all.
Size: 0.3 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (1023 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Chlorphenesin)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Chlorphenesin (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Lauroyl Lysine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Quercetin, Chlorphenesin. May Contain: Iron Oxides
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder – $56
Living Clean Rating: 6 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(1 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #7, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #6, Red #30, Ultramarines, Carmine
Silicone Level: Low
Main Ingredients: Talc, Aluminum Distearate
Type: Pressed
Number of Shades: 6
The description of this product reads, “Translucent, glow-boosting powder. Subtle and natural, this ultra-soft, translucent pressed powder instantly gives skin a lit-from-within glow with a natural blend of botanicals and brightening light-reflective powders. Features varying levels of pearlescent pigments in skin tone-correct shades for a naturally luminous effect. Plus, it’s formulated with a blend of Mulberry, Grape and Scutellaria Extracts. For an all over glow, use the flat edge of the Angled Face Brush (sold separately) to dust powder all over face. For subtle highlights, use the narrow edge of the brush to apply powder on the high points of the face.”
This is a pressed powder containing talc that I purchased before starting to work on this project.
Talc is problematic because it has the potential of being contaminated with asbestos, with cosmetics containing talc that could be breathed in considered by many to be especially risky.
While I wouldn’t buy the product again because of the talc issue, in general I have had a good experience with it.
This was one of the products that a Bobbi Brown online makeup artist thought would be especially appropriate for my dry/mature skin, and I agree that it has performed well for me.
It contains some petrolatum and sodium hyaluronate, along with some other ingredients that may be moisturizing and a very small amount of mica.
I think that it feels good to me and that it makes my skin look just a little bit glowy, but in a way that is appropriate for all occasions.
I don’t feel that it has irritated my skin.
In addition to the talc and the petrolatum, the product contains some potentially problematic artificial colors; chlorphenesin (a preservative); and a small amount of methicone (a silicone).
The product is available in six shades. I have the lightest – Bare – and feel it has worked well for me.
Size: 0.23 oz.
Awards: Glamour Best of Beauty 2017
Bobbi Brown Rating: 4.4 Stars (87 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Talc, Petrolatum, Chlorphenesin, Problematic Colors)
Think Dirty Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Talc (8), Petrolatum (4), Chlorphenesin (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (4), Red #6 (6), Red #30 (5), Ultramarines (3). (Also contains Methicone, Carmine.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Talc, Aluminum Distearate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Nylon-12, Petrolatum, Mulberry Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Grape Fruit Extract, Gentian Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methicone, Tocopherol, Water, Tin Oxide, Barium Sulfate, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 7, Yellow 5, Carmine, Blue 1, Red 6, Red 30, Ultramarines
Glossier Wowder – $22
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: Moderate
Main Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Dimethicone
Type: Loose
Number of Shades: 5
The description of this product reads, “The perfect matte-not-flat finish. A finishing powder that cuts shine, blurs the appearance of pores, and sets makeup. Control your level of dewiness with this instant blotting powder. Won’t leave a chalky film, cake into fine lines, flatten skin’s texture, or show up in flash photos.”
While this powder does not include the skincare ingredients that some of the others mentioned on this page do, I feel it nonetheless has worked well for me.
It seems to be quite finely milled and has created some pretty looks for me.
The ingredient list mentions dimethicone and polymethylsilsesquioxane (silicones) as being included in moderate amounts.
Although I mostly try to avoid using foundations and primers that contain silicones, I don’t mind them that much in a powder since it has been my experience that silicones in powder products wash pretty easily off my face.
This is a loose powder with a “trampoline mesh” inside the container.
I have found that I really like this kind of dispensing method because it makes the product much easier to use.
I have the second lightest shade (G8-G10) and have found it to work well for me.
Especially for the price, I think that this is a very nice powder that I would consider buying again.
Size: 0.25 oz.
Glossier Rating: 4.1 Stars (559 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Chlorphenesin)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Chlorphenesin (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients (G1-G3, G5-G7, G8-G10): Mica, Silica, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
All Ingredients (G4, G11-G12): Mica, Silica, Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Kaolin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Haus Labs Bio-Blurring Loose Setting Powder – $38
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #5, Red #7
Silicone Level: High
Main Ingredients: Mica, Squalane, Dimethicone
Type: Loose
Number of Shades: 5
The description of this product reads, “A clean, skincare infused, talc-free loose setting powder that blurs, controls shine and sets makeup. HausTech Powered with Fermented Arnica + Plant Squalane. 5 complexion enhancing shades including 1 universal. Experience this no flashback, talc-free, fermented arnica infused powder that helps nourish and calm skin, while setting makeup with a flawless, undetectable finish. Patented gel-powder technology delivers a silky, weightless veil that blurs and smooths like you’ve never seen before. Pairs seamlessly with Triclone Skin Tech Foundation.”
I have tried this loose powder in a Sephora store on a couple of occasions and have been really impressed with it based on those experiences.
The product went on really easily even just with my fingers and looked really pretty on my face.
I really like the “trampoline mesh” (also used by Glossier) since it makes the loose powder much easier for me to use.
The first three listed ingredients are mica, squalane and silicone, which I think explains why the product feels so soft and easygoing to me.
The product also seems quite finely milled.
Based on my experiences with the product in the store, I decided to buy a full-size container in the color Neutral Peach.
I’ve used it a number of times and feel that it has performed really well for me.
Size: 0.24 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (63 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6), Red #7 (6). (Also contains Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Mica, Squalane, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Arnica Montana Flower Extract**, Pseudozyma Epicola/Sunflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tourmaline, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C20-24 Olefin, Alumina. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 Lake, Red 7 Lake. **Fermented.
Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder – $35
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Mica, Silica
Type: Pressed
Number of Shades: 10
The description of this product reads, “Unreal pressed powder for real-life dream skin. A super soft, sheer setting + smoothing powder baked with skincare actives that sweeps away shine (not glow). Feels like nothing, looks like everything. Cloud Set is a unique formula that starts as a mousse filled with active, liquid skincare ingredients that support visible reduction in oil, fine lines and pores, all baked in a powder to achieve the perfect ultra fine layer of sheer pigment. A very airy, buttery texture, which gives you that diffused look you get from a loose powder, but in a no-mess, baked formula. Provides a natural, dimensional finish without being flat matte. This formula is clinically tested, non-irritating, hypoallergenic.”
This product is available in 10 shades designed to match a variety of skin tones.
I have shade Feathery (“sheer light medium”) and have liked it a lot.
I’ve used it with a quite wide variety of foundations and it seems to have performed well with all of them, disappearing into my skin but reducing the shine a bit.
I like it enough that I usually don’t think of using anything else unless I am specifically trying things out.
Although I don’t seem to have made much of a dent in the product that I already own, I expect that I likely eventually will be buying this again.
Size: 0.33 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (541 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Paeonia officinalis flower extract
All Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Potassium Sorbate, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Water, Stearic Acid, Candelilla Wax, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Cetearyl Olivate, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Olivate, Honokiol, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Grape Seed Extract. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
RMS Beauty “Un” Powder – $36
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide
Type: Loose
Number of Shades: 4
The description of this product reads, “A weightless, oil-absorbing finishing powder. Blurs the look of skin, sets and softens makeup, and creates a smooth, natural translucent finish. This talc-free powder reflects light, sets makeup, minimizes the appearance of pores, softens skin, and absorbs oil—with zero residue.”
This setting powder was released several years ago and has a very simple ingredient list, consisting only of silica, mica, and (in the tinted versions) titanium dioxide and iron oxides.
Company founder Rose-Marie Swift suggests applying it with the included puff rather than a brush for lighter coverage.
I have the lightest tinted version (0-1) and have used it when wearing makeup.
It seems finely milled and looks nice on my skin.
All in all, I think that it has worked fine for me.
Size: 0.32 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.8 Stars (69 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1/2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Untinted): None
All Ingredients (Untinted): Silica, Mica
EWG Problem Ingredients (Tinted): Titanium dioxide (3)
All Ingredients (Tinted): Silica, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder – $30
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica
Type: Loose
Number of Shades: 3
The description of this product reads, “Set, smooth, and diffuse with our unbelievably weightless and radiant loose powder. Airset’s patented aerated-cream technology provides a natural, velvety finish with a Signature SaieGlow. Our formula is complete with hydrating Squalane, which deeply moisturizes skin and leaves it plump and smooth, and ethically-sourced Mica for luminous, supple skin that’s never cakey or dry. Using The Fluffy Brush, tap onto targeted areas to blur and remove shine, or use a small amount all over for a your-skin-but-better effect.”
I think that this is a nice loose powder that has worked well on my skin.
I experimented with getting the Translucent Medium (“for medium to medium tan skin tones”) in this one, with the hope that it might add a little bit of color to my face in a non-obvious way.
I feel that the color is warm enough that it has worked pretty well for that.
Usually I just put a little of the powder on a very large fluffy brush and then use it on my whole face, starting with the top half and then using whatever is left on the bottom half.
Especially if I am wearing a foundation that looks a little too shiny (either from moisturizing ingredients or mica), this technique seems to have worked out well for me.
I haven’t experienced any irritation from the product and feel that it looks good on me.
Intuitively I don’t feel like this is my favorite powder of all the ones that I have tried and so am not sure that I would buy it again, but I do like it.
Size: 0.14 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.8 Stars (217 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Polysorbate)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Polysorbate-20 (3), Titanium dioxide (3).
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Squalane, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gellan Gum. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare – $75
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #30
Silicone Level: None
Main Ingredients: Zinc Laurate, Mica
Type: Pressed
Number of Shades: 5
The description of this product reads, “Supercharged skincare actives micro-milled into setting powder form. Sweep away shine, set makeup and protect skin’s natural radiant dimension. Antioxidant-rich. Potency packed. We’ve micro-milled active skincare ingredients into a powder that does more than just set. Ultra-sheer and feathery-light, this powder instantly smooths pores, evens tone, sweeps away shine. A Skin Defense Shield Complex made with vitamin C and probiotics shields from free radicals while protecting from blue light. Over time, pressed-in actives help to control sebum and refine skin texture. Works like makeup, acts like skincare, for the ultimate ‘how-is-my-skin-this-good’ effect. Clean, Talc-Free, Silicone-free.”
This powder (introduced in Summer 2022) includes a number of skincare ingredients, supposedly at “efficacy levels.”
Included are some different moisturizers (including jojoba oil and some macadamia nut and coconut derivatives) and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (a form of Vitamin C).
Another interesting ingredient in this product is Enterococcus faecalis, which is a bacteria that lives in the human digestive tract.
Although I have not seen this particular substance used in other skincare products, I have become an enthusiast of many other products that contain high levels of probiotics and so am hoping that this one is similar.
In any case, I haven’t had any problems with this powder. I think that it feels good to me and looks nice on my skin.
The price makes it seem to me that this product should be leaps and bounds over that of competitive products, but I have not found that to be the case. I actually like the Kosas product more, in terms of how my skin looks when I am wearing it.
As with most of Westman Atelier’s products, I feel that much of the money that I spent buying the product went toward the heavy and beautiful metal case for the item.
Not that I think that the ingredients are poor quality, just that I am not sure that the quality of the actual product is good enough to justify the price.
In addition, even if this powder contains amazing skincare ingredients, I wonder if they are going to make it through all the layers of my makeup and other skincare to get to my skin.
Personally, I feel more confident when I spend my skincare dollars on an expensive serum, because I know that actually will be absorbed into my skin.
The Westman Atelier powder is available in five shades: translucent (which supposedly is appropriate for most skin tones); a pink version designed for those with light skin tones; and three additional somewhat darker versions.
The shade Creme is supposed to be for “light to medium complexions” and sheer. I think that the color has been good for me and that probably it would be a fine choice for most people who have very fair skin as well.
Size: 0.17 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (365 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Some shades include Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (3), Red #30 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients (Translucent, Bubble): Zinc Laurate, Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, May-Contain: Iron Oxides, Red 30.
All Ingredients (Creme): Zinc Laurate, Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol. May-Contain: Iron Oxides, Red 30.
All Ingredients (Dune, Cafe): Mica, Zinc Laurate, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, May-Contain: Iron Oxides.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
100% Pure Bamboo Blur Powder – $42
Beautycounter Mattifying Powder – $43
Chantecaille Perfect Blur Finishing Powder – $79
Fitglow Vita Set + Perfect Setting Powder – $20
Honest Invisible Blurring Loose Powder – $23
Huda Beauty GloWish Pressed Powder – $34
Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder – $34
Jane Iredale AmazingMatte Loose Finishing Powder – $36
Jane Iredale PureMatte Finish Powder – $34
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Setting Powder – $18
Mineral Fusion Loose Setting Powder – $30
Tarte Sunset Blur Finishing Powder – $35
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Aveda, Bare Minerals, Beautycounter, Bobbi Brown, Chantecaille, Credo, Fitglow, Glossier, Goop, Haus Labs, Honest, Huda Beauty, Ilia, Item Beauty, Jane Iredale, Kosas, LYS Beauty, Mineral Fusion, Pharmaca, RMS, Saie, Sephora, Tarte, Ulta, Vapour, and Westman Atelier.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
