In the ever-evolving world of beauty, color-correcting trends resurface often—but none have recently caused as much buzz as purple setting powder.
Marketed as the secret to brightened, radiant skin, this pastel-hued powder promises to neutralize dullness and cancel yellow undertones. But for Black beauty lovers, the question remains: Is it truly made with melanin-rich skin in mind?
Traditionally, setting powders help lock in makeup and control shine. Colored setting powders, like lavender-toned ones, add a layer of color correction—ideal for brightening sallow or tired complexions. While purple works well to neutralize yellow, the trend was initially created with lighter skin tones in focus. When applied on deeper skin without nuance, it can leave behind an ashy or gray cast—an all-too-familiar issue for Black consumers navigating mainstream beauty.
“Not every purple powder is created equal,” says celebrity makeup artist Kendra Mason, who frequently works with deep-skinned clients. “Formulation matters—especially when it comes to undertones. A finely milled, sheer formula with a neutral base might work beautifully. But anything too opaque or chalky will sit on the skin rather than blend in.”
Some brands have caught on. Black-owned and inclusive brands like Fenty Beauty and Danessa Myricks offer translucent powders with brightening properties that complement a wider range of skin tones, including rich and deep complexions. The key is choosing a powder that doesn’t rely on excessive white or gray base pigments—common culprits behind flashback and dullness.
Beauty TikTok has also become a battleground for reviews, with Black creators offering honest takes. Some love the brightening effect under the eyes when used sparingly. Others warn that even with proper blending, the powder can mute warmth and make skin look flat under certain lighting.
So, is purple setting powder a beauty win or a bust for Black skin? The answer lies in balance. With the right brand, careful application, and skin prep, it can offer a soft, radiant lift—especially for under-eye areas. But when used blindly, it risks repeating the same exclusionary patterns that have long haunted beauty aisles.
In the end, melanin-rich skin doesn’t need correction—it needs collaboration. And every trend, no matter how viral, deserves to be tested through that lens.
