For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an unwavering fascination for vintage aesthetics, be it midcentury furnishings, Old Hollywood films, or old school beauty products that you can still purchase in the modern day. It’s no surprise then that, after discovering this one affordable and perfect-in-every-way setting powder several years ago, the Coty Airspun has remained a steadfast staple in my own makeup routine and probably always will.
With a formula harkening back to 1935 — but now updated to be talc-free —the Airspun loose powder offers skin a silky soft veil, truly befitting a silver screen starlet of yesteryear. It manages to blur imperfections and enlarged pores, secure cream and liquid foundations in place and absorb any excess oil — all while feeling imperceptible on the skin.
A major upside to the Airspun powder, which I’ve often seen compared to the luxurious (and expensive) likes of the Laura Mercier and the One/Size setting powders, is that it won’t settle into fine lines. Even when I dab a light layer of this under my eyes and around the creases of my nose, it almost absorbs into and fuses with my skin, rather than lying on top of it and creating that dreaded cakey layer.
I should also point out that, as someone with naturally very dry skin, I tend to steer far from any skin cosmetics that claim to be mattifying. Not only is my skin not compatible with these types of formulas, but I also detest the chalky finish that ultimately exaggerates any flaking or dryness I might have. Though advertised as a product to mattify, this cloud-like powder doesn’t dry my skin out to an inch of its life. Rather, it gives it a soft and smoothed-over appearance that subdues any unwanted shine and almost airbrushes the complexion.
Other fans of this vintage icon authenticate my Coty Airspun experience.
“I use this to set my foundation, and it doesn’t crease, budge, move, or FLINCH all day,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I am 47, with fine lines around my eyes, but everything else is rather oily. I set my foundation in the morning with this powder and literally don’t even have to look at the rest of the day. ”
Here’s how I use it: After I finish applying my liquid foundation and cream products, I dab my trusty BeautyBlender Power Pocket Puff into a small amount of the loose powder shaken out into the lid, then press it into the skin on my T-zone only, specifically on around my nose, chin and center of the forehead. If I’m wearing a pencil or cream eyeliner, I’ll even take a fluffy eye shadow brush and buff a very thin layer on top of the applied eyeliner and before my mascara to keep things completely budge-proof.
This is also one of the most economical cosmetic products in my kit. As I mentioned, I use the powder quite sparingly (you might want to use more if your skin is more oil-prone), so one 1.23 ounce-sized container literally lasts me years, and it only sets me back $7.
I would be remiss if I forgot to mention one other component of this retro powder that, for me, adds to its signature nostalgia: the scent. While some may wrinkle their nose and cry “granny smell!” I can’t get enough, and I’m actually saddened when the slightly floral and distinctive powdery smell dissipates after just a few minutes. Imagine your great-grandmother’s dressing table adorned with lipsticks and ornate bottles of perfume somehow captured in a fragrance — that’s what Coty Airspun smells like.
It comes in three shades, including translucent (which is the shade I always get and probably the most compatible for most skin tones) and an extra-coverage translucent option that might be beneficial for people with acne scarring or blemishes.
The Coty Airspun’s beauty history runs deep, and so does its dedicated fanbase, which turns out to comprise more than just me. Read what other fans of this timeless and lighter-than-air powder have to say or grab yourself a compact from any of the featured retailers.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Smells and works great works better than the ONE SIZE setting powder and at a cheaper price!” — Grace
“This is hands-down one of the best loose powders I’ve ever used. It blurs my pores, sets my makeup all day, and gives me a smooth, airbrushed finish—without looking cakey. The translucent shade works perfectly for my skin tone and never gives flashback. Plus, the price is unbeatable for how much product you get! I’ve repurchased this over and over.” — Aspen Clark
“Ditch you setting spray! I use this to set my foundation, and it doesn’t crease, budge, move, or FLINCH all day. I am 47, with fine lines around my eyes, but everything else is rather oily. I set my foundation in the morning with this powder and literally don’t even have to look at the rest of the day, through all of the zoom calls, meetings, you name it. Forget the setting sprays ladies - this is the real hero.” — Dog Mom
“At 49, this is a game changer for me and my makeup routine. I decided to give it a try based on other reviews. I apply it over my liquid foundation with a big powder brush I had bought from Thrive cosmetics. I don’t use much and it doesn’t seem to enhance wrinkles and pores like my compact powder did. It also seems to absorb oils better so my T zone doesn’t look as oily towards mid day like before. I shake some powder into the lid then swirl my bush in it to even out the powder then brush it over my face. The one thing I would say that surprised me at first was the strong fragrance but it doesn’t bother me so I either get used to it or it quickly dissipates. I would recommend this product.” — Montana Mountians
“I started using this powder when I started using makeup. I sadly and reluctantly stopped using it when I started being more aware of ingredients, because of the talc. I did the dance of joy when I noticed a talc free formula! I have tried every powder known to man trying to find one that works as good as this, and I was disappointed every time. There is a reason Airspun has been around since 1935. It does not settle in fine lines, it does not cake. It will provide a beautiful, light glowing veil to your skin. I pray to the Gods of makeup that they never, ever stop making this wonderful product!” — Rachel Briggs