Unlike a good blush or incredible lipstick, the best setting powders aren’t made to be noticed—which is why they’re an easy step to skip in your beauty routine when you’re pressed for time or money. Its bad rap for making your face look dry and cakey certainly doesn’t help either. But with the latest face powder formulas, your makeup could last twice as long and stay put without smearing, smudging, or feeling heavy.
Think of setting powder as a tool (and a highly underrated one at that) that can vastly extend the life of even easy makeup looks, like the way a topcoat does for your manicure. And unlike makeup setting spray, a single dusting can lock your makeup in place, keep shine to a minimum, and soak up sweat and oil—qualities that are undeniably useful in the sticky-sweaty dog days of summer.
Makeup powders can be especially helpful if you use a lightweight foundation. “In the heat, your cream or liquid foundation will not set without a setting powder,” explains Natasha Moor, makeup artist and founder of Natasha Moor Cosmetics. “It keeps your foundation locked in throughout the day and ensures that your skin looks smooth with an all-over clean finish—never shiny or oily.”
Is setting powder before or after foundation?
While makeup primer is usually the first setting step to enhance your makeup’s staying power, “powder is typically the final setting step to sealing in foundation and concealer, reduce shine, and hide blemishes,” says celebrity makeup artist and Jamie Makeup founder Jamie Greenberg.
You can also use it in place of foundation, since some tinted face powders can also offer translucent coverage, along with SPF and hydrating and brightening ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. “Sometimes I just use a tinted SPF with a powder over top of it because I love my freckles and don’t want them to be completely covered,” Kenna Ehman, makeup artist and co-owner of Kenna Kunijo. “It’s a great way to control a shiny face all day without looking super ‘done up.’”
How do you use setting powder without looking cakey?
While nailing down the best setting powder for your skin will help, it really starts with your skin-care routine. “The key to preventing a cakey face is making sure your skin is well hydrated before the application of your products,” says Greenberg.
Should I use setting spray after setting powder?
Absolutely. “While powders typically work better for oily skin and setting sprays for drier skin, I recommend using both a setting powder and a setting spray to ensure long lasting wear,” says Greenberg, who’s a fan of the Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist. “Using a setting spray is the perfect last step in your makeup routine, since it can help your makeup lock into place and melt together.”
Where do you apply setting powder?
While most of your face is fair game, “setting powder is typically applied on the T-zone area, under-eye area, and under your cheekbones to set your makeup into place,” Greenberg says. Also, it’s best applied with a fluffy makeup brush, although some work with makeup sponges (just don’t forget to clean your makeup sponge afterward to swerve a mix-up the next morning).
Do setting powders clog pores?
Not if they’re non-comedogenic. If you’re worried about inadvertently triggering a breakout, consider “powders that aren’t over-drying and don’t cling to dry patches, which are best for acne-prone skin,” Greenberg says. Also key for keeping pores clear: Knowing how to correctly remove makeup at the end of the day.
From vegan makeup brand Cover FX’s talc-free formula—perfect for those with sensitive skin—to others that double as the best bronzer, we compiled a list of the best finishing powder for every preference and concern.
