Setting Mist vs Setting Powder

When it comes to locking in your look, the debate between setting mist vs setting powder comes up again and again. Both are designed to help your makeup last—but they work in different ways, deliver different finishes, and serve different skin types.

You might be thinking: So they launched a setting mist, but they also have a setting powder, what's the difference? We're breaking down everything you need to know about the difference between setting sprays and setting powders, how to use them separately or together, and which one is best for your skin type and your finish goals. And, as always, we’re including expert insight straight from our founder, master makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift.

What’s the Difference Between Setting Mist and Setting Powder?

Feature	Radiance Lock Setting Mist	Hydra Setting Powder
Texture	Lightweight liquid spray	Fine loose powder
Primary Benefit	Locks makeup, hydrates, adds glow	Absorbs oil, blurs, prevents creasing
Finish	Dewy, natural, radiant	Soft-matte, airbrushed
Best Skin Types	Dry, normal, sensitive	Oily, combination
Use Over	All-over mist	Spot-application or full-face
Application Tool	Mist from a distance	Brush or puff

Both serve as a final step in your routine—but they work in very different ways. Where Radiance Lock Setting Mist sets makeup with a breathable, radiant finish, Hydra Setting Powder mattifies and smooths, especially in areas prone to shine or creasing.

Q: What Is Setting Mist (or Setting Spray)?

A: Setting mists—like Radiance Lock Setting Mist—are liquid sprays that help set makeup while refreshing and hydrating the skin. Ours goes beyond traditional sprays with niacinamide, glycerin, wildcrafted herbal extracts, and antioxidant protection to lock in makeup and awaken skin, all without alcohol or synthetic fixatives.

“I wanted something that holds makeup without stripping your skin,” says Rose-Marie Swift. “Radiance Lock gives you that real-skin finish—dewy, not greasy. Plus, it’s skincare, not just a sealing coat.”

Q: What Is Setting Powder?

A: Setting powder is a makeup artist staple for absorbing oil, setting cream products, and reducing shine. Hydra Setting Powder is finely milled, talc-free, and formulated with sodium hyaluronate and herbal extracts to hydrate while softening texture.

“Most powders make your skin look dead. Hydra Setting Powder doesn’t,” says Rose-Marie. “It's so much more than a setting powder—it absorbs oil, minimizes the look of pores, blurs imperfections, and makes your skin look smooth—all without zapping your RMS glow.”

Q: Should You Use Setting Mist or Powder Based on Skin Type?

Here’s how to decide:

If you have dry or sensitive skin:

Go for Radiance Lock Setting Mist.
It seals in hydration, keeps makeup from flaking, and gives a supple finish.
Try misting between makeup layers to help everything melt seamlessly into skin.

If you have oily or combination skin:

Reach for Hydra Setting Powder, especially around the T-zone, nose, and chin.
Press it in with a puff or fluffy brush for the best oil-control results.
Then finish with a light mist of Radiance Lock to avoid a flat, matte look.

If you have normal or balanced skin:

You can use either, or both.
Use the powder to target oily areas, then mist all over for glow and hold.

Q: Can I Use Setting Spray and Powder Together?

A: Yes—and for many, this gives the best result. Here’s how to layer:

1. Start with Hydra Setting Powder
Lightly press into the under-eyes, T-zone, and anywhere prone to shine or creasing.

2. Finish with Radiance Lock Setting Mist
Hold the bottle 8–10 inches away and mist in an “X” and “T” motion. This melts any powder into the skin and locks in a natural-looking finish.

Q: Can Setting Mist Replace Powder?

A: It depends. If you have dry or balanced skin, Radiance Lock Setting Mist may be enough on its own. But if you’re prone to oiliness, or wearing full glam that needs to last for hours, Hydra Setting Powder adds needed grip and shine control.

Use setting mist alone if:

Your skin is dry or sensitive
You prefer a radiant, second-skin finish
You want something touchless and quick

Use setting powder alone if:

You want a shine-free finish
Your makeup tends to crease or slide
You live in a hot, humid climate

Use both if:

You want extended wear with a breathable finish
You’re layering creams, liquids, and powders
You need to stay polished all day or night

Q: Do Setting Sprays and Powders Help Makeup Last Longer?

A: Yes—just in different ways. Hydra Setting Powder locks down cream and liquid formulas by absorbing oil, while Radiance Lock Setting Mist helps bind makeup to the skin and keep it from fading or separating. When used together, they can significantly extend makeup wear without compromising comfort.

Q: Will Setting Powder Make Me Look Dry?

A: Not with the right formula. Hydra Setting Powder uses moisture-binding ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and soothing herbal extracts to keep skin looking fresh—not flat.

Q: Is Radiance Lock Setting Mist Alcohol-Free?

A: 100%. Unlike many conventional setting sprays, Radiance Lock Setting Mist is free of alcohol and synthetic polymers that can dry or irritate skin. Instead, it uses glycerin and niacinamide to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier while delivering long-wear benefits.

"Most setting sprays feel like you’re putting hairspray on your skin, as they’re loaded with alcohol and drying agents that lock in makeup to the point of making any further makeup application unworkable. Our new, cleaner version is totally different." - Rose-Marie Swift