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What is setting powder, and how does it differ from finishing powder?

by Aaron|June 12, 2025
Three lidded pots of loose setting powder on an off-white background

A great powder can help set your makeup and create a smooth, youthful appearance. However, when it comes to finding the best one for your needs, the verbiage surrounding powders can get confusing. You might see terms such as “finishing” and “setting,” but what do they mean exactly, and which one do you need to achieve your desired look? Follow along to learn the differences between these popular powder types and check out some of our favorites to incorporate into your makeup routine.

At a glance: Which powder does what?

Setting powder vs. finishing powder

What does setting powder do?

This one is easy to remember: Setting powder helps set your makeup and hold it in place. When dusted over liquid or cream products such as concealer or foundation, setting powder helps keep your makeup from transferring or fading throughout the day. It can also help prevent creasing as well.

Setting powders can be either tinted or translucent, and come in both loose and pressed formats. They’re meant to be applied directly on top of your foundation and concealer to help mattify and lock in your look. Traditional setting powders aim to reduce shine with oil-absorbing ingredients. If you want a dewy look, that’s not typically what you’ll get with a setting powder.

“Using setting powder after your cream or liquid foundation and concealer also helps establish a dry, even base for other powdered products that you apply next, such as blush, bronzer or highlighter,” says Joey Lasher, Med Spa Team Lead at the LovelySkin Day Spa. “Without a setting powder, you might find that these powders don’t apply as smoothly as you’d like.”

What is finishing powder?

Finishing powders, on the other hand, play a different role in your makeup routine: The purpose of finishing powder is to change the finish of your makeup. Many finishing powders are formulated to give your skin a smooth, airbrushed look.

“The best way to describe finishing powder is that it functions like an Instagram filter, but in real life,” Lasher says. “Finishing powders often contain light-reflecting particles that sit on top of your skin to minimize the appearance of pores, blur imperfections and provide a flawless finish.”

Finishing powders can also be tinted or translucent and pressed or loose. As the name suggests, they provide the finishing touch for your makeup look, so you’ll apply finishing powder at the end of your routine.

Is finishing powder the same as setting powder?

“By definition, finishing powder isn’t the same as setting powder. They do serve different purposes in your makeup routine,” says Joey Lasher. “That being said, it’s not always so black and white in practice because some brands use these terms interchangeably, which can get confusing.”

Because the beauty industry is constantly innovating when it comes to new products, there are also some powder formulas out there that blur the line between a setting powder and finishing powder. For example, a powder that’s labeled as a “finishing powder” may give a soft, blurred finish while also featuring ingredients to set your makeup and increase its longevity throughout the day. Likewise, though setting powders tend toward the matte side, there are some out there with a more satin finish, or a touch of radiance that provides a blurring effect like you would expect from a finishing powder.

“Taking the time to read the product description of the powder you’re considering can help make sure it will provide the setting power you need as well as the finish you’re hoping to achieve,” Lasher says. When in doubt, the LovelySkin Customer Care team is available to help answer your questions about specific powders and troubleshoot your latest powder decision dilemma by phone, live chat or email.

How to use setting powder and finishing powder

“Some setting powders and finishing powders—whether pressed or loose—come packaged with a powder puff, but I prefer to use a fluffy powder brush to apply them instead,” Lasher says.

You’ll apply setting powder after your liquid or cream foundation and concealer. “I load up my fluffy brush, tap gently to remove excess powder and then sweep the brush over my face to set my makeup,” Lasher says.

If you also want to apply finishing powder, that will be the last step in your makeup routine after you’ve applied additional products such as blush, bronzer or highlighter. “You can apply finishing powder in the same way with a powder brush, either in a light dusting all over your face or just on areas you’d like to adjust the finish of your makeup, such as your nose, forehead and cheekbones. It may take some trial and error to see what you like, so have fun and feel free to experiment!”

Is it okay if I don't use powder to set my makeup?

“If you don’t like the feel or look of using a powder to set your makeup, then no worries—it might not be a must-have for you,” Lasher says. “Without setting powder, your makeup may not have as much longevity throughout the day, however you can also try using a makeup setting spray instead if you’re just not a fan of powders.”

Setting powder vs. finishing powder: Our product recommendations

Are you ready to expand your makeup arsenal with high-quality, dermatologist-recommended powders? Here are a few of our favorites.

Setting powders we love:

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Rice Setting Powder

This mineral-based loose powder is formulated with cornstarch and rice starch to absorb oil and reduce shine without drying your skin. Thanks to its mattifying powers, it’s a great option for setting makeup if you have oily or combination skin. It comes in a translucent version as well as Warmth, a golden shade for darker skin tones.

Dermablend Loose Setting Powder

Formulated to lock in Dermablend foundations and concealers for 16-hour wear, this setting powder helps guard against smudges and makeup transfer. It provides a matte finish and works well for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. While the original formula is translucent, tinted shades such as Cool Beige (for light to medium skin tones) and Warm Saffron (for darker skin tones) are also available. This powder can also be used to set Dermablend body makeup, such as Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup or Dermablend Quick-Fix Body.

Check it out: Watch this video tutorial to learn three techniques for applying Dermablend Loose Setting Powder.

Finishing powders we love:

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Luminous Perfecting Pressed Powder

This pressed finishing powder counteracts dullness with a naturally radiant finish thanks to pearlescent pigments. Chamomile extract and vitamin E also give this formula a creamy texture that leaves your skin looking smooth and nourished.

Jane Iredale Amazing Matte Loose Finishing Powder

Beauty brand Jane Iredale makes a number of setting and finishing powders to choose from. This loose powder is one of its traditional finishing powders, offering a blurred finish with a touch of luminosity. It’s well-suited for drier skin types; if you have oily skin, the PureMatte Finish Powder is a better fit and offers a semi-matte finish.

Check it out: Watch our video demo of how to apply Jane Iredale Amazing Matte Loose Finishing Powder.

Combination setting and finishing powders we love:

bareMinerals Mineral Veil

This loose powder sets makeup for extended wear while also providing a soft-focus, naturally airbrushed finish. It absorbs excess oil and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and large pores. If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, you can apply this powder before your foundation and then reapply a second time as the last step in your routine.

Glo Skin Beauty Loose Matte Finishing Powder

Packaged with a built-in brush for easy on-the-go application, this combination setting and finishing powder helps set makeup and control shine while also providing a blurring effect for an ultra-smooth finish. You can use it all over your face or just in areas that need mattifying, such as your T-zone.

 
(formerly glo minerals Loose Matte Finishing Powder)

Have you always wanted to master a natural no-makeup look? You can pick up some professional pointers in our natural makeup guide on the LovelySkin Blog.

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About the Author

Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.

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