When it comes to makeup, you can never have too many products. With so many different formulas and variations of each product, the beauty industry has kept us, girls, scrambling for more space in our cabinets. Even with all these options, though, we’re still confused about some basics. For example, what is the difference between setting powder and finishing powder? Which one should you use on any given day? Let’s explore… Setting powder and finishing powder are both types of powders that are used after applying your foundation or another type of primer. They have the same basic purpose: to neutralize oils and control oil production, as well as set your makeup so that it lasts all day long. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they differ:
What is finishing powder?
Finishing powder is a loose powder that is applied to the entire face after you’ve applied your foundation. It will help seal your foundation and keep you shine-free all day. That said, it’s not specifically designed to help set your foundation, like setting powder is. Finishing powder often has fuller coverage than setting powder, which is why it can be used to even out your skin tone, as opposed to setting powder, which is often used to set the foundation. As it’s applied to your entire face, it creates a more uniform look, whereas setting powder is applied directly to areas where you have oily skin, like your T-zone. These are the areas of your face that are more likely to break down and oxidize your makeup, so a setting powder is a better option for these areas. Setting powder is often used in conjunction with a finishing powder. Many people use both to set and finish their makeup.
What is setting powder?
Setting powder is a pressed or loose powder that is applied directly to your T-zone area. It’s used to help set your foundation, so it’s the perfect product for people with oily skin, or for people who prefer to wear a full face of makeup every day. Setting powder is applied after you’ve applied your foundation and before you apply any other makeup. You can apply it with a brush or a sponge, or you can use the same powder brush that you used to apply your foundation. Setting powder will soak up excess oils and keep your makeup looking fresh, even if you have oily skin. It works by neutralizing the oils on your face, which is why it’s important to apply it before you add any other makeup.
How to use setting powder?
Setting powder can be used to set your makeup, or you can use it to help minimize the appearance of pores. If you want to set your makeup, apply the powder with a brush or sponge by tapping off any excess powder. If you want to minimize pores, apply the powder directly to the pores using a sponge. If you’re using a pressed powder, you can also apply it to your under eyes, as well as your nose and forehead, where you’re likely to have more oil. You can also apply setting powder to your entire face to even out the look of your makeup and create a more uniform look. If you’re using a loose powder, tap the powder directly to your T-zone, where you’re more likely to have excess oils. You can also apply it to your under-eyes.
How to use finishing powder?
When you use finishing powder, apply a light coating to your entire face and neck. You can use a powder puff, an applicator (like a kabuki brush), or a makeup brush. Brush the powder on like you would with regular makeup. You can also apply finishing powder with a makeup sponge, but you’ll want to use a stippling motion so it’s not a full-coverage application. Finish with a light tapping motion so you don’t leave behind any excess powder. If you’re using a pressed finishing powder, you can apply it with a makeup sponge or a makeup applicator like a kabuki brush, but you’ll want to apply a light coating. If you apply too much finishing powder, it will make your skin look dry and cakey.
Which is better: setting powder or finishing powder?
Setting powder is best for people with oily skin or people who wear full-coverage makeup. Finishing powder is better for people with dry skin or people who want to apply for light coverage. That said, if you have oily skin and you prefer to wear a lighter coverage, you can still use a setting powder. Just apply it more sparingly so that it doesn’t look cakey. If you have dry skin and you like to wear full coverage, you can still use finishing powder, but you may need to moisturize your skin before applying it. As the setting powder is applied before all other makeup, it’s better to use it when you’re going for a heavier makeup look. Finishing powder is better for a lighter makeup look, like when you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look.
Which One Should You Use?
This depends on your skin type and the type of makeup you like to wear. If you have oily skin, you’ll want to use heavier makeup, as well as a heavier setting powder. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to use lighter makeup, as well as a light finishing powder. That said, all of this is a matter of preference. If you’re unsure which you should use, you can always try using both and see which works best for you. You can also experiment with the amount of product you apply, as well as where you apply it.
Tips For Using Setting/Finishing Powder
– If you’re using a pressed powder, use a makeup sponge or a brush with natural fiber to apply it, as synthetic fibers can leave behind fibers that show up in your makeup. – If you’re using a loose powder, use a makeup brush with a natural fiber, like a squirrel hair brush. – When using finishing powder, make sure you apply it to your neck and ears, as well as your face. – When using setting powder, be sure to apply it lightly. This is especially important if you’re using a pressed setting powder, as it can cake up more easily than loose powder.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has cleared up some confusion around setting powder and finishing powder. Setting powder is best for people with oily skin while finishing powder is better for people with dry skin. There’s also a difference in application, as the setting powder is applied before all other makeup while finishing powder is applied after all other makeup. Hopefully, you’re now equipped to find the best finishing or setting powder for your skin type and the type of makeup you like to wear.