How to Lock in Your Makeup with Setting Powder: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

If our FYP has taught us anything about makeup it’s that makeup girlies love their setting powder. This beloved beauty pro staple isn’t just for experts to use in their routines. It has so many benefits and if you ask us, it’s a total makeup game-changer. If you’re new to setting powder, get ready for your mind to be blown. We’re bringing you a complete setting powder guide to set you up for setting powder success. Once you experience its myriad benefits, you’ll wonder what took you so long to try it. 

What is Setting Powder?

Unlike your mom's old-school powder compact, setting powders hit the skin a little differently. They are lightweight powders that come in either a loose or pressed formula. Their job is to set and elevate your makeup so it looks better, for longer. Setting powders are used to bake your makeup into your skin, a technique that involves setting your product correctly so that it doesn’t crease or fade fast. It also has brightening benefits, which makes it the perfect product for your under-eye area. 

Who Should Use Setting Powder?

Essentially everyone can benefit from adding setting powder to their daily makeup routine. If you want your makeup to go the extra mile and look as fresh as it did when you applied it, then setting powder is for you. It’s also a miracle worker for those who have oily skin or are prone to makeup slipping or creasing. When you apply setting powder in the morning, you won’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. Think of it like a makeup insurance policy!

Types of Setting Powders

Setting powder comes in different types of varieties, colors and textures. The most common type is translucent loose setting powder. Loose powder is great for a natural skin effect that can be used for both setting and finishing. This loose powder trio takes mattifying skin a step further with color-correcting benefits. Use any of the three shades alone or mix and match them for a custom setting powder blend. The pink and peach tones are best for brightening the under-eye area whereas the lilac is great for correcting yellow undertones. If you prefer the convenience and tidiness of a pressed powder formula, this cult-fave brightening powder is for you. It has a translucent finish so it works for every skin tone, making it look polished and flawless.

How to Apply Setting Powder

Both pressed and loose setting powders can be applied using a powder brush. This application technique is great for finishing and covering off larger areas of the face. For a pro-like baked finish, tap off any excess powder before pressing your brush gently into your skin to set your look. To apply setting powder to your under-eye area, try using a powder puff or beauty baking sponge. This will give you that baked and brightened effect that will elevate your makeup and set it in place for the long haul. 

Common Mistakes With Setting Powder

When it comes to setting powder blunders, there are a few to avoid. The first is applying too much product. You only need a little to go a long way in setting your makeup look. Tapping off excess powder will really help prevent over-applying. Another no-no when it comes to setting powder is wearing the wrong color. A powder that’s way too light or dark will be super obvious. When starting, go for a transparent formula until you get comfy with using setting powder. Lastly, blending is key. Take the time to blend your product in well or it will also be too noticeable. Your setting powder should enhance your makeup and disappear into your skin.