What Is Setting Powder and How Do You Make Your Makeup Last Longer?

Setting with powder helps the makeup you worked so hard on stay put throughout the day without breaking down. This staying power keeps your makeup from sliding off and settling into fine lines during the day. Your makeup stays as fresh as the moment you applied it. Plus, setting powder makes your skin look velvety smooth.

What Is Powder and Why Is It Used in Makeup?

Powder is a loose or pressed makeup product that sets your makeup and keeps shine under control. The purpose of using powder in makeup is:

1. To make your makeup last all day.
2. To give the skin a smooth, velvety finish.
3. To keep shine on the skin under control.

What Is the Difference Between Setting Powder and Finishing Powder?

Setting powder helps liquid or cream products stay put on the skin. Finishing powder, on the other hand, helps soften the look of your makeup. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two powders:

1. Setting powder is applied after foundation, while finishing powder is used at the very end of your makeup.
2. Setting powder has a denser texture, while finishing powder has a lighter one.
3. Setting powder locks makeup in place; finishing powder softens the look of your makeup.

Alix Avien's Ideal Powders for Setting Makeup

• Silky Loose Powder: Part of the Alix Avien powder category, this silky loose powder creates a velvety effect on your skin and makes it look smooth. Thanks to its fine, lightweight texture, it doesn't feel heavy or cake on your skin. It has a matte finish and keeps shine under control. It sets your makeup and holds up all day.
• Compact Powder: Another Alix Avien powder is the compact powder. It offers up to 12 hours of wear. It contains mineral pigments. It gives natural coverage.
• Baked Matte Powder: It offers rich coverage. It sets makeup. It has a matte finish. It's suitable for both wet and dry use. When used wet, it gives full coverage.

How to Apply Powder Correctly (Brush, Sponge)

You can apply powder with either a makeup brush or a makeup sponge. Each application tool serves a different purpose.

• Brush: You usually use a brush to keep shine under control. For shine in the T-zone especially, a large brush is ideal. Apply with gentle motions, without pressing the brush into your skin. For everyday makeup, a brush is a must for dry and combination skin.
• Sponge: A damp sponge is key to helping powder blend into the skin. Press the powder onto your under-eyes, around your nose, and your forehead with a sponge. We especially recommend using a sponge for special-occasion makeup, because it sets makeup more intensely. You can use a brush for tinted powders with a bronzing effect and a sponge for translucent powders.

Solving Oily, Shiny Makeup with Powder

During the day, your T-zone can get shiny from excess oil because it produces more sebum. Oiliness and shine cause your makeup to break down. To prevent this, you can:

1. Choose a powder that suits your skin type,
2. Time your powder application correctly,
3. Apply powder especially to the areas that get shiny,
4. Pay attention to how you use your makeup brush and sponge.

Mattifying and Smoothing Makeup with Powder

Mattifying and smoothing your makeup with powder has an oil-controlling effect on the skin. Translucent powder in particular mattifies makeup and gives the skin a smooth look.

Applying powder to the skin in a thin layer with a large makeup brush keeps the skin from losing its natural look. When applying, we recommend focusing on your T-zone, chin, and forehead, because these areas are more prone to oiliness than others. Also, applying powder after foundation keeps it from settling into fine lines. For under your eyes, you can apply powder with small, damp makeup sponges.

Why Does Setting Powder Prevent Creasing?

This product seals liquid foundation and concealer onto the skin, keeping them from moving or settling into fine lines.

Why Should Your Sponge Be Damp When Applying Powder with a Makeup Sponge?

A damp sponge helps powder grip the skin better and, especially with the baking technique, helps the product blend seamlessly into the skin.

How Should Your Skin Look When You Touch Up Your Powder?

When touching up, applying a thin layer of Alix Avien compact powder to shiny areas brings back a matte, clean look.

What Is the Most Important Rule for Natural-Looking Powder?

Instead of applying a heavy amount of product all at once, tapping off the excess from your brush and pressing it into the skin in thin layers is the key to a natural finish.

Which Type of Powder Should You Choose for More Coverage?

If you want not just setting but also a more even skin tone and extra coverage, you should choose tinted powders.