Setting Powder vs Finishing Powder: How to Choose the Best Option for Perfect Makeup Application

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Makeup powders have long been a staple in makeup history for as long as the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations were thriving. From Ancient Greece and Roman times, facial powder has been used symbolically to represent wealth, as pale skin represents a higher-class status.

In today’s world, there exists a variety of powders, from setting to finishing powders! Many may wonder, “Well, what’s the difference between a setting powder versus a finishing powder?”

On one hand, setting powder helps to easily set makeup and minimize shine throughout the day. On the other hand, finishing powders serve as a transformative tool to pull together makeup looks and offer a soft blurring effect.

Choosing the right powder for every occasion is as important as choosing with footwear to slip on for your next Met Gala appearance. 

If you’re curious about the secrets of when to use which types of powder, you’re in the right place. Keep on reading to find out how to create an effortless look!

In This Post:

• What is Setting Powder?

• What is Finishing Powder?

• Key Differences Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder

• Do You Bake with Setting Powder or Finishing Powder?

• How to Choose Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder

• Tips for Applying Powders Perfectly

• Recommended Products for Setting and Finishing Powder

 

What is Setting Powder?

Photo by Angela Nguyen

 

“So, what’s really the purpose of a setting powder?”

Setting powders are meant to help your makeup base last throughout the day by securing it in your concealer and foundation.

For anyone who wears cream to liquid makeup, setting powders is a must because they help to seal your makeup in place.

Its main purpose is to decrease creasing outside of locking your foundation and controlling sebum production.

“Good to know, but I see so many types of setting powders on the market.”

That is true! Let me explain the four main types.

• Loose powders:

These powders are great for controlling shine, setting makeup, extending makeup wear, and baking. These powders come in a container and usually require a brush or sponge for application. 

• Pressed powders:

Outside of setting makeup and controlling shine, this form of powder helps to present a natural, matte finish or velvet finish. They are more compact and easier to bring around for touch-ups.

• Transparent powders:

With its ability to be transparent, it is suitable for any skin tone to use. However, when taking photos, be cautious that certain formulations of transparent powders can cause flashbacks.

• Tinted powders:

With colored powders, it can help to add an extra light film of coverage for an even base. Matching the tinted powders to your foundation can help to make your entire look more cohesive when used correctly.

Like I mentioned previously, I highly recommend anyone who wears makeup for a long duration of time to give setting powders a go because it can help to mesh your entire makeup look together. 

Especially for my oily skin girls — this is a powerful investment. I no longer look sweaty and oily throughout the day.

 

Another part of picking setting powders is to know the most common ingredients in it:

• Talc 

– What it is: A naturally occurring soft mineral made of hydrated magnesium silicate used in cosmetics for moisture absorption and friction reduction properties

– Pros: Best used for people with a combination of oily skin types.

– Cons: Sensitive skin users should steer away from talc-based products as they can lead to breakouts and irritation.

• Silica

– What it is: An absorbent, anti-caking agent that helps to create a matte finish, oil controlling, and smooth feel.

– Pros: Best for all normal to oily skin types and natural to full glam makeup looks.

– Cons: For those who are concerned about powders sinking into your fine lines, dry skin enhancement, and flashbacks, this powder ingredient may not be suitable.

• Cornstarch 

– What it is: A natural compound in replacement of talc that quickly absorbs oil and moisture.

– Pros: For sensitive skin users, opting for cornstarch-based powders is highly recommended to prevent skin irritation and breakouts.

– Cons: Sifting the product for facial usage can be a hassle if not prepared beforehand. If used in large quantities, cornstarch can dry out the skin.

“Okay, now I feel knowledgeable about setting powders. What about finishing powders?”

Don’t worry, I’ve prepared an easy how-to guide and everything else you need to know about finishing powders in this upcoming section!

 

What is Finishing Powder?

Photo by Angela Nguyen

“What’s the purpose of finishing powder?”

The definition of finishing powder is: finalizing your makeup look to ensure cohesiveness throughout.

This powder is meant to add a smooth, airbrushed, and effortless finish to your makeup while blurring away any remaining imperfections.

“What types of finishing powders are there?”

 

Let me walk you through them!

• Silica-based powders: Silicon dioxide, better known as silica, helps to mattify sebum production while offering a blurring effect as a soft finishing touch.

• Tinted finishing powders: For this specific type of finishing powder, it’s very similar to silica-based powders. The only difference is it adds a hint of color on top of a soft finishing touch.

“Why should I use a finishing powder? I already have a setting powder.”

The great thing about finishing powders is that they combat flashbacks better than setting powders do.

With its ability to produce a high-definition finish, the ending result of the powder yields a flawless and unparalleled look that will last you throughout the day. 

What makes finishing powders different from setting powder is that they contain a magical ingredient called mica.

Mica is a crushed powder that adds the ‘glow’ to finishing powders.

If you made it this far, let’s recap on what I’ve broken down so far in the following section!

Related: How To Easily Start Your Makeup Journey: Makeup for Beginners

 

 Key Differences Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

When looking at setting powders versus finishing powders side by side, there are a couple of surprising key differences that we see and now know of. 

Purpose:

• Setting powder are mainly used to lock in a makeup look and make it long-lasting throughout the day, while finishing powders are used to enhance the final product while offering a beautiful glow that’s long-lasting

Texture: 

• Setting powder: When looking at how fine they are, setting powders tend to have dense particles, while finishing powders are finer and more lightweight.

Application timing:

• While using setting powder, be sure to apply this after your foundation, concealer, blush, and bronzer are blended in to set them in place. As for finishing powders, be sure to reserve this as the last step in your makeup routine.

Effect:

• One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed with my powders is that my setting will mattify my skin for a long duration of time, while my finishing powder will make my overall makeup look more polished and softer.

“So, how do I use a setting and finishing powder then?”

This is certainly a question that I am thrilled to answer. After going through a life-changing makeup journey, let me tell you what I recommend you use in this next section! 

 

Do You Bake with Setting Powder or Finishing Powder?

Photo by Angela Nguyen

“What is ‘baking’ in makeup?”
We hear this term all over the internet. Whether it’s through YouTube gurus or TikTok, or even the news!

To put it simply, ‘baking’ your face refers to adding a thick layer of loose powder on specific regions.

This allows for the powder to merge in with your makeup and skin to create an effortless, crease-free, and long-lasting look once you wipe off the powder.

I use this technique almost every day because I don’t have the time to touch up my skin often, as I wear it anywhere from eight to 12 hours.

For me, this technique helps my oils to stay under control as I don’t flake or crease as much throughout the day.
If you’re wondering which powder I use for baking, I prefer setting powder.

The reason is that it’s denser in product, which helps to fill in my pores and lasts me all day and night.

Ideally, for most, I would also recommend sticking with setting powder to bake for the same reasons.

“Well, what are the key steps for baking with setting powder?”

For myself, I prepare my base by using a nice round sponge and dipping it into a nice pile of setting powder. I usually target my under eyes and my tear zone.

Depending on the occasion, I switch between a translucent loose powder and a tinted loose powder. In my opinion, the best way to find out when to use which powder is through trial and error.

After the powder sits for a couple of minutes, I use a fluffy brush to brush excess powder. I follow up with a setting spray to make sure everything is secure!

At the end of the day, makeup is up to your preference!

However, I do want to note that the baking time is important. The longer you make your face, the better the results will be for a flawless complexion.

Now, if you’re still unsure of how to pick which powder to use, I recommend taking a good look at what skin type you have. Scroll to find out what fascinating recommendations I have for each occasion and skin type!

 

How to Choose Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

“I have oily skin. Which one should I go for?”

I recommend sticking with a setting powder that includes talc or is silica-based. These two ingredients easily serve to suck up your oils the best – especially if you bake.

“I have dry skin. Should I use the same products but in a smaller quantity?”

You can, but ideally, you may want to consider finishing powder as it will stick less to dry patches.

They also offer a better source of hydration since they carry fewer mattifying ingredients as well as mica to add a hint of glow to your complexion.

“Well, I have a night event to go to where I’ll be taking photos. What do you think?”

For a nice night out where you will be expecting to take photos, the safest option is to use finishing powders.

These powders help to blur your pores in-person and on camera while they remain true to their color and won’t give you flashbacks.

For my girls who enjoy long-lasting wear throughout the day, opt for a setting spray as it helps to secure, mattify, and make your makeup last longer.

The same rules apply for those who are deciding between everyday wear and special events. Setting powder will work best for comfortable everyday wear with minimal touch, while finishing powders are best for special events and professional photography.

If you’re intrigued about which powders are the most popular, let me give you a quick rundown. 

• Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

This powder is renowned for its long-wearing power, as it does not contain silica, which means you’ll be flashback-free! For my girls who are oily or do not want to retouch throughout the day, this powder is a must-have in their makeup collection. 

• Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking and Setting Powder

If you’re still looking for a loose powder that will offer some color, this is the one for you. Not only does it work as a setting and finishing powder, but it seals in your makeup without flashbacks as well?

• Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

For my sensitive skin and dry skin girls, don’t fret because this pressed and tinted finishing powder is talc-free! It’s effective at leaving a soft, blurred finish without causing your skin to be overly dry.

I know that there’s one question that many people are dying to ask: Can you use both setting and finishing powder?

Yes, you can, and let me explain how helpful it is in the next section!

Related: What Does Facial Toner Do and Why Your Skin Needs It – The Ultimate Guide

 

Can You Use Both Setting and Finishing Powder?

Photo by Angela Nguyen

The key to mastering using both setting and finishing powder on your face at once is understanding how to layer products. It’s not hard – trust me.

“What’s the process like?”

What has worked the best for me is using setting powder right after my concealer and foundation, and only in my T-zone area where I become most oily.

After I wipe that layer of powder off, I choose to follow up with a setting powder after my blush and bronzer go on, or I wait until the very end to lock it all in with a finishing powder.

Those are the techniques that I find to help me easily maximize my makeup and powders the best.

Be sure to be cautious of avoiding certain mistakes, or else it can break your makeup look. I’ve learned these mistakes from experiences, so let me walk you through what went wrong.

• Over-powdering:

This problem can arise if you pack on a lot of setting powder and do not carefully wipe it off effectively before going into your finishing powder.

The same goes for if you apply too much finishing powder and you don’t brush it off before you leave your house.

– Tinted powders:

Be mindful of what shades of tinted powders you are using. You can either choose to layer both powders with the same shades, use one translucent and one colored, or both translucent.

I say this because your final finish can come out splotchy if the two powders do not complement each other.

– Incompatible formulas:

Ensure that both powders promise similar ending results. If one powder is mattifying and the other one has a natural finish, the resulting makeup look may not be cohesive.

Of course, if we’re discussing how to layer, we need to know what the best tools are for us to easily layer powders.

From my own experiences, I recommend using a sponge for setting powders because it allows for greater control and stronger coverage. Ideally, for finishing powder, using a medium dense powder brush is the way to maintain an even application while avoiding access product use.

“Well, how much or little should I apply?”

To each their own, however, less is always more. Start out with a small amount and wipe it off to see if you would like more coverage.

Outside of practicing applying your powders, you must know how to prepare your skin for the best results.

Keep reading to learn how I prep my skin to maximize my makeup and powders!

 

Tips for Applying Powders Perfectly

Photo by Angela Nguyen

Skin care is as important a life-changing step to consider, even before you apply your makeup and powders.

No matter what skin type you have, make sure that your skin is well moisturized to prevent dry patches and creases – yes, even you, my oily sisters.

Outside of moisturizing your face, priming is crucial. Use a silicon-based primer if you have combination or oily skin for the best matte coverage.

For my dry and sensitive girls, use a water-based primer for hydration.

Additionally, applying setting powder is very different then how you should apply your finishing powders. 

For setting your face, you can either bake or use a thick layer of powder. If you are using finishing powder, make sure you lightly dust the product evenly throughout your face.

If you are baking, I recommend a dense sponge as it holds the most amount of product.

If you’re using a finishing powder, a medium to dense, fluffy brush works the best for the application process.

Remember that in order to avoid becoming cakey, using less product is always better at first.

You don’t want to end up with a cakey face before an event!

Strictly discussing skin types, I recommend combination and oily skin girls to stick to setting powder, while my dry and sensitive girls stick to trying finishing powders first. 

Once you feel comfortable with the application process, feel free to try out using both at once and see how that works for you!

I know everyone has been waiting for this moment so I might as well share with you now.

In this next part, we’ll be going over my recommendations for the best setting and finishing powders! Let’s get to it!

Related: 12 Best Scents for Women: Must-Have Fragrances to Define Your Signature Style

 

Recommended Products for Setting and Finishing Powder

• Morphe Bake and Set Setting Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

I found this setting powder in Ulta Beauty four years ago when I was looking for something inexpensive yet effective.

Knowing myself, I wanted a product that would resolve my oily t-zone without overly drying the rest of my face, which is what this product promised to help with.

The main ingredient in this product includes mica and aluminum starch in place of typical talc. 

From using this product, the main benefits I saw were that it was helpful in controlling my oils throughout the day without enhancing my dry skin that was outside of the t-zone.

I realized that I didn’t reach for my compact powder as much anymore, as it provided a thorough natural finish without greasiness.

If I were to go out for a long night, I would not reach for this powder as it has a natural finish, and I would prefer something more mattifying.

For those who have mainly oily skin concerns, this also may not be the most suitable setting powder choice either.

Standing at $15.00, I believe it’s a great, inexpensive product considering that it contains a full ounce of product and a range of colors.

For my girls who prefer a natural finish or have dry and sensitive skin, this is a wonderful option if you are looking for a natural setting powder to bake.

 

• Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

I found this product while shopping at Target five years ago. I was interested in this product because I wanted a setting powder that I could easily carry around, which led me to purchase it.

With this product being pressed, it was very manageable to carry around. Its main ingredients list includes talc, perlite, and magnesium stearate.

What I love most about this product is its ability to become a buildable matte coverage, and that it comes with a sponge in the case.

This product has saved me multiple times when I was in a pinch for a compact with colored powder.

I must say that if there is something that could be improved, it would be the casing. It does look very reminiscent of early 2000s makeup, but it may not be suitable for everyone’s taste.

I would not recommend this product to those who are looking for an immediate, full coverage, tinted pressed powder in one swipe.

I would also recommend that my sensitive users stay away from this product, as it contains talc.

For its selling point, being $8.68, this is a powerful compact pressed powder that can be popped into your purse for an emergency or left on your vanity.

 

• Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

I remember first purchasing this product back in high school, and it’s been my favorite backup powder to use for baking and finishing my makeup altogether.

I wanted something cheap yet effective, and this one took the cake.

What I love about this product is its ability to add an extra hint of tinted coverage. It is helpful with creating a flawless base for the remainder of my makeup after concealer and foundation — as well as making my entire face flawless at the end of my routine.

If there was something that could be improved for this product, I would wish it had a filter to help me gauge how much product I want to disperse from the container.

I think this is a wonderful product for my girls who love a two-in-one product and those who love a full-face finish.

However, I would recommend that my dry skin stay clear of this product as it can make your base look cakey.

For its selling point, $8.83 on Amazon is a great steal for a product that can cover multiple makeup purposes.

 

Luxury Recommendations

• Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

A year ago, I was given this luxurious setting powder as a Christmas gift.

I’ve always had trouble with oily skin, so I love trying new products to help reduce the appearance of my sebum and pores. 

The main feature of this product includes its ability to offer a soft matte finish, great for baking, and its ability to be long-wearing.

Coming in a loose powder format, it’s very easy to manipulate the amount of product used.

For myself, I find that I reach for this powder on the days when I know I’ll be out from sunrise to sunset, as well as events that would potentially include a lot of cameras and shutters.

I also would not recommend this product for people who are on the drier side, since it sits into your pores more than a finishing powder would.

For its selling point, being $43.00, if you are looking for an investment piece, I think this product and packaging are quite fair.

You are buying a quality product from a reputable brand.

As for price, she believes the price is quite fair as it’s only $6.00.

We both agree with certainty that if a natural soft glow is something that you’re looking for, this product is just right for you.

 

• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish

Photo by Angela Nguyen

This product was a gift for my grandma. She is big on staying natural and was looking for something that would blur her pores without looking cakey.

The key features that make this product stand out for her is its simple yet sleek packaging and pressed powder form.

Coming in a neat compact case, she loves to pack it in her bags when she goes out.

For grandma, she loves dabbing a bit of this finishing powder in the morning and or before going out, since she’s never had a powder that was in a compact format. She says it makes her feel “youthful and glowing.” 

She says this would probably not be best for people who are looking for a full face since it’s a compact powder with a finer milled formulation.

She does wish that there were more products within the product.

Being sold for $41.90, she believes it’s a worthy product since she believes it stays consistent in pricing with other luxury brands, such as SK-II and Tatcha.

We both agreed that this product would be best for people who are looking for a luminescent finishing powder that helps to blur their overall complexion.

Related: 7 Steps for The Perfect DIY Manicure You Can Totally Do at Home

 

Clean Beauty Alternatives

• Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

This powder was an investment piece I got for myself.

Knowing that the founder of this makeup line is someone I’ve always looked up to, I wanted to give her makeup products a shot, and it was well worth it.

The main features that make this product stand out from the rest of the products include its lightweight and buildable coverage.

Its ingredients list is sensitive skin-friendly since it doesn’t contain talc and leaves a soft, filter-like finish on the skin. 

I would say that this is one of the only powders that works well when my skin leans drier in the winters, and it’s safe enough for any other sensitive skin girls to try out.

For aspects that could be included, again, like most powders, I do wish that there was more product, but unfortunately,y that’s not the case.

I would recommend this product to girls who want a natural, blurred effect or who gravitate towards minimal makeup looks.

Even my dry skin girls could benefit from this product.

For being priced at $59.95 on Amazon, you can also purchase it for other varying prices depending on who’s selling it, so it is worth it if you look at different markets and compare prices.

Give this product a whirl if you love Selena Gomez and support brands that curate consciously made products with minimal ingredient lists.

 

• Laura Mercier Talc-Free Setting Powder

Photo by Angela Nguyen

I have a friend who has severely sensitive skin, and she’s extremely careful with what she puts on her face.

I recommended this powder to her because I heard it was a reformulation of the beloved Laura Mercier setting powder. 

For her, this is one of those products that she constantly reaches for now because she loves how silky the product feels on her skin.

With sensitive skin, she leans towards the drier side and doesn’t like powders that stick to her pores too much – this powder is great at blurring without causing dryness, according to her.

To date, this would be her third time repurchasing the product because it was quite life-changing for her.

However, she does want to mention that its bulky container makes it not the most ideal container to carry around in case of a retouch. 

The ingredients list includes hyaluronic acid for hydration, and the fact that it has 4 different shade ranges in loose setting powder form. 

She does wish that it did come with a puff for easier application and that there was some way to control how much product comes out when she travels.

Being priced at $48.00, she believes this product is a worthy investment for sensitive-skinned girls since it can be hard to find products that won’t overly dry the skin. 

For girls who are looking to set their face without looking extremely mattified, this product is your new best friend if you give it a chance.

 

• Coty Airspun Loose Powder Translucent 

Photo by Angela Nguyen

I wanted to use a fair-priced powder that could be used as a setting or finishing powder without costing me a pretty penny, which is why my mom gifted this powder to me.

I first began my makeup journey, so this powder has a special place in my heart. 

I continued to repurchase it because of its ability to easily mattify and blur my skin for $6.

When looking at the ingredients list, it was originally reformulated with talc, but now it offers a talc-free version, which is great for reducing the chances of skin irritation.

I love this product because of its ability to be fine enough to work as a finishing powder while still being able to last through baking.

This product saved me from multiple trips to the store since it has 1.2 ounces of product.

However, I do wish that the product were fragrance-free. I am a bit sensitive to smells and this one smells quite flowery.

I would not recommend this product to people who are sensitive to smells or those who want fuller coverage through their powders. 

Overall, for it running me $6.99, I’m very pleased with the quality and amount I get out of it.

I would strongly recommend this one-in-all powder to any girls who are dipping their toes into the world of makeup.

 

Final Thoughts

Photo by Angela Nguyen

Now that we are at the end of this deep dive, I hope that my helpful guidelines enable you to differentiate and pick up your next setting powder vs finishing powder. 

I know that the makeup world can feel overwhelming, which is why I love to share what I have tried and tested with you guys to help inspire you to find your most beloved makeup products more efficiently. 

Remember, setting powder tends to come in various formulations that help you to bake and set your makeup in place, while finishing powder may be more sheer and translucent, which can help to blur your makeup. 

Depending on what formulations, ingredients, and coverage you are looking for, trying different products can help you determine what you want and don’t want in a product.

Really take the time to listen to your skin’s needs, look at the process of your makeup routine, and pick up products that help you to feel good about yourself, not for others.

If money is something that is making you reconsider investing in your next powder product, start browsing at a local drugstore.

As long as your skin approves of it and it makes you feel good, don’t worry about needing to purchase a luxury product if that’s not an option for you.

Lastly, if you have any life-changing setting or finishing powders that you’ve tried that I haven’t listed, please comment down below so others can try them too!

Happy hunting!

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