What Is Setting Powder—Plus Pro Tips on How to Use It

You’ve just spent a good chunk of time perfecting your foundation, bronzer, blush, and highlight, and step back to admire your work. It looks good, and you’re not about to let all that work go to waste. Enter: setting powder. 

This genius invention not only locks in your look, but it helps create a flawless finish that withstands anything the day throws at you—rain, heat, rubbing, and beyond. For the full rundown on what setting powder does, pro tips for application, and which products to try, keep scrolling. 

What Is Setting Powder?

True to its name, the ultimate goal of setting powder is to set your final makeup look to extend makeup longevity. Once applied, the powder absorbs oil through the day, minimizes the look of pores, and blurs tiny imperfections for a more even-looking complexion. 

“They provide a matte finish in most cases, though some setting powders have crushed pearl pigments for a bit of a glow while sprays provide a dewy, glowy finish,” notes celebrity makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran. She adds, “The great thing about setting powder is its ability to be applied multiple times during the day to control oiliness.” 

Pressed Vs. Loose Setting Powder 

Two categories of setting powder exist: pressed and loose. Pressed powders come in a compact while loose powders come in a jar. The former is arguably easier to apply and tote around for touch ups, though Jaikaran says that the latter is more finely milled and has a light, breathable texture for a super soft finish. Both get the job done, so it’s a matter of what you prefer. 

What Does Setting Powder Do?

Regardless of what type of setting powder you use, setting powder packs the following benefits: 

• Extends the life of your makeup 
• Provides a soft-looking finish
• Soaks up excess oil throughout the day 
• Enhances existing makeup coverage 
• Makes pores a look smaller 
• Blurs fine lines and other imperfections 
• Helps blend makeup by creating a diffused look 
• Can be used for touch ups throughout the day 

How to Apply Setting Powder 

Setting powder should be applied as part of the final steps in the makeup routine to ensure its durability. “When using a setting powder, it’s best to apply immediately after a wet foundation or concealer as the products will bond better creating a fixed, flawless finish,” Jaikaran says. 

A large, fluffy makeup brush is ideal whether using a pressed or loose setting powder. Swirl the brush over the pressed compact or lightly dip into the loose powder, then tap away any excess. (A little goes a long way.) Start in the T-Zone and wherever else you tend to get oily, then move on to the rest of your face. Make sure to blend well, then allow the powder to set for a minute. Using a clean and fluffy makeup brush, dust away any excess powder. 

4 Setting Powders to Try  

Sold on setting powder? Start with these recommended picks. 

• Neutrogena Shine Control Pressed Powder ($14; Target):  Jaikaran recommends this setting powder for people with combo or oily skin. “The product really applies a natural, matte-finish to the final look and wears well throughout the day. It’s also formulated with a rice protein complex, which acts as a sponge to absorb excess oil,” she says. 
• Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($43; Ulta): This award-winning product is a long-time favorite among makeup artists and beauty gurus. The silky powder provides a soft-focus finish and 24 hours of shine-free skin.
• Kosas Cloud Set Powder ($35; Sephora): “It’s a sheer setting and smoothing powder baked with skincare that sweeps away shine and feels very lightweight on the skin,” says Jaikaran. 
• Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder ($36; Sephora) This super fine setting powder comes in 8 shades for a perfect color match against your complexion. It also blurs lines, pores, and imperfections and creates a soft and even complexion.