How To Use Setting Powder for a Long-Lasting Makeup Look

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as spending time and effort perfecting your makeup, only for it to fade or melt away within a few hours time. Finishing your routine with setting powder can help extend the life of your products—but knowing how to use setting powder properly is a must to ensure a smooth, non-cakey finish. While it may seem pretty straightforward, there are a few common faux pas that can interfere with your application. Ahead, we’ll explain how to put on setting powder the right way—and clue you in on what to avoid when setting your look.

What Is Setting Powder?

Setting powder is a powder makeup product designed to help set liquid and cream makeup such as foundation and concealer. They can come as loose powders or pressed into a compact and are generally translucent or very lightly tinted. When applied over liquid makeup, setting powder helps lock your makeup into place, which helps to prevent smudging, fading, and migration throughout the day. Many setting powders also help blur the appearance of fine lines and pores and mattify unwanted shine for an airbrushed-like finish.

Types of Setting Powder

Before we explain how and where to apply setting powder, it’s important you understand the different types of formulas available.

Pressed vs. loose powder

• Pressed powder: Pressed powder typically comes pressed into a compact, like blush or eyeshadow. These formulas are typically used to help mattify unwanted shine and touch up the skin, though they can also be used to set makeup.
• Loose powder: Loose setting powders are lightweight, finely-milled formulas that typically come in a jar. They tend to provide a soft, blurred finish and can be used to set products as well as bake under-eye makeup. Because they’re so lightweight, loose powders are generally suitable for all skin types. A standout option is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, a talc-free formula that gently blurs, brightens, and controls shine throughout the day.

Translucent vs. tinted powder

• Translucent powder: Translucent powders typically appear white in the jar (or compact) but appear undetectable on the skin. They’re a great option for those who want to set their foundation and concealer without adding any extra coverage.
• Tinted powder: Sheer tinted setting powders are typically used to color-correct—light pink options, for example, are often used to help brighten the under-eye area, while yellow powders (sometimes referred to as banana powders) can help diminish the appearance of sallowness. There are also more intensely pigmented powders that can be used to set your liquid makeup. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder is one such example—the long-lasting formula can be worn alone for a smooth matte finish or dusted on top of liquid makeup to help lock it in place and add extra coverage where needed.

How To Apply Setting Powder

Once you choose the right formula for your needs, applying setting powder is typically fairly straightforward. Here’s what you’ll want to do.

Prep your skin

To help ensure a smooth, even application, it’s a good idea to, prep your skin before applying your base makeup. Begin with a moisturizer to hydrate your skin, then layer on a makeup primer tailored to your skin type and concerns. Mattifying primers, for example, are excellent picks for those with oily skin, while color-correcting primers can be used to help even out the skin tone prior to your makeup application. After priming your skin (and allowing the formula to absorb for a minute or two), apply your foundation and concealer as usual.

Select your tools

Choosing the right tools is crucial for effective setting powder application. If you plan to apply your powder all over to help set your makeup and minimize shine, we suggest using a fluffy makeup brush or soft powder puff. These are ideal for a lighthanded application (which is a must for a natural-looking finish). If you plan to bake your makeup, grab a mini makeup sponge—these tapered tools allow for a more precise, targeted application.

Apply your setting powder

Before you set your makeup, you’ll need to figure out where to put setting powder to achieve your desired results. If your main goal is to keep unwanted shine at bay, sweep the powder onto your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). For these areas, a light layer of product is more than enough—you don’t want to make your skin look one-dimensional or flat.

If you want to bake your makeup for a more matte, long-lasting look, use your makeup sponge to dab a thick, visible layer of product onto the areas you’d like to set. You’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes to help melt everything into place and limit the risk of creasing. If you want your under-eye area to appear brighter, swap the translucent powder for a tinted version, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder in Brightening Light Pink or Brightening Deep Pink. The blurring formula subtly color-corrects while blurring imperfections for a smooth, even-looking finish.

Remove excess product

Once the setting powder is applied, gently sweep away any excess with a clean, fluffy brush. This step helps to blend the powder seamlessly into your skin, leaving a natural, matte finish. Make sure to focus on areas where the powder may have built up, such as around the nose or under the eyes, to prevent a heavy or cakey look. The goal is to have a smooth, set base that still looks fresh and natural, so blending is crucial for a flawless finish.

Optional: finish with setting spray

If desired, you can use a setting spray like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to lock everything in place for a more seamless finish. Spritz your face with a setting spray to help melt the powder into your skin, creating a more natural, dewy look. The setting spray helps the powder blend effortlessly, ensuring your makeup doesn’t appear powdery or dry. It also enhances the longevity of your makeup, keeping it fresh and intact for up to 36 hours.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can make your setting powder application go awry. Here’s what you’ll want to keep an eye out for when setting your makeup.

• Applying too much powder: The most common mistake in learning how to use setting powder is applying an excessive amount of product. This can result in a heavy, cakey look and cause your makeup to settle into fine lines. Instead, use a light dusting of powder—you can always add more if you find you need it.
• Using the wrong shade: Choosing a setting powder that’s too light or dark for your skin tone can lead to a pale or uneven appearance. Opt for a translucent powder or a shade that matches your skin tone for a natural-looking result.
• Not blending properly: Failing to blend the powder well can leave visible, powdery patches on your skin. Be sure to buff out any excess powder with a clean brush for a smooth, seamless finish.

The Best Setting Powders for Different Skin Types

Setting powders are generally suitable for all skin types, but if you’re having trouble narrowing down the best option for your needs, we can help. Ahead, learn what to look for in a setting powder depending on your skin type and needs.

• Oily skin: Mattifying setting powders are ideal for those with oily skin, as they can help control shine and keep the skin looking smooth and balanced. Many can also help blur the appearance of enlarged pores—a common concern for those with oily skin. As for whether to use a pressed powder or a loose powder, it doesn’t really matter: Choose whichever option works best for you.
• Dry skin: If you have dry skin, it’s important to take care when selecting and applying your setting powder—you don’t want your product to cling to dry patches or emphasize texture. Generally, a lightweight, finely milled loose powder is best for this skin type. Be sure to apply it only where needed (rather than dusting it all over your face) to help prevent your skin from looking dull or flat.

• Combination skin: Those with combination skin can use either loose or pressed powders—the formula doesn’t matter so much as your application approach. To keep your skin looking balanced and fresh, we suggest applying your setting powder only to areas prone to shine, such as the nose, forehead, and chin.

Next Up: Here’s How To Get a Longer-Lasting Makeup Look With Setting Spray

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris