Ranking & Rating My Powders 🤍

Okay, so in my initial powder ranking, I shared my top picks for keeping my oily skin in check. But I know many of you are super curious about the specifics of the real stars – Rare Beauty and ILIA! These two consistently pop up in conversations about the best setting powders, and for good reason. They both earned high marks from me, but for slightly different reasons, and understanding those nuances can make all the difference for your makeup routine. Let's dive deeper into the Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder, which I rated 8/10. When I first tried this, I was immediately struck by how incredibly pretty and soft on the skin it felt. It truly lives up to its 'soft radiance' name, giving a beautiful, almost airbrushed finish without looking flat or powdery. The texture itself is a dream – it’s such a soft powder that blends seamlessly. For someone with oily skin, this is a huge plus because it doesn't cling to dry patches or emphasize texture. However, as I mentioned, it doesn't control oils for long if you have seriously oily skin like mine. I found that I'd start to see some shine peek through after about 3-4 hours, especially on my T-zone. This makes it a fantastic choice for days when my skin isn't at its oiliest, or for the cooler, winter months when I need less oil control and more of that lovely soft-focus look. I also found it excellent for setting my under-eyes without creasing. My pro-tip? Use a damp beauty sponge to press it into areas where you want that extra blur, then lightly dust with a brush everywhere else. It’s perfect for combination skin or those who prioritize a natural, radiant matte finish. Now, let's talk about my absolute favorite, the ILIA Soft Focus Finishing Powder, which proudly earned a 9/10. This one is my ultimate *everyday powder*, and it truly is *so good at controlling oil*. From the moment I sweep this across my face, I can feel and see the difference. It creates a smooth, almost velvety canvas, and most importantly, it locks my makeup in place for hours. What truly sets ILIA apart for me is that it’s a *smooth powder that prevents makeup from caking and is not too drying*. This is critical for oily skin because sometimes mattifying powders can suck all the moisture out, leaving your skin feeling tight and looking dull. Not this one! It keeps the oils at bay without ever making my skin feel parched or emphasizing fine lines. I can easily go 6-8 hours without needing a serious touch-up, even on a busy day. I love using a fluffy brush to lightly press and roll the powder onto my T-zone and any areas prone to shine. It's incredibly finely milled, so a little goes a long way. For touch-ups later in the day, a small powder puff works wonders. If you have truly oily skin, live in a humid climate, or just need a powder that you can rely on for long-lasting matte perfection, ILIA is genuinely a game-changer. In comparing the two, if you're after a beautiful, soft-focus, slightly more forgiving finish and have combination-to-oily skin that isn't extremely oily, Rare Beauty is a wonderful choice. But if you're battling significant shine and need serious, long-lasting oil control without compromising on a natural look, ILIA is, in my opinion, the holy grail. Both are fantastic talc-free options, and I hope this deeper dive helps you decide which one might be your next favorite!