Powder Vs Setting Spray: Which One Reigns Supreme for Summer Makeup?

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Main image – Esthergalvan/Stocksy

Ruby Hammer MBE is a celebrity makeup artist, brand founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. She has been providing makeup education for more than 30 years. Here, she advises a reader on the best way to keep makeup in place in hot weather.

Where I live gets really hot in summer and I find it difficult to wear makeup because it slides everywhere. What will help keep my makeup in place better, setting powder or setting spray?

Ruby says:

As a makeup artist, I’ve relied on setting powder for 40 years because of its control and versatility. However, setting spray has its place depending on the look and finish you’re after.

When to use powder: Use powder at different stages of makeup to lock in each layer. It is great for lightly setting foundation and concealer in place- before applying powder blush and bronzer- and helps prevent patchiness.
When to use setting spray: Setting spray helps meld powders together for a more natural, skin-like effect, and it can refresh makeup throughout the day.
When to use both: For ultimate staying power, set with powder first, then use a setting spray at the very end to seal everything and prevent a powdery look.

You can also customise how you use them according to your skin type.

Oily Skin: Powder is essential to absorb excess oil, but a mattifying setting spray can add extra insurance.
Dry Skin: Use minimal powder, focusing on the T-zone, and finish with a hydrating setting spray for a dewy finish.