Difference between setting powder and finishing powder?

Mar 14, 2016

Minnie C.

Hi beauties, may I know what's the difference between this two? Or may be I should ask what's the difference between setting and finishing? Thank you.

Mar 14, 2016

Marleen B.

A setting powder is meant to "set" your foundation, but a finishing powder is a powder that you apply as your last step to create a certain effect like creating a luminous finish or brightening. In this order;
1. Foundation
2. Setting Powder
3. Contour, blush bronzer etc.4. Finishing powder

Mar 14, 2016

Chris M.

Oh, this is good to know! I have powders and didn't know there was a difference except for the finish (luminous vs. matte). How do I know if my matte powders are finishers? For instance, I have By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder...is that a setting powder? I also have Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, which I assume is a finishing powder. Am I correct?

Mar 14, 2016

Marleen B.

Technically, a matte powder can be a setting and a finishing although I don't see a reason to use it as finishing powder after you've already set your makeup unless you were still super oily or if you overdid your blush/bronzer/Highlighter and you wanted to tone it down. Yes, Ambient powders are finishing powders but there are no rules. You could set your makeup with the Ambient powders (carefully with the more shimmery ones) depending on how oily you are. But matte setting powders imo, are better for setting because they are meant for setting and usually give a blurring & pore minimizing effect. If you have big pores you don't want to call more attention to them with a finishing powder (although some finishing powders could work). You want to perfect your complexion by giving it a smooth, poreless, airbrushed look, then highlight certain areas with a finishing powder or highlighter.

Mar 14, 2016

Marleen B.

Sorry, not familiar with the Becca Powder.

Mar 14, 2016

Chris M.

Thank you Marleen and Jacqueline.

Mar 15, 2016

Shengmin L.

Hey I have a question related to this thread but sorry for hijacking it. NYX has a finishing powder called "set it don't fret it" but is it also a setting powder as well?

Mar 15, 2016

Marleen B.

I looked it up and it seems more like a setting powder. It is kinda of confusing. But since it's matte , you could probably use it as both, although with my dry skin, I personally wouldn't use a matte finishing powder. I like the Nars Crystal powder or Eschiko loose powder to set. If I use a "finishing" powder, I use a subtle Illuminator, just enough illumination to offset the look of my dry skin, so my skin isn't so flat & matte looking.

Mar 15, 2016

Minnie C.

This is the first time I post a question. Very happy to have you kind beauties' help. Especially thanks to Jacqueline and Marleen.

Mar 15, 2016

Marleen B.

You're Welcome

Mar 16, 2016

Livi H.

Are the Rms unpowder a setting powder then since its silica? Hopefully? Because I've been using that to "set" my concealer lol!

Also, now I understand why my hourglass powders make me look so awesome!!

Mar 18, 2016

Kathryn R.

Jaqueline to the rescue. Screenshotting again!