When you’ve taken the time to apply your makeup, you’re going to want it to last. And in order to do that, you’ll want to nab a setting spray or powder (or both). While both setting sprays and setting powders are designed to prevent caking and creasing and prolong the wear of your makeup, they each have unique qualities. And since choosing the wrong product or over-applying can make your makeup even more prone to smudging, it's important to know what’s what when it comes to setting powder vs. setting spray. Keep scrolling while we fill you in on whether to use setting powder or spray first, how to choose the right setting product for you, and address the question of is setting powder or spray better for your skin type and preferences.
Setting spray is a makeup product that’s designed to help keep your makeup in place for longer. It usually comes as a lightweight fine mist that is spritzed over your face as the final step in your makeup routine. It works by creating a thin, invisible film over your makeup, which helps to seal everything in place and prevent it from smudging, creasing, or fading throughout the day.
There are many types of setting sprays and mists on the market, catering to various skin types and desired finishes. The most common ones include matte setting sprays, which help control oil and shine; dewy setting sprays, which give a radiant and luminous finish; and hydrating setting sprays, which provide moisture to the skin. All, however, share similar benefits and can help:
If you’re looking for a setting spray to add to your routine, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray. It boasts a natural finish and helps extend makeup wear for up to 36 hours without transferring or fading. What we like best about the spray, though, is the applicator. Unlike traditional setting sprays, which can sometimes spritz on unevenly and leave visible droplets on the skin, this spray comes in an aerosol applicator. It applies evenly without leaving behind any visible residue and dries instantly with a lightweight, breathable feel.
Setting powder is used to set cream or liquid products (e.g. foundation and concealer) in place. It usually comes in a loose or pressed form and is applied with a brush or sponge. Setting powder is unique because it can be dusted all over the face or applied strategically to areas prone to shine, creasing, or oiliness (e.g. the under-eye area or T-zone). This level of control is ideal for those who have combination skin that’s oilier in some areas and drier in others.
Most setting powders are translucent, though there are tinted options that offer additional coverage. If you’re unsure which to choose, translucent is usually your best bet—because there’s no additional pigmentation, these formulas work well regardless of your skin tone.
Setting your base with a setting powder can help:
Keep in mind that not all powders are simply for setting makeup—some provide coverage, as well. L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation, for example, combines the benefits of a mattifying powder and a full-coverage foundation into one breathable formula. The powder foundation is suitable for all skin types and wears for up to 24 hours.
Setting powder and setting spray are both used to increase makeup longevity, but they serve different purposes and are used in distinct ways.
When deciding between setting spray vs setting powder, it’s important to understand that the texture and formulations of each differ, and as such, they’re used for different purposes. Setting powder can be used to set the whole face, but they’re often dusted on to areas prone to shine, like the T-zone. You can apply powder all over, but you’ll need to use a lighter hand—an overzealous application could leave your base looking flat or cakey. Setting powders also require a tool of some sort to apply (typically, a fluffy brush or sponge).
Setting sprays come with the tool built-in, so you don’t need to cram anything else into your makeup bag to use one. Instead, you uncap the bottle, hold it around 12 inches from your face, and mist it evenly over your skin. The liquid will help “seal” your makeup in place and prevent it from creasing, smudging, or flaking. While it’s technically possible to apply too much setting spray, doing so won’t leave your skin cakey or dull-looking—if anything, it’ll just take longer to dry.
If you’re still not sure whether to use setting spray or powder to set your makeup, consider your skin type, desired finish, and the other products you use in your makeup routine.
The first thing to think about in the setting powder vs setting spray debate is your skin type. If you have oily or combination skin, setting powder is often ideal as it can help absorb excess oil and control shine for a more balanced look. Setting sprays, meanwhile, are suitable for just about everyone. To avoid looking too shiny, we suggest opting for a formula with a natural finish, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray.
When considering setting powder vs setting spray, it’s important to know what your desired makeup finish is. If you prefer a more polished, air-brushed, shine-free look, you’ll want a matte finish. This is where setting powder excels, as it is normally formulated with ingredients that help absorb excess oil to create a matte, velvety finish.
If you prefer your skin to look a bit glowier, you may favor setting spray. Setting sprays have a lighter application compared to powders so the coverage is sheerer and more natural-looking. Plus, unlike powders, they come in an array of finishes, so you should be able to find one that suits your preferences.
Next, consider the complexity and longevity of your makeup routine. Setting powder is excellent for intricate looks where you need a precise application. It also works well if you’re only looking to set specific areas (like the under-eye). However, it can look cakey when layered over other powder products, like bronzer, blush, or highlighter. Setting spray, meanwhile, covers the entire face in seconds. Plus, it layers beautifully over powder and liquid makeup, so it can fit into just about any makeup routine.
Lastly, it’s worth keeping in mind that you don’t have to choose one or the other: you can layer setting spray and powder for an ultra-long-lasting look. If you do, you’ll need to figure out whether to use your setting spray or powder first. The rules on using setting spray before or after powder aren’t clear cut—it’s mainly up to finish preference. That being said, the most common method is to use a setting spray as the final step in your routine to help lock everything into place. Feel free to experiment with different application methods to find what works best for you, though—at the end of the day, your preferences are what matter most.
Next Up: 9 Sweat-proof Makeup Products That Won’t Melt Off Your Face
This site is for US consumers. Cookies, related technologies and device identification are used for Personalized Advertising. To learn more, or opt-out, visit AdChoices and our privacy policy, terms of use and CA privacy
Your Privacy Choices
Notice at Collection
