How to Use Setting Powder in 4 Steps

Setting powder is face powder makeup that contains ingredients like talc and silica to keep wet makeup products, such as liquid foundation, in place. Setting powder minimizes the appearance of oil on the skin, giving wearers a smooth look, and it can help makeup last longer. Setting powder comes as a loose powder and as a pressed powder. This makeup powder can be translucent or tinted for different skin tones.

You can apply setting powder after concealer and foundation to set your makeup look, reduce shine, and hide blemishes:

1. 1. Finishing: Setting powder sets makeup to prevent fading and make it long-lasting. Setting powder is similar to setting spray, but finishing powder provides a smooth look. (If you have dry skin, a setting spray can add some dewiness to your face after applying your makeup.)
2. 2. Mattifying: Setting powder can control shine and reduce oil on the face. Some setting powder contains talc, making it suitable for people with oily skin types.
3. 3. Smoothing: Setting powder also minimizes the look of pores, fine lines, and blemishes, giving your face a smooth look. Some setting powder contains silica, which contributes to that soft-focus finish.

You can apply setting powder using a fluffy makeup brush or a sponge.

1. 1. Prep your face. Wash your face and hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Apply foundation, making sure to spread it evenly, then spot correct with concealer.
2. 2. Pour out the loose powder. If you are using a loose setting powder, pour out some of the powder onto the lid of the setting powder. Using a large powder brush, swirl the brush onto the powder in the lid, then tap it to remove the excess powder. If you are using a pressed powder, swirl your powder brush or sponge onto the powder, then tap to remove the excess powder.
3. 3. Apply the powder. Using the powder brush, buff the powder on your face in circular motions, starting from your T-zone then working your way outward. If you need to apply more powder to certain areas, repeat the process in those areas, such as your T-zone, under-eye area, and under your cheekbones. If you are using a beauty blender, tap and roll the sponge against your face, pressing the powder into your face—rubbing the sponge on your face will smear your makeup.
4. 4. Apply the final coating. Apply the rest of your face makeup—including eye makeup, eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick—then brush on a translucent setting powder with a fluffy brush. Wait three to five minutes for the powder to set on your face.

When applying setting powder, consider the following application tips:

1. 1. Skip the foundation. It is best to apply setting powder after foundation, but you can also use setting powder in place of foundation for a more natural daytime look. Just moisturize your face first, ideally with an SPF moisturizer for sun protection.
2. 2. Layer on the powder. An essential tip in preventing your face from looking cakey is to use a thin layer of setting powder and layer it on as necessary.
3. 3. Touch up your powder. You can touch up on your setting powder throughout the day to prevent your face from getting shiny.

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