Can i use setting powder without makeup

Take it from the professionals: a top-notch setting powder is a non-negotiable must-have in any makeup kit — especially in the summer when heat and humidity can ruin a makeup look before it's even done. "Setting your makeup is one of the most important steps of your makeup routine," New York City makeup artist Delina Medhin tells Allure. "When you set the makeup, it has longevity, because who wants to carry a touch-up kit everywhere?"

Even if you prefer dewy looks over matte ones, setting powder applied strategically (in the T-zone, for example) can absorb excess oil and keep products in place longer, according to Medhin. But oil absorption and longevity aren't the only things setting powders are good for, according to fellow New York City makeup artist Tommy. "Setting powder is not only used to lock in your makeup but to 'finish' the look of makeup — to create a smoother, more poreless, and texture-less surface," he explains.

Both artists agree that, whether you have oily skin or dry skin, the less-is-more approach is best when it comes to powders. "This gives you more control of the product," Medhin says. "Place your brush in the powder, then tap it off until it looks like nothing is left on the brush, then keep applying until you get to your desired matte look." Tommy adds face powder to the forehead, nose, chin, and the sides of the mouth to "help to mitigate any excess shine or oil breakthrough that can lead to a porous look."

Give these techniques a whirl with the 19 best setting powders listed below, all of which are makeup artist and beauty-editor favorites, and say goodbye to your days of makeup creasing and flashback.

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Setting powder is one of the most important makeup products you can have in your beauty stash. It’s key to ensuring that your carefully applied beat lasts all day and stays shine-free. The best setting powders are translucent (or slightly yellow) and are finely milled, so they can be easily blended or wiped away from the skin. One of the other things we love about this type of product is that because it has no color, it can be used on any skin tone or undertone without worry.

What Causes Makeup Flashback and How Can You Avoid It?

The only potential downside of using a setting powder? There’s a little thing called flashback, which happens when you take a picture using flash and a white cast shows up on the areas where your powder was applied. (You’ve definitely seen it on the red carpet, if not in your own selfies.) This is due to the ingredients in translucent powder — namely silica — that reflect the light and create a white cast. Thankfully, there are a few powders out there that are formulated to prevent flashback from occurring.

Our Favorite Translucent Powders That Don’t Cause Flashback

3 / 6

YSL Beauty All Hours Powder in Universal

This powder absorbs oil and sets foundation on contact. The light yet buildable formula won’t cause cakiness or flakes, and the chic compact makes midday touch-ups feel like a luxurious experience.

4 / 6

Dermablend Loose Setting Powder in Translucent

An influencer fave, this powder has been at the top of our list for years. It mattifies the skin without flashback and helps reduce the appearance of large pores. If you have oily skin, this is the perfect powder for you.

6 / 6

Kosas Cloud Setting Powder

The bamboo stem and passionfruit leaf extract-infused formula mattifies the complexion and helps blur imperfections for a soft-focus finish. You can even wear the powder without makeup.

Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Direction: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Associate Producer: Becca Solovay, Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist: Jonet Williamson, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Model: Shreya Aditya Chaudhary

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