Setting Powders and What Their Purpose Is

Setting powders are an essential makeup item to have in your makeup bag. Here's the thing—we've all got a lot on our plates and the last thing we want to worry about throughout the day is whether or not we look oily or shiny. I know you've got a busy day ahead and you want your makeup to last as long as possible, and so do I!

If you’re worried about oiliness and shine, setting your makeup with a setting powder can help keep it from breaking down throughout the day. Especially when used on top of a sticky or silicone-y primer, since those tend to make your makeup break down faster (hence why I don't use a primer, read what I use instead, Here).

Setting powders do exactly what they say: They set your makeup, acting as an extra layer of protection for all that foundation, blush and highlighter you just spent so much time applying. 

One of my favourite go-to setting powders for everyday wear is RCMA No Color Powder. I use it on myself as well as in my professional makeup kit for the last 10years. It comes in a pressed compact or a loose powder. This simple setting powder is light, natural, translucent coverage (unless you apply too much) with a lightweight feel that won't clog pores, and a little goes a long way. You can even use this powder for touch-ups throughout the day without worrying about it getting cakey or heavy on your skin. 

The good thing about using a setting powder is that you can focus the application on certain areas like around the nose. I love using this on my t-zone throughout the day to keep my makeup fresh!

Should You get the loose powder or compact?

This is a personal preference. Loose and pressed are exactly the same, it’s just packaged differently.

Translucent or Coloured Powder? 

I personally am a huge fan of the translucent “white” powder because it doesn’t change the other colours that you just put on your face, such as the blush, highlight, and bronzer. And yes, the “white” powder is a true translucent so it will not leave any white ashy cast on your skin. As I mentioned prior, RCMA No Color Powder is my favourite to use.

How to Apply A Setting Powder:

For best results, use a dry egg-shaped sponge, load up the sponge, tap off the excess powder, and press and roll, trying not to disturb the makeup underneath. We don't want to aggressively blend or rub since this will cause your makeup to shift and wipe away. Remember, we are setting the makeup in place on your face. To minimize the shininess of your T-zone, you can use a fluffy makeup brush.

PRO TIP:

Always tap off the excess product from your makeup brush or sponge before applying it to your face.

Here is my list of recommended setting powder brands. Pick one up, try it out and tell me what you think!

RECOMMENDED BRANDS:

RCMA “No Color Setting Powder”- Comes in a loose or pressed compact, $14 / $18 

Ben Nye “Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder” - Loose powder, $8 - $34 depending on size

Kett Cosmetics “Sett Powder” - Comes in loose or pressed compact, $24 

Danessa Myricks Beauty “Evolution Powder” - Comes in translucent as well as 8 other colours, $24

Laura Mercier “Translucent Loose Setting Powder” - Comes in translucent and 2 other colours $24 - $40 depending on size. “Translucent Pressed Setting Powder” - comes in translucent and a Medium/Deep colour, $39

One/Size “Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder” - Comes in a loose translucent and deep/dark colour, $16 - $30 depending on size

Hourglass “Veil Translucent Setting Powder” - Loose powder, $22 - $46 depending on size

By Terry “Hyaluronic Hydra-powder” - Pressed translucent $54, Loose translucent and 4 other colours $54

*some affiliate links are used.