Setting Spray & Powder

Setting powder and setting spray work differently to extend the wear of your makeup.

Setting powder is typically used to control shine and oil, set liquid foundation and concealer, and blur the look of skin for an instant filter effect. It’s effective in reducing the likelihood of makeup creasing, settling into fine lines, and transferring.

Setting spray helps lock makeup in place and ensures skin stays natural looking and fresh all day long. It works by hydrating and blending the layers of makeup into one layer for a seamless look while preventing dryness.

Setting spray can help to lock in your makeup and extend its wear, but it can't replace the benefits of setting powder. Although setting spray provides a refreshing finish and enhances makeup’s longevity, it doesn’t deliver the soft-focus, blurring and mattifying effect that a powder does. Depending on your skin type and the desired finish of your makeup look, you may be able to skip powder, particularly if you have dry to very dry skin. Ultimately, a combination of setting spray and powder will offer a more comprehensive solution for achieving long-lasting and flawless makeup.

Typically, setting powder is applied before setting spray, but you can also apply it after with the right technique. Applying setting powder before spray helps to control shine and provide a smooth, matte finish to your complexion. After powder, a setting spray can be used to lock everything in, add an extra layer of protection against smudging and fading, and bring back a natural look to the skin.

Alternatively, you can try this layering or “wet” method, made popular by your favorite makeup influencers. To do this, start by spritzing your skin with setting spray before and after foundation & concealer application. Then, apply setting powder as the last step in your makeup routine to lock everything in place. Use setting powder throughout the day for touch-ups as needed.

Choose a setting powder shade based on your skin tone and your skin's undertone to complement your skin's natural warmth or coolness. You can also opt for a more universal product by choosing a translucent setting powder for a colorless finish that suits all skin tones and won’t alter your foundation shade. Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Skin Refining Setting Powder comes in five shades, including a translucent shade, a brightening pink shade, and three color-shades from light to deep.