Not only is the UAE heat to blame for us constantly being on the hunt for a stay-put powder, but the festive season means long days and no opportunity to refresh our makeup, so we need a powder that’ll keep our makeup in place all day and keep shine at bay. We put the beauty industry’s favourite powders through the ringer to find the best of the best, and these six powders stood the test of time (and sweat, and, well, pretty much everything else). Give it up for the Cosmo Beauty Awards shortlist for favourite powder *applause*
1. Shiseido Radiant Synchro Skin Invisible Silk Loose Powder
A super-breathable formula that minimises the appearance of pores and wrinkles. Dhs209 at Ounass
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish
This complexion-perfecting powder comes in a variety of shades so you can bump up the coverage on bare spots that appear throughout the day. Amazing on its own, or as a top-up. Dhs165 at Charlotte Tilbury
3. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
A cult-favourite for a reason, this translucent powder doesn’t give off that white effect when you take photos, and adds hours to your make-up wear time. Dhs184 at Sephora
4. Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Perfectly sized for the on-the-go girl, this high-street hero locks in your make-up so it won’t budge all day, and blurs any imperfections for a flawless finish. Dhs28 at Namshi
5. Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Perfecting Powder
Mac’s ultra-refined loose powder is a favourite among pros thanks to its long-lasting formula and weightless wear. Dhs130 at Mac Cosmetics
6. Maybelline Fit Me Loose Powder
Another example that high-performance make-up doesn’t have to be super expensive. Maybelline’s finishing powder is tinted for that extra bit of coverage, and to make sure you won’t be a victim of flashback. Dhs62 at Amazon