9 Best Japanese Loose Powders for Setting, Moisturizing, Oil Control, and Sun Protection

Loose Powder: Your makeup's best friend

Loose powder is typically used as the final step in makeup application. It has a setting effect that prevents makeup from fading, maintaining your look for hours. There are generally two types: loose powder for setting makeup, and pressed powder, which is loose powder compressed into a compact form, convenient for both setting and touch-ups on the go.

Often confused with loose and pressed powders, foundation powder serves a different purpose and is used at a different stage. Foundation powder is a base makeup product that not only covers facial imperfections but also evens out skin tone to create a flawless finish. In terms of application order, you'd typically apply foundation powder or other base makeup first, followed by loose or pressed powder for setting.

How to choose and use loose powders

Beyond its basic setting function, loose powder comes in various formulations with different features. Different shades can create various finishing effects on the skin. Powders with SPF protect your skin from UV rays while setting your makeup.

Additionally, different ingredients make certain powders suitable for dry, oily, or sensitive skin types. Choose your loose powder based on your needs, considering factors like texture (pressed or loose,) color (tinted or translucent,) and additional benefits like SPF or moisturizing properties.

As for application methods, there are generally two approaches depending on the tool:

• Puff: After picking up the powder, gently rub the puff to distribute it evenly. Start by lightly pressing on oil-prone areas like the T-zone, then pat the cheeks and other areas. Finally, fold the puff in half to touch up finer areas like around the lips.

• Brush: After picking up the powder, tap off the excess. Using light circular motions, start from the T-zone and work your way across the face. Finish by touching up around the eyes and lips.

5 high-end moisutizing and long-lasting loose powders

Walking into a department store, the variety of brands and products can be overwhelming. We've curated a list of five recommended high-end loose powders in Japan, including options that both set and nourish the skin, provide long-lasting wear, and are suitable for dry skin. 

Clé de Peau Beauté Translucent Loose Powder: Setting and skincare in one product

Clé de Peau Beauté's Poudre Transparente not only contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid but also uses Clé de Peau Beauté's proprietary technology.

It sets makeup and provides long-lasting wear while keeping skin hydrated, making it a product that combines both setting and skincare functions. Currently available in two shades: N1 Light and N2 Light Medium. Choose based on your skin tone and desired finish.

Shu Uemura Unlimited Mopo Loose Powder: Perfect for dry skin

A must-have for dry skin, Shu Uemura's Unlimited Mopo Loose Powder uses finely milled particles that adhere closely to the skin with just a light pat. Containing Japanese camellia oil, it forms a moisturizing film on the skin's surface while setting makeup, preventing dryness and maintaining a fresh matte finish for hours.

Decorté Loose Powder: Long-lasting wear

Decorté's Loose Powder, with a texture as smooth as silk, contains plant-derived moisturizing ingredients, and thoroughly hydrates the skin, creating a dewy glow. Light reflection technology creates a sheer, natural-looking finish. This powder boasts long-lasting wear and comes in nine different shades, such as 00 Translucent.

Three Advanced Ethereal Smooth Operator Loose Powder: For moisture

Three's highly moisturizing Advanced Ethereal Smooth Operator Loose Powder contains nine plant-derived oils and essence ingredients, without preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or other additives that may cause skin sensitivity. It adheres to the skin with just a light pat, maintaining a flawless finish for hours.

Currently available in two shades: the soft-focus 01 Smooth Matte and the elegantly soft 02 Glow Matte. Choose based on your preferred makeup look.

Suqqu Oil Rich Glow Loose Powder: Create a flawless, dewy look

Suqqu's Oil Rich Glow Loose Powder is rich in beauty oil ingredients. It can be lightly applied all over the face for setting or layered to create a dimensional, glowing finish. The powder compact comes with a puff, making touch-ups on the go super convenient.

4 budget-friendly Japanese drugstore loose powders

In addition to the high-end loose powders mentioned above, drugstore options at budget-friendly prices are not to be overlooked. Products like Chacott's Finishing Powder from a professional stage makeup brand, and Canmake's colorful Marshmallow Finish Powder Abloom are worth considering. Let's introduce 4 recommended drugstore loose and pressed powders.

Chacott Finishing Powder: High-definition moisturizing setting powder

The high-definition moisturizing Finishing Powder from Chacott, a brand under the famous Japanese ballet equipment manufacturer, boasts strong sweat-resistance and anti-fading properties, perfect for creating precise stage makeup. 

It comes in three finishes: Matte (761 Natural), luminous Glow (788 Lavender,) and moisturizing Moist. Each finish is available in different shades, allowing you to choose based on your skin condition or setting needs.

Chifure Loose Powder: Create a natural, sheer look

Chifure’s Loose Powder comes in two shades: N1 Lucent and N2 Pearly Lucent, creating either a natural or glamorous finish. The finely-milled powder adheres to the skin with a light pat, concealing pores and fine lines. It contains jojoba oil for moisturizing while setting your makeup.

Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder Abloom: For ultra-radiant skin

Canmake's palette-like Marshmallow Finish Powder Abloom features five colors. Beyond its basic setting function, you can mix and layer colors to brighten or correct skin tone. The product is highly sweat and oil-resistant, maintaining ultra-radiant, marshmallow-like skin for hours.

Cezanne UV Silk Cover Powder: For sun protection and setting

Cezanne's UV Silk Cover Powder with SPF50, and PA++++ protects your skin from UV rays while setting your makeup. The powder has a soft-focus effect, concealing imperfections and creating a semi-matte finish. It also contains 16 essence ingredients for ample hydration, making it ideal for dry skin. 

Available in three shades: 00 Light Beige, 01 Light, and 02 Natural.

Buy loose powders tax-free on WAmazing Shop

We've introduced nine must-buy loose powders from Japan, many of which are available for purchase tax-free on WAmazing Shop. Collect your order from special lockers at designated airports and train stations across Japan. This eliminates the hassle of searching for products during your trip and simplifies the tax-free process. If you're interested, head over to WAmazing Shop and start browsing!

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.