Finishing vs. Setting Products: Which One Is Right For You?

My favorite part of my makeup application is using finishing and setting products - it's the moment where I can really see the makeup look coming together. Depending on the look that I'm going for that day, I rely on either finishing or setting products (or event a combination of both!) to take my makeup to the next level. 

Because they tend to be used in the same way, there can be a little confusion over the difference between finishing and setting products. And if you fall in that camp, this post is for you.

My Finishing Faves

In general, finishing products are used to add a little extra glow or luminosity to the skin. They can help blur imperfections and, in the case of finishing sprays, can help erase makeup application sins. If I've gone a little overboard with powder, a few spritzes of finishing spray corrects that problem in a pinch.

Here are some of my favorite finishing products:

Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Powders are really great for bringing a glow to the skin when used in light layers, and used in concentrated layers over targeted areas, can double up as a very natural, glowy highlight without shimmer.

The ultimate in finishing powders, Guerlain Illuminating Meteorites Powder Pearls help blur out imperfections and deliver color correction all in one. I adore the Pearls format over the compact because it picks up just the right amount and combination of color - if you tend to have a heavy hand like I can sometimes, that's a lifesaver.

My Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powders give me subtle color correction with the tiniest amount of shimmery glow. Go in with the lightest hand to prevent too much shimmer from depositing on your face.

My favorite finishing sprays are two utility players. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water is a quick and easy primer that's also ultra hydrating on the days where my skin needs a little extra moisture. But a spritz or two on top of makeup helps eliminate a powdered look and adds a great glow. My Caudalie Beauty Elixir is strong enough to double as a setting spray but does its best work as a a finishing spray. I throw this in my purse to refresh my makeup if I have to go straight from the office to an after-work event.


My Setting Faves

What hairspray is to making your 'do stay in place, setting products are to making sure your makeup stays throughout the day. Here are some of my faves:

My Givenchy Poudre Premiere translucent powder (center) and Prisme Libre color correcting powders (surrounding) are amazing for the days where my skin is a bit oilier. If my skin is a little broken out or I want to look a bit more naturally tanned, I pick out the color correcting version to help create the makeup look I'm going for that day.

Laura Mercier powders knock it out of the park every time! The Secret Brightening Powder (left) locks in undereye concealer and makes me look like I've gotten more sleep than I actually did. The Translucent Loose Setting Powder (center) gives me the most airbrushed look ever and is great for all skin types. And the Invisible Loose Setting Powder is ultra-mattifying - a must-have for oily skin.

The first setting powder I ever purchased was the MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Loose Finishing Powder. Because it's so effective at locking in makeup and keeping shine at bay, you only need to use the slightest amount to get great results. I always come back to it because it's such a great bang for the buck.

There's no way I consider my makeup done until I've used a setting spray, and of all the setting sprays I've tried, nobody does a better job than Urban Decay. Their Chill, All Nighter, and De-Slick setting sprays cover the range of skin types and needs. On the days where my skin is drier than normal, the Chill version gives me just enough additional hydration without ruining my makeup. When I need my makeup to absolutely stay put, the All Nighter is my go-to guy. And if my skin's a bit oilier, De-Slick keeps shine away all day. 


Tips and Tricks

• In light layers, you can double up on products. If I'm going out for a special event, I want my makeup to look great for photos and last a long time so I don't have to worry about touching up. I'll use a combination of finishing and setting powders to get the job done. 
• Don't be afraid of HD powders! In light, thoroughly blended layers, HD powder is great for keeping you photo-ready and shine free. Flashback only happens when you use too much powder or you don't completely blend it into your skin. I got a free sample of the Make Up For Ever HD Powder and was completely loved how well it performed - and, because I applied it correctly, I didn't get any flashback. It's on my makeup wish list for a full size once my sample runs out.

What are your favorite finishing or setting products? Leave your recommendations in the comments section below!