The Best Powder Foundations
When it comes to enviable, smooth skin, it's not just about genetics. A good skincare routine and high-quality beauty products go a long way. And one of the most important skincare products is foundation. Ideal for lighter coverage, powder foundation is wonderful for absorbing oil, it won't clog pores, and it has less of a chance of causing dreaded foundation acne. With a seemingly limitless choice of options on the market, how's a person to find the right one? We've created a list of some of the best powder foundations out there to help you do exactly that.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
Infallible favorite
Although powder foundation does tend to be lighter in coverage, we are here for L’Oreal’s Fresh Wear foundation. What we love about it is that it offers full coverage without making you look like you’re wearing any foundation at all. With a matte finish that nixes any unwanted shine, this weightless formula will leave your skin perfectly clear and smooth for up to 24 hours. And while we don’t recommend sleeping in your make-up, this formula is so breathable that you won’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all.
Pros:
- A quality foundation can be pricey, so we love that this one is offered at a drugstore price point without sacrificing quality.
- If you don’t like shine but you hate the look of caked-on make-up, this one is for you. It offers excellent matte coverage, but it isn’t overbearing.
Cons:
- It can be hard to pinpoint your exact color. In fact, their color selection could stand to be updated.
Covergirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation
Lightweight coverage
Covergirl’s classic powder foundation is lightweight and hypoallergenic, leaving your pores free to breathe and your skin looking totally natural. The unique formula glides on like a liquid but feels airy like a powder, and we love the lighter coverage of this foundation for its ability to produce flawless-looking skin during even the hottest, sweatiest days. Thanks to this foundation’s formula, which is specially designed to keep your pores clear, you won’t have to worry about pimples popping up, either.
Pros:
- We love that you can use this powder formula with a wet sponge for a more liquid style foundation and application process.
- Although this is a lightweight formula, it offers enough coverage that you can skip out on concealer.
Cons:
- If you have drier skin, this formula will look a little more even after extra face cream.
Maybelline New York Super Stay Foundation
Budget babe
Maybelline delivers makeup products that defy detection by looking so natural that it’s hard to tell if it’s even make-up at all. Well, this foundation is another win in a long line of past winners. Although we do wish that this compact was a bit larger, the coverage that’s offered is impressive. Plus, you really can’t beat the price. Available in a range of tones, it offers long-lasting coverage that’ll effortlessly conceal any unwanted spots and blemishes. Mix and match for a tone that’s just right for you — at this price, you can’t go wrong.
Pros:
- Because it’s small, lightweight, and easy to apply on the go, you can easily keep this compact in your bag and use it when you need a little refresher.
- If you have a full makeup routine with other products, this foundation offers excellent baseline coverage.
Cons:
- The powder formulation here is best for normal or oily skin.
Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
Best face forward
For a flawless, airbrushed look, Coty’s Airspun foundation powder is a must-have beauty product. Although translucent, this formula is designed for full coverage concealing. Able to be dusted over fine lines, blemishes, discoloration, and more, this face powder works like magic to take years off of your face. What’s more, it can be used as a setting powder when combined with other makeup products or heavier foundations. Ideal for correcting uneven skin, this formula is one of our favorites.
Pros:
- It can be tricky to find a powder for skin with fine lines or wrinkles, but this translucent powder works to cover skin for flawless coverage.
- It works great as a single product and as part of a more intricate beauty routine.
Cons:
- We don’t love that this product has talc as a main ingredient because talc isn’t exactly the cleanest ingredient out there.
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base
For a step up above drugstore beauty products, this powder foundation from Glo offers high-quality ingredients for superior coverage. Sure, it has a heftier price tag, but it’s totally worth it. Offering nourishing ingredients that fight against aging and inflammation, this buildable foundation works wonders as a base, or it can be worn just as it is for a flawless look. And while some powders aren’t great for certain skin types, this formula won’t bother problem skin or show on flakey, dry faces.
Pros:
- This foundation is rich in antioxidants for a formula that nourishes skin as it covers. In fact, your skin might look better with continued use.
- Not keen on the price tag? We get it, but we will say that a little goes a long way.
Cons:
- For skin with fine lines or wrinkles, be sure to apply with a kabuki brush, or the foundation can sit in lines and make them appear a bit more pronounced.
Our Tips and Tricks
When you’re applying powder foundation, it’s best to use it with other beauty products such as concealer, cream, blush, and highlighters. Because foundation powder can be more matte, you’ll want to use it as a base layer for flawless coverage and depth. As far as application goes, it’s important to use the right kind of brush. A kabuki brush — a dense brush with darker hairs — will work to offer flawless blending with other products, as well as pick up the appropriate amount of foundation. Not only that, but this specific type of brush deposits product exactly as you need it — no smearing, just flawless coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of skin is powder foundation best for?
Powder foundation is best for a range of skin types, from normal to oily or combination skin. Additionally, it’s excellent for more sensitive, acne-prone skin.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.