Setting Spray vs. Setting Powder: Which to Use for Your Best Makeup Look Yet

You've probably heard from your favorite makeup artist or creator before that aside from skin prep, setting your makeup is the key to a long-lasting beat. Conquering creasing, smudging, and budging is always a post-application goal, and finding your ideal setting routine is essential to this.

There are two key players in the space: setting spray (typically a mist that comes in a bottle) and setting powder (typically a fine, loose powder that you can apply with a puff or brush). But while the initial formula differences are obvious, you may be wondering more about the results the two products achieve, plus when is best to use each. We tapped four makeup artists for the answers: Read on to learn all about the similarities and differences between setting spray and powder, including application tips and how to choose between them.

What Is Setting Spray?

"Setting spray is a liquid formula that acts as a sealant and also helps bind makeup to the skin," explains celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli. "It will help lock your makeup in place, as it is, for longer wear time. As formulas continue to evolve, we're seeing some setting sprays that can offer a more dewy finish, a matte finish, or even a sunscreen finish to them."

The formula, celebrity MUA Natalie Dresher explains, typically comprises a solvent like water or alcohol combined with a polymer to create the "film" that locks in the makeup. It also typically includes a soothing ingredient, such as glycerin, to keep skin hydrated.

What Is Setting Powder?

"Setting powder is a fine powder, either loose or pressed, that offers a little magic touch to absorb excess oils, set liquid or cream foundation, and blur imperfections," explains celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller. "It typically reduces shine and helps your makeup last longer by preventing creasing or slipping." While setting powder may seem like the solid equivalent to a setting spray, it's typically best for use in targeted areas versus full-face.

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Setting Spray vs. Powder

Application

As you might expect, the application for a setting powder and spray differs due to its form. "Setting spray is typically in a bottle and liquid form, while setting powder is usually in a compact or jar in powder form," Dresher notes. "Setting spray is misted onto the face or a beauty blender, then pressed into the face, while a setting powder is applied with a brush or powder puff in a sweeping or pressing motion."

Desire for precision typically differentiates the two products, as a setting powder with a brush or makeup puff allows for more precision, but also greater risk of over-applying. "Both are fairly simple [to apply], but setting powder requires more precision," Geller explains. "You use a brush or puff and apply it to specific areas where you really want to lock in makeup and/or reduce shine, like the T-zone and under-eyes. Be a bit more careful with powder to avoid making your skin look dry or too bright in certain areas: Less is more. A setting spray is quick and effortless: Simply mist over your face as the last step."

Costs

Costs will always vary by brand and formula, the artists agree—but you might decide which to invest in (or save on) based on how frequently or liberally you use it. "Both range in price, but powder usually lasts longer," says Tarte global pro MUA Lex Smith. "Setting spray gets used up quicker, especially if you’re a serial mister like me." Relatable.

Finishes

While both setting spray and setting powder can lock in makeup for a beautiful finish, the finishes vary between the two (and within each). As Scibelli notes, both products are expanding their finish options, giving consumers more to choose from.

"A setting spray can be easier if you're looking for a more natural finish and an allover setting product," Scibelli elaborates. "They also don't require a brush, so sprays are great on the go. However, I think powders offer a more visible setting finish, especially if you're looking to mattify, absorb shine, or blur the pores. Sprays set makeup as it is, so it will look as it is, whereas a powder formula can change the texture slightly."

Wear Time

Unsurprisingly, wear time has to do with much more than the setting spray or powder itself. Your skin type (oily vs. dry), skin prep, and makeup products all play a big role in how long a spray or powder formula will make your look last.

"It depends on multiple factors, like the formula, the other makeup you’re using, your type of skin, and what you’re doing that day, but I would say both are great options for all-day wear," Geller says. "I personally like to keep a travel-size powder in my bag for touch-ups throughout the day."

You might also decide between setting spray and powder depending on your preferences in weight and texture. "Powder generally gives the longest wear, especially in the T-zone," Smith says. "Spray boosts wear, too, but feels lighter and more flexible on the skin."

Choosing Between Spray and Powder

The artists say you don't have to choose between makeup setting spray and powder: both serve different purposes and can be layered. "Choose a setting spray if you're after a fresh, dewy finish and makeup that truly goes the distance, for those long days when you want your look to stay radiant and comfortable," Geller says. "Reach for a setting powder if you love a soft matte finish, need a little shine control, or want to blur and perfect targeted areas like your T-zone. It's great for adding that touch of extra polish without dulling your natural glow."

Or, you can use both products at the same time. "Use powder to set and smooth the areas that need it most, then finish with a light mist of setting spray to lock in your entire look," Geller says. "Together, they create that long-lasting finish we all love."

The Final Takeaway

Both setting powder and setting spray can make all the difference in a makeup look, giving you long-lasting glam that stays in place from morning to night. "The setting category as a whole has really expanded into so many micro-categories, which is really helpful for the various skin types and needs," Scibelli notes. While setting powder is best for use on specific areas and setting spray is ideal for an allover finish, these two products are ultimately not mutually exclusive, so feel free to experiment with the routine that works best for you.