While cream and liquid products melt into the skin for a natural finish, powder provides superior lasting power. Even the best powder foundations have received (unfair) criticism in recent years. Fortunately, today’s selections aren’t limited to the greasy-by-noon crowd. “Powder foundation has a lighter coverage than liquid and cream foundation, so it’s perfect for natural daytime looks,” explains celebrity makeup artist Nicole Daisy Toye. “Oily skin with visible pores also benefits greatly from powder foundation.” These sophisticated solutions efficiently correct uneven skin tone, provide flexible coverage for problem areas, and minimize pores and flaws. For individuals who are apprehensive to apply a full face of powder, this multi-purpose product can also be used to set makeup and touch ups on the move.
After researching the best powder foundations, interviewing expert celebrity makeup artists, and reading thousands of reviews, we tried 12 popular powder foundations for five weeks. Testers assessed each foundation’s coverage, feel, finish, wear, and long-lasting wear. In addition to Toye, we engaged the expertise of celebrity makeup artists Tobi Henney and Eddie Duyos, who helped us distinguish between decent and great powder foundations.
Why We Love It: Don’t underestimate Sephora’s powder foundation. This foundation is designed to smooth flaws and manage shine for up to eight hours, and it is extremely buildable, allowing you to achieve a matte finish without seeming cakey. The product is buttery soft and easily blends into your skin for a better-than-before finish. It also includes a built-in filter effect that blurs defects like a professional photographer.
Who This Is For: Yes, we appreciate that this powder foundation is inexpensive, but we were particularly surprised by its great hue selection. This little darling is the MVP of oily and mixed skin. If you have dry skin, be sure to hydrate or add hydrating makeup products to get a smooth finish with this foundation.
“I truly appreciated the powder’s versatility and that I could use it as a light powder finish to lock in my other makeup or build it up and avoid any liquid foundation or concealer if I wanted a lighter, quicker makeup look,” said Ciara, a tester with mixed complexion.
Why We Love It: Although I value affordable products just as much as anyone else, this drugstore find truly shines. This weightless powder foundation gives your skin an airbrushed sheen and helps keep it looking smooth and shine-free all day. This powder has you covered whether you’re establishing your foundation or touching up on the fly, and there won’t be any cakiness. You have control over the amount of coverage because it is buildable, so you can choose between a more full-coverage base or a little dusting for a more natural look.
For whom: Fit Me demonstrates that you don’t need to shell out a boatload for a shine-free look in this price range. With its buildable coverage, mattifying finish, and breathable wear, this reasonably priced alternative is perfect for combination to oily skin types. In our tests, this powder did adhere to dry areas, so be sure to properly prep your skin.
“This foundation has a very matte finish that, although it is not very natural or dewy looking, it did not look unflattering or unnatural,” said Mia, a tester with mixed skin. My skin seemed to look more airbrushed and flat.
Why We Love It: If you want a matte, perfect finish without the aggravation, this powder foundation is your answer. With its specially developed gentle formula, it provides all the coverage you desire without including harsh ingredients or parabens that can cause sensitivities. You get a smooth, velvety finish that lasts for hours—up to 24 hours, to be precise—after it effortlessly reduces shine and blurs flaws.
Who It’s For: The lightweight, breathable texture of this foundation is what really sets it apart for sensitive skin. Because of its buildable coverage, you can alter your appearance without feeling constrained or as like your skin isn’t breathing.
“Even though it is a thicker foundation than I am used to, it still feels very lightweight since it is purely a powder base,” said Alexa, the tester with combination skin. Although it is powder, it has a moisturizing feel.
