If you’ve spent any time on the "beauty" side of the internet over the last few years, you’ve seen the jar. It’s huge. Honestly, the Anastasia Loose Setting Powder looks more like a tub of luxury face cream than a standard powder. But there's a reason it hasn't been buried by the constant avalanche of new TikTok-famous releases.
It actually works.
Makeup trends move fast. One week we’re all about "glass skin" and looking like we just ran a marathon in a humid climate, and the next, we’re back to the "cloud skin" matte look. Through all those shifts, people keep coming back to this specific Anastasia Beverly Hills formula. It’s a staple. It’s reliable.
The Physics of a Good Blur
What is actually happening when you swirl a brush into this? Unlike some powders that feel like literal flour—gritty and heavy—this stuff is milled into a fine, silky dust. It’s light. It’s airy. When you press it into the skin, the Anastasia Loose Setting Powder doesn't just sit on top like a layer of dust; it sort of melts into the foundation to lock everything in place.
Most people use it to "bake." You know the technique: piling on a thick layer under the eyes, letting it sit while you do your brows, and then whisking it away. It’s a drag queen technique that went mainstream, and for good reason. It stops concealer from migrating into those tiny fine lines we all have.
But here’s the thing.
You don’t have to bake with it. In fact, if you have dry skin, baking with this might make you look like a desert landscape. Instead, a light dusting with a fluffy brush gives you that "filtered" look without the heaviness. It blurs pores. It softens the edges of your bronzer. It just makes everything look a little more expensive.
Let’s Talk About the Flashback Myth
We’ve all seen the photos. A celebrity walks onto a red carpet, a camera flash goes off, and suddenly they have giant white patches under their eyes. It’s a nightmare. This usually happens because of silica or certain minerals that reflect light directly back at the camera.
Does the Anastasia Loose Setting Powder cause flashback?
Generally, no. But there is a catch. If you use the "Translucent" shade and you have a deeper skin tone, and you don’t buff it away properly, you might see a slight cast in heavy flash photography. That’s why the brand released multiple shades. They didn't just stick to one-size-fits-all. They have Vanilla, Banana, Deep Peach, and Brown.
The Banana shade is a cult favorite for a reason. It has this slight yellow undertone that cancels out darkness. If you’ve had a rough night or just naturally have blue-toned circles under your eyes, that yellow tint acts as a color corrector and a setter all at once. It’s a double win.
👉 See also: Medium Layered Bob Haircuts with Bangs: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the Jar is a Blessing and a Curse
Let’s be real: this packaging is enormous. You get 25 grams (0.88 oz) of product. For context, many high-end setting powders give you about half that for a similar price.
It’s a value play.
But, it’s not travel-friendly. Try putting this in a TSA-approved carry-on and you’re basically giving up space for your shoes. It’s a vanity piece. It stays at home. Also, the sifter holes are quite large. If you knock this over with the lid off, your carpet is going to be the most matte, blurred surface in the house. It’s messy.
Ingredients and What’s Actually Inside
If you look at the back of the box, the first ingredient is usually Talc. Now, there’s been a lot of conversation lately about talc in cosmetics. Brands like Glossier or Tower 28 often scream "Talc-Free" from the rooftops.
Why does Anastasia still use it?
Because talc is, scientifically speaking, one of the best ingredients for absorbing oil and providing a smooth application. The brand uses high-grade, asbestos-free talc that is incredibly refined. If you have an actual allergy or a personal boundary regarding talc, this isn't the powder for you. But if you’re looking for that classic, ultra-matte, red-carpet finish, talc is often the secret sauce that makes it happen.
It also contains Dimethicone. That’s a silicone. It’s what gives the powder that slippery, "silky" feel. It fills in the divots in the skin (aka pores) so that light bounces off a flat surface rather than a bumpy one.
The Professional Opinion
I’ve talked to makeup artists who work on film sets, and they swear by this for long days under hot lights. When you're filming for 12 hours, your skin is going to produce oil. It’s inevitable. This powder acts like a sponge.
One pro tip I picked up: don't use the puff it comes with—or if it doesn't come with one in your region, don't buy a cheap one. Use a damp beauty sponge.
Dip the damp sponge into the Anastasia Loose Setting Powder, tap off the excess on the back of your hand (crucial step!), and then press it into the skin. The moisture from the sponge helps the powder bond with the skin so it doesn't look "cakey." It sounds counterintuitive to put wet sponge to dry powder, but it’s the secret to that seamless, "born this way" finish.
Common Mistakes People Make
Most people use way too much.
Seriously.
Because the jar is so big, it’s tempting to dive in. But because this powder is so pigmented (especially the tinted versions), you can easily overdo it. If you look in the mirror and your skin looks "dusty," you’ve gone too far.
Another mistake? Setting your entire face if you have combination skin. If your cheeks are dry, leave them alone! Only powder the "T-zone"—your forehead, nose, and chin. Let the natural oils on your cheeks give you a healthy glow, while the powder keeps the center of your face under control.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
You can’t talk about setting powder without mentioning Laura Mercier. It’s the law of the beauty world.
📖 Related: Black Nails Ideas Short: Why You’re Probably Doing It Wrong and How to Fix It
The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is the "OG." It’s a bit more lightweight and has a slightly more natural finish. However, the Anastasia Loose Setting Powder offers more "coverage." If you have redness or acne scarring you’re trying to hide, the Anastasia version provides an extra layer of camouflage that the Mercier one doesn't.
Then there’s the Huda Beauty Easy Bake. That one is very heavily scented—it smells like a floral perfume. Some people love it; others hate it. Anastasia’s version is much more neutral on the nose, which is a big plus if you have sensitive skin or just don't want your face to smell like a garden.
Real-World Performance
I wore this to a wedding last summer. It was 90 degrees. There was humidity. There was dancing.
By hour six, I expected my foundation to be sliding down my neck. It wasn't. My forehead was a little shiny, sure, but the makeup hadn't broken apart. That’s the real test. A lot of powders look great for the first twenty minutes, but then they turn into a muddy mess once your natural oils start to kick in. This one stays "structural."
Shades and Selection
Picking a shade is where most people get tripped up.
- Translucent: The safe bet. Works for fair to medium-deep skin. It’s colorless once blended.
- Vanilla: Best for very fair skin with a hint of pink.
- Banana: The universal brightener. Great for medium skin tones.
- Deep Peach: Incredible for dark to deep-dark skin to prevent that "ashy" look.
- Brown: Specifically for deep skin tones to maintain the richness of the foundation underneath.
If you’re unsure, go with Translucent. It’s the most versatile and you won't risk changing the color of your expensive foundation.
Is It Worth the Price?
It’s around $38 USD. That’s not cheap.
But consider the math. You get nearly an ounce of powder. If you use it every single day, this jar will likely last you a year, maybe more. When you break it down by "cost per wear," it’s actually cheaper than many drugstore powders that you have to replace every two months because the containers are so tiny.
It’s an investment in your morning routine.
Actionable Steps for the Best Finish
If you’ve just bought a jar or you’re thinking about it, here is exactly how to use it for a flawless look:
- Hydrate first. No powder looks good on crusty skin. Use a good moisturizer and let it sink in for five minutes before applying makeup.
- Apply your cream products. Foundation and concealer go on first. If you use a cream blush, put that on before the powder too.
- The "Hand Tap." Dip your brush or sponge into the powder, then tap it onto the back of your hand or the inside of the lid. You want the powder inside the bristles, not sitting on the tips.
- Press, don't swipe. Use a pressing motion to "stamp" the powder into the skin. Swiping can move your foundation around underneath.
- Finish with a mist. If you feel like you look too matte, use a setting spray. It melts the powder into the skin and takes away that "powdery" look instantly.
The Anastasia Loose Setting Powder isn't just a trend. It’s a workhorse. Whether you're trying to survive a long workday or just want to look a little more "blurred" in your Saturday morning selfies, it’s one of those rare products that actually lives up to the hype. Just don't drop the jar on your white rug. You’ve been warned.