Setting Powder vs. Finishing Powder: What’s the difference?

Setting powder and finishing powder serve related, yet distinct roles in your makeup routine. Setting powder is typically applied after foundation and concealer to ‘set’ your base in place. It helps absorb excess oil, prevents creasing, and extends the wear of your makeup throughout the day. Finishing powder, on the other hand, is usually applied after all other makeup has been completed. Its purpose is to blur imperfections, soften texture, and give the skin a smooth, airbrushed finish, especially under bright lights or in photography.

What is a Setting powder

Setting powder is a key step in many makeup routines, designed to help makeup last longer and reduce unwanted shine. Available in both loose and pressed forms, it works by absorbing excess oils on the skin’s surface, leaving a smooth, matte finish. It’s particularly effective for keeping cream or liquid products, such as foundation, concealer, or tinted moisturiser, in place throughout the day.

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How to Apply

Application technique makes a big difference in the final result. If you're aiming for a soft, natural look, opt for a light dusting with a fluffy powder brush. Simply dip the brush into the powder, tap off the excess, and gently sweep it over the face. For a more matte, shine-free appearance, build up the powder gradually, focusing on oil-prone areas like the T-zone.

@alejayofficial Setting powders can truly make or break your makeup look, so it's essential to know the do's and don'ts. ❌✅ Applying them correctly can give your makeup a flawless finish. Here's what you should keep in mind. I hope these tips help you achieve a flawless makeup finish! If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask ☺️ #beranda #makeup #makeuptutorial #settingpowder #fyp #makeupfyp ♬ original sound - Ale Jay

What is a Finishing powder

Finishing powder is typically the final step in a makeup routine, designed to create a soft-focus effect on the skin. While it can help set makeup like setting powder, its primary role is to smooth out texture, blur fine lines, and give the face a refined, polished appearance, almost like a subtle filter.

Lightweight in texture, finishing powders are ideal for softening the overall look of makeup without making it appear heavy or cakey. This makes them perfect for touch-ups during the day, especially when you want to refresh your look without disturbing the layers beneath.

How to Apply

For best results, use a soft, fluffy brush and gently sweep the powder across areas where you want to minimise shine or texture, typically the centre of the face, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. A light hand is key to achieving that seamless, airbrushed finish.

@thedestinedtouch NEVER skip this step if you want your makeup to look airbrushed 👀👆🏾 A pressed finishing powder at the end is key to getting that smooth like base. It’s designed to blur imperfections, smooth the skin, and provide a soft, airbrushed finish. I mean just look at how it elevated it look 🥰 I am using the Charlotte Tillbury finishing powder in shades 2 and 3. Need more product knowledge? Make sure you check out my makeup product playbook for all tips, hacks, and recommendations. 🔗 in bio April books open this Saturday 🌷 #dallasmua #dallasmakeupartist #dfwmua #houstonmua #atlmua ♬ original sound - Emotionallove

Should you use them both?

You can use both setting and finishing powder, but whether you should depends on your skin type, the look you're going for, and how long you want your makeup to last.

Use setting powder if you want to lock in foundation or concealer, control oil, and extend wear, especially in areas prone to creasing or shine (like the T-zone).

Use finishing powder after all your makeup is done to smooth texture, blur pores, and give your skin a soft-focus, polished finish.

For oily or combination skin, using both can be especially effective, setting powder first for longevity, then a light sweep of finishing powder for that flawless look. If you have dry skin, you might prefer to use just one, and opt for a hydrating formula to avoid a cakey finish.

@jasadetunji how to use setting powders for a flawless glam ✨ difference between pressed & loose powder video: @Jasmine Adetunji products: @Maybelline NY fit me powder in “330” & “365” @Huda Beauty @hudabeautyshop easy bake powder in “peach pie” @Morphe Cosmetics contunuous setting mist #settingpowder #makeup #beautytok #makeupvideos #makeuptutorial #makeuptips ♬ original sound - Jasmine Adetunji

How to choose the right powder for your skin tone

When deciding between setting and finishing powder, it’s helpful to think about your skin type and the finish you want. Setting powder is ideal for oily or combination skin, as it controls shine and keeps makeup in place throughout the day. However, if your skin is dry or dehydrated, setting powder can sometimes make it appear dull or flaky.

In those cases, finishing powder is a gentler option. It gives a soft, blurred effect, reducing shine without making the skin look too matte. It’s perfect for smoothing out texture and giving your makeup a polished finish.

For many, having both powders in your makeup bag offers the most flexibility, especially if your skin varies with the seasons or you like to switch between dewy and matte looks.