Baked, Pressed, Loose—Which Setting Powder Should You Choose?

Setting powders are essential for long-lasting makeup. They lock products in place, control oil, remove shine and give the skin a poreless look. Today’s options do it all, and come in different formats, making it easier than ever to get a flawless, shine-free look. From loose to pressed to baked, there’s a powder for everyone. But finding the right format comes down to your needs, skin type and makeup routine.

At a high level, loose powders are loved for their blurring capabilities but can be messy, while pressed compacts offer coverage yet sometimes feel heavy on the skin. There’s more to know, though, and understanding what makes each format unique is key. Ahead, three celebrity makeup artist break down the difference between baked, pressed and loose setting powders and share their tips for getting the most out of each format.

Featured Experts

• Vittorio Masecchia is a celebrity makeup artist
• Tayaba Jafri is a celebrity makeup artist and global beauty director for Laura Mercier
• Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist

Baked Setting Powders

“Baked powders begin as creams that are then slowly dried into a powder,” says celebrity makeup artist Vittorio Masecchia. The process creates a unique texture, making them more lightweight than pressed powders and more uniform than a loose format. It also gives the powder a silky and luminous appearance in the pan and on skin. “Think soft and a lit-from-within glow without the heaviness,” says celebrity makeup artist and global beauty director for Laura Mercier, Tayaba Jafri. Their lightweight feel and natural radiance work well on any skin type, but can be especially beneficial for mature skin or when doing heavier makeup. “Baked powders tend to have more coverage and can be used as a finishing powder when you’re creating a full-coverage look,” adds celebrity artist Emily Gray.

Pressed Setting Powders

Pressed powders are more durable than baked powders. Instead of starting as a cream, they are made from finely milled pigments pressed into a compact. This gives them structure and makes them ideal for traveling. According to Jafri, it also allows for more control when using them. Whether tossed into your bag or tucked neatly in you’re luggage, they offer a level of portability the others don’t. The finish is also different, usually falling between soft and a full matte, perfect for keeping oil and shine at bay. Pressed powders come in a variety of shades and can be used to finish or set your makeup. However, there is a catch. “Densely packed pigments usually need a binder, such as a setting spray, to fully set the makeup,” says Jafri.

Loose Setting Powders

Of all the options, loose powders provide the smoothest finish thanks to their finely milled pigment. “These are ideal for finishing makeup and creating a soft-focus and blurred effect,” says Masecchia. While baked and pressed formats are best suited for certain skin types, loose powders can work for anyone. For dry or mature skin, the pigments help diffuse fine lines and blur imperfections. On oily skin, they control shine and mattify the skin. The secret lies in the texture. With an ultra-fine consistency, the powder is virtually weightless and gives the most seamless look. It also means your application needs to be spot on if you want to avoid a mess. “Brushes and powder puffs are ideal for setting concealer under the eyes, on the sides of the nose, chin and forehead,” says Gray. Another big benefit to this format? Longevity. Jafri explains that loose powders extend the wear of your makeup and its flawless finish.