Getting to Know Setting Products
Loose Powder is super fine and light. It sets your foundation and concealer with a soft, matte finish, making it a godsend for oily skin by keeping shine at bay without feeling heavy.
Compact Powder is pressed into a solid form, which makes it perfect for quick touch-ups on the go. It generally offers more coverage than loose powder and is ideal for quick fixes.
Setting Spray is a liquid mist that you spritz over your finished makeup to lock everything in place. Some sprays give you a dewy glow, while others keep you matte, catering to various skin needs.
How to Apply Setting Products
Loose Powder: Use a fluffy brush. Swirl it in the powder, tap off the excess, and lightly sweep it over your face, focusing on your T-zone and any oily spots.
Compact Powder: Handy for on-the-go fixes. Use a sponge or compact brush to dab it on, perfect for mid-day touch-ups without the mess.
Setting Spray: Hold the bottle about an arm’s length away. Close your eyes and mist it over your face in an X or T pattern.
Different Finishes and Effects
Loose Powders: These give a soft, velvety finish, perfect for oil control and a natural, airbrushed look.
Compact Powders: They offer more coverage and are great for quick touch-ups, but be careful not to overdo it.
Setting Sprays: They can give you anything from a dewy glow to a matte finish, making them a favorite for keeping makeup in place all day.
Key Points to Consider
- Skin Type: Oily skin? Loose powder is your friend for a matte look. Dry skin? Go for a hydrating, dewy setting spray.
- Coverage Needs: Need more coverage on the go? Compact powder is your best bet.
- Longevity: For makeup that lasts, setting spray is the MVP.
- Convenience: Compact powders are perfect for quick, mess-free touch-ups.
Benefits and Drawbacks
| Product | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Powder | Perfect for a matte finish, lightweight, great for oily skin, ideal for hot and humid climates, sets makeup for long durations | Can be messy, not travel-friendly, might highlight dry patches and fine lines on dry skin |
| Compact Powder | Convenient for touch-ups, great for on-the-go, often provides more coverage | Can look cakey if over-applied, may emphasize dryness, less staying power in humid climates |
| Setting Spray | Quick and easy to apply, gives an even finish, available in dewy or matte, makes makeup look natural, excellent for long-lasting wear | Risk of smudges if applied wrong, some formulas can be drying, less effective for oil control compared to powders |
Expert Tips
“Use a setting spray for a more dewy look, while setting powders are best for reducing shine and oil. Combination skin needs both for optimal results.” – Kelly James, skincare expert
“Choose products that cater to your skin’s needs. A water-based setting spray hydrates well, while a loose powder helps manage oil.” – Dr. Hari Kiran Chekuri, board-certified dermatologist
Mixing and Matching
When you’re out and about, don’t be afraid to mix and match your products. For a sunny event, start with a mattifying loose powder to keep the shine away, then finish with a setting spray to lock everything in. On colder days, a dewy setting spray can keep your makeup looking fresh and hydrated, giving you that perfect glow.
Application Techniques
Loose Powder:
- Moisturize and prime your face.
- Use a large, fluffy brush.
- Tap powder into the lid, swirl your brush, and tap off the excess.
- Buff lightly onto your face in circular motions, focusing on oily areas.
- For intense setting, “bake” by applying generously under eyes, along the jawline, and forehead. Let it sit, then dust off the excess.
Compact Powder:
- Start with prepped skin.
- Use a compact brush, kabuki brush, or sponge.
- Dab into the powder, tapping off excess.
- Press onto skin rather than sweeping.
- Use a light pressing motion for touch-ups to absorb oil without disturbing makeup.
Setting Spray:
- Complete your makeup routine.
- Hold the bottle 12-14 inches away.
- Spray in an X and T pattern.
- For extra longevity, layer: light spray after base products, let dry, apply powder products, finish with a final spray.
- Spray onto a brush for enhancing highlighter or metallic eyeshadow.
- Avoid over-saturating; a fine mist is enough.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Skin Type
Oily Skin:
- Loose Powders: Try Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder for its oil-absorbing, matte finish.
- Matte Setting Spray: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray locks in makeup with a matte finish, perfect for controlling oil.
Dry Skin:
- Dewy Setting Sprays: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting and Refreshing Spray hydrates and keeps makeup looking fresh.
- Pressed Powder (Minimal Application): Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish gently mattifies without drying.
Combination Skin:
- Option: Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder + Morphe Continuous Setting Mist for a balanced complexion.
- Alternative: Glossier Wowder for a lightweight, on-the-go touch-up.
Sensitive Skin:
- Natural, Hypoallergenic Setting Sprays: PYT Beauty One & Done Setting Spray calms and ensures long wear.
- Mineral-Based Loose Powders: Youngblood Natural Loose Mineral Rice Setting Powder is non-irritating and provides a smooth finish.
Professional Tips
Celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo suggests using setting spray mid-routine to help products blend seamlessly. Invest in quality tools like the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge for applying both loose and compact powders. Jena Joyce recommends pairing similar bases (oil-based with oil-based, water-based with water-based) to avoid separation and ensure longer-lasting makeup.
Conclusion
Picking the right setting product can make all the difference in how your makeup looks and feels throughout the day. Whether you’re dealing with oily skin, need extra coverage, or just want your makeup to last longer, there’s a perfect product out there for you. So go ahead, experiment with different powders and sprays, and find your perfect match for a flawless, all-day look.
