There are so many kinds of makeup, sometimes it’s hard to know what makeup will be best for your needs and skin, but these best powder foundations are formulated to be the perfect foundation for your makeup. Foundation is, as the name implies, the foundation of your whole face of makeup. For that reason, it’s imperative that it’s stable and that it works well with your skin. There are almost a confusing amount of foundation types, including liquid, stick and powder, because every face has different needs. So, what’s the best kind of foundation? It depends on the situation and personal preference, but a great and often overlooked type of foundation is powder. Although many people opt for a full-coverage liquid foundation, a powder is a perfect option for many occasions.
19 Enhancing Powder Foundations to Uplift your Everyday Look
Powder foundation is typically a lighter coverage foundation, and it comes in many different finishes, including matte, satin and more. Although it has the generalization of making wrinkles obvious, this is often not the case, especially with moisturized skin and powders that contain high-quality ingredients. There are many good powder foundations for skin. Powder foundation can be a great beginning step for those who are just getting into makeup or an easy item to wear on a busy day.
Either way, it’s helpful to all those who know how to apply it. Once you learn, you never forget, and you’re thankful each time you only have five minutes to cover up dark circles or not enough time to wash an oily face before applying makeup. The best powder foundations can be easy to pack, a lifesaver in some situations. Even if this type of foundation isn’t your favorite, it always helps to have one of the best powder foundations lying around for emergencies or just in case. With that in mind, for those new to makeup or those who are old hands, here are the 19 best powder foundations to make you glow in no time in any situation.
1. L’Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
For a powder, this foundation is surprisingly resilient. It comes in many shades with a matte finish. Sometimes it is difficult to find a foundation that is full coverage without being shiny. This powder is the perfect option for people prone to an oily skin type. It lasts up to 24 hours and is heat and sweat-resistant, keeping that face matte for the whole day, no matter what skin type.
2. J.Cat Beauty Aquasurance Compact Foundation
For those who have less oily faces, this powder may work perfectly. Although there are a limited number of shades, the formula locks in moisture and hydrates the skin to reduce the appearance of pores. Although some powders can come out cakey, this smooth formula resists clogging pores to give a smooth finish to the skin. It provides medium to full coverage and layers well.
3. NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte Powder Foundation
This top powder foundation product is great for light coverage, easy to apply look. Although there are limited colors, this thrifty foundation applies easily with a damp or wet makeup sponge and finishes matte without being too heavy or cakey on the face. The smooth but matte finish will leave you glowing all day, whether you’re at the beach or working hard.
4. Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream-To-Powder Foundation
This foundation is the best of both worlds; it goes on like a smooth cream and changes to a buildable powder foundation. Since it is buildable, it can be layered for a more full coverage look or kept to one layer for a lighter makeup day. Coming in more than 20 shades, this is sure to fit any shade in any situation.
5. Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Powder Foundation
Although the shades in this powder foundation are limited, if you’re looking for a full coverage foundation, look no further. This pigment-packed formula is the fullest coverage powder foundation available. It also ensures about 16 straight hours of coverage, which is good, considering it is the basis for any other makeup you wear, so a short life for the foundation means a short life for the look.
6. L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Pressed Powder Foundation with Minerals
If you happen to have fine lines that you worry are only accentuated by a powder foundation, try out this powder foundation. It provides buildable coverage that blurs fine lines and covers blemishes on the skin. The satin finish also allows you to glow all day, regardless of the situation, and hydrates skin.
7. FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
This enduring powder comes in a huge variety of shades. It is a very light powder, but do not let that fool you. It is buildable and can range from light coverage to full coverage if need be. If you want a lighter coverage look, use a brush, but if you are interested in a full coverage day, use a sponge to apply the product in layers.
8. Urban Decay Cosmetics Stay Naked The Fix Powder Foundation
This top powder foundation product is medium coverage and simulates real-life skin texture by finishing with a semi-matte texture. There are various shades, and the formula is sweat-resistant, so it will stick around all day, even on those hot summer days when makeup seems to melt off. Lasting up to 16 hours, it doesn’t transfer, and it’s a great foundation for the rest of your makeup.
9. Lancôme Dual Finish Multi-Tasking Lightweight Pressed Powder Foundation
This powder is another foundation that can satisfy any makeup lover. It can be applied wet or dry, and if one applies it wet, it applies just the same as any liquid foundation. If it’s applied dry, it’s much more like a powder. It dries or applies as a matte powder without drying out the skin or creating a cakey look.
10. CHANTECAILLE Compact Makeup Powder Foundation
Although pricey, this powder is created to be ultra-fine which ensures that anyone can get a flawless look. The small particles blend in easily to any texture of the skin. This company also works hard to make sure its ingredients are good for the skin. They don’t just look good; they feel good too. This foundation will give you an ultra-smooth and beautiful finish.
11. bareMinerals ORIGINAL Foundation Broad Spectrum
If you’re really into promoting the health of your skin, check out this top powder foundation product. Made with just five ingredients, this foundation improves the health of your skin the longer you wear it. If you’re worried about blemishes and imperfections before your skin is improved, this buildable foundation can be anything you need, from light to fuller coverage. There is a huge selection of shades that nurture your skin.
12. IT COSMETICS Celebration Foundation Illumination
This powder foundation uses an illuminating formula to bring a glow to your face while providing anything from light to full coverage. It is buildable, and it is quick to apply. Simply buff your skin with a brush in circular motions to quickly and easily apply this foundation. Build more than one layer, or leave it light for a simple look.
13. Too Faced Born This Way Undetectable Medium-to-Full Coverage Powder Foundation
This foundation is another powder that should certainly be declared the best of both worlds. Able to be used as both a powder or, if applied wet to the face, as a liquid foundation, users can try and see what they like and what they don’t. Vegan-friendly and made with hydrating, natural ingredients, this is one of the good powder foundations for the skin.
14. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation
A perfect fit for any type of skin, this pressed powder style foundation applies to get a medium coverage look relatively easily. It finishes with a nice matte texture, so if you don’t love the shimmering look that seems to be all the rage recently, this is a nice break. It stays in place without clogging pores; what more could you want?
15. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Pressed Powder
This matte powder foundation is perfect for oily skin types that hate the cakey look they get from traditional powder foundations applied to skin prone to grease. Coming in several shades and vegan-friendly, this foundation covers everything from blemishes to hyperpigmentation. It even works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the peptide-based formula.
16. Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder
If you’re looking for some light coverage to even up your skin tone and leave you feeling free and happy all day, look no further. This powder foundation is perfect for hot summer days because it is made for skin that is prone to produce extra oil, so it protects against melting makeup. Even better, it can be applied wet or dry, according to your personal preference or what you’re feeling at the moment.
17. MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation
A fan favorite, this pressed powder foundation is great for any skin type, whether that be normal, combination or oily. It provides a full coverage look that stays put under the rest of your makeup, no matter rain or shine. It’s also great at blurring and hiding the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a noted downfall of some pressed powders. Overall, definitely a foundation to try.
18. MACStudio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
This powder foundation results in a velvety texture that still allows the skin to breathe and resists creating clogged pores. It’s a buildable foundation that can provide either medium or full coverage foundation and can be worn for a long 12 hours. It controls oil and shine, and it comes in a wide variety of shades, so anyone can feel comfortable and confident in their skin and with their makeup, whether they’re going natural or dramatic.
19. Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation
This mineral-based pressed powder foundation is great for layering. Unlike other kinds of powder foundation, this powder should be applied with a damp sponge to get the most out of the smooth formula. It is recommended for all skin types, including sensitive skin, because of the moisturizing elements that keep the skin feeling great, even under makeup.
FAQ About Powder Foundations
Is powder foundation better than liquid?
This question is typically a matter of personal preference and situation. The best powder foundations are lighter, less cakey and provide less coverage than liquid foundation, and it is better for oily skin types. Overall, it depends on personal preference and situation.
What is the best way to apply powder foundation?
The best way to apply powder foundation is with a fluffy, large makeup brush. Tap a small amount of powder into the lid or top of the container and swipe the brush through to evenly gather the powder. Tap the brush to remove excess powder and apply it to the face with small, circular swipes of the makeup brush.
Can you wear powder foundation alone?
Yes, of course, you can wear powder foundation alone, depending on your personal preference. Powder foundation is a great light-coverage foundation that can be worn when one wants easy, simple to apply makeup. It can also be worn in addition to heavier concealer and other makeup for a more dramatic look.
Is powder foundation good for everyday makeup?
Powder foundation is a great choice for everyday makeup, especially for summers when heavier makeup is uncomfortable. It's also great for beginners that aren't quite ready to apply heavier makeup. A powder is also great when sensitive skin needs a break from more taxing makeup routines.
Does powder foundation make you look older?
When done right and with high-quality ingredients, it does not. Although powder tends to be drier than liquid foundation, a good skincare routine does more for youthful skin than any type of foundation. With primer and moisturizer, and good ingredients, the best powder foundations will not make anyone look older.
19 Quality Powder Foundations to Enhance your Natural Glow
So, while initially, powder foundation might seem like a one-trick pony, there are so many powder foundations to choose from, you will be surprised at how much they can do. From hydration to creating healthier skin, powder foundation does not equal cake face. From light to full coverage, powder foundation does not exclude those who worry more about blemishes and imperfections on their complexion. Every person wearing makeup should give one of these powder foundations a try. There are even good powder foundations for skin available. You might be surprised at how easy, light and enjoyable it is to wear one of the powder foundations available in the wide range of formulas.
