Setting Powder

Setting powder has many functions: setting makeup so it doesn't come off, mattifying, absorbing oil, as well as others, depending on the product. Many setting powders diffuse the light being reflected off of the products on your face, giving it a more matte or even airbrushed appearance.

You should be getting all of your coverage from your foundation and concealer. You should not attempt to get more coverage from your setting powder, it should just give your face a softer look and help the foundation and concealer to stay on longer. The one exception is for those who use mineral makeup over liquid foundation, but you need to have a very light hand when doing this or it will look fake.

All liquid and cream foundations need to be set because if they aren't, they can melt off of your face as it's combined with oil and heated. Setting powder can also be used on top of mineral foundations to soften the appearance. The same rule about liquids and creams apply to other products like eyeliner and cream eyeshadows - they always need to be set with powder. This article is about setting foundation.

If you need a full description of the application tools, please see the previous foundation articles.

Types of Setting Powder

• Loose - This is powder that comes in a jar and isn't pressed or packed in any way. Loose powder may come in colors, translucent or transparent. Colored or translucent powders usually contain talc and other traditional ingredients. Transparent powders are usually silica based. If you have an allergy to either of these products, make sure you check the ingredients before purchasing. I use loose setting powder and carry a travel brush with me.
  
  

• Pressed - This is powder pressed into a compact. It's convenient to keep in a purse or for traveling. It also usually has traditional ingredients, like talc. If you can afford multiple ones, you can throw one of these in your purse, one in your bathroom, anywhere you might need it for touch ups. You can keep a travel brush on you to apply this or some come with a spot to place a puff or round sponge.
  
  

• Mineral - This is a special loose powder made to use on top of mineral foundation. It is also made of mineral materials. You don't really need to use a setting powder with mineral foundation, but it will diffuse some of the light reflected by the minerals to give your face a softer look. It will also help to absorb more oil. You will need to carry a travel brush to use this one too for touch-ups.
  

You can use any type of setting powder on top of any kind of foundation, feel free to mix and match products if you prefer certain types over others.

Application Methods

• Powder Brush - This is the most common tool used with setting powder. It gives a light dusting of powder just so it sets the foundation and will absorb the oils. Powder brushes come in several sizes and shapes, but usually they are big, round, and puffy with a longer handle. The larger and rounder the brush, the more evenly dispersed the product will be placed. Work a little powder into the bristles and gently apply it all over your face over foundation. Some set with powder lightly and some work it into the skin. It depends on the products that you are using and how you prefer to apply makeup. I prefer to buff a very light amount of powder into the skin all over. If you just brush the powder across the skin and don't blend it in at all, you can have a chalky look.
  
  

• Kabuki Brush - Some people use a kabuki brush to set powder. This is especially good for people who want to buff setting powder. They are denser than powder brushes, but not as dense as buffer brushes. Buff the powder into the skin in a circular motion evenly all over the face. The Laura Mercier powder works really well with a kabuki brush. This is a good way to get a natural looking finish instead of having the powder sit on top of the skin.
  
  

• Buffer Brush - This can be used for serious coverage. Some people use a liquid foundation and a mineral foundation on top as a setting powder for really full coverage. You will apply the powder just as you would apply mineral foundation by buffing it in a circular motion into the skin. Do not buff with pressure over a wet foundation like a cream or liquid that does not dry/set itself at least somewhat or you can smear the makeup off.
  
  

• Cosmetic Sponge - Yes, these can be used for powder too. I would recommend using a wedge sponge. To set with a cosmetic sponge, you have to use it dry. Get a little powder on the sponge, you only need a small amount to set foundation. Gently roll the powder onto the skin. You want to use a pressing motion, rolling from one side to another (left to right or vice versa). This will really set the foundation well and prevent shine.

You will not want to use flat brushes like a foundation brush because it will apply the powder too thick and you can end up with a cakey or streaked look. I do not like using puffs to apply powder because you will be much more likely to get the cakey look from poor application. If you only use a puff for quick touch ups in your purse that's fine, but a brush is always better.

Recommended Products

Best Talc/Overall Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent

• Creates a soft focus appearance
• Lightweight with sheer coverage
• Absorbs Oil
• French cashmere talc based
• This is what I use on my clients and what I will use myself when I need to purchase new setting powder
• Also comes in beige (warm) if you find the translucent makes your skin too cool toned
  
• $34/1 oz or $20/0.33 oz at Sephora (1 oz is a huge container)

Best Mineral Setting Powder (Overall #2): Bare Minerals Mineral Veil (Original Formula)

• All natural minerals - talc, silica, paraben, sulfate, fragrance, and dye free
  
• Sheer coverage
• Oil absorbing
• Comes in 4 formulations, however I only recommend the regular mineral veil
• I currently use this, but will be using Laura Mercier when I run out
  
• $19 / 0.47 oz at Sephora, Ulta, or Bare Escentuals
  

Best Silica Setting Powder: Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder

• 100% mineral silica powder
• Slightly mattifying
• Does not dry out skin
• Completely translucent
• Used by professional makeup artists for TV, movies and photo shoots
  
• $30 / 0.35 oz at Sephora

Industry Standard: MAC Cosmetics Powder
I didn't specify a particular kind because they have all kinds that are used:

• Select Sheer / Pressed
• Select Sheer / Loose
• Mineralize Skin Finish
• Mineralize Skin Finish / Natural
• The most common MAC setting powder used by professionals is Invisible Set Powder, but it's only available at Pro stores or ordered online with a MAC PRO card (you need to be a professional in the industry to get this card)

These are all quite expensive. I do like giving less expensive alternatives, however I just haven't found a powder that doesn't cause break outs that isn't high quality (and high price tag). I have not tried either, but I would recommend trying E.L.F. Mineral Booster or Everyday Minerals Finishing Dust. They should have the same ingredients as the Mineral Veil. I use the Everyday Minerals mineral foundation and is the same quality as the Bare Minerals foundation. I will include these to try next time I have an order to place.

Concealer

Concealer is used to cover imperfections, such as blemishes and discolorations that cannot be covered by foundation. You may apply concealer before or after foundation, however it's recommended to apply it afterward because you will need to use less concealer once the foundation covers what it will and you could smear the concealer off while applying the foundation.

Liquid Concealer
This may come in a tube with or without an applicator. If it comes in a tube without an applicator, you can use your ring finger or a concealer brush to apply it. It may already come in the form of a pen or with a doe foot applicator like lip gloss. Liquid concealers are easy to blend into the skin as well as foundation. Blending concealer out with a wet sponge is the best method in my opinion. Some liquid foundations specify that they need to be applied before foundation.

Cream or Stick Concealer
Cream concealer may come in a pot or as a stick. If it comes in stick form, you may be able to apply it directly to the skin and blend it out with either your ring finger or a concealer brush. Cream concealers in a pot will require a concealer brush. While you may be able to stick your finger in there and rub it on, you have the potential of contaminating the makeup with bacteria from your hands. You can blend cream concealer out with a wet sponge.

Pencil Concealer
Some concealers come in the form of a pencil. They are like cream concealer, but have a consistency similar to lip liner. You can apply it directly to your skin and blend it out. These are best used for small blemishes. For larger areas, you will need to use a liquid or cream concealer.

Powder/Mineral Concealer
Mineral concealers are like mineral foundation, but more intensive. They cover imperfections just as normal concealer would, but they are in powder form. They look very natural and are the easiest to blend. You will need to apply it with a concealer brush.

Under-Eye Concealer
There are many types of concealers made just for under the eyes. Yellow concealers were made to counteract what was thought to be a purple color to the skin, but the color is actually blue. You will end up with green under your eyes because yellow + blue = green. This is why yellow concealers do not work as well. A "salmon" or orange concealer is the best to use for blue under eye circles. These concealers are usually in cream form. Any mineral concealer can be used under the eyes and they do make salmon colored under eye concealers as well.

Suggested Products

Best Salmon Under Eye Concealer: Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer

• Makes under eye circles magically disappear
• Comes in 4 shades and a color trio for makeup artists
  
• Easily blendable
  
• Has skin improving nutrients, just like the HD Dual Foundation
• $42 at Eve Pearl

Best Non-Salmon Under Eye Concealer: Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

• Full coverage for under eye circles
• Creamy and blendable
  
• Natural looking
  
• Multitasking concealer
• Comes in 3 shades
  
• $25 at Sephora

Best Mineral Under Eye Concealer: Everyday Minerals Abbott's Pick Me Up

• Blend of sunlight and peach colored concealer
• Covers dark under eye circles
• Gives an uplifted look
• A little goes a long way, the product seems to last forever
  
• $2.50 - $8 - at EverydayMinerals.com

Best Overall Mineral Concealer: Everyday Minerals Intensive Concealer

• Full coverage mineral concealer
• Blends perfectly into mineral foundation or skin
  
• Can be used dry or wet for more coverage
• A little goes a long way, the product seems to last forever
• Comes in 3 shades
  
• $2.50 - $8 at EverydayMinerals.com
  

Best Concealer Palette: Coastal Scents Professional Camouflage Concealer Palette

• Creamy, easier to blend than the Make Up For Ever palette concealers
  
• Full coverage that can be thinned with mixing medium or moisturizer
  
• Comes with 10 colors in one palette - good for makeup artists or for people whose skin tones fluctuate greatly throughout the year
• Can be combined with moisturizer to make foundation if needed
• $16.95 / 1.05 oz at CoastalScents.com

Best Intensive Concealer (Moderate to Severe Flaws): Dermablend Cover Creme Foundation

• For moderate to severe skin flaws
• 12 hours consistent color wear
• Water resistant and smudge resistant when set with setting powder
  
• SPF 30
• Can be used as a foundation or concealer
  
• Comes in 21 shades
• $32 / 1 oz at DermaBlend

Industry Standard Concealer: MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

• Creamy, opaque concealer
• Long-wearing and water resistant
• Fragrance free
• Non-comedogenic
  
• Enriched with antioxidants
• Contains silica to absorb oil
• Comes in 14 shades
• $15.50 / 0.24 oz at MAC Cosmetics

Loose Powder and Mineral Foundations

The most common loose powder foundation is mineral foundation. There have more brands of mineral foundations to count these days and you can even make your own! The benefit to mineral foundations are that they let the skin breathe and do not cause breakouts in people who are acne prone. I suffered from cystic acne for many years and mineral foundation was the only kind that I could use without breaking out. I like to wear mineral foundation for the no-makeup makeup look with a little SPF protection when I'll be outside during the summer.

They usually only contain 3-6 ingredients that are all natural. They should not contain talc, oil, fragrances or preservatives. If you have a sensitivity to titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, mica, bismuth oxychloride or ultramarines make sure you check the ingredients before using them. Different brands use a different combination of these ingredients.

Mineral foundations can also be used as mineral concealers, although separate mineral concealers exist. Both synthetic and natural bristle brushes can be used with powder foundations.

Application Methods

• Kabuki Brush - As previously mentioned several times, this will give you medium coverage. Swirl the brush on the powder to pick up powder and work it into the depths of the bristles. Tap off the excess powder, most of it should be within the bristles, not sitting on top. Buff the powder into the skin with the brush in a circular motion. These can be purchased at stores like Sephora and Ulta. For less expensive brushes, see CoastalScents.com or StarsMakeupHaven.com.
  
  

• Buffer Brush - This is my favorite brush to use. It can give sheer to full coverage, based on the amount of product you use. Again, swirl the brush on the powder to pick it up into the bristles. Buff the powder into the skin in a circular motion. You can achieve full coverage by layering or using more product, assuming you are using a product that is buildable. This brush gives a flawless finish. These can also be purchased at stores like Sephora or Ulta.
  
  

• Powder Brush - This will give you sheer to medium coverage. If you really wanted to layer and buff, you might be able to get full coverage out of this brush. It is a handy brush to have because it can be used with any powder product. Everyone should have at least 2 powder brushes, one to use for foundation and/or setting powder and a second to apply blush. The larger and puffier the brush, the more dispersed and even the product will be placed. I would suggest the Posh Powder brush, it's very soft and full.
  
  

• Foundation Brush - Just as with liquid foundation, a foundation brush can be used. This will give you full coverage. When I don't have the room to carry a buffer brush, I like to use the foundation brush in my Posh travel brush set to apply mineral foundation. The denser the foundation brush is, the more even and full coverage it will apply.
  
  

• Self Dispensing Puff or Brush - These are really interesting inventions. You place the product into a little jar or brush handle and it makes its way out through a hole in the middle of the puff or brush and then onto your skin. Coverage is really at the mercy of the size of the hole and how many times you want to try to apply the product. I bought one so that I wouldn't have to carry a brush on me, but I found it be a lot more work and if you clean the puff regularly, you will lose a lot of product. If you don't clean the puff, you will have a bacteria filled applicator. Novel idea, but for practical use I wouldn't recommend these.
  

Suggested Products

Best Mineral Foundation for Oily Skin: Everyday Minerals Foundation in Semi-Matte or Matte

• Comes in 4 different formulas (semi-matte, matte, intensive and glo)
  
• Does not contain bismuth oxychloride, the ingredient that can make other mineral foundations creamy and overly shiny.
  
• Comes in 44 different shades
• Get a free sample of 3 foundation colors, 1 concealer and 1 blush for the cost of shipping
• Natural SPF 15
  
• My favorite mineral foundation
• $2.50 (5ml) - $12 (25ml) at everydayminerals.com

Best Mineral Foundation for Dry, Dull Skin: Bare Minerals Foundation

• Creamy consistency
• Gives skin a natural glow
• Comes in 15 shades
• $25 / 0.3 oz at Sephora, Ulta or Bare Escentuals
• Starter kits are also available for $60
  

Best Drug Store Mineral Foundation: Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation

• An alternative if you can't order Everyday Minerals online or need something less expensive
• Talc, oil, fragrance and preservative free
• Comes with a small kabuki brush
• Comes in 8 colors
  
• Warning: Description claims it contains no fillers, however the ingredients list includes some traditional chemical ingredients
  
• $10 / 0.28 oz at most drug stores or Ulta
  

Pressed Powder Foundation

Pressed powder foundations come in compacts and are meant to be applied dry. They give more coverage than regular pressed powder that you would apply on top of another form of foundation or that you would use to touch-up shine.

Depending on the application method, product, and amount of product used, you can get sheer to full coverage. If applied incorrectly, pressed powder foundation can appear cakey or chalky.

This is a good option for traveling because on air planes because you will not have to choose either to put it in a checked bag or in the mere 1 quart bag of liquid products you can take in your carry on. It is also less messy and more compact than the other foundations for traveling in general. If you do travel with this and are worried about it possibly breaking, place a small piece of foam cut to size inside the lid and wrap the outside in foam as well.

Application Methods

• Kabuki Brush - This brush will give you medium, even coverage. Swirl the brush on the powder to pick up powder and work it into the depths of the bristles. If it only sits right on top of the brush, you could end up with a chalky blob where you first set the brush down on your face. You can always blend out your mistakes with this brush, but it's better to not have mistakes in the first place. Tap off the excess powder, most of it should be within the bristles, not sitting on top. Buff the powder into the skin with the brush in a circular motion. You can build coverage this way. These can be purchased at stores like Sephora and Ulta. For less expensive brushes, see CoastalScents.com or StarsMakeupHaven.com.
  
  

• Buffer Brush - This is my favorite brush to use. It can give sheer to full coverage, based on the amount of product you use. Again, swirl the brush on the powder to pick it up into the bristles. Buff the powder into the skin in a circular motion. You can achieve full coverage by layering or using more product, assuming you are using a product that is buildable. This brush gives a flawless finish. These can also be purchased at stores like Sephora or Ulta. The only downside to a brush like this is that it is rather large and bulky, so you may not want to take it traveling. There is a mini buffer brush that I like from Posh.
  
  

• Powder Brush - This will give you sheer to medium coverage. If you really wanted to layer and buff, you might be able to get full coverage out of this brush. It is a handy brush to have because it can be used with any powder product. Everyone should have at least 2 powder brushes, one to use for foundation and/or setting powder and a second to apply blush. The larger and puffier the brush, the more dispersed and even the product will be placed. I would suggest the Posh Powder brush, it's very soft and full.
  
  

• Cosmetic Sponge - This will usually only give you sheer coverage. With a really good pressed powder foundation, you could potentially get medium coverage. You can get full coverage if you have the right product and a special sponge designed to give full coverage with a pressed powder foundation. Remember to wash sponges weekly and replace monthly.
  
  

• Powder Puff - This gives sheer coverage. It is the traditional round, white fuzzy puff that comes in many compacts. It is usually used to touch-up and control shine. Usually if I buy a compact with a powder puff, I just throw it away. If you do continuously use powder puffs, please make sure to replace them on a regular basis. Just like any other application tool, they can harbor bacteria.

Suggested Products

Best Healthy Pressed Powder Foundation: Sephora Mineral Double Compact Foundation

• Mineral based
• SPF 10
  
• Buildable coverage
• Long-wearing
• Talc, paraben, fragrance and oil free
• Non-comedogenic
• Dual layer with a mirror and double-sided applicator for sheer to full coverage
• $20 / 0.35 oz at Sephora

Industry Standard: Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

• Most commonly used pressed powder foundation by makeup artists
• Matte, velvety texture
• Absorbs oil with silica
• Long-wearing
• May cause break outs in acne prone skin
  
• $26 / 0.52 oz at MAC Cosmetics

Oil-Free Industry Standard: Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation

• Oil free
• For normal to combination skin
• Long-lasting
• Covers blemishes, imperfections and shine
  
• One of the best brands in the industry
• $32 / 0.35 oz at Sephora
  

Pan-Cake or Wet/Dry Foundation

This was first invented by Max Factor and it continues to be a legend. It may also be called wet/dry foundation. It is a pressed powder cake in a pan (hence the name pan-cake) that can be applied wet or dry. When applied wet, pan-cake makeup can usually provide more coverage than liquid foundation.

Application Methods: Dry

• Cosmetic Sponge - I would recommend using a large, round cosmetic sponge to apply pan cake foundtion, rather than a wedge. Wipe a portion of the top/side of the sponge onto the foundation and apply evenly over the face. You can blend with another edge of the sponge without applying more foundation. Blending should always be done with a wet sponge and gives a more natural looking finish. Sponges should be cleaned with antibacterial soap weekly and discarded monthly. Daily antibacterial brush cleaner spray can also be used to keep them sanitary.
  
  
• Kabuki Brush - This is a brush that is normally used for powdered foundations, especially mineral. It is a round, puffy brush with a stub for a handle. There are also several kabuki brushes with handles now. Swirl the brush onto the powder so that it is deep within the bristles. Tap off the excess and then swirl/buff the powder into the skin. These can be purchased at stores like Sephora and Ulta. For less expensive brushes, see CoastalScents.com or StarsMakeupHaven.com.
  
  
• Buffer Brush - This is a brush that will give you full coverage with powders. It is a round, dense, flat-headed brush with a handle. It is similar to a stippling brush, except a buffer brush is usually constructed entirely of natural hair and it is much denser. Sometimes kabuki brushes are labeled as buffer brushes, so be careful. Use it like you would use a kabuki brush by swirling and buffing. This is my favorite method because of the full coverage it provides. These can also be purchased at stores like Sephora or Ulta.

Application Method: Wet

• Cosmetic Sponge - Again, I would recommend using a large, round cosmetic sponge to apply pan cake foundtion, rather than a wedge. Wet the sponge - I prefer to keep a small spray bottle of distilled water and spritz it onto the sponge until it's saturated. Wipe it onto the makeup and apply evenly over the face. Blend the foundation with the wet sponge until it is even. Sponges should be cleaned weekly and discarded monthly. Daily antibacterial brush cleaner spray can also be used to keep them sanitary.

Suggested Products

Best for Photography/Film: Max Factor Pan-Cake Makeup

• Inventor of pan cake makeup
• Matte finish
• Used by movie makeup artists
• Usually used wet, not dry
  
• $6-8 / 1.7 oz at drug stores

Best High End and Travel-Friendly: Laura Mercier Foundation Powder

• Works well both wet and dry
• Gives soft-focus appearance
  
• Can be used dry for touch ups over liquid or tinted moisturizer
• Comes with both a puff (for touch-ups) and sponge in compact
  
• $40 / 0.26 oz at Sephora

Best for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin: Lorac Oil Free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup

• Goes on lightly and lets skin breathe
  
• Oil free
• Contains vitamins A and E
• Fragrance free
• Apply dry for full coverage and wet for sheer coverage (opposite of usual)
• $36 / 0.35 oz at Sephora

Best for Skin Color Selection: Sephora Matifying Compact Foundation

• Lightweight
• Contains Nylon 12 for adherence and longwear
• Comes in 24 warm and cool shades
• Can be used over liquid foundation for a porcelain finish
• $20 / 0.35 oz at Sephora
  

Cream Foundation

Cream foundations aren't as commonly talked about in comparison to others these days. The first cream foundation I remember seeing was one that my mother used from BeautiControl. They are great for buildable coverage and can give medium to full coverage normally. For sheer coverage, you can either mix a little moisturizer with it on the back of your hand or on a palette or you can use a wet sponge to draw the product out thinner.

Many cream foundations can also be used a concealers. You may want to use one of these as a concealer and use another type of foundation for the rest of your face.

I do not recommend cream foundations for oily or acne prone skin, with the exception of the Eve Pearl Dual HD Foundation. It is usually used for normal to dry skin.

Application Method: Potted Creams

Step 1: Foundation Brush - This is the only tool that will consistently spread a cream properly and evenly. Foundation brushes come in several sizes and shapes. Synthetic bristles like taklon should be used for cream products.

Step 2: Wet Sponge - Using a wet sponge to blend the foundation is very important. Wet a cosmetic sponge (I prefer distilled water) and gently pat the foundation into the skin with a rolling motion all over. Do not drag the sponge across your skin unless you intend to reduce the amount of coverage. If you need to blend areas of foundation together, use small strokes so you don't remove much makeup. This will give you a much more natural looking finish.

Application Method: Pan Sticks

Step 1: Either lightly tap the stick on your skin on the key areas of your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin or use a foundation brush to apply all over the skin.

Step 2: Wet Sponge - Use a wet sponge to blend the foundation to even coverage. Wet a cosmetic sponge (I prefer distilled water) and gently pat the foundation into the skin with a rolling motion all over. Do not drag the sponge across your skin unless you intend to reduce the amount of coverage. If you need to blend areas of foundation together, use small strokes so you don't remove much makeup. This will give you a much more natural looking finish.

Suggested Products

Laura Mercier Stick Foundation

• Oil free
• Water resistant
• Moisturizes
• Medium Coverage
• Contains SPF 15 - good for everyday use, but not recommended for flash photography
• $40 / 0.33 oz at Sephora
  

Max Factor Pan-Stik

• Waterproof
• Matte finish
  
• Inventor of Pan type makeup
• Ultra creamy
• Will be discontinued in the US due to competition in 2010, but will be available in other countries (order online from the UK!)
• $7-8 / 0.5 oz at drug stores or Ulta
  

Make Up For Ever Pan Stick

• One of the best professional cosmetic brands in the world
• Can also be used as a concealer
• Sheer to full coverage based on application
• Recommended for dry and problematic skin
• $30 / 0.7 oz at Sephora
  

Eve Pearl Dual HD Foundation

• This is included for experienced makeup users
• Contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, peptides and anti-oxidants 500 times stronger than vitamin E
• Safe for acne and other skin problems because it is made to calm and improve skin
  
• Buildable coverage, requires lots of blending
  
• Requires skill in matching and blending foundation, if you are on the lighter side of the color you have to layer the darker color under the lighter color with the same stroke (1 tap in dark, 2 in light), if applied improperly it can look orange
  
• To learn how to apply it, see Eve Pearl's tutorial on YouTube
• I currently use this foundation
  
• $54 / 0.41 oz at evepearl.com