Setting powder is face powder makeup that contains ingredients like talc and silica to keep wet makeup products, such as liquid foundation, in place. Setting powder minimizes the appearance of oil on the skin, giving wearers a smooth look, and it can help makeup last longer. Setting powder comes as a loose powder and as a pressed powder. This makeup powder can be translucent or tinted for different skin tones. 

You can apply setting powder after concealer and foundation to set your makeup look, reduce shine, and hide blemishes:

1. __Finishing__: Setting powder sets makeup to prevent fading and make it long-lasting. Setting powder is similar to setting spray, but finishing powder provides a smooth look. (If you have dry skin, a setting spray can add some dewiness to your face after applying your makeup.)
2. __Mattifying__: Setting powder can control shine and reduce oil on the face. Some setting powder contains talc, making it suitable for people with oily [skin types](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-your-skin-type).
3. __Smoothing__: Setting powder also minimizes the look of pores, fine lines, and blemishes, giving your face a smooth look. Some setting powder contains silica, which contributes to that soft-focus finish.
You can apply setting powder using a fluffy makeup brush or a sponge. 

1. __Prep your face__. [Wash your face](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-properly-wash-your-face) and hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Apply [foundation](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/bobbi-brown-teaches-makeup-and-beauty/chapters/foundation), making sure to spread it evenly, then spot correct with concealer.
2. __Pour out the loose powder__. If you are using a loose setting powder, pour out some of the powder onto the lid of the setting powder. Using a large powder brush, swirl the brush onto the powder in the lid, then tap it to remove the excess powder. If you are using a pressed powder, swirl your powder brush or sponge onto the powder, then tap to remove the excess powder.
3. __Apply the powder__. Using the powder brush, buff the powder on your face in circular motions, starting from your T-zone then working your way outward. If you need to apply more powder to certain areas, repeat the process in those areas, such as your T-zone, under-eye area, and under your cheekbones. If you are using a beauty blender, tap and roll the sponge against your face, pressing the powder into your face—rubbing the sponge on your face will smear your makeup.
4. __Apply the final coating__. Apply the rest of your face makeup—including eye makeup, eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick—then brush on a translucent setting powder with a fluffy brush. Wait three to five minutes for the powder to set on your face. 
When applying setting powder, consider the following application tips:

1. __Skip the foundation__. It is best to apply setting powder after foundation, but you can also use setting powder in place of foundation for a more natural daytime look. Just [moisturize](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-moisturizers) your face first, ideally with an SPF moisturizer for sun protection.
2. __Layer on the powder__. An essential tip in preventing your face from looking cakey is to use a thin layer of setting powder and layer it on as necessary.
3. __Touch up your powder__. You can touch up on your setting powder throughout the day to prevent your face from getting shiny.
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You can use setting powder set your face makeup and help it last longer. Setting powder can also reduce shine by giving your face a matte finish. Learn how to use setting powder to achieve the perfect look.

You can use setting powder set your face makeup and help it last longer. Setting powder can also reduce shine by giving your face a matte finish. Learn how to use setting powder to achieve the perfect look.

How to Use Setting Powder in 4 Steps

Setting powder is face powder makeup that contains ingredients like talc and silica to keep wet makeup products, such as liquid foundation, in place. Setting powder minimizes the appearance of oil on the skin, giving wearers a smooth look, and it can help makeup last longer. Setting powder comes as a loose powder and as a pressed powder. This makeup powder can be translucent or tinted for different skin tones.

What Is Setting Powder? 

You can apply setting powder after concealer and foundation to set your makeup look, reduce shine, and hide blemishes:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Finishing: Setting powder sets makeup to prevent fading and make it long-lasting. Setting powder is similar to setting spray, but finishing powder provides a smooth look. (If you have dry skin, a setting spray can add some dewiness to your face after applying your makeup.) </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Mattifying: Setting powder can control shine and reduce oil on the face. Some setting powder contains talc, making it suitable for people with oily <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-your-skin-type' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-your-skin-type","linkCopy":"skin types","category":null}'>skin types</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Smoothing: Setting powder also minimizes the look of pores, fine lines, and blemishes, giving your face a smooth look. Some setting powder contains silica, which contributes to that soft-focus finish. </li></ol>

3 Purposes of Setting Powder 

You can apply setting powder using a fluffy makeup brush or a sponge. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Prep your face. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-properly-wash-your-face' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-properly-wash-your-face","linkCopy":"Wash your face","category":null}'>Wash your face</a> and hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Apply <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/bobbi-brown-teaches-makeup-and-beauty/chapters/foundation' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/bobbi-brown-teaches-makeup-and-beauty/chapters/foundation","linkCopy":"foundation","category":null}'>foundation</a>, making sure to spread it evenly, then spot correct with concealer. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Pour out the loose powder. If you are using a loose setting powder, pour out some of the powder onto the lid of the setting powder. Using a large powder brush, swirl the brush onto the powder in the lid, then tap it to remove the excess powder. If you are using a pressed powder, swirl your powder brush or sponge onto the powder, then tap to remove the excess powder. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Apply the powder. Using the powder brush, buff the powder on your face in circular motions, starting from your T-zone then working your way outward. If you need to apply more powder to certain areas, repeat the process in those areas, such as your T-zone, under-eye area, and under your cheekbones. If you are using a beauty blender, tap and roll the sponge against your face, pressing the powder into your face—rubbing the sponge on your face will smear your makeup. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Apply the final coating. Apply the rest of your face makeup—including eye makeup, eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick—then brush on a translucent setting powder with a fluffy brush. Wait three to five minutes for the powder to set on your face. </li></ol>

How to Apply Setting Powder 

When applying setting powder, consider the following application tips:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Skip the foundation. It is best to apply setting powder after foundation, but you can also use setting powder in place of foundation for a more natural daytime look. Just <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-moisturizers' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-moisturizers","linkCopy":"moisturize","category":null}'>moisturize</a> your face first, ideally with an SPF moisturizer for sun protection. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Layer on the powder. An essential tip in preventing your face from looking cakey is to use a thin layer of setting powder and layer it on as necessary. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Touch up your powder. You can touch up on your setting powder throughout the day to prevent your face from getting shiny. </li></ol>

3 Tips for Using Setting Powder

Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and more.

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You can use setting powder set your face makeup and help it last longer. Setting powder can also reduce shine by giving your face a matte finish. Learn how to use setting powder to achieve the perfect look.

You can use setting powder set your face makeup and help it last longer. Setting powder can also reduce shine by giving your face a matte finish. Learn how to use setting powder to achieve the perfect look.
