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Deciding Between Setting Powder vs. Finishing Powder: What to Know

Use This Guide to Help You Decide Which One Is Better for Your Needs!

You were hoping for a powder that would make your makeup look finely done, but you got an ’80s-esque cakey mess instead. Why? You likely picked a foundation with too much powder.

Choosing between a setting or finishing powder can be difficult, as both powders have distinct purposes. However, by understanding the subtle differences between the two, you will be able to make use of them more efficiently in your daily routine.

The purpose of this video is to teach you the difference between setting and finishing powders, whether or not they can be interchanged, and how to get your desired look using either powder.

What Is the Purpose of Setting Powder?

When you finish putting on your makeup, use setting powder to help it stay in place. Similar to how hairspray works for hair, setting powder makes sure your makeup does not move.

Setting powders contain talc and silica, which help if you have oily skin by preventing the oils from making the makeup slide off.

Moreover, it will absorb any excess oil from the products you used earlier, like liquid foundation or cream-based blush. Consequently, using a setting powder guarantees that your makeup lasts all day!

The Benefits of Setting Powder

If you powder your makeup, it will last considerably longer throughout the day. Plus, setting powder helps to keep your hands and clothing clean as well!

The Disadvantages of Setting Powder

If you’re looking for a setting powder that will give you a 100% matte finish, this is the powder for you. However, if you want a dewy or hydrated look, this powder won’t provide it.

Additionally, if your skin is dry and you’re using hydrating and oil-based products, the setting powder may absorb all of the nourishing oils, which can leave your skin feeling dry and cause your makeup to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s Included

Setting powder usually contains drying chemicals that work to keep your makeup in place. However, some of these ingredients can be dangerous for your skin and body if used in large quantities. Talc and silica are two such examples.

  • Silica is a mineral found naturally in the earth’s crust and is safe for use in cosmetics. It has an EWG rating of 1-2 and can be used to remove excess oil from the skin.

Silica can become dangerous in nanoparticle form, which is why natural makeup brands never use nanos.

  • Talc is a desiccant, which saps moisture from everything it comes into contact with. For this reason, it’s incredibly drying, even for those with seriously oily skin.

Talc is a known carcinogen and irritant, so you’ll never find it in good quality products. Additionally, talc is linked with organ toxicity.

Silica provides the same great oil-absorbing qualities as talc without any of the associated risks, making it ideal for use in facial powders.

What is the purpose of Finishing Powder?

A finishing powder can help perfect your makeup look, just like an Instagram filter. If you applied too much blush or have oily skin, dab on some finishing powder to fix it.

It will also soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because it sits on top of the skin instead of sinking in. Plus, if you have large pores that foundation usually sinks into, then this type of powder can minimize their appearance.

The Benefits of Finishing Powder

If you crave an airbrushed, flawless finish, finishing powder is what you want. Finishing powder helps your makeup look polished and professional without looking dusty or done-up.

The Disadvantages of Finishing Powder

Finishing powder might not be ideal if you’re set on a matte look because these powders are usually made with light-reflecting minerals that give skin a dewy appearance.

In addition, finishing powder doesn’t have as many oil-absorbing properties, so it’s not the best choice for those who need to soak up heavy liquid makeup.

What’s Included

Finishing powders often contain silica and mica. Silica eliminates oil without making your skin dry or yielding a powdery finish. Mica, on the other hand, offers translucent pigmentation and light-reflective qualities to tinted finishing powders.

What Distinguishes a Setting Powder From a Finishing Powder?

While both setting and finishing powders are similar, setting powder is a bit more old-fashioned. It’s like applying layer after layer of buildable liquid foundation that never seems to fully dry.

But with a heavy dusting of powder, your makeup will be baked in and your skin will be completely covered for the rest of the day!

If you’re looking for a way to make your makeup look more polished and natural, finishing powder is the answer.

Finishing powder enhances your skin’s natural radiance and creates a flawless finish, while setting powder just helps your makeup stay in place.

Are They Interchangeable?

The answer to this question depends on the formula being used. Typically, setting powders are heavy and tinted in a shade that (might) match your skin tone.

While some finishing powders are also tinted, you can get the same level of flawless coverage with an untinted powder.

Often times, it is more difficult to use a setting powder as the final stage of makeup because they aren’t designed to help blend your make-up while reflecting light equally; however , a finishing powder is created specifically for those desired purposes.

Choosing Whether to Use Both Types of Powder Together

More than one layer of powder is not only unnecessary, it will also make your makeup look cakey and overdone.

Tips for Utilizing a Finishing Powder

You can create a flawless makeup look with a finishing powder, and it’s easy to set your makeup, control oiliness, and achieve a smooth finish. It all starts with choosing the right formula for your skin type.

  • The 100% Pure Powder is a natural powder that helps create a flawless look while reducing oil and shine. It’s easy to apply, leaves no white or powdery residue, and sets makeup without adding any cakiness.

To create a strong foundation, you need the right ingredients. The second step is to use the proper tools for the task at hand.

A Brush or a Puff?

The age-old question: powder brush or puff? If you’re insistent on using a brush, I won’t stop you. But in my opinion, it’s much better to use a puff. This way, you can avoid accidentally caking your face in too much powder.

TIme To Apply

In general, you should only need to use finishing powder on your t-zone. The “t-zone” is the area of your face that creates excess sebum and thus becomes more oily throughout the day. This zone starts with your forehead and extends down your nose like the letter “t”

You can also put finishing powder under your eyes to reflect light and create a more bright finish. If you’ve used too much blush or highlighter, then some strategically placed finishing powder will help soften any harsh lines.

Easy Guide

Follow these steps to easily use finishing powders.

1. Begin by applying your normal facial makeup, including eyeshadow and lipstick. If you’re worried about your makeup not lasting all day, put on a makeup primer beforehand. Primers allow the makeup to have something to cling to so it doesn’t get absorbed into your skin.

2.By tapping a small amount of powder onto the back of your hand, you can avoid cross-contamination and skin oil transfer.

3. To apply your powder foundation, use a puff to gently pick up some product from the back of your hand. Then, press it gently into your skin using light patting motions. Avoid wiping or dragging the puff, as this will only result in taking foundation off your skin.

Once you’ve applied the powder to all the desired areas, that’s it! Three simple steps to a flawless finish. Remember, you can always add more powder if needed, but taking off excess is difficult, so go easy at first.

Perfect Look

We’ve been in the natural beauty business for a long time, and we know what works. Choose clean, green products that will make your skin look fresh and radiant. If you’re used to heavy setting powder, don’t worry; a natural finishing powder makes it easy to switch from setting powder to finishing powder.

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