Every one of our makeup looks is the result of hours of meticulous work. That’s why we’re crossing our fingers that they’ll hold up throughout the day. In order to keep your makeup in place, you can use either setting spray or setting powder, however these two products are not equivalent. So, which is which? Setting spray or setting powder?
There are a few key differences between them that make them both good ways to make your beauty products last longer, but for different reasons.
Why choose setting powder?
Powders used for setting makeup work by soaking up excess oil and humidity from the skin. Makeup on the face has to be set with powder to prevent smearing and fading due to the oil and porous nature of the skin. After you’ve finished applying your foundation, concealer, and any other liquid or cream products, you may set them using setting powder.
It may be used with either a brush or a puff and comes in both loose and pressed versions. Loose powder has finer components like talc and silica that provide sheer coverage and soak up oil. Therefore, those with oily or mixed skin, or those who like to use a liquid foundation, will benefit the most from this.
For a matte finish that lasts, a setting powder helps control shine. It might be completely clear, or it can have a very subtle tinge to complement your skin. Makeup artists use setting powder to provide a perfect base for their work.
Makeup that creases, cracks, or becomes too oily during the day can be fixed using a setting powder.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Setting Powder
You’ll need to select a few important choices before you can focus your search for a setting powder:
- Powder, either loose or in a compacted form
When compared to pressed powder, the oil content of loose setting powders is often lower, making them a better option for individuals with combination or oily skin. While loose powder is better for baking your makeup since it allows you to swiftly apply a large amount of product, pressed powders may be more likely to provide a radiant or luminous finish and are somewhat more convenient to bring with you on the move.
- A matte or shine finish
Setting powders come in a variety of finishes, much like foundations. In order to control oil production, several products use formulas that leave skin looking matte. While most setting powders have a matte appearance, several options exist. Makeup may be set with certain formulations, and your skin’s natural radiance can be amplified. Ingredients like mica and pearl powder can add a shimmering finish to these recipes.
- Tinted or colored
You may select between a translucent powder or a powder that is a close match to your skin tone. Clear powders are ideal for newcomers because of how simple they are to use. Those with darker skin tones, or those who just wish to add a little of warmth to their makeup, may find that skin-toned tinted setting powders are an excellent alternative.
Why choose setting spray?
Makeup setting sprays are misted into the skin and work to permanently fix the look you’ve achieved with your foundation, mascara, and setting powders. You can find a setting spray that works for your skin type and desired look (whether that’s a natural glow, a matte finish, or something in between).
After your makeup application is complete, you may use a setting spray anywhere on your body or face. There’s some sort of polymer or bonding ingredient in there that helps the makeup stay on after you spritz it on your face. It gives a natural look that’s not too heavy, and it doesn’t clog pores as powder may.
Depending on the formula, setting spray can impart either a glossy or matte appearance. It’s great for applying wet eyeshadow or setting concealer.
What to look for in a Setting Spray?
What kind of finish it gives your makeup, and whether or not it has any skincare advantages, are the two most important factors to consider when selecting a setting spray.
Look for formulations with hyaluronic acid, aloe, vitamin E, etc., if you suffer from dry skin. You may get setting sprays with niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of pores, and antioxidants, which fight the signs of aging.
Some setting sprays have light-reflecting particles that illuminate the skin, which can be used to amplify a dewy finish. Alternatively, there are formulations that mattify the face, resulting in a shine-free look. If you have oily skin, you may want to avoid dewy setting sprays since they might make your face seem greasy.
Read More:
How to Differentiate Makeup SettingSprays: Setting, Fixing, Finishing
How to Make a DIY Setting Spray
5 Best Setting Spray for Your Budget-Wise Self