Setting Powder vs. Finishing Powder: What’s the Difference & Which One Do You Need?

A setting powder vs. finishing powder is like two players participating in a makeup race. Ideally, you get ready, set, and reach the finish of your flawless routine. Realistically, however, makeup regimens have a setting powder or a finishing powder, resulting in makeup that melts away or looks too powdery. So, why the makeup mashup?

In the beauty realm, there is common confusion between setting powder vs. finishing powder. Are they interchangeable or even necessary? A setting powder locks or sets makeup vs. finishing powder that adds a final flawless finish.

Keep reading to learn more about these distinct powder players and how to achieve long-lasting, seamless makeup with the right powder. Plus, discover the best makeup blurring powders to set and finish your routine for the ultimate skin win (or tie)!

What Is Setting Powder?

If a cosmetic could wear a metal, a setting powder would be the winner of our makeup routine. So, what is setting powder, and what are its prized benefits? These skin smoothers’ mighty, veil-like finish powers conquer imperfections and save the day in the direst makeup moments!

Setting powder’s unique place in the makeup race routine is to lock makeup in place and prevent creasing. In addition to making sure your face doesn’t budge, setting powders can help absorb oil, blur the appearance of pores, conceal fine lines, and soften your makeup look.

But if you’re looking for a setting powder that can pull this off without over-drying your skin, it might be difficult to find it in mainstream makeup. Therefore, it’s important to opt for a clean, non-toxic setting powder with natural ingredients, such as the ones detailed below!

Bamboo silica: derived from bamboo extract, it acts as a natural oil absorber, helping to mattify the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and create a smooth, even complexion.

Mica: A natural mineral that provides a subtle shimmer and helps to create a smooth, even finish.

Kaolin: A type of clay that absorbs excess oil and helps to mattify the skin.

Natural Starches: Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder can be used as a base for setting powder, providing a lightweight and absorbent texture.

Natural Colorants: If you want a tinted setting powder, look for natural colorants like natural fruit pigments, cacao powder, and turmeric.

Amino Acid and Silica Powders: Create a soft-focus effect on fine lines, pores, and imperfections.

Antioxidants: Some powders may contain antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea to help protect the skin.

A clean, non-toxic setting powder that ticks the best natural ingredients described is the 100% PURE Bamboo Blur Powder. This talc-free, lightweight setting powder features bamboo silica, which is finely milled, to be smooth and kind to all skin types. We’ve taken our beloved setting powder and added pigments of peach, apricot, papaya, cocoa bean, and turmeric – plus green tea for antioxidant benefits.

What Is Finishing Powder?

If a setting powder needed the best partner for the ultimate skin win, a finishing powder would be the crowning glory of a skincare routine. So, what is finishing powder, and what are its prized benefits? These skin softeners overtake and blur imperfections and add the final touch to makeup.

Finishing powder’s unique place in the makeup race routine is to soften the look of makeup and blur imperfections. They impart a soft-focus effect for a flawless finish, almost like you applied a realistic filter to the skin. Finishing powders are ideal for touch-ups since they don’t make makeup cakey because of their lightweight finish.

Speaking of finish, a makeup finishing powder can create an illuminating or matte look on the skin. The difference between matte vs. illuminating powders comes down to the glow or no-glow factor.

An illuminating makeup finishing powder adds a subtle, radiant glow to the skin, highlighting and emphasizing the natural contours of the face without creating a harsh or unnatural look. The light-reflecting particles can help to blur imperfections. Moreover, the subtle glow can make skin look brighter, youthful, and more vibrant.

A matte makeup finishing powder creates a smooth, non-shiny, and long-lasting matte finish while also helping to set and blur imperfections and absorb excess oil and shine. A matte finish lacks shine, sparkle, or luster, resulting in a smooth, velvety complexion. This creates a smooth, airbrushed look that minimizes imperfections and non-reflective appearance.

If you’re looking for a multitasking finishing powder, the 100% PURE Fruit Pigmented® Powder Foundation is a versatile powder that doubles as a finishing powder and a pressed foundation powder. This talc-free powder foundation absorbs oil and reduces shine with mattifying rice powder, while vitamins and antioxidants from fruit extracts boost anti-aging benefits for the skin.

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

As we’ve been discussing, a setting powder sets makeup, controls shine, and extends wear, while finishing powder adds a final touch, blurring imperfections and creating a soft-focus effect for a flawless finish.

Now that we have a better idea of how finishing powder vs. setting powder differ from one another and where they belong in a makeup routine, let’s compare their benefits and differences side-by-side for quick reference.

Setting powder benefits:

Controls oil and shine.
Extends makeup wear.
Creates a matte finish.
Blurs imperfections.
Minimizes the look of pores.

Finishing powder benefits:

Creates a soft-focus effect.
Blurs fine lines and pores.
Adds a final touch to makeup.
Can be used to prevent camera flashbacks.

Side-by-side comparison table of finishing powder vs. setting powder:

So, between a setting powder vs. finishing powder, how do these powderhouses affect different skin types and makeup looks? Setting and finishing powders, while both used to enhance makeup, serve unique purposes and impact different skin types and makeup looks differently. A setting powder locks in makeup, controls shine, and prevents creasing, while finishing powder blurs imperfections and creates a soft, airbrushed finish.

When it comes to skin type, a setting makeup powder is ideal for oily or combination skin types, as it absorbs excess oil and mattifies the skin. It creates a long-lasting, shine-free, and smooth finish for the ultimate seamless makeup finish.

Conversely, a finishing makeup powder is suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin, as it can add a touch of luminosity and prevent a cakey look. It enhances natural radiance, creates a soft-focus filter-like finish, and blurs fine lines and pores.

How to Choose Between Setting and Finishing Powder

It can be tricky finding the best makeup powders with the plethora of setting and finishing powders out there. To choose between a setting vs. finishing powder, consider your skin type and desired finish: setting powder mattifies and controls shine, while finishing powder provides a soft, blurred, and flawless look, often with a luminous effect.

Since the finish of a setting powder is typically matte on the skin, it makes a good choice for those with oily or combination skin. The best setting powder for oily or combo skin should absorb moisture and minimize shine without making the skin look flat or dull. In addition to assuring your face doesn’t budge, setting powders can help absorb oil for a silky-smooth finish.

For oil control and all-day wear, the 100% PURE Bamboo Blur Powder is a talc-free setting powder made with only one ingredient: bamboo silica. The bamboo silica used in our products is finely milled, to be smooth and kind to all skin types. We’ve taken our beloved powder and added natural fruit pigments of peach, apricot, papaya, cocoa bean, turmeric, and green tea for antioxidant benefits.

A finishing powder is generally ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. As the last step in a makeup routine, it adds a final touch to your makeup, blurring imperfections and imparting a glowy, soft-focus effect for a flawless finish. For dry and mature skin types, choose a finishing powder for a softer, more natural finish that won’t dry out the skin or exasperate fine lines and wrinkles.

For a soft, glowy finishing effect, the 100% PURE Gemmed Luminizer uses light-reflecting minerals and gemstones to create glowing, luminous skin. Colored from antioxidant-rich fruit pigments, and made with skin-softening avocado and cocoa butter, these radiant luminizers are laced with the superfine powder of multifaceted gemstones like sunstone, moonstone, pyrite, and opal.

Application Guide: How to Use Setting Powder & Finishing Powder

The main concern with a setting powder vs. finishing powder is how to use them properly to avoid creasing, enhance fine lines, exacerbate dryness, or impart an excessively glowing complexion. While setting powders have the most benefits for oily and combination skin, most skin types can benefit from a setting powder and finishing powder.

The trick is finding out how to use a setting powder and finishing powder correctly and picking a clean, non-toxic formula that works with your skin type. Check out the step-by-step guide on proper application techniques.

Using Setting Powder Correctly:

To use setting powder correctly, apply it after foundation and concealer using a fluffy powder brush to dust a light layer onto areas prone to shine or creasing, then lightly buff in circular motions to blend and create a flawless, softened complexion. This will help avoid cakiness while maximizing the longevity of the makeup.

Application Tips for Long-Lasting Oil Control:

#1. Use a light hand – too much powder can create a heavy, cakey look and cause flashback
#2. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where oil production is highest
#3. Reapply throughout the day with a blotting motion rather than rubbing

Using Finishing Powder Correctly:

To use finishing powder correctly, apply it after setting powder and other makeup, using a light, fluffy brush to gently buff it over your face for a soft, pore-blurring finish. The secret to a soft, airbrushed finish is to buff the powder over your face in circular motions, focusing on areas where you want to blur pores or create a soft finish.

Application Tips for Final Airbrushed Look:

#1. A little goes a long way with finishing powder, so apply it sparingly.
#2. Ensure the powder is well-blended into your skin for a seamless finish.
#3. If you have oily skin, you might prefer a setting powder for oil control, while those with dry skin might prefer a finishing powder for a more natural finish.

#4. Choose the right shade of finishing powder for the best results.
Optional: After applying finishing powder, you can use a setting spray to further lock in your makeup and create a long-lasting finish.

FAQ Section: Setting Powder vs. Finishing Powder

Is setting powder and finishing powder the same?

No, a setting powder and finishing powder are not the same, though they both contribute to a flawless makeup look. Setting powder is used to lock makeup in place and control shine while finishing powder adds a final touch to a makeup routine for a soft-focus, airbrushed effect.

Can I use both setting powder and finishing powder together?

Yes, you can use both setting and finishing powders together, but it’s not always necessary, and you should consider your skin type and desired finish. If you have combination skin, you might use setting powder on oily areas and finishing powder on drier areas. If you want a more polished look, you can use both, with setting powder first to set your makeup and then finishing powder for a final touch.

What’s the best setting powder for oily skin?

When it comes to skin type, a setting makeup powder is ideal for oily or combination skin types, as it absorbs excess oil and mattifies the skin. It creates a long-lasting, shine-free, and smooth finish for the ultimate seamless makeup finish.

Is setting powder necessary for dry skin?

While not strictly necessary for dry skin, setting powder can be a helpful tool for setting makeup and minimizing shine, but it’s important to choose a natural, hydrating formula and apply it sparingly to avoid emphasizing dryness.

Can I use finishing powder without foundation?

Yes, you can absolutely use finishing powder without foundation, as it’s primarily designed to set makeup, control shine, and provide a smooth, natural finish, rather than for coverage.