Setting your makeup once you’re all done is the most important step for keeping it all in place. Using a good setting agent ensures that the layers stay put for long hours without melting away. It also helps add that finishing touch, giving you a matte or dewy look, depending on what you choose.
For the most part, there are two kinds of products you can use to do this - setting powder and setting spray. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
- When should you use a setting powder
- How to use a setting powder
- When should you use a setting spray
- How to use a setting spray
When should you use a setting powder

Setting powders usually come in loose, moisture-sensitive powder forms that require a brush or a puff for application. They are the perfect setting agent if you have oily or combination skin as your makeup tends to bleed or melt thanks to the excess sebum production throughout the day. Setting powders are formulated in a way that they mattify an oily complexion by absorbing the extra oil on your face. They can keep your foundation in place even on your ‘shiniest’ days!
Setting powders are also used to individually set sections of your makeup. For instance, setting just the under-eye concealer with a layer of powder before the foundation can help brighten it up and prevent creasing.
Setting powders are also known for their soft, texture-less finish. A mineral-based formula like the Lakme 9 to 5 Naturale Finishing Powder gives your face a transparent finish. It is also apt for creating the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look since translucent powders are virtually undetectable on the skin.
How to use a setting powder

Here are the basic steps to follow for a flawless setting powder application:
- Step 01: Pick the right brush
Powdered makeup gives the best results when applied with the right brush. For an even but specific application of the setting powder, use a soft, fluffy brush with a tapered end. For a full face, you can use a large flat brush as well.
Step 02: Apply the powder
In order to collect the powder properly in your brush and avoid wastage, swirl the bristles into it. Go over your face in circular motions focusing on oilier regions like around the mouth and the T-zone.
Step 03: Dust off excess
Setting powders can easily be overdone if you are not careful. Once the powder is set, go over your face and dust off any excess that might be sitting on your face and voila!
When should you use a setting spray

As compared to setting powders, sprays are more versatile. So much so that setting spray can even be followed up with setting powder, to lock everything in. Depending on what you need, setting sprays can either give you a matte or dewy finish, but keeping the texture soft both times.
A setting spray can be used for dry, oily or combination skin. For dry skin, sprays with moisture-trapping humectant are preferred as they set your makeup without drying it out. For oily or combination skin, setting sprays are formulated with oil-control ingredients like aloe/ lavender that are soothing and witch hazel/rose water that give a mattifying effect.
Setting sprays are also formulated for long-wear. That’s why they fare better on hot, humid and sweaty days!
How to use a setting spray

Here are the basic steps to follow for proper setting spray use:
- Step 01: Place it at the right distance
The tricky part about using setting sprays is avoiding large droplets from spritzing on your perfectly done makeup. Hold the spray at least six to eight inches away from your face to ensure an even application.
- Step 02: Section-spray your face
Instead of just going over haphazardly, start by closing your eyes and spraying once at the centre on your face. Then go over once on your forehead and the sides of your face. Finish it up by spraying your neck (if you have used any form of coverage there).
- Step 03: Allow it to dry
Wait a couple of minutes and let it dry completely. Once your spray is set, you are good to go!
Written by Sumona Bose on 17th Jun 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!