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Setting Powder vs. Setting Spray: Why You Need Both

Don’t put two baddies against each other… these were made to work together.

With the launch of our brand-new Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder, you’re probably weighing your makeup-locking options, namely setting powder vs setting spray. Well, if you’re serious about your makeup looking seamless and prolonging the wear time of your artfully-crafted looks, both beauty products deserve a place in your makeup routine. 

We asked Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry Sara Wren to explain the functions of setting spray vs powder, their key differences, and how they work in stunning harmony when used together—no matter what your skin type may be. 

What does setting powder do?

Setting powder is made up of finely-milled, oil-absorbing particles, such as talcor silica. (In Pore Eclipse’s case, it’s lentil extract.) Of course, it’s a must for locking in any makeup look, but it also “gives you that extra-filtered look and a longwear finish,” Sara explains. 

Setting powder is also great for mattifying oily skin instantly and over time. It sops up excess oil on the spot and controls shine throughout the day. You can also count on setting powder to blur pores and fine lines.  

What does setting spray do?

Setting spray seals in your concealer, foundation, eyeshadow, etc. for the long haul by creating a weightless, invisible shield over makeup with just a spritz. Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spraydoes so via blue agave extract, which prevents makeup from smudging, fading, and creasing. Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, on the other hand, sets and secures makeup with lentil extract. The best setting sprays also feature skincare-inspired ingredients to impart an extra layer of hydration (a major plus for dry skin). Both of ours feature hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for a boost of moisture and brightening benefits. 

Product Shot of an open of Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder against a swatch of its medium shade on a white background

Shop Setting Powder 

Product shot of Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray against a white background

Shop Setting Spray

What's the difference between setting powder + setting spray?

Even though our beloved Pore Eclipse formula is available in both setting powder and setting spray forms, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are interchangeable for making your makeup stay in place for extended periods of time. There’s more to the battle of Setting Powder vs. Setting Spray than the obvious consistency differences. 

Setting powder is ideal for smoothing out the texture of your skin, as well as your foundation and concealer because it has more direct, concentrated contact with your skin, Sara says. As you sweep it on, setting powder perfects makeup application and gives looks a more seamless, flawless finish. 

Targeting the oiliest areas of your face, like your T-zone, is most efficient with setting powder. Sara also adds that layering loose setting powder over your under eye concealer is her preferred way to prevent creasing. 

Makeup setting spray, on the other hand, is best for creating an overall veil of staying power for your whole look “without majorly changing the payoff of the look,” Sara says. (Powders can soften or brighten the pigmentation of blush and base makeup depending on its ingredients.) You can also spritz on setting spray without reaching for any tools or carrying a bulky powder brush in your purse, making touch-ups super simple.

Setting sprays are also formulated based on the finish they help your look maintain, while powders tend to veer only toward a matte finish. When it comes to our setting sprays, though, Hydro Grip gives skin a dewy finish, and Pore Eclipse is better for a matte, soft focus vibe. 

Last, but not least, both setting products go on clear, but you can pick a setting powder based on your skin tone. (Pore Eclipse comes in four translucent-for-you shade options.) 

How do setting powder + setting spray work together?

Setting powder and setting spray work together beautifully to double up the insurance that your makeup won’t budge. “I love applying Hydro Grip Setting Spray first, then taking Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder on a puff and pressing it into the skin to make it look flawless while keeping oil under control,” Sara shares. 

Alternately, you can sweep on powder before setting it with Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray for a super velvety matte finish. Applying setting spray on top of setting powder is particularly helpful for softening the look of powder and melting it into your skin, especially if you overdid it and your face looks a bit cakey. It also extends the wear of the powder, Sara adds. 

When using setting spray prior to powder, though, make sure the spray is completely dried down to avoid any patchiness when applying powder on top,” Sara says. “I love this application for super oily skin or someone that wants a super easy airbrushed finish.” 

If you have combination skin, try adding setting powder only to the areas you want to eliminate shine, and then mist on Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray for skin that glows in all the right places. 

Product shot of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray against a white background

Shop Hydro Grip Setting Spray

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. 

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Devon Abelman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer who focuses on the intersections and intricacies of beauty, culture, astrology, and mental health. She is passionate about shining light on under-the-radar BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ beauty creators as well as Korea’s impact on global beauty trends. In her spare time, Devon can be found dressing up Scorpion, her XXXL blind-and-deaf rescue dog.

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Devon Abelman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer who focuses on the intersections and intricacies of beauty, culture, astrology, and mental health. She is passionate about shining light on under-the-radar BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ beauty creators as well as Korea’s impact on global beauty trends. In her spare time, Devon can be found dressing up Scorpion, her XXXL blind-and-deaf rescue dog.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.