We all should know by now how important primers are to the staying power and overall look of your makeup. What we should also be focusing on are the products used after your makeup is applied that will keep your look together. This is where setting sprays and setting powders come in. These products not only keep your makeup in place but really polish off your overall look. A setting powder, especially if it’s tinted, can help blend out harsh lines and make your highlighted areas look less like stage makeup and more natural. A setting spray not only helps keep your makeup from being sweat off and transferring but also gets rid of any powdery or cakiness.
I’ve tried quite a few products in each of these categories and have finally decided on my must haves. For setting powders my favorites are IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro Powder and Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Deep. For setting spray, I rely on Skindinavia Finishing Spray in their oil control formula.
The setting powder I use is dependent on where I’ll be going and what type of look I’m trying to achieve. I use IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores for natural makeup looks that I will be wearing during the day. I don’t use it for full glam looks or nighttime makeup because it can cause a grayish cast when photographed with flash. For these occasions, I use the Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder. Since there is some color it doesn’t cause flashback when photographed with flash and as I stated earlier, it really helps blend out your contour and highlight without making it disappear. The Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder comes in 4 shades, Neutral Light, Medium, Dark, and Deep.
Now my go to setting spray is obviously not what most people would think. Everyone seems to rave over the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. While I do like that one, my must have is Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray. They have a few different formulas, Original, Oil Control, and Bridal. Of course, I opt for the oil control formula since my oiliness tends to seep through my makeup like the grease from a Five Guys burger seeps through their paper bags. Now nothing I use has ever kept me completely shine free, however, I will say with the combo of these setting powders and setting spray my shine is more of a glow than an “I’ve been trekking through South Florida in the middle of summer shine.”
Now for the prices:
Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder- $9.25 on Black Opal’s Website
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro Powder – $24.00 on IT Cosmetics Website
Skindinavia Finishing Spray- $29.00 on Skindinavia’s Website
Now although the IT Cosmetics powder and Skindinavia spray are somewhat costly, there is almost always a promo going on. HSN and QVC usually have some sort of IT Cosmetics special going on and Skindinavia often has BOGO Free or will include travel size sprays and free shipping.
Happy Shopping!
