How to Apply Setting Powder Like a Pro Makeup Artist

March 31, 2020
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
how to apply setting powder

Achieving a flawless, full coverage makeup beat starts with an excellent primer and ends with an outstanding setting powder. How and exactly where you apply said setting powder can really make or break your desired look and help you keep excess shine and grease at bay. We chatted with NYC-based makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran about the do’s and don’ts of applying setting powder. Read on for the scoop!

Where Should You Focus Your Setting Powder?

Your skin type and what kind of coverage you want is what determines where you should place your setting powder. “I like to focus powdering on the t-zone area, top of the lips (as this area is sometimes prone to sweating and smile lines,” says Jaikaran. As far as how to know when you’ve applied enough powder, she notes that less is more. “Once there is a thin light layer where your concealer or foundation is covered, you should be fine. If you’re layering powder where it’s falling everywhere, then it’s probably too much.” One of our favorite powders to use is the Dermablend Loose Setting Powder.
dermablend loose setting powder
I like to focus powdering on the t-zone area, top of the lips (as this area is sometimes prone to sweating and smile lines
Jaleesa Jaikaran, MUA

What Are the Best Tools to Use to Set Makeup?

According to Jaikaran, applying setting powder correctly has to do with the brushes you use. “I like to use a smaller brush for under the eyes and for areas around the nose, I’d use a large brush for the other parts of the face,” she says. We recommend the Lancôme Face Powder Brush #1 for a larger bristled option.
lancome powder brush

To Seal It All In

“If you find that your powder looks a bit heavy, use a setting spray over top,” Jaikaran suggests. Setting sprays will help lift the makeup and will dry down to a natural finish. Try the Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray.

urban decay ultra matte setting spray

Read more

Loading
Back to top