5 Reasons To Set Your Foundation With Powder

I’m totally in love with this makeup tip, because it gives me a long lasting, airbrushed finish to my complexion.

Find out how to use setting powder after foundation for a flawless makeup look and why you need to try this makeup tip today!

*this post contains affiliate links*

How I Apply My Setting Powder

I like to apply a setting powder with a damp makeup sponge. You can also use a round powder puff (Wayne Goss demonstrates this method here).

I dip the damp sponge into the powder and then firmly press the powder into my foundation, starting with the areas that tend to get oily (the t-zone) and any areas where I have applied concealer (under-eye).

I then apply the remaining powder to the rest of my face, including my eyelids, with the same pressing technique. I usually wait a couple minutes to let the foundation fully set and absorb the powder (I use this time to define my brows).

Using my large powder brush (the e.l.f. Complexion Brush), I then lightly buff away any excess powder. If you still feel like your face looks powdery, a makeup setting spray will help set the powder and make it look like skin.

How To Use Makeup Setting Spray 6 Ways

Setting spray isn't just for finishing your makeup look. Find out how to use makeup setting spray 6 different ways to up your makeup game!

5 Benefits of Setting Your Foundation With Powder

1. My Foundation Looks Flawless

If you are looking for a smooth, air-brushed finish to your foundation, this pressing technique will help you achieve it.

I instantly noticed that my foundation looked amazing after pressing the powder into my skin. Not only did my foundation look Instagram ready, but it still managed to look like skin.

The pressing motion also helps push the powder into the areas where I have visible pores, making them less visible. You may find that you no longer need to use a primer in these areas (I don’t).

10 Ways To Avoid Dry, Cakey Foundation

Learn 10 ways to keep your foundation looking fresh and flawless every time to avoid cakey foundation. This article includes skin prep tips, application tips and touch up tips.

2. Smoother Application of Blush/Bronzer/Highlighter

Depending on the foundation you use, if it isn’t properly set, it can remain tacky. Products that are applied onto unset foundation, such as blush, bronzer or highlighter, can cling to these tacky areas and look patchy and uneven as a result.

A well-set foundation provides a smooth canvas to layer your remaining makeup items onto. Looking to learn more makeup tips? Check out this beginners makeup course.

The Best Drugstore Cream & Liquid Blushes

Browse these 12 cream and liquid blushes for a radiant glow that won't break the bank and are must haves for your makeup collection.

3. Goodbye Cakey Bits

I tend to get foundation caking around and on top of my nose, between my eyebrows and on my chin. No matter how much I try to blend, press or buff the foundation into these areas, it still cakes.

Even worse, because the foundation isn’t set, I tend to remove some of the foundation in the process. I don’t know why, but my skin repels foundation in these spots (and primer makes it worse!). Now that I press my powder into these areas, the foundation properly sets, doesn’t cake and doesn’t rub off as much. It’s a miracle!

My Multi-Foundation Routine For The Perfect Base

Learn how using more than one foundation can give you the perfect flawless base for your next makeup look.

4. Longer Lasting Coverage

People with oilier skin types or factors such as hot/humid weather can cause your foundation to rub off or become patchy throughout the day.

Pressing your powder into your foundation provides a barrier of sorts to reduce the rub-off factor and helps to absorb excess oil that can loosen the foundation from your skin. By pressing my powder into my foundation, my skin looks less oily and my foundation doesn’t move, even after 12 hours of wear time. I also find that pressing powder onto my eyelids provides a great eyeshadow base and keeps my foundation/eyeshadow from creasing here.

5. Even My Cheaper Foundations Look Great When Set With Powder

For years I was able to use drugstore foundations for my daily makeup look. However, during the past year I developed more redness and skin texture issues that led me to search for a higher coverage solution. I splurged and bought the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation for more coverage, as a result.

Now that I use the “pressing” technique to set my foundation, I’ve noticed that even my drugstore foundations (that provided less coverage) now look flawless and last all day. This was an unexpected bonus.

10 Foundation Mistakes You're Making (+how to fix them!)

Steer clear of these common foundation mistakes for a flawless makeup look!

Finding the Right Setting Powder

To set your foundation, a pressed or loose setting powder should be used. Most makeup professionals prefer loose, finely milled powder for its setting ability and light-weight finish.

Be sure to find a colourless setting powder that does not alter the colour of your foundation. Some translucent powders will still have a tint to them, so finding a colourless powder can be a challenge.

Also avoid powders that have any shimmer or glitter specks in them. Your goal for a setting powder is for a smooth matte finish, not disco fever. Some setting powders that have received a lot of positive buzz are Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder and my personal fave, the RCMA No-Color Powder.

I’m currently using the e.l.f. Perfect Finished Pressed Powder with no complaints, but the RCMA powder is a long-time fave!