Manuel Espinoza is a makeup artist and a StyleSeat Pro based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience in the industry. No, setting powder and finishing powder are not the same thing, and yes, using the incorrect formula can seriously mess with the results you’re trying to get. Here’s the general breakdown: If the mere mention of any kind of powder conjures images of chalky, dry skin for you, fear not. The latest translucent powders on the market are more advanced than ever, truly an important product in your complexion-enhancing arsenal.

15 Best Face Powders of 2022 - Setting Powder and Pressed Powder

Every single skin type can use setting powder, but the formula and finish you choose will definitely impact your results. For dry skin, look for a sheer, lightweight powder formulated with moisturising ingredients like squalane or hyaluronic acid. Workin’ with dull, meh skin? Try a setting powder filled with micro-shimmers for a luminous or “radiant” finish. And if you’ve got oily skin, go for a mattifying setting powder with a velvet-matte finish, or a pressed powder for fuller coverage. Look at how much coverage it has Kirin Bhatty is a bi-coastal celebrity makeup artist for A-Frame Agency and a brand ambassador for Catrice Cosmetics. The Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Setting Powder is an Allure-editor favorite for good reason. This Best of Beauty Award-winning pressed setting powder offers a non-comedogenic formula (in other words, it won’t clog your pores) — as well as a beautiful matte finish, sheer coverage, and a blurring effect to combat large pores, blemishes, and fine lines. As a bonus, it even includes a velour puff applicator. Still not believing all the hype around this powder? Just take it from Allure contributor Madisen Theobald, who wrote, “In my experience, no other translucent powder gives me as true-to-color matte look as this one.” Writers also consulted with experts to gain additional insight and recommendations for this story. Those experts include: Finishing powder: Lightest formula with no coverage that is dusted over your skin as the final step in your makeup routine to blend everything together and sometimes add a glowIf you’re nervous about trying setting powder, or you want the lightest finish possible, opt for a loose, translucent formula with absolutely no tint or coverage. But if you want a little help evening out your skin tone, choose a loose or pressed setting powder that comes in different shades, since it’ll add a subtle tint to your skin. Similarly, if you want to brighten your skin or colour-correct, choose a lavender or rose-toned powder to brighten, or a peach or yellow-toned powder to counteract under-eye circles. Determine if you want loose or pressed Powder foundation: Densest formula with coverage meant to even skin tone and replace liquid foundation (not meant to be used as a setting powder)

Apply Pressed Powder Foundation Makeup: 10 Steps - wikiHow How to Apply Pressed Powder Foundation Makeup: 10 Steps - wikiHow

Coverage: While some pressed powders are translucent and are only meant to set makeup in place and control shine, others offer these benefits with the addition of coverage. If you're looking for something that doesn't offer much coverage but works to smooth the appearance of your skin and keep your makeup in place, you can't go wrong with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder. If it’s coverage you’re after, seek out a pressed powder foundation hybrid instead, such as the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation or the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Matte Powder Foundation. Make sure you choose a formula that is finely milled and lightweight. This will help keep your look in place while sitting comfortably on your skin. The lightweight consistency will help make it feel weightless so your skin doesn't feel overburdened, either. Make Beauty's Diffusion Set Powder is one of our favorites because of how lightweight it feels on the skin.Alyssa Kaplanis an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has years of experience using and experimenting with pressed powders and is a fan of several on this list. She's been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022. Neil Scibelli is a New York City–based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. He focuses largely on fashion, celebrity, and television as well as sharing his beauty education via contributions to various makeup outlets.