I came of makeup age in the era of BareMinerals, a brand that popularized the idea of loose powder foundation for a large swath of mall-going millennials. Try as I might, however, I never quite took to the lighter-than-air formulas or how they dusted onto my skin. But after a makeup artist suggested I look into powder for my combination skin type, I set out to find the best powder foundation—one that masters the art of the barely-there look while still offering ample coverage.

Internet research regularly points to the same brands (you’ll see your Diors, Chanels, Urban Decays, and MACs), so I did what any red-blooded, mall-going millennial would do—went to my local Sephora to ask what their top-selling powder foundations are. The good people with headsets swiftly led me to the aisles for Laura Mercier (a classic) and Make Up For Ever (a MUA fave). “It’s what most professional makeup artists use on photoshoots,” I was told of the latter.

I’ve been using my color-matched compacts for the past few weeks, and while they’re both fantastic options, I have thoughts on both (and a clear winner). But before I touch on that…

Featured image of Nitsa Citrine by Claire Huntsberger.

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The Benefits of Powder Foundation

Unlike cream or liquid foundation, powder foundation doesn’t contain any water. Comprised mostly of finely milled pigments, emollients, and often talc, powder foundations are great for normal, combination, and oily skin types, especially ones that have oil-controlling ingredients. (Dry or mature complexions can blend powder foundation with a liquid primer to lock in a bit of hydration.)  

If you’re looking for light coverage or a way to control shine, powder foundation is a fantastic option, especially during the hot summer months.

Of course, too much can lead to an overly matte finish (or the dreaded cakey look) and can leave skin feeling completely dried out. So the product you use (and how you apply it) makes a world of difference.

Below are my thoughts on Sephora’s most popular powder foundations (at least at the Dallas location) along with a few other hits that offer lighter-than-air coverage for every budget.  

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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Best Overall: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder

This is the stuff. It completely obliterated all my iffy feelings about powder foundations. Well, almost. As my Sephora friends mentioned, this lovely matte finish can be drying, even for combination skin. But a nice liquid primer or a few drops of your favorite face oil should help balance things out.

The coverage is beautifully buildable, and my skin (when properly moisturized before application) felt like silk. The super fine particles create a lovely blurring effect but still leave room for things like freckles to shine. This one did require a bit more work to ensure the powder was evenly dispersed compared to Make Up For Ever.

What’s to Love: The silky feel and no-makeup finish.

What’s Not to Love: The price. But the quality (even of the compact and included sponge) is worth it.

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Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder

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$52

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BeautyTok Favorite: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Blurring Powder Foundation

I was a little less familiar with Make Up For Ever, but if it’s good enough for the fine folks on BeautyTok, it’s certainly good enough for me. While I didn’t love it quite as much as Laura Mercier’s powder foundation, I was impressed with how smoothly the powder went on, especially considering how fine the particles are. (Also, kudos to the physical compact, which survived my butter fingers dropping it on the cold hard floor.)

Make Up For Ever’s powder felt more hydrating than Laura Mercier, though both foundations will eventually leave skin feeling dry if you don’t apply a liquid primer.

What’s to Love: It’s almost impossible to mess up a Make Up For Ever application, which swipes on ridiculously smooth.

What’s Not to Love: While it had a lighter touch than Laura Mercier, it also wasn’t quite as blurring. (I like my coverage to, well, cover.) It also didn’t leave my skin feeling as silky.

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MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Matte Velvet Blurring Powder Foundation

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$43

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Best for Buildable Coverage: Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation

This foundation has me shook. As a forever fan of the dewy, high-shine look, I hesitated to try something that would leave me with a more matte, poreless complexion. But after a few breakouts and even bug bites on my décolletage, I decided to dive in. I love that it wears like a second skin. This foundation covers up breakouts and red spots while also evening out my complexion. And with areas that see a little more shine like my T-zone, I’m happy to have a go-to for absorbing oil. Final note: Being someone whose skin sees a lot during my daytime hours (between workouts, meetings, and the like), I’m glad to have something I can rely on and reapply throughout the day for customizable coverage when I need it. — Isabelle, Managing Editor

What’s to Love: This foundation comes in 12 shades, offering a premium color match that’s far more accurate than its competitors. I also love the Rubicell applicator, which makes for easy subsequent applications and even makes it easy to pair the foundation with my tinted liquid moisturizer.

What’s Not to Love: While I love the lightweight formulation, I wore this during one particularly sticky beginning-of-June wedding. After an hour out in the relentless humidity, suffice it to say, this did not hold up. (But honestly, what could?)

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PHOTO: No makeup.

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Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation

IYKYK—Wander Beauty is the “it” beauty brand for hard-working, multitasking clean products. This foundation offers a natural, soft matte finish that offers effortless coverage while still achieving that lit-from-within glow.

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$42

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Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder

This budget-friendly favorite is TikTok famous (it’s been viral for years) for good reason: long-lasting, breathable coverage.

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$12.99

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Best for Dry Skin: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation

This SPF-packed foundation claims to “self-refresh” for longlasting coverage. Given the thousands of glowing reviews, I believe it.

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$45

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Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation

Available in a staggering 50 shades (an inclusive Fenty signature), this vegan, medium coverage foundation is just as good as the many viral TikToks would have you believe. In Rihanna we trust.

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$40

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Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Compact Foundation

Chanel’s velvety powder melts into the skin and leaves a finish that’s (miraculously) both matte and glowy.

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$65

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Best for Radiant Finish: Dior Backstage Face & Body Powder-No-Powder

If you’re looking for luminous, Dior’s mineral-packed foundation and its buildable coverage will leave you looking radiant all day long.

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$43

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M·A·C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Simply put, nobody does the matte look like MAC.

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$39

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e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

After being so impressed by the drugstore brand’s concealer, e.l.f.’s powder foundation doesn’t disappoint (and gives just as much coverage). It also comes in an impressive amount of shades.

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$11

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Best for Mature Skin: jane iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation

If you think powder makeup isn’t for mature skin, think again. This gorgeous, SPF-packed mineral formula brushes on flawlessly and doesn’t settle into wrinkles or fine lines.

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$46

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As someone with combination skin, my makeup routine has one goal: to toe the line between glazed and greasy. Glowy, glass skin is one thing. Who doesn’t aspire to the vitality of vibrant summer skin? And with summer finally here, beauty trends lean toward a more minimal, skin-focused approach to makeup. Which sounds great in theory—that is, until my makeup melts by midday. In our search for answers, we’ve likely all come across the ultimate comparison: setting spray vs. powder. In the fight for that elusive “lit from within” glow, finding the superior option for your skin is essential.

I think of summer as the great equalizer. Keeping my makeup from slipping and sliding off my face is a year-round sport. But in the summer, we’re all faced with the same challenge—and we all want answers.

Featured image from our interview with Babba Rivera by Belathée Photography.

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Setting Spray vs. Powder: What to Know

There are hoards of products dedicated to making your looks last, from primers and micellar waters to prep your skin to setting sprays and powders. But which options actually work? Turns out, in the battle of setting spray vs. powder, there’s no single right choice. It all comes down to your skin type and desired look.

I spoke to Jena Joyce, a skincare expert, herbalist, and the founder and CEO of The Plant Mother, about how to get your look to stay fresh using setting spray and powder. Jena shares her insights below.

What is the difference between setting powder and setting spray?

You can get a setting spray for either mattifying your makeup or making your makeup more dewy. Depending on what look you are going for, you can choose a spray that works best for you. A powder is only for mattifying and will help to reduce sheen and oil.

I would recommend that a person with dry or combination skin use a spray while those who experience oily skin should use the setting powder. However, both can also be used at the same time to amplify your makeup so it lasts longer.

What should you consider when purchasing a setting powder or setting spray?

When looking to buy a setting spray, you want to know first if you want to have dewy or matte skin. If you primarily use matte, full-coverage foundation, then a matte setting spray would be best. If you use a lightweight and dewy foundation, then choose a setting spray that will help to keep your makeup more on the glossy side. It’s important to try and match your makeup to your powder or spray as you don’t want any separation in your makeup. 

When looking for a setting powder, you can get pressed or loose powder form. Both help your makeup stay put, but a powder that is more compressed can act like a foundation and will give you a full-coverage feel.

Although it’s not as common, some setting powders can contain talc which is an ingredient known to cause health issues. Inhalation of talc can cause breathing issues, chest pain, and wheezing. Try to avoid this ingredient and stick to more natural products. 

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What’s the best way to apply setting sprays and powders?

Setting powders and spray should be applied after your makeup. However, I would advise waiting to put your mascara on after you use a spray as this could cause smudging!

You should stick to common base ingredients when it comes to your makeup. If you don’t, your makeup will separate.

I like people to envision mixing oil with water. It simply doesn’t blend! This is the same with your makeup which is why it’s important to use a spray or powder that has the same base as your foundation and concealers. Keep oils with oils and water-based with water-based products.

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How to Pick the Product That’s Right for You

You can use a setting spray, powder, or both to get your desired look. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? No beauty product is created equal, so I asked Dr. HariKiran Chekuri—a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and the medical head of ClinicSpots—about choosing the right products for your skin. Keep reading for insights.

Tips for Selecting a Setting Powder

• Shade. Select a translucent setting powder that is universal for all skin tones, or a tinted setting powder that matches your foundation or adds some warmth or depth to your complexion.
• Finish. You can choose a matte setting powder that eliminates shine and gives you a velvety look, or a luminous setting powder that adds some subtle shimmer and gives you a soft-focus look.
• Texture. Choose a loose setting powder that is finely milled and easy to blend, or a pressed setting powder that is compact and convenient to carry.

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Tips for Selecting a Setting Spray

• Formula. Opt for a water-based setting spray that is lightweight and hydrating, or an alcohol-based setting spray that is long-lasting and mattifying.
• Finish. You can choose a dewy setting spray that enhances your glow and makes your skin look plump and healthy, or a matte setting spray that reduces shine and makes your skin look smooth and flawless.
• Ingredients. You can choose a setting spray that contains beneficial ingredients for your skin type, such as antioxidants, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, etc. You should also avoid setting sprays that contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, etc.

Key Ingredients to Look For

• Antioxidants. These are substances that protect your skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, etc. Some examples of antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract.
• Hyaluronic acid. This is a molecule that attracts and retains moisture in your skin cells. It helps hydrate your skin, plump up fine lines and wrinkles, and improve your skin elasticity.
• Glycerin. This is a humectant that draws water from the air into your skin. It helps moisturize your skin, smooth out rough patches, and prevent dryness.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Parabens. Parabens are preservatives that prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products. They are linked to hormonal disruption, allergic reactions, and breast cancer risk.
• Sulfates. These are detergents that create foam in cleansing products. They’re known to strip away natural oils from your skin, irritate your skin barrier, and cause dryness.
• Phthalates. These are plasticizers that make products more flexible and durable. They are associated with reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and developmental defects.

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Tips for Finishing Off Your Look

A general rule of thumb is to use products with similar formulas to ensure compatibility and avoid separation or oxidation of your makeup.

For example, if you use an oil-based foundation, consider using an oil-based setting powder or an alcohol-based setting spray to set it in place and prevent it from sliding off due to oil production. If you use a water-based foundation, you might want to use a water-based setting powder or a water-based setting spray to lock it in place and prevent it from drying out.

You can also experiment with different combinations of products to see what works best for you and what gives you the desired effect. For example, you can use an oil-based foundation with a water-based setting spray to add some dewiness and hydration to your matte base. Or, try a water-based foundation with an oil-based setting powder to add some warmth and glow to your natural base.

The key is to test out different products on yourself and see how they perform on your skin type and with your makeup style.

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The Best Setting Sprays

In the summer, setting sprays can help you achieve that dewy, glowy look. A good setting spray provides a weightless but effective hold. Many setting sprays now also contain skincare ingredients to help hydrate your skin while protecting your makeup.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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Most Versatile Setting Spray: ILIA Blue Light Mist

To add an extra layer of protective power to my everyday look, I spritz ILIA Blue Light Mist as a final step before mascara. It works for everything from my fresh-faced, sunscreen-only days to my full coverage looks. Given that I spend most of my time in front of my phone or computer, this mist helps prevent any negative effects that come with blue light, such as potential premature aging and stress on your skin.

But beyond its blue light-blocking benefits, it’s also a powerful setting spray. Filled with clean, skin-first ingredients, it hydrates and sets for a finish that looks vibrant and dewy. Perfect for summer.

• Key Ingredients: Aloe, Marine Actives, Mastic, Tara Extract
• Size: 1.7 fl oz 

ILIA Beauty Blue Light Mist

Aloe and marine actives hydrate your look for a dewy finish while Mastic holds your makeup in place and Tara Extract’s antioxidant effects protect from blue light. Enjoy a protective shield from sweat, harmful lights, and the elements.

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$38

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Best Setting Spray for Long Wear: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

They say classics are a classic for a reason, and this is the proof. This waterproof setting spray got me through concerts in my teenage years and parties in my early 20s. It’s my go-to for long-lasting coverage. Promising 16 hours of fixed protection, it’s a cult favorite that lives up to the hype. However, its alcohol base might be irritating to some skin types.

• Key Ingredients: Alcohol, Aloe
• Size: 4 fl oz

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

The patented Temperature Lock Technology is the secret to this spray’s success. It cools the temperature of your makeup to lock it in place for 16 hours without creases or fine lines, even in your T-Zone.

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$36

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Best Setting Spray for Refresh and Touch-Ups: Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

This fan-favorite formula is bolstered by its easy-to-apply continuous spray. Not only does it last all day, but the refreshing mist ensures an even application. Infused with vitamins and fruit extracts, it leaves behind a radiant finish, making it ideal to carry on the go if you need to refresh your look.

• Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Fruit Extracts
• Size: 2.8 oz

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

Vitamin-rich and infused with fruit extracts, this water-based spray leaves an even, radiant finish. The continuous mist sets powder and liquid makeup for long-lasting protection.

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$17

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Best Setting Spray for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting and Refreshing Spray

This ultra-hydrating setting spray is a targeted solution for dry skin. Ever find your makeup sticking to dry flakes or causing creases? First, be sure to exfoliate before applying makeup for your smoothest finish. Then, choose a primer that gives your skin a boost of hydration. Milk Makeup is known for its innovative products that blend skincare and makeup, like this refreshing and protective spray.

• Key Ingredients: Blue Agave, Hemp Seed Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Niacinamide
• Size: 3.38 fl oz

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting and Refreshing Spray

Hemp-derived cannabis seed and moringa seed oils lock in lightweight moisture while hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide hydrate and protect with antioxidants. Blue agave gives it its weightless hold with a hydrating grip.

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$38

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Best Clean Beauty Setting Spray: PYT Beauty One & Done Setting Spray

This clean beauty setting spray does it all. It hydrates, protects from blue light and pollution, and of course, sets your look. True to its name, its powerful formula keeps your look locked in with just one spritz. Plus, its bevy of clean beauty ingredients helps to brighten the skin beneath your makeup and even reduce the look of blemishes.

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Niacinamide B3, Rosehip Extract
• Size: 3.4 fl oz

PYT Beauty One & Done Setting Spray

Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, and dandelion extract combine with blemish-fighting, brightening ingredients like niacinamide. This lightweight formula also protects from pollution and blue light while setting your look all day.

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$20

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The Best Powders

Powders can get a bad reputation. Though they effectively cut shine, they can also quickly cake and crease. And even when they work, new beauty trends favor less coverage and skin that looks like skin. Can powders achieve that? Don’t count it out. But a good powder is the best way to control oil—whether you’re going for a completely matte look or just a more controlled glow.

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Most Versatile Setting Powder: Glossier Wowder

Glossier is known for making skin-first products that give you an effortless glow. So it makes sense that their cult-favorite powder doesn’t compromise your pursuit of dewy, natural-looking skin. I tried the Glossier Wowder when I was deep in my Glossier phase and it’s one of the products I’ve kept in my rotation ever since. The kaolin clay base absorbs oil without leaving a cakey residue. It works well with my other hydrating products to create a look that is controlled but not flat. Get this breathable powder if you want your skin to look like skin while still toning down the midday grease.

• Key Ingredients: Diamond Powder, Kaolin Clay, Vitamin E
• Size: 7.2 g

Glossier Wowder

Kaolin Clay is the secret ingredient that absorbs oil without caking or sitting on top of your skin. Combined with diamond powder, which has reflective particles for a subtle glow, Glossier’s Wowder keeps your look from falling flat or falling apart.

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$22

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Best Powder for Oily Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish

Charlotte Tilbury’s powders are legendary for a reason. The featherweight texture has been described as cashmere for your face. With this super-fine texture and oil-infused formula to promote softness, it blurs your skin without drying or caking.

• Key Ingredients: Mica, Rose Wax, Almond Oil
• Size: 8 grams

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish

Almond oil and rose wax promote softness while light-reflecting pearls create a luminous finish.

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$48

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Best Powder for Mattifying: Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder 

If you want a more matte look, this non-drying formula gets you that soft focus blur without discomfort, dullness, or cakiness. The invisible shade makes it suitable for all skin tones without leaving a white cast or a flashback effect in photos. With natural oils like squalane, it controls excess shine while keeping your skin soft and hydrated for all-day wear.

• Key Ingredients: Mica, Squalane, Chia Seed Extract
• Size: 8.5 grams

Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder 

Chia seed extract and mica mattify and absorb oil for all-day look protection. Squalane is a nourishing but lightweight oil that keeps your skin hydrated while perfecting the matte look.

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$36

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Best for Combination Skin: Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder

This loose powder is lightweight enough for your dry areas and powerful enough for your oilier areas, like your T-Zone. The airy texture gives you a natural, even finish for comfortable all-day coverage. Blur your pores and smooth your texture without caking or bumps.

• Key Ingredients: Mica, Squalane
• Size: 9.5 grams

Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder

This soft blurring powder is smooth and sheer, while squalene keeps your skin comfortable and hydrated all day.

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$25

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I married Adam when I was 25 years old. He was my first serious boyfriend, and considering our decade-plus age difference and the fact that we worked together, it may not have seemed like the wisest decision I’d ever made. But I’d never been so sure of anything in my life—even if someone had tried, there would have been a zero percent chance of talking me out of it.

This week we’re celebrating our fourteenth wedding anniversary. It sounds absolutely crazy to say it. We’ve been parents together for a decade, and I can’t believe that we’ll soon have a middle schooler in the house. I remember hearing that after being married for a few years, things would inevitably fizzle—passion would take a backseat when we had kids, one of us would get the seven-year itch. I kept waiting for it to happen, but somehow our relationship just kept getting better. I don’t claim to know our “secret,” but I do think it helps that we both believe we struck gold when we found each other.

So in honor of our anniversary, I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned about long-term love after fourteen years with my soulmate. Everyone’s relationship is different, but these are lessons that have helped us navigate the challenging moments. They’ve inspired a relationship that’s built on trust, mutual respect, passion, unfading attraction, and a shared excitement that ensures our life together is never boring. Take what you want, leave the rest.

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PHOTO: Engaged in London, 2008

Let it go

I’ve seen relationships fall apart over small annoyances that build up over time, slowly growing into something bigger. I decided early on that I wouldn’t let it happen to us—I chose to accept the things that probably aren’t going to change, and be very selective about what I made into an issue. When I start to feel irritated, I try to ask myself “Could I laugh about this?” (BTW, this is a great strategy to employ with your kid, your co-worker, your mom, your sister… )

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PHOTO: Newly married in Greece.

Turn toward “bids for connection”

Let’s talk about bids for connection, a concept I learned from Dr. John Gottman’s research on healthy marriages. Essentially, a “bid” is an attempt from one partner for attention, affirmation, or connection. It could be a wink, a touch, a request for help, sharing something vulnerable, or a suggestion to do something together. When you recognize that your partner has made a bid for connection, you have a choice: you can consciously turn toward that bid by acknowledging it, or you can turn away from that bid by ignoring or rejecting it.

Research shows that this “turning toward” or “turning away” is extremely important for the health of a relationship. Missing a few bids for connection is normal, but when it becomes the norm, it can lead to a relationship’s demise. It’s about paying attention and prioritizing. (Highly recommend reading more about this in the Gottman’s book.)

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PHOTO: Traveling with babies

See your partner with fresh eyes

A few years ago, I went to a dinner where I was seated next to sex therapist Esther Perel. One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was that we’re most drawn to our partners when there’s a distinct separation between us. Even in long-term relationships, we’re not one and the same—we never really “belong” to one another. 

One example of this is when we consciously choose to see our partner through the eyes of another. For instance, if Adam and I are at a crowded event, I might watch him from across the room deep in conversation, and I try to view him as though he’s a stranger. Creepy? Maybe (lol), but just TRUST ME, it’s sexy. There’s something about seeing your person with fresh eyes that brings a wave of those feelings from when you first met. It always reminds me why I fell in love with him in the first place.

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PHOTO: Ringing in 2018

Let them know you want them

Now that you’ve remembered how hot your partner is, let them know it. Tell them, touch them, flirt with them. Let them know there’s no one else you’d rather spend time with. Feeling desired somehow makes you more desirable, and it sets a whole new energy in motion.

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PHOTO: Building our dreams in California

Cool off, then say I’m sorry

Arguing is inevitable, but the way we fight is the real kicker. Adam and I can both be stubborn, but over the years we’ve gotten a lot better at being the first to say I’m sorry. We’ve learned that it’s helpful for us to take a break and cool off so that we can honestly ask ourselves what role each of us played in the disagreement. Owning it and apologizing goes a long way. Usually, we both realize that whatever we were fighting about wasn’t that important anyway. When we release the need to be right, we can move forward together.

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PHOTO: Always learning, always growing

Always have something to grow toward together

Shared goals and dreams for the future have always been our favorite thing to talk about. Whether we’re starting a workout routine, landscaping the backyard, launching a business, or saving for a bucket list vacation, a shared challenge brings so much vitality to our relationship. Some of our best conversations happen when we pour a glass of wine and share our dreams for the future. Even if we don’t actually do all of them, it reminds us that we’re on each others’ team, building something together.