How to Use Setting Powder – 7 Pro Methods
Alyssia Chang
- Published
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Featured Image: @stella_nickol_makeup
With all the different kind of makeup powders out there, how do you know if you’re applying setting powder properly?
If you’re questioning how to use setting powder to look like your favorite influencer, celebrity, or just to make your makeup last, you’re not alone.
This makeup product essential can make or break your makeup’s longevity and finish.
So, let’s get started with making the most out of your setting powder!
Key Takeaways
Setting powder is your makeup guardian, locking in your look, controlling shine, and creating a oil controlling, fresh appearance all day long!
Embrace the do-it-all nature of setting powder! It can set, blur, absorb oil, and work with any look – whether that’s a subtle day vibe or full-on glam!
Learn powder power techniques! From setting your eyeliner, control shine in the T-zone, baking the under eyes, layering before foundation, and more for makeup that looks perfect from dawn to dusk!
Why Setting Powder?
The main purposes of setting powder are:
Enhance, blur, and secure your makeup.
Keep everything in place for any skin type, whether you’re sporting a liquid foundation or a cream-based blush.
Stop your makeup from moving or gathering into fine lines and pores.
Just a light dusting with a fluffy makeup brush, and you’ve got a smooth canvas that’s ready to face the day using your powder brush!
Setting powder, also known as powder makeup, offers several benefits that we know you’ll love once you get the hang of it!
Helps hide blemishes by offering a matte finish that balances the skin tone.
Creates a soft focus finish.
Reduces skin shine.
Creates a smooth base for other makeup products.
Setting powder, you’ve won our hearts with your pressed powder alternative and coming in loose powder too!
The Versatility of Setting Powder
Consider setting powder as the multi-tool of makeup.
Whether you’re aiming for a natural daytime look or a dramatic evening style, setting powder can adapt to your lifestyle needs!
The lightweight and easy-to-blend properties of loose powders makes them a popular choice, truly making setting powder a versatile game-changer.
For those with dry or maturing skin, don’t worry! Powders these days are high-tech and EXTRAORDINARY, as it will not accentuate your lines nor will it dry out your skin. As long as you’re looking at the description and skin benefits to makes sure it matches your skin type, you’re gold!
The Makeup Artist’s Dream: 7 Pro Techniques Using Setting Powder
Prepared to elevate your makeup game like a pro?
Here are 7 expert methods to making setting powder your b**! Each of these methods that are used by many makeup artists, will give you a deeper understanding of this versatile product and allow you to use it to its full potential.
The Easy, Targeting the T-Zone.
Set your Eyeliner.
Prevent Line or Wrinkle Creasing.
Set your Eyebrows & Lashes.
Apply Before Foundation.
Transfer-proof your Lipstick.
Baking your Makeup.
1. The Easy, Targeting the T-Zone
The T-zone, consisting of your forehead, nose, and chin, usually generates the most oil.
So, how do you set the T-zone?
Start by applying a thin layer of your setting powder everywhere on your face, neck, and under eyes.
Then re-apply a couple more thin layers, to just the T” area with a smaller powder brush for precise application.
The result? A quick and natural look that keeps any shine controlled!
2. Set your Eyeliner
Setting powder isn’t solely for your face – it also acts as a secret ally for your eyes! Here is how you can make your eyeliner on your eyelids smudge-proof and non-transferring.
Apply your gel, liquid, or pencil eyeliner on your top lid like normal.
Use translucent setting powder wet with a damp angled brush. Tap the wet brush on a tissue before dipping into the setting powder.
Press the brush on the back of the hand to avoid fall out.
Then tap or stipple the brush along the mostly dried eyeliner to set it and lock it in!
3. Prevent Line or Wrinkle Creasing
One of our favorite setting powder techniques is when you use a damp beauty blender or makeup sponge and target specific areas on the face to help the makeup from not creasing!
You’ll need: Setting Spray, loose setting powder, and a makeup sponge.
Dampen your beauty blender with water. Squeeze out the excess.
Then mist on the sponge a few times your favorite setting spray.
Dab your sponge onto a tissue so it’s evenly distributed.
Then dip your sponge a couple times into your loose setting powder.
Apply the powder makeup onto the lined areas of your face. Such as the lines in your forehead, laugh lines, and crows feet.
4. Set your Eyebrows & Lashes
Makeup can be wonderful when it looks effortless, however, fading or transferring is undesirable.
That’s where setting powder comes in. It helps control excess oil by mattifying the skin and keeps those brows from disappearing.
Plus, it prevents your mascara on your lashes from transferring to your glasses lenses and helps it not to flake!
Just apply a thin, light coat of setting powder using a precise blending brush onto the desired areas using a gentle tapping or stippling motion. This will create the perfect application and a lasting effect.
5. Apply Before Foundation
Did you know that you can layer setting powder between wet and dry makeup products?
This technique creates a bond that enhances the makeup’s staying power and creates a longer-lasting wear. It’s like using a protective shield that locks in your makeup!
To sandwich setting powder between wet and dry makeup items, follow these steps:
Press a light amount of setting powder onto your skin and neck before your foundation step, using a powder brush.
Apply your liquid products like foundation and concealer.
Then apply the rest of your makeup like usual.
This solidifies the makeup, making your face makeup last!
6. Transfer-proof your Lipstick
Setting powder isn’t limited to your face – it can also do miracles for your lips!
When used to set lipstick, setting powder can enhance longevity and give you a smudge-free finish. Imagine going through your day without worrying about your lipstick fading or transferring.
To set your lipstick with setting powder, apply your lipstick first, then cover your lips with a peel back, one thin layer of tissue.
Gently dab loose powder over the tissue with a fluffy brush.
When you remove the tissue, your lips will be matte and set!
For best results, consider using lipstick formulas like Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust, L’Oréal Paris lipsticks, MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick, and NARS Powermatte Lip Pencil. These pair perfectly with setting powder for better longevity.
7. Baking your Makeup
Baking isn’t confined to the kitchen – it’s also a brilliant method in the realm of makeup! Baking involves applying a generous amount of setting powder to specific areas and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before brushing off the excess. The result? A celebrity makeup artist flawless, long-lasting, finished makeup application.
To bake your makeup, follow these steps:
Apply setting powder with a makeup brush all over your face.
Then use a triangle makeup puff or damp makeup sponge concealer with loose setting powder on all the areas of the face that tend to crease or get oily.
Let the powder sit for 3 to 10 minutes.
Use the same brush that was used for application to smooth out the makeup and brush off any excess powder.
The best areas for baking include under the eyes, the sides of the nose, and the area under the cheekbones.
Trust us, your makeup will be baked to perfection!
Top Setting Powders You’ll Want To Try!
With so many setting powders out there, how do you know which ones are the BEST?
Whether you prefer loose or pressed options, there are countless products that cater to every skin type and preference. Among the highly-rated pressed setting powders, our clients favorites are:
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: This translucent powder comes in three very flexible shades, is oil-free, good for all skin types, has a matte finish, and keeps your makeup on for up to 16 hours!
MILK MAKEUP Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Talc-Free Setting Powder: For all our Clean Beauty besties out there, this one is for you! This outstanding, high performing, Talc-Free powder is a healthy persons BFF. Vegan, matte finish, weightless, blurs pores, and has no flash bounce back!
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder: This super affordable pressed powder compact is great for on the go. Is formulated for normal, combination, to oily skin. Reduces pores and is non-comedogenic.
MAC Cosmetics Blot Powder Pressed: You want a setting powder that is completely invisible, absorbs oil, is gender neutral, sets your makeup, and comes WITH a cute travel puff applicator? You’re welcome.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder: Medium buildable coverage, moisturizing, skin blurring, good for all skin types luxury setting powder has a cult following for a reason! Did we mention that it’s refillable too? Gotta love less waste!
For those with really dry skin, the Koh Gen Do Natural Lighting Powder, M.A.C. Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish, and LYS Beauty’s Triple Fix Setting Powder are fantastic options.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Setting Powder Application
As with any instrument, setting powder yields the best results when utilized properly. It’s not just about having the product – it’s about knowing how to use it. The recommended techniques for a flawless look include:
Do’s:
Press the setting powder onto your skin using a powder puff or damp beauty blender for a more even application.
Utilize a denser brush to apply powder to specific, targeted areas that need more coverage or oil control.
Press the setting powder into the skin before the foundation and after o set makeup effectively and extend wear time.
For oily skin types, using a puff to press the powder will help reduce shine and maintain a matte finish.
For individuals with dry skin, it’s important to moisturize and prime before applying powder to avoid enhancing dryness or flakiness.
Don’ts:
Don’t apply the setting powder with too much pressure, which can lead to a cakey appearance.
Don’t use a dense brush for overall application; opt for a fluffy brush to avoid a heavy, powdery look.
Don’t use a damp beauty blender without dabbing onto a dry tissue to spread out the moisture before dipping in a loose setting powder.
Don’t overlook the importance of skin type when choosing a setting powder; make sure it is compatible with your skin’s needs.
Don’t neglect areas like under the eyes, laugh lines, or the T-zone, where setting powder can prevent creasing and control oiliness.
Summary
Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, understanding all the current trends and pro artist techniques will take your makeup game to the next level.
So, go ahead, lock in your look, control your makeup, and step into the world with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you properly use setting powder?
To properly use setting powder, use it to bake your makeup and apply it all over the face as a final step in your makeup routine to increase durability and create a smooth finish. Pro tip — applying it before your foundation or concealer will create the perfect adherence and base so that your cream products last a really long time!
Do you use loose setting powder before or after foundation?
You should apply loose setting powder before and/or after your foundation and concealer. This will help set your base makeup and control any oil or sweat from appearing.
Do I put setting powder all over my face?
Yes, you can put setting powder all over your face to increase wear time and blur your skin’s pores, or you can strategically apply it to areas that tend to gather oil or where you need coverage to last longer. Enjoy experimenting with different application methods for a modern, fresh look!
What is the primary function of setting powder?
Setting powder’s is formulated to make your skin look tight and blurred, almost like photoshopped skin in real life! It extends makeups longevity, absorbs oil, minimizing the look of pores, and lifts while highlighting.
What are some professional techniques for using setting powder?
Use setting powder to set and to make your eyeliner non-transferable! Spray your damp beauty blender with setting spray then apply loose setting powder in your laugh lines, wrinkles, and under eye creases to prevent makeup from creasing. And apply it in your brows and set mascara to prevent fading or flaking. Create lipstick longevity and bake it on the skin for a flawless finish to elevate your makeup game!
