By You’ve got an important event coming up, and you need your makeup to last through the long day and into the night. The right setting powder can make or break your look, keeping your makeup in place while controlling shine. Let’s see how Kosas and Makeup by Mario powders stack up against each other.
| Feature | Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder | Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $34 | $30 |
| Finish | Natural | Matte |
| Shade Range | 10 shades | 6 shades |
| Vegan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fragrance-Free | ✓ | ✗ |
| Buildable | ✓ | ✓ |
✅ kosas Pros
- Natural finish that doesn’t cake up.
- Wide shade range catering to various skin tones.
- Contains skincare ingredients like bamboo stem extract.
❌ kosas Cons
- Pricier than some alternatives.
- Not ideal for extremely oily skin.
✅ makeup by mario powder Pros
- More affordable price point.
- Great for achieving a matte look.
- Smooths skin texture effectively.
❌ makeup by mario powder Cons
- Limited shade range.
- Can look heavy if over-applied.
Performance
Kosas excels in delivering a natural, skin-like finish that feels light and breathable, perfect for when you want a “no-makeup” makeup look. It holds up well throughout the day, keeping your makeup intact without creasing. However, if your skin is on the oilier side, you might find yourself touching up more often. Makeup by Mario’s powder offers a more matte finish, which is excellent for those with oily skin. It keeps the shine at bay longer but can be a tad heavy if you’re not careful with the application, especially in hot, humid conditions.
Build Quality
Kosas puts a strong emphasis on quality ingredients, packing their powder with skincare benefits like bamboo stem extract, which supposedly helps control oil and provides a smooth finish. The product feels luxurious and is vegan and fragrance-free, making it a great choice for sensitive skin types. In contrast, Makeup by Mario focuses more on the performance aspect. While it lacks some of the skincare benefits, the formula is designed to provide a flawless, matte coverage that works well for special occasions and long-lasting wear.
Value
With Kosas, you’re paying a premium for more than just makeup—you’re getting skincare benefits and a broader shade range, which can justify the higher price if those are important to you. The Makeup by Mario powder comes in cheaper, which might appeal to those who aren’t as concerned about skincare ingredients or who prefer a matte finish. However, its limited shade range might leave some users without a perfect match, which can be a dealbreaker if you’re striving for a seamless complexion.
Kosas provides a beautiful natural finish but won’t be your best friend if your face turns into an oil slick by noon. Makeup by Mario’s powder gives you that matte Instagram-ready finish, but it can turn cakey if you’re heavy-handed. Neither are perfect, but each has its merits depending on your skin type and makeup goals.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you have dry to combination skin and appreciate skincare-infused cosmetics, Kosas is your go-to. It offers a natural finish that’s tough to beat, though you’ll pay a bit more. For those with oily skin or a tighter budget, Makeup by Mario provides solid matte coverage without breaking the bank, but be mindful of the limited shade options.
Is Kosas powder suitable for oily skin?
While it has some oil-controlling properties, truly oily skin types might find it lacking in longevity compared to more matte-focused powders.
How many shades does Makeup by Mario offer?
Makeup by Mario offers 6 shades, which might not cover all skin tones, especially those on the extreme ends of the spectrum.
Does the Kosas powder contain fragrance?
No, the Kosas powder is fragrance-free, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
