As somebody with mixture pores and skin, my make-up routine has one aim: to toe the road between glazed and greasy. Glowy, glass pores and skin is one factor. Who doesn’t aspire to the vitality of vibrant summer time pores and skin? And with summer time lastly right here, magnificence tendencies lean towards a extra minimal, skin-focused method to make-up. Which sounds nice in idea—that’s, till my make-up melts by noon. In our seek for solutions, we’ve seemingly all come throughout the last word comparability: setting spray vs. powder. Within the combat for that elusive “lit from inside” glow, discovering the superior possibility to your pores and skin is crucial.
I consider summer time as the nice equalizer. Holding my make-up from slipping and sliding off my face is a year-round sport. However in the summertime, we’re all confronted with the identical problem—and all of us need solutions.
Featured picture from our interview with Babba Rivera by Belathée Photography.
Setting Spray vs. Powder: What to Know
There are hoards of products dedicated to making your looks last, from primers and micellar waters to prep your skin to setting sprays and powders. But which options actually work? Turns out, in the battle of setting spray vs. powder, there’s no single right choice. It all comes down to your skin type and desired look.
I spoke to Jena Joyce, a skincare expert, herbalist, and the founder and CEO of The Plant Mother, about how you can get your look to remain contemporary utilizing setting spray and powder. Jena shares her insights beneath.
What’s the distinction between setting powder and setting spray?
You will get a setting spray for both mattifying your make-up or making your make-up extra dewy. Relying on what look you’re going for, you possibly can select a sprig that works finest for you. A powder is just for mattifying and can assist to scale back sheen and oil.
I might suggest that an individual with dry or mixture pores and skin use a sprig whereas those that expertise oily pores and skin ought to use the setting powder. Nonetheless, each will also be used on the similar time to amplify your make-up so it lasts longer.
What do you have to take into account when buying a setting powder or setting spray?
When trying to purchase a setting spray, you need to know first if you wish to have dewy or matte pores and skin. For those who primarily use matte, full-coverage basis, then a matte setting spray could be finest. For those who use a light-weight and dewy basis, then select a setting spray that may assist to maintain your make-up extra on the shiny aspect. It’s essential to attempt to match your make-up to your powder or spray as you don’t need any separation in your make-up.
When searching for a setting powder, you will get pressed or unfastened powder kind. Each assist your make-up keep put, however a powder that’s extra compressed can act like a basis and will provide you with a full-coverage really feel.
Though it’s not as widespread, some setting powders can comprise talc which is an ingredient identified to trigger well being points. Inhalation of talc may cause respiration points, chest ache, and wheezing. Attempt to keep away from this ingredient and follow extra pure merchandise.
What’s the easiest way to use setting sprays and powders?
Setting powders and spray needs to be utilized after your make-up. Nonetheless, I might advise ready to place your mascara on after you employ a sprig as this might trigger smudging!
You must follow widespread base components in relation to your make-up. For those who don’t, your make-up will separate.
I like folks to ascertain mixing oil with water. It merely doesn’t mix! This is identical along with your make-up which is why it’s essential to make use of a sprig or powder that has the identical base as your basis and concealers. Preserve oils with oils and water-based with water-based merchandise.
How to Pick the Product That’s Right for You
You can use a setting spray, powder, or both to get your desired look. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? No beauty product is created equal, so I asked Dr. HariKiran Chekuri—a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and the medical head of ClinicSpots—about choosing the right products for your skin. Keep reading for insights.
Tips for Selecting a Setting Powder
- Shade. Select a translucent setting powder that is universal for all skin tones, or a tinted setting powder that matches your foundation or adds some warmth or depth to your complexion.
- Finish. You can choose a matte setting powder that eliminates shine and gives you a velvety look, or a luminous setting powder that adds some subtle shimmer and gives you a soft-focus look.
- Texture. Choose a loose setting powder that is finely milled and easy to blend, or a pressed setting powder that is compact and convenient to carry.
Tips for Selecting a Setting Spray
- Formula. Opt for a water-based setting spray that is lightweight and hydrating, or an alcohol-based setting spray that is long-lasting and mattifying.
- Finish. You can choose a dewy setting spray that enhances your glow and makes your skin look plump and healthy, or a matte setting spray that reduces shine and makes your skin look smooth and flawless.
- Ingredients. You can choose a setting spray that contains beneficial ingredients for your skin type, such as antioxidants, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, etc. You should also avoid setting sprays that contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, etc.
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Antioxidants. These are substances that protect your skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, etc. Some examples of antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract.
- Hyaluronic acid. This is a molecule that attracts and retains moisture in your skin cells. It helps hydrate your skin, plump up fine lines and wrinkles, and improve your skin elasticity.
- Glycerin. This is a humectant that draws water from the air into your skin. It helps moisturize your skin, smooth out rough patches, and prevent dryness.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Parabens. Parabens are preservatives that prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products. They are linked to hormonal disruption, allergic reactions, and breast cancer risk.
- Sulfates. These are detergents that create foam in cleansing products. They’re known to strip away natural oils from your skin, irritate your skin barrier, and cause dryness.
- Phthalates. These are plasticizers that make products more flexible and durable. They are associated with reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and developmental defects.
Tips for Finishing Off Your Look
A general rule of thumb is to use products with similar formulas to ensure compatibility and avoid separation or oxidation of your makeup.
For example, if you use an oil-based foundation, consider using an oil-based setting powder or an alcohol-based setting spray to set it in place and prevent it from sliding off due to oil production. If you use a water-based foundation, you might want to use a water-based setting powder or a water-based setting spray to lock it in place and prevent it from drying out.
You can also experiment with different combinations of products to see what works best for you and what gives you the desired effect. For example, you can use an oil-based foundation with a water-based setting spray to add some dewiness and hydration to your matte base. Or, try a water-based foundation with an oil-based setting powder to add some warmth and glow to your natural base.
The key is to test out different products on yourself and see how they perform on your skin type and with your makeup style.
The Best Setting Sprays
In the summer, setting sprays can help you achieve that dewy, glowy look. A good setting spray provides a weightless but effective hold. Many setting sprays now also contain skincare ingredients to help hydrate your skin while protecting your makeup.
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To add an extra layer of protective power to my everyday look, I spritz ILIA Blue Light Mist as a final step before mascara. It works for everything from my fresh-faced, sunscreen-only days to my full coverage looks. Given that I spend most of my time in front of my phone or computer, this mist helps prevent any negative effects that come with blue light, such as potential premature aging and stress on your skin.
But beyond its blue light-blocking benefits, it’s also a powerful setting spray. Filled with clean, skin-first ingredients, it hydrates and sets for a finish that looks vibrant and dewy. Perfect for summer.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe, Marine Actives, Mastic, Tara Extract
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
They say classics are a classic for a reason, and this is the proof. This waterproof setting spray got me through concerts in my teenage years and parties in my early 20s. It’s my go-to for long-lasting coverage. Promising 16 hours of fixed protection, it’s a cult favorite that lives up to the hype. However, its alcohol base might be irritating to some skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Alcohol, Aloe
- Size: 4 fl oz
This fan-favorite formula is bolstered by its easy-to-apply continuous spray. Not only does it last all day, but the refreshing mist ensures an even application. Infused with vitamins and fruit extracts, it leaves behind a radiant finish, making it ideal to carry on the go if you need to refresh your look.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Fruit Extracts
- Size: 2.8 oz
This ultra-hydrating setting spray is a targeted solution for dry skin. Ever find your makeup sticking to dry flakes or causing creases? First, be sure to exfoliate before applying makeup for your smoothest finish. Then, choose a primer that gives your skin a boost of hydration. Milk Makeup is known for its innovative products that blend skincare and makeup, like this refreshing and protective spray.
- Key Ingredients: Blue Agave, Hemp Seed Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Niacinamide
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
This clean beauty setting spray does it all. It hydrates, protects from blue light and pollution, and of course, sets your look. True to its name, its powerful formula keeps your look locked in with just one spritz. Plus, its bevy of clean beauty ingredients helps to brighten the skin beneath your makeup and even reduce the look of blemishes.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Niacinamide B3, Rosehip Extract
- Size: 3.4 fl oz
The Best Powders
Powders can get a bad reputation. Though they effectively cut shine, they can also quickly cake and crease. And even when they work, new beauty trends favor less coverage and skin that looks like skin. Can powders achieve that? Don’t count it out. But a good powder is the best way to control oil—whether you’re going for a completely matte look or just a more controlled glow.
Most Versatile Setting Powder: Glossier Wowder
Glossier is known for making skin-first products that give you an effortless glow. So it makes sense that their cult-favorite powder doesn’t compromise your pursuit of dewy, natural-looking skin. I tried the Glossier Wowder after I was deep in my Glossier section and it’s one of many merchandise I’ve stored in my rotation ever since. The kaolin clay base absorbs oil with out leaving a cakey residue. It really works nicely with my different hydrating merchandise to create a glance that’s managed however not flat. Get this breathable powder in order for you your pores and skin to seem like pores and skin whereas nonetheless firming down the noon grease.
- Key Substances: Diamond Powder, Kaolin Clay, Vitamin E
- Dimension: 7.2 g
Charlotte Tilbury’s powders are legendary for a cause. The featherweight texture has been described as cashmere to your face. With this super-fine texture and oil-infused components to advertise softness, it blurs your pores and skin with out drying or caking.
- Key Substances: Mica, Rose Wax, Almond Oil
- Dimension: 8 grams
If you would like a extra matte look, this non-drying components will get you that gentle focus blur with out discomfort, dullness, or cakiness. The invisible shade makes it appropriate for all pores and skin tones with out leaving a white solid or a flashback impact in photographs. With pure oils like squalane, it controls extra shine whereas maintaining your pores and skin gentle and hydrated for all-day put on.
- Key Substances: Mica, Squalane, Chia Seed Extract
- Dimension: 8.5 grams
This unfastened powder is light-weight sufficient to your dry areas and highly effective sufficient to your oilier areas, like your T-Zone. The ethereal texture offers you a pure, even end for comfy all-day protection. Blur your pores and clean your texture with out caking or bumps.
- Key Substances: Mica, Squalane
- Dimension: 9.5 grams