What Pro Makeup Artists Actually Use (And Why It Matters)
Many people think setting powder and finishing powder are the same thing, but as a professional makeup artist I can tell you they serve two completely different purposes. The following MUA pro tips and more are part of the professional makeup artistry certification at the New Age Spa Institute. Interested in a career as a professional makeup artist? Read our blog about the 5 Creative Jobs for Professional Makeup Students.
Understanding the difference can completely change how your makeup looks in person and on camera.
What Setting Powder Actually Does
Setting powder is designed to lock cream and liquid products in place. It helps:
- Prevent creasing
- Reduce shine
- Extend makeup wear
- Stabilize concealer and foundation
Setting powder is typically applied right after complexion products like foundation or concealer. Professional artists usually focus on areas like:
- Under the eyes
- Around the nose
- The t-zone
These areas tend to move more throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Use a small brush or puff to gently press powder into the skin rather than sweeping it across the face. This technique helps the powder melt into the makeup rather than sitting on top of it.
What Finishing Powder Does
Finishing powder is the final step of makeup and is designed to refine the overall appearance of the skin. Unlike setting powder, finishing powders are usually:
- Lighter
- More finely milled
- Slightly blurring
Their job is to create a soft-focus effect, making skin appear smoother and more polished. Think of finishing powder like a beauty filter in real life.
When to Use Both
Professional artists often use both powders together. The typical workflow looks like this:
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Setting powder (lock the makeup)
- Contour / bronzer / blush
- Finishing powder (soft blur effect)
This layered technique creates a complexion that looks natural but lasts all day.
Pro Makeup Artist Kit Tip
In professional makeup kits, powders with very fine textures tend to perform the best because they blend seamlessly into the skin.
For example, finely milled powders like those from Inglot Cosmetics are often used by artists to set under-eye concealer without creating heaviness or dryness. The key is using very small amounts and building only where necessary.
The Biggest Powder Mistake
One of the most common mistakes I see is over-powdering the face.
Too much powder can make makeup look:
- Heavy
- Dry
- Textured
- Aged
Instead, powder should be applied strategically only where it’s needed. Modern makeup is moving toward skin-like finishes rather than fully matte skin.
Setting powder and finishing powder may look similar in a compact, but their roles are completely different in makeup application. Setting powder locks makeup into place, while finishing powder refines the skin’s appearance. When used correctly, both products can elevate a makeup look from good to professional.
Ready to elevate your makeup artistry?
Your beauty professional career starts with the right beauty school—one that invests in YOU.
Conveniently located in Des Plaines, NASI serves students from across Chicagoland neighborhoods including:
- Bowmanville, Chicago, IL – about 40 minutes to the New Age Spa Institute
- Bridgeport, Chicago, IL – about 1 hour to the New Age Spa Institute
- Clarendon Community Center Park, Chicago, IL – about 55 minutes to the New Age Spa Institute
- Garfield Ridge, Chicago, IL – about 1 hour to the New Age Spa Institute
- Belmont Heights, Chicago, IL – about 20 minutes to the New Age Spa Institute
Searching for the right beauty school? Check out the New Age Spa Institute!
- Beauty School near Bowmanville
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- Beauty School near Belmont Heights
NASI is a professional, adult-focused learning center for esthetics, massage therapy, and advanced clinical skin education—all just a quick commute from home!
Why Choose NASI if You’re in Chicagoland
- Commute-friendly location near major expressways [I-90 (Kennedy Expressway), I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), and the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway (IL-390)] and Metra.
- Small class sizes
- Free on-site parking
- Live demos & Hands-on training
Tour the school, meet your educators, and explore financial planning options
Visit www.newagespainstitute.com or call 847-759-0900 to explore enrollment options today.
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