If you’ve spent even a couple of seconds on the makeup side of TikTok, you’re probably well aware of how to use setting powder. However, our brand-new Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder is more multi-functional than you might think it is.
Sure, the finely-milled translucent powder sets makeup and keeps it looking fresh all day without needing to blot away excess oil or perform midday touch-ups. Not to mention it also blurs away pores and fine lines with its soft-focus finish. But Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder can also extend the wear of more than just your foundation and concealer.
We asked Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry Sara Wren to share her best setting powder tips to make the most of your jar of mattifying goodness. Consider this our official guide to how to use setting powder.
What are the Different Ways to Apply Setting Powder?
1. Layer under setting sprayFor beginners, let’s break down how to use setting powder after foundation. You have a couple of options to choose from. If you have super oily skin, we recommend sweeping Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder over oily spots, like your T-zone, and under your eyes with a sponge or makeup brush. Then, finish off your look with Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray for a super matte finish all day long. 2. Dust over setting spraySara’s favorite hack for when people ask her how to use setting powder after foundation comes straight from Milk Fam member and model/makeup artist Nykita Joy (aka @neoitgirl on TikTok). “She taught me to layer on Hydro Grip Set+Refresh Spray first, allowing 60 seconds for it to dry down. Then, use a powder puff to press powder into the skin with a focus on the T-Zone and under the eyes,” Sara shares. Dust off any excess powder before spritzing on Hydro Grip two or three more times to lock in the look. No matter what your skin type may be, it will “look like beauty mode IRL,” she adds. 3. Atop eyeshadow primerAlthough Hydro Grip Eye Primer is incredible for locking down eye makeup all on its own, some days (or let's be real, nights) call for some extra security. With that in mind, Sara loves brushing some Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder on top of Hydro Grip Eye Primer for an ultra-smooth, color-locking base that prevents eyeshadow and liner from creasing, fading, and smudging until you’re ready to wash it all off. |
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4. Set cream eye shadow
Some cream shadow formulas have a tendency to move around on your lids. Fasten them in place with a layer of setting powder on top.
5. Blend out eyeshadow
You can use a powder one shade deeper thank your skin tone as a crease transition or “blending” color if you struggle with eyeshadow blending.
6. Secure under eye concealer
Prevent your concealer from creasing under your eyes by using a light dusting of Pore Eclipse Setting Powder with a small fluffy brush to set it, Sara suggests.
7. Catch fallout
Hate when excess eyeshadow falls onto your under eye concealer and completely ruins it? Keep that from happening by adding more loose setting powder to your under eye area than you usually would before doing your eye makeup. Then, when you’re all done with your look, you can sweep away the excess powder and it will take away shadow fallout along with it.
8. Over liquid or gel eyeliners
If you’re all done with your makeup look and realize your eyeliner looks too shiny for your overall vibe, you can mattify it with a bit of setting powder on a small brush. Just go over your linework, and you’ll be all set. (Pun intended.)
9. Give lips a matte, airbrushed finish
Transform Lip + Cheek — or any lip product with a satin finish — into a matte lip color by topping it with a dusting of translucent powder.
10. Secure matte lip formulas
Already swiped on a matte lipstick? You can set it with translucent powder too to extend its wear. Some people like to place a tissue over their lips then pat powder on top of it with a powder brush to keep lips from looking cakey.
11. Brightening under eyesBoost the brightness of your under eye area with a lighter shade of Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder than you usually use. 12. Soften the color of your blush or bronzerWhether you overdid it on the blush or bronzer or it simply look brighter than you expected, take down the intensity of the pigments on your cheeks by buffing powder on top of it. 13. Make your blush or bronzer last longerEnsure that your blush or bronzer doesn’t go anywhere by using this sandwiching technique: Add a layer of Lip + Cheek or Matte Bronzer, buff powder on top of it, add another cream layer, and so forth. 14. ContouringUse a darker shade of Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder than your natural skin tone on top of Sculpt Stick and a lighter shade on the areas you highlighted to add more depth and dimension to your face. 15. Add extra volume to lashesAmp up the drama of your lashes by dusting setting powder onto them between the first and second coats of mascara. (We like to reach for KUSH Mascara for this setting powder hack.) |
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16. Prior to priming and foundation
To ensure the most flawless finish possible, use setting powder after applying Vegan Milk Moisturizerand before yourprimer of choice. This step will absorb any oil on your skin, so your complexion products stay secure for longer and more efficiently.
17. Before brow grooming
Sometimes errant oil on skin can keep brow products from properly affixing to arches. Before grabbing our KUSH Brow Shadow Stick or KUSH Fiber Brow Gel, tap some Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder onto your brows to soak up any oil on them, and everything will apply much more easily.
18. Beef up your brows
Want to add more oomph to your arches for a fluffier look? Brush on KUSH Brow Lamination Gel first, then pat some face powder on top. Then, add another layer of lamination, and your brows will look thicker than ever.
See? Setting powder can be a staple in your makeup routine—even if you have dry skin.
Meet the Expert
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.