WHAT IS A SETTING POWDER and WHAT DOES IT DO?

A setting powder is basically a loose or compact sheer-to- medium coverage powder that “sets” your foundation or other base makeup so that it lasts longer throughout the day. It adheres to any damp and/or sticky part of the foundation and creates somewhat of a seal. If you used a liquid foundation
alone, you can usually feel a “damp” feeling on your face (unless it’s a matte formula). You can combat this by using a
loose setting powder. It can also help remove excess shine.

WHY SHOULD I USE A SETTING POWDER?

It’s really beneficial for people with oilier skin-types to use a setting powder so that the oils in their skin don’t break down their makeup to the point where it’s sliding and/or disappearing from their face. The setting powder can seriously help delay the process and save you from touching up so frequently.

WHICH SETTING POWDER SHOULD I USE?

It really depends on your skin-type and what ingredients you’re allergic to, and
what your goal is. For someone like me with an overall oily skin problem, I go for ones that reduce shine with oil-absorbing
ingredients, set the makeup, and are translucent. There are also setting powders that help reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, such
as Laura Mercier’s Translucent Setting Powder, Ben Nye banana powder, sasha butter cup setting powder . You just have to know what your ailment is, and find one that will help rectify those issues the most. Read the labels! You don’t have to spend a fortune (unless you want to) to get a decent powder, but overtime you may find that cheaper brands aren’t cutting it for you. I’m not saying expensive ones are the end-all/be-all, but most of them cost a lot for good reason — they work!

HOW SHOULD I APPLY A SETTING POWDER?

If it’s a loose powder you should definitely use some sort of fluffy brush to apply it. The reason you want to use a fluffy brush is because it will lightly disperse the product onto your face without concentrating too much of it in one area. Make sure you use a light hand when picking the powder up, though.
You only need the slightest amount (I put a lot on the brush just to show you what it looks like). If you happen to pick up as much as I did, shake off the excess. Once you start buffing it in, it
should disappear into your skin and set you look. If you’re using a pressed setting powder, you can still use a brush, but you may find that a powder puff pad will work better. Use a light hand
with these as well, and just dab it along the areas where you want your makeup to be “set”, or absorb any excess oil.