Setting spray vs. setting powder: When to use each one

Someone might be all about minimal, no-makeup makeup. Or maybe they love to flaunt a statement lip and a bold cat eye. Either way, they want the flawless face they worked so hard on to last all day.

Fortunately, both setting spray and setting powder can maintain the freshness of makeup for extended periods. Read our guide to setting spray and setting powder, including tips on which products to use when.

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What is setting spray?

As the name suggests, setting spray is a mist to spritz on the face. It can serve two purposes, according to Katherine Dorn, celebrity makeup artist at LRN Beauty in New York City. First, it can be "used between steps in makeup application to continue hydrating the skin while layering the makeup," she says. It can also be used at the end to ensure the makeup lasts.

Setting spray can be an especially good option for people with extra-oily skin to help "mattify." But "any skin type can use it, since there are dozens of formulas for each," says Mary Irwin, a New York-based makeup artist. Best of all, setting sprays typically don't alter makeup, since they're known for giving a more dewy, glowing final look.

How to use setting spray

Most people tend to add a spritz at the end of their makeup routine - and if that's the approach, the key is proper distance. "Make sure to keep the bottle far enough away from the face that it would spray a fine mist," Irwin says, not a torrent of liquid.

People can use setting spray in other ways to get even more staying power, says Dorn. "Spritz the face in between layers during makeup application to continue hydrating the skin. Or some people prefer to spray their blending tool - whether that is a brush or some type of sponge - while applying foundations and concealers," she says. People can even apply it as the very first step so that it doubles as a primer. Win-win.

If saturating a blending tool or makeup brush sounds appealing, one word of caution: Setting spray can break up any powder on the face and leave it looking splotchy unless someone is using all cream formulas. "I prefer to spray directly on the face - or use no spray at all," says Dorn.

Finding the best drugstore setting spray for different skin types

People don't have to break the bank to nab a great setting spray, since drugstores have a wide range of options. The best way to narrow down the range is to find one made for a particular skin type. "I recommend getting a matte setting spray if someone has oily skin, and one with a hydration focus if someone has extra dry skin,” says Dorn.

“I love the Milani XXL Make It Last Setting Spray,” Irwin says. “There are four formulas to choose from depending on someone’s needs, and the formula has glycerin, which helps increase hydration in the skin.”

Dorn advises steering clear of formulas with oil or alcohol, because the oil can cause breakouts, and alcohol may dry skin out.

What is setting powder?

Setting powders serve the same general purpose as setting sprays: locking in a look. But unlike setting spray, powder alternatives can absorb oils in the face and usually deliver a smoother, more matte finish.

"A setting powder is used after applying foundation and concealer," Dorn says, most commonly on the T-zone area, under the eyes and on the nose. "The powder locks the cream formula in place and helps ensure it will stay put. Setting powder also helps to absorb any oils on the skin and can give a blurred effect when applied," she says.

Dorn tends to steer away from using too much powder on anyone with very dry skin. It can further dry the skin out and accentuate any dry skin already on the face. For those clients, she recommends using creams, then setting sprays to keep the face hydrated.

Irwin notes that setting powder can be applied even on those with dry skin, especially in certain areas - just be sure to use it sparingly. For example, people can use it under the eye to set concealer instead of all over their face.

How to use setting powder

Setting powder should be applied as the final step, after foundation and other liquid makeup. For a lighter finish, it can be applied with a brush. Or for more dense coverage, use a sponge.

"My setting powder application process depends on several factors," Irwin says. One of those factors is skin type. "For oily skin, I might use a puff to push it into the skin and set the makeup. For dry skin, or a dewier look, I'd use a big fluffy brush to place it just where it's needed."

Finding the best drugstore setting powder for different skin types

Skin type should also be the first criterion in finding the right setting powder. "For dry skin, hyaluronic acid and aloe are particularly calming," Irwin says. "For oily skin, look for cornstarch and silica."

If someone’s skin is on the oilier side, a mattifying formula like FLOWER Beauty Miracle Matte - Polvo fijador universal may be a good fit. Sensitive skin types may find Almay Smart Shade Loose Powder helpful because it’s suitable for sensitive skin.

"People can really get amazing makeup products at the drugstore!" Dorn says. "One of my all-time favorite setting powders is e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder." She also recommends their pressed translucent powder for on-the-go applications. "And Wet n Wild has great, inexpensive products that are high quality, as well. Someone doesn't have to spend a lot of money to look good."

Irwin’s drugstore go-to is Maybelline Fit Me. "The Fit Me colors are wonderful, and the finishes are flawless. Maybelline makes some incredible powders," she says. "BLK/OLP finishing powder is another makeup artist secret weapon. The colors for dark skin are perfection."

When to use both setting spray and powder

For those days when someone really doesn't want their makeup to budge, setting powder plus spray might be the best solution. "Setting powder and setting spray in combination is the most heavy-duty option for long-term wear," Irwin says. "People could use one or the other, but for ultimate longevity, both are what someone would want."

That even goes for those with moisture issues. "If someone has very dry skin, use the lightest amount of powder just to set the cream," Dorn says. "Moisturize the face, spray with a setting spray prior to any application of makeup and spray again after foundation." Spritz after concealer, and spray once more when the makeup is complete.

“Once the setting spray is completely dry then go in with one more very light dusting of powder to finalize the look,” says Dorn.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.