Whatever your skin type, setting powders are a multi-purpose must-have | Canada Voices

Rather than a fussy final step in a glam evening makeup routine, setting powder is a hero with multipurpose potential for day use too. “On minimal makeup days, to hide dark circles under my eyes, the only two products I’ll use are a very small amount of setting powder over concealer,” says Meera Estrada, a beauty and culture editor in Toronto, and the host of Naan Fiction, a podcast that explores the South Asian experience. “As I’m getting older and using less makeup on my face to minimize creasing, setting powder is a must to keep what I am wearing lasting longer.”

Makeup artist Lateisha Grant relies on setting powder for its filter-like properties. “Many people have larger pores around the nose and through the T-zone of their face, and dusting powder over those areas creates a blurred look,” she says. “The skin is mattified and looks more even.”

While ultradewy glass-like complexions have most recently dominated pop culture, Grant expects makeup with a softly diffused finish to capture the spotlight. “With the rise of the clean-girl aesthetic we haven’t really talked about powder for a while,” she says. “I think it will be a focus this year, along with long-wear products and satin-like skin.”

Grant, who works on editorial, advertising and music-video shoots, also suggests using it all over to help reduce shine on oily or combination skin types. “Use a thin layer of powder on top of moisturizer, then apply foundation and then set it with powder,” she says. If you have dry skin, customize your approach and place the product only around the eyes or through the middle of the face.

On marathon work days that call for maximum longevity, Estrada adjusts her application, too. “When I’m in the studio for television, I’ll go heavy on the loose setting powder to set the entire face and I’ll actually bake with it as well,” she says, referring to the technique rooted in drag culture that involves applying a thick layer of powder over foundation and letting it sit on the skin for a brief period before dusting off the excess.

Finding a skin tone match is straightforward, with wider ranges of shades from deep to fair. Choosing the right makeup tool, however, can affect the desired result. For the most natural-looking finish, use a large eye-shadow brush. “That’s the best for precision application over any area of the face,” Grant says. If you want to maximize extended wear time, she suggests using a dry sponge or powder puff. “Those are both denser than a brush, so the powder isn’t going to sink into the tool as much,” she says. “Dab the sponge or puff into the powder, and then press it into the back of your hand to evenly distribute the product first before moving to the face.”

It also pays to experiment with your perfect timing to avoid any caking or creasing. “I’ve learned along the way there’s a sweet spot for applying setting powder – about 40 seconds after concealer, not immediately after as I used to do,” says Estrada. “This leads to better coverage and longer-lasting results.”

Six buys to try

Smaller-looking pores, less shine and longer-lasting makeup – discover these powders starting from $12

This powder is formulated with oil-absorbing kaolin clay and hydrating squalane to deliver a smoothing effect that sets makeup for up to 12 hours without a dry look or feel. Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Soft Blur Setting Powder, buy at makeupbymario.com

Choose from 12 shades for light, buildable coverage with subtly radiant pigments that can be used on its own or over other makeup. e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter, buy at Shoppers Drug Mart

This all-in-one powder with a microfine milled texture blurs skin imperfections, sets makeup such as foundation and blush and leaves a soft and natural finish. Danessa Myricks Beauty Evolution Setting & Blurring Loose Powder, buy at Sephora

Offered in a lineup of 10 shades, this viral makeup sensation is sought after for its ultralightweight texture, brightening benefits and a diffused finish that mimics an airbrushed effect over skin. Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Baking & Setting Powder, buy at Sephora

This powder is made to even out your skin tone by imparting a sheer veil of colour while enhancing skin’s texture and absorbing excess oil. Maybelline New York Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder, buy at amazon.ca

An award-winning formula made with hydrating rose wax and sweet almond oil smooths the look of fine lines and comes in a refillable compact. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish, buy at charlottetilbury.com