What is the Purpose of Setting Powder?

This week we’ve been focusing on how to keep your makeup lasting all day. So far, we’ve been talking a lot about setting sprays and the best setting sprays formulated without alcohol. The next part of this series is Setting Powder. Here, we’re answering all your most asked questions, including “What is the purpose of setting powder?”

Setting powder has a few different purposes, which we’ll cover here. Honestly, adding a translucent setting powder to my routine has changed the game in terms of makeup wear time and application.

What is Setting Powder?

Setting powder is a powder that is applied after foundation to help lock it in place. It also helps you blend any powders that you put on top of the foundation, since it now has a smooth surface to blend over instead of the tacky foundation.

Setting powder comes in a few different forms: Loose and Pressed. There’s also the option of using translucent and tinted setting powder.

What is the Purpose of Setting Powder?

• Help makeup last all day long
• Ensures powders placed on top of foundation blend flawlessly
• Keep foundation looking matte, instead of dewy or oily
• Can be brightening if applied directly under the eye

Is Setting Powder Necessary?

Do you absolutely need Setting Powder? Setting Powder, to me, has been one of the biggest game changers to my makeup routine. It goes A LONG WAY to make your last longer and look more flawless.

Have you ever tried to apply a blush directly on top of your foundation? It just doesn’t want to blend out! Setting powder is going to provide a little layer between the liquid product and the powder product. In general, powder blends better over powder.

For the oily skinned ladies out there, setting powder is HUGE for making sure your skin stays matte all day long. The powder soaks up the oils in your skin which will do wonders for making your makeup last longer and look fresh.

So, I’d give this one an overwhelming YES. Setting powder will absolutely ramp up your makeup game to make it look better and last longer.

Do You Use Setting Powder Before or After Foundation?

Always use setting powder after you apply your liquid foundation. There are a few nuances to this, like if you go in with a powder foundation, or use a cream blush or bronzer. In general, all liquid products should be applied after powder products.

If you use powder foundation, skip the setting powder. You don’t need it.

If you use cream blush or bronzer, apply those before the setting powder.

If you use powder blush or bronzer, apply foundation, setting powder, then blush and bronzer.

With these tips, watch how easy it is to blend your powder products over the liquid. It will absolutely speed up your application and give you a effortless, blended look.

Best Setting Powders

Drugstore

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Coty Airspun Loose Powder

This one is so good. At around $5, it is easily one of the most affordable translucent powders on the market. Not only is it inexpensive, but it does a great job. Its been a cult favorite of many gurus and one that I’ve sworn by for years.

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Makeup Revolution Loose Baking Powder

This is the one I’ve been using for about a year now and I really like it. This one comes in a few shades, including translucent, skin toned shades, and a banana powder for setting under eyes.

I typically like translucent powders, so I stick to that one, but it does a great job of adding a light layer of powder of the skin. My other powder products blend flawlessly over it. This one is another budget-friendly option, at about $10.

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Oh, I have so much to say about these. These are pressed powders that have a bit of pigmentation to them, that help add a different type of look to the skin. In the 3 pan palette I posted here, the middle shade is what I typically highlight with (being a lighter skin tone) and use the darker shades to warm up my skin.

Each Ambient Lighting powder has a different type of lighting that it is trying to mimick. So for the shade Dim Light, it will give you the finish of being in a dimly lit room. Luminous Light gives a more luminous look.

Overall, I love these because not only do they make your makeup last longer and blend better, but they also provide a bit of a glow that is hard to find in other products. They are a bit pricy ($64 for the palette).

Final Thoughts

Overall, setting powder is an absolute must in your makeup routine to help keep your makeup on all day and make blending a breeze!

Until next time!

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