Endless tutorials and millions of articles explain the power of this special powder and hot to use it. All that information can be overwhelming and a bit discouraging, but we will keep it clean and simple when it comes to this crucial step for makeup longevity – the setting powder. 😎
The purpose of loose, setting powder
Really, why should you use setting powder? Well, imagine this - your day starts with a conference that will last for hours, a couple of follow-up meetings, and of course - the drinks afterward are a must. So, how can you look all day the way you looked when you got ready in the morning? 😲
Your answer and savior is the setting powder. Its primary purpose is to keep your makeup exactly where you applied it. And it’s not a prayer; it’s science.
First, we apply liquid products – like foundation and concealer, and when you apply setting powder on top, that dry product will form a bond with wet ones and seal your makeup in its place. 👌
That is the most important thing about setting powder, but not the only one. Setting powder can control shine and mattify oil on your face, making it an excellent solution for oily skin. It can also be very smoothing as it minimizes the showing of pores, fine lines, and blemishes, giving your face a silky-smooth look.
Types of loose powder
Setting powder comes in two shapes - loose and pressed and in two colors - translucent and colored. As a final step of makeup application, it can be a make-it-or-break-it move, so choose wisely what suits your needs. ☝
Colored powder offers coverage assistance; it will help to reduce redness or correct your foundation to be a bit lighter or darker (just keep it close to the foundation shade!).
On the other hand, loose translucent powder is invisible when applied, meaning it will not affect your foundation shade, and it's appropriate for all skin tones. However, some translucent powders can appear white or chalky on dark skin, usually if you apply too much. To avoid this nuisance, look for a good-quality powder that is very finely milled, as smaller, finer particles will blend with your skin more seamlessly.
How to use setting powder for perfect fixation
The setting powder will do its magic quietly for hours if appropriately used. If not, everybody will see. It’s not the end of the world, but let’s skip that kind of self-promotion. 😬 Instead of seeing mistakes in your photos or in your friend’s eyes, give it a good read and a couple of tries, and it’s gonna work out. ✨
So, here is our guide on how to use setting powder for a perfect fixation.
The Before
As always, prep your face. Clean your face and hydrate with the cream of your choice. Bounce foundation and concealer to your needs — but don’t let it completely dry. The wet-dry bond will form best if you apply setting powder to a still-sticky foundation and concealer. Not immediately, but swiftly.
The During
Going straight to your face with powder is not a very good idea. Quality is important, but quantity is key. If you are using a loose setting powder, pour out some of the powder onto the lid of the container. Swirl a large powder brush onto the powder in the lid, then tap it to remove the extra powder. You should tap off the excess powder of the brush if your choice is pressed powder, as well.
Start from T-zone and work your way outward with round motions. Pay attention to undereye and areas where oil tends to show - along the sides of your nose and on your forehead and chin. Wait three to five minutes for the powder to set on your face. A safer option for beginners can be a makeup puff instead of a brush; it will not leave streaks or move product too much.
The After
A final check. You’re done with all the makeup, you take a step back, and some imperfections are still showing. Now is the time for the layering trick – have a tiny amount of concealer on a slim brush, cover the problem and finish with a final layer of powder. This will not burden the face with another product layer and will hold better throughout the day.
Dragička's Tips:
1. Layers
We like to eat cake but not look like a cake. At least not on no-Halloween days. Be patient and apply thin layers.
2. Touch up
The magic dust can be taken away by touching the face or having a bit greasy day. Check every few hours and give yourself a little touch-up; it will go a long way.
3. No foundation
Sunlight shows everything but mercy. A positive way to look more natural in daylight is to skip foundation and apply setting powder after skincare, preferably with SPF.
4. Translucent or colored?
Translucent powders are trickier to use but easy to choose, as you don’t have to worry about the color.
There is no additional coverage, but it won’t change the color of your base. It does not like to travel, but it likes to leave a mess on the vanity. 😕
Also, since it's primarily a finishing powder, it's mostly used for studio photography and videos, for that soft blur of the face without any color change.
If you opt in for a colored setting powder, choose a color one shade lighter than your foundation. (It can get darker during the day since the setting powder is applied on top of makeup.) But be careful if you have a dark complexion – using a setting powder that is too light can make your makeup look ashy. If you go too darker than your tan, your face might look muddy.
5. Pink!
Using pink setting powder to brighten the under-eye area is 2022 makeup rage. Pink cancels out any blue tones in the under-eye area and brightens the skin. It’s a pink powder, not an eyeshadow, so stay away from glitter or shimmer. Pro MUA tip – leave powder on for 5-10 minutes and then brush off. Red carpet style. 💃
Keep shining bright,
D.