What's The Difference Between Setting Powder and Setting Spray?

When you’ve taken the time to apply your makeup, you will want it to last. And to do that, you’ll want to nab a setting spray or powder (or both). This is where the setting powder vs. setting spray debate begins. While both setting sprays and setting powders are designed to prevent caking and creasing and prolong the wear of your makeup, they each have unique qualities. And since choosing the wrong product or overapplying can make your makeup even more prone to smudging, it's essential to know what’s what when it comes to setting spray vs. powder. Keep scrolling while we fill you in on the differences between these two products and offer recommendations on choosing the right one for your needs.

What Is Makeup Setting Spray?

Setting spray is a makeup product designed to help keep your makeup in place for longer. It usually comes as a lightweight fine mist you can spritz over your face as the final step in your makeup routine. It creates a thin, invisible film over your makeup, which helps to seal everything in place and prevent it from smudging, creasing, or fading throughout the day.

Setting spray types

Setting sprays are pretty much all liquid formulas, but their finish can range from matte to dewy. Matte-finish setting sprays help prolong makeup wear while minimizing unwanted shine and tend to be a great option for those with oilier skin types. Dewy setting sprays, meanwhile, leave behind a hydrated, almost wet-looking finish—perfect for anyone seeking a more glowy makeup look. If you simply want to set your makeup without mattifying or adding a glowy finish, opt for a natural setting spray. These are designed to dry down without any noticeable finish to let your skin shine.

Setting spray benefits

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is setting spray necessary?” the answer is no—but then, no makeup products are. However, setting sprays can be an incredibly helpful addition to your makeup routine. Some of the most notable benefits of setting sprays include:

• Extending the longevity of your makeup
• Preventing makeup from melting or fading
• Enhancing the overall finish of your makeup
• Keeping your skin looking fresh
• Reducing smudging, fading, or transferring

Our best setting spray to set your makeup

If you’re looking for a setting spray to add to your routine, we suggest the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. It boasts a natural finish and helps extend makeup wear for up to 36 hours without transferring or fading. What we like best about the spray, though, is the applicator. Unlike traditional setting sprays, which can sometimes spritz on unevenly and leave visible droplets on the skin, this spray comes in an aerosol applicator. It applies evenly without leaving any visible residue and dries instantly with a lightweight, breathable feel.

What Is Setting Powder?

Setting powder is used to set cream or liquid products (like foundation and concealer) in place. It usually comes either in loose or pressed form and is applied with a brush or sponge. If your question is how to use setting powder, it really depends on your preferences—you can dust it over the face or apply it strategically to areas prone to shine, creasing, or oiliness (such as the under-eye area or T-zone). This level of control is ideal for those with combination skin that’s oilier in some areas and drier in others.

Setting powder types

Most setting powders are translucent (no color in them), though there are tinted options that offer additional coverage. If you’re unsure which to choose, translucent is usually your best bet because there’s no additional pigmentation, and these formulas work well regardless of your skin tone.

As for when to use a setting powder, well, that also depends on your preferences. Many people choose to use it every day, but some prefer to save it for special occasions, like big events or late-night parties, as the mattifying, blurring effect will help keep your makeup fresh even if you’re dancing the night away. Just keep in mind that setting powder should always be applied after creams and liquids—if you try to layer cream makeup over powder, you’ll likely end up with a patchy application.

Setting powder benefits

Setting your liquid makeup with a setting powder can help:

• Lock cream and liquid products into place
• Extend the wear time of makeup
• Control shine and oiliness
• Blur imperfections
• Give the skin a smooth, velvety finish

Our best setting powder to set your makeup

If you’re looking to set your makeup and blur your skin—without that telltale white cast that old-school setting powders often left behind—reach for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder. The talc-free formula brightens, blurs, and helps lock makeup into place for up to 24 hours without creasing, transferring, or settling into fine lines. Plus, the unique formula comes in four shades—two translucent, two brightening—ensuring there’s a match for every skin tone.

Setting Spray vs. Powder: What’s The Difference?

Both setting powder and setting spray are used to increase makeup longevity, but they serve different purposes and are used in distinct ways.

When deciding between setting spray vs. setting powder, it’s good to understand that the texture and formulations of each differ, and as such, they’re used for different purposes. Setting powder can be used to set the whole face, but it’s often dusted onto targeted areas prone to shine, like the T-zone. You can apply powder all over, but you’ll need to use a lighter hand—an overzealous application could leave your base looking flat or cakey. Setting powders also requires a tool of some sort to apply (typically, a fluffy brush or sponge).

Setting sprays come with the tool built-in, so you don’t need to cram anything else into your makeup bag to use one. Instead, you uncap the bottle, hold it around 6-8 inches from your face, and mist it evenly over your skin. The liquid will help “seal” your makeup in place and prevent it from creasing, smudging, transferring, or flaking. It’s technically possible to apply too much setting spray, but this won’t leave your skin cakey or dull-looking—if anything, it’ll just take longer to dry.

How To Choose Between Setting Powder and Setting Spray

If you don't know whether to use a setting spray or powder to set your makeup, consider your skin type, desired finish, and the other products you use in your makeup routine.

1. Skin type

Skin type is the first thing to be considered in the setting powder vs. setting spray debate. If you have oily or combination skin, setting powder is often ideal as it can help absorb excess oil and control shine for a more balanced look. Setting sprays, meanwhile, are suitable for just about everyone. We suggest opting for a formula with a natural finish to avoid looking too shiny.

2. Desired finish

When considering setting powder vs. setting spray, you need to know the finish you want for your makeup. If you prefer matte makeup, you’ll typically want to opt for a setting powder, as these can help to minimize unwanted shine and give the skin a velvety finish.

If you tend to gravitate toward glowier makeup looks, a setting spray might be a better bet. Setting sprays have a lighter application when compared to powders, so the coverage is sheerer and more natural-looking. Plus, unlike powders, they come in an array of finishes, so you should be able to find one that suits your preferences.

3. Makeup routine

Next, consider the complexity and longevity of your makeup routine. Setting powder is excellent for intricate looks where you need a precise application. It also works well if you wish to set specific areas (like the under-eye). However, it can look cakey when layered over other powder products, like bronzer, blush, or highlighter. Setting spray, meanwhile, covers the entire face in seconds. Plus, it layers beautifully over powder and liquid makeup. Because of its performance, it can fit into any makeup routine.

Lastly, it’s worth remembering that you don’t have to choose one or the other: you can layer setting spray and powder for an ultra-long-lasting look.

Should you use setting spray or powder first?

If you plan to use both setting products, you’ll need to do so properly to ensure a smooth, even finish. The general rule is to apply powder first, followed by setting spray. This way, the setting spray helps lock in everything and add a final layer of protection. However, there are exceptions. If you want a dewy look, skip powder or apply it sparingly. Some also prefer to use a setting spray first for a more hydrated base before adding powder for extra staying power. The key is to find what works best for your skin type and desired finish. Ultimately, whether you use setting spray or powder first is up to your taste and preferences.

Do I need both setting powder and finishing powder?

You don’t necessarily need both setting and finishing powder, but using them together can give your makeup maximum longevity. Setting powder helps to lock your foundation in place and mattify, while a finishing powder adds a soft, airbrushed effect and enhances your overall look. For the best results, apply a light dusting of setting powder first to set your makeup, then finish with a setting spray to seal everything in and ensure it lasts all day. If you want an even smoother, more polished finish, layer a finishing powder on top after your setting spray for a flawless, radiant look.

Next Up: 9 Sweat-proof Makeup Products That Won’t Melt Off Your Face

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris