I Tried Fenty Beauty’s Reformulated Loose Setting Powder — Here’s the Truth
Formula Evolution: From Pro Filt’r to Set it Down
Okay, let’s talk about this reformulation because I have feelings about it. After years of the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder being my ride-or-die loose powder, Fenty Beauty decided to completely overhaul the formula for their new Set it Down Superfine Blurring Setting Powder. And honestly? I was terrified they were going to mess with perfection.
Goodbye, Talc
The biggest change here is that they’ve completely ditched talc, which used to be the star ingredient in the original formula. The beauty world has been moving away from talc because of those lingering concerns about potential asbestos contamination, and Fenty Beauty is just following suit with the whole industry’s push toward “cleaner” formulations. Smart business move? Absolutely. But talc was doing some heavy lifting in that original formula when it came to oil absorption and that silky-smooth finish we all obsess over.
The New Oil-Absorbing Dream Team
Without talc doing all the work, Fenty had to get creative with their oil-control strategy. Now it’s a team effort: silica takes the lead as the main oil-absorbing powerhouse, mica provides backup absorption while giving that smooth finish and brightening effect, and here’s where it gets interesting. The chia seed extract is actually pulling double duty. While hyaluronic acid in powder form is questionable at best (it needs water to do its hydrating thing), chia seed powder actually has natural oil-absorbing properties. So not only does it give Fenty Beauty those trendy “superfood” marketing points, but it’s legitimately contributing to the mattifying performance. Pretty clever, honestly.
But Does It Actually Work?
Here’s what I really care about: performance. The switch from the old talc-based formula to this new multi-ingredient oil-control system had me worried they’d completely change the game. But after putting this through its paces for weeks, I’m relieved to say it still delivers that signature Fenty magic I’ve been addicted to. The oil control is there, the longevity holds up, and it still makes my makeup look flawless hours later. Sure, if you’re really paying attention, you might notice the texture feels slightly different when you first apply it, but the end result? Still that same perfection I’ve been relying on for years.
The truth is, Fenty managed to pull off something pretty impressive here. They took a cult favorite that nobody wanted them to touch and somehow made it work without the talc, using a smart combination of ingredients that each bring something different to the table. And for that, I’m grateful my powder obsession can continue guilt-free.
