A Makeup Artist Shared His Insider Tips For Setting Your Makeup With Translucent Powder

Setting powder [1] is one of those makeup products that you either use every day in your routine without fail or you're not quite sure what it's for, let alone how to use it properly. There are a lot of different ways you can apply translucent powder — it's not just limited to baking your makeup [2] (we won't even get into that one right now). If you want to extend the wear of your makeup, applying a little powder [3] can be key to making your products stay put way past their initial claim.

Want to know the best way to set your makeup? Jason Hoffman, global beauty director of Laura Mercier, shared his expert beauty tips for using translucent powder, ahead.

Setting Powder Tip #1: Use a Powder Puff, Not a Brush

"The best way to apply setting powder is with a powder puff," Hoffman said. "A puff is far superior because it pushes the product into the foundation and creates a bond that holds the makeup in place."

Setting Powder Tip #2: Apply the Right Amount of Product

Those with dry skin don't necessarily want to layer on powder to their complexion the same way someone trying to combat oil would. Your skin type — whether you have oily or dry skin — can affect how you should apply your setting powder. "Typically oilier skin types want to be more matte, therefore more powder should be applied with the puff and pressed into the skin," Hoffman said. "The opposite goes for drier skin types or those wanting more of a natural glow after setting."

Setting Powder Tip #3: Set Your Products After Every Step

After you apply any cream- or liquid-based products — like your foundation, blush, or even cream eyeshadow — you can use translucent powder to set them. This will help keep your makeup from creasing after a few hours. "I use translucent powder during an entire makeup application," Hoffman said. "I use it to blend shadows during a smoky eye application, to buff edges of blush and bronzer, and also to set a bold lip liner. It 'takes the edge off' of anything."

Setting Powder Tip #4: If You Apply Too Much, You Can Fix It

We've all mistakenly applied too much product (blush is the worst) and panicked trying to get it off without ruining our entire beat. If that happens with setting powder, Hoffman recommended using a fluffy brush to buff away the excess. "If you went crazy and there is a massive excess of powder, use a clean side of the puff to buff off," he said.

Setting Powder Tip #5: Use a Powder Brush With Pigmented Pressed Powders For a Flawless Finish

"I'm often asked if I ever apply powder with a brush — I do," Hoffman said. After setting with your translucent setting powder, reach for a powder brush and pigmented pressed powder or powder foundation. "Tap it onto your complexion to add even more velvety coverage. The result is gorgeous, and because the makeup is already set, the pigmented powder will not grab or oxidise."

Ahead, we shared a few recommendations for translucent setting powders.