Hydro-setting powders, also known as water-based setting powders, are TikTok’s latest makeup obsession. These setting powders are saviors for matte, oil-controlled skin that is imperative to create dryness, and chalkiness.While these powders come in jars looking like fine-milled dust similar to most setting powders, they are also available in liquid form. These setting powders offer mattified yet hydrated skin with a dewy and blurred finish. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHouston-based makeup artist Rose Sirad went viral for testing out one of the most popular water-based setting powders in the beauty arena right now- the Uoma Beauty Hydroblast Finishing Powder ($39).The powder appears wet on touching and melts into the skin like a liquid, only to mattify and blur the skin later. Sirad’s video garnered almost half a million views and one of the top comments on the video stated how their brain can’t comprehend how the hydro-setting powder works.Hydro-setting powders help in hydrating the skinMicroencapsulation provides a straightforward explanation for why hydro-setting powders are both water-based as well as powder-based. The powder particles present in traditional setting powders are talc and silica which are hollow. However, with hydro-setting powders, water is encapsulated within the powder particle, releasing the water when friction is applied.Popular hydro-setting powders such as the Refy Skin Finish ($32) and Uoma Beauty Hydroblast Finishing Powder feature the same mechanism. The only difference is that Uoma offers five skin-tone matching shade options while most water-based setting powders are only available in a single translucent shade. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThese water-based setting powders have multiple benefits. They let beauty enthusiasts enjoy water-soluble active ingredients that are difficult to find in such formulations. Additionally, they also add a boost of hydration without disrupting the makeup.Since niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are micro-encapsulated in these setting powders, the active ingredients effectively penetrate the skin. However, it is important to know that these setting powders are not a replacement for niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serums. They just have an extended efficacy of active ingredients collaborated with makeup.According to cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, who founded the Best of Beauty-winning skincare brand BeautyStat and is based in New York City, these water-based setting powders have significant water content and feel ultra-refreshing as one sweeps them onto the face. Using these setting powders on a hot day will impart hydration and ensure a flawless makeup look.The inclusion of water in the formulation of these setting powders prevents the foundation from looking cakey and minimizes shine from sweat. The powder absorbs like a traditional setting powder but offers a more natural finish to the skin. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostSince water-based setting powders melt onto the skin, they don’t emphasize any dry and flaky areas or fine lines and wrinkles. These water-based setting powders are fantastic for all skin types, but they are especially helpful for those with dry skin. Using a hydro-setting powder won’t settle into the fine lines and wrinkles.Simple ways of using water-based setting powdersWater-based setting powders are easy to apply and blend. Hence, one can use them on bare skin for mattifying moisture or as a makeup primer since these powders are multi-functional.One can lightly dust the powder on the skin during skin prep as it enhances the wear time for most complexion products and helps the skin retain moisture.