19 Best Face Powders That Help You Achieve A Flawless Look – 2024
Give your makeup extra coverage, a radiant finish, and a flawless look with these face powders.
Felicia is a licensed esthetician and a certified airbrush makeup artist. Prior to this, she worked in the IT industry as a business sales assistant while enriching her bridal professional beauty and styling skills on the side. Felicia likes a minimalist approach to glamor and is known for creating natural elegant looks through subtle makeup.
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Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Face powder is typically used to set your makeup and seal it. It promotes the longevity of makeup and absorbs excess oil from your face. The best face powder offers an even finish to your makeup, adds softness, and makes the skin look flawless and radiant. These face powders give extra coverage to your makeup and make it look appealing. It is an essential makeup product as it prevents your makeup from melting and avoids white patches on your face. However, it is necessary to pick the right face powder along with other makeup products that match your skin tone and skin type for a flawless finish. Finding the right face powder that sets your makeup might be demanding. But our list can make your job simpler. Here, we bring you the 21 best face powders that make you look flawless and prevent your makeup from melting. Check them out below!
In This Article
Best Face Powders And Compacts For Women
1. Best Natural Finish:Anastasia Beverly Hills-Loose Setting Powder
The Anastasia Beverly Hills is a translucent loose-setting powder that offers a natural finish. It perfects, brightens, and sets makeup in place with ease. The powder is super fine and absorbs excess oil, and minimizes shine. It is lightweight and easily blendable. It gives a seamless, soft-focus effect and effectively blurs imperfections and fine lines while giving a flawless matte finish. It delivers long makeup wear, and you can touch up your makeup anytime on the go.
Best For: All skin types
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically tested
- Lightweight
- Matte-finish
- Soft micro granules
- Blurs imperfection
- Non comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
None
Pro Tip2. Best Translucent Powder:Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder
This lightweight, translucent loose setting powder from Aesthetica absorbs oil, conceals pores and fine lines for a flawless makeup finish lasting for hours. It is flash-friendly and doesn’t show up in photos, making you look sharp and gorgeous throughout. It comes with a velour powder puff for seamless application, giving you even more reasons to love this loose face powder. The formula is free from parabens, gluten, and starch.
Best For: All skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Starch-free
- Includes powder puff
- May become creasy and cakey
- Might feel rough
- Contains talc
"I like this setting powder because it is long-lasting. It also tackles unwanted shine when I have lengthy outdoor shifts. I look refreshed even if it is 3 am. It blends well and does not leave a cast on my skin tone."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,523 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best Easily Blendable:L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Compact Makeup
If you’re a fidgety person, a pressed powder could be your best friend on the go. L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Compact Powder is the best drugstore pressed face powder to find. Its Precise Match Technology helps you control from light to medium coverage, matching your ideal skin tone. The micro fine powder provides buildable coverage, and the pearl pigments enhance your skin tone for a flawless appearance. The product has garnered positive reviews that praise its non-cakey spread. Watch this video for more information about the tester’s experience with using the product.
Best For: All skin types
- Easily blendable
- Buildable coverage
- Available in a wide range of shades
- Lightweight
- Creamy texture
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Contains talc
Pro TipAnastasia Beverly Hills-Loose Setting Powder Best Natural Finish | Aesthetica Translucent Setting Powder Best Translucent Powder | L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Compact Makeup Best Easily Blendable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | OilyColor | - | AllColor |
| Dimensions | 4.17 x 2.32 x 3.7 inches | 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches | 2.64 x 2.68 x 0.67 inches |
| Weight | 4.62 Ounces. | 4.5 Ounces | 0.33 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 65 | 1,523 | 1,809 |
| Price | $38 | $21.97 | $8.97 |
4. Best Long-Lasting Shine Control:Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder gives you long-lasting gloss control, letting you be worry-free and in no hurry of a reapplication. Packed with minerals, the weightless powder provides high coverage that stays true to color and minimizes pore appearance for a smooth texture. It controls your natural shine and settles into a natural matte finish without drying the skin for up to 5-9 hours. This pore-minimizing, fine lines-smoothing powder leaves you with radiant skin and silky texture. This video helps you know more about the reviewer’s experience while using this pressed powder.
Best For: All skin types
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting shine control
- Matte finish
- Non-drying
- True color payoff
- No applicator
Pro Tip5. Best Talc-Free: Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder
Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder is formulated with aloe vera powder and tapioca that absorbs oil, reduces shine, and even tones skin for a natural-looking glow and smooth texture. The lightweight powder offers buildable coverage. It comes in 9 versatile shades and with a vegan foam puff for an effortless application. Ethically conscious makeup enthusiasts are in love with this product, as it is completely devoid of any kind of animal testing.
Best For: Oily Skin
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
- Talc-free
- Available in 9 shades
- Doesn’t provide heavy or full coverage
- Feels like a tinted moisturizer
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,448 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
6. Best Coverage:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Sweep & Lock Translucent Setting Powder
The celebrity-endorsed brand, L’Oreal Paris has always offered a wide range of makeup products that have been instrumental in redefining beauty and skincare needs! Their face powders have been the torchbearer when it comes to drugstore face powders. The Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Translucent Setting Powder is made with microfine particles that seamlessly blur fine lines and pores, giving you a smooth, matte finish. Known to control shine all day long, this lightweight powder offers full coverage for a gorgeous complexion.
Best For: All skin types
- Full coverage
- Long-lasting shine control
- Multipurpose use
- Non-cakey
- Matte finish
- May feel extremely powdery
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 437 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
7. Best Lightweight:bareMinerals Mineral Veil
Mineral Veil Finishing Powder from bareMinerals is powered with SPF 25 and blurring minerals that blur pores and fine lines. It has oil-absorbing cornstarch that smoothes the skin, giving you an airbrushed, soft-focus finish. The weightless formula never feels cakey or causes flashbacks while prolonging makeup longevity. It is available in four sheer finishes to meet your different skin needs.
Best For: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal
- Talc-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Available in four sheer finishes
None
"This setting powder offers a smooth finish to all my makeup looks. It also absorbs oil effectively and does not get cakey. It is a staple in my makeup bag for regular use."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,150 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
8. Best For Oily Skin:Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
If many face powders have failed to control oil on your oily skin, this oil-free pressed powder from a celebrity-endorsed brand, Clinique is where your search ends. It controls shine for long hours, minimizes pores, and doesn’t feel cakey, leaving the skin looking matte and flawless. Its ultra-sheer texture gives you a statement-making matte appearance even after several touch-ups.
Best For: Oily skin, Combination skin
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Great coverage
- May not be travel-friendly
9. Best Allergy-Tested:Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder
Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder can be used for setting or baking makeup for all skin tones. The micronized formula holds makeup for up to 16 hours. It is smudge- and transfer-resistant. It absorbs excess oils, provides sheer coverage, and mattifies the skin. It does not give any flashbacks when photographed but makes sure that you catch the limelight.
Best For: Oily and Dry skin
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Sensitive skin-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- The color might look different or darker than is visible in the pictures.
10. Best Fragrance-Free:Clinique Blended Face Powder
If you swear by products that match every skin type, Clinique Blended Face Powder is your next buy. This lightweight powder absorbs surface oil and eliminates the appearance of pores to give you a smooth and natural look. It delivers a silky-smooth finish that reflects light to add extra radiance. The superfine, loose, airy powder sets and perfects your makeup and blends well for every skin type. The product is a favorite among reviewers because of the high coverage it provides.
Best For: Normal to combination skin types
- Lightweight
- Suits all skin types
- Color corrects imperfections
- Fragrance-free
None
11. Best Color-Balancing Formula:Black Opal True Color Soft Velvet Finishing Powder
It is a constant battle to find a product that will balance out skin imperfections while staying true to our natural skin tone. But worry no more, the Soft Velvet Finishing Powder from Black Opal is a color-balancing powder that sets and perfects your makeup. Its Shade ID Technology adjusts to your skin tone to give the perfect finish. The jet-milled powder feels velvety on the skin, absorbs oil, and provides a soft-focus radiance for lightweight coverage.
Best For: All skin types
- Non-cakey
- Lightweight
- Color-balancing formula
- Shade adjusts to skin tone
- Contains talc
12. Best Sun Protection:Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder
If you’re looking for a loose translucent powder with broad spectrum SPF, then the Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder is perfect for you! Its finish helps blend it with your makeup without leaving any powdery residue. With this setting powder, you can go on with layering sunscreen over your makeup. This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide, ceramides, and olive glycerides that provide protection and help lock in moisture, as well as silica spheres that diffuse light and reduce the appearance of pores to provide a smooth finish. Also, this product has gained immense popularity amongst ethically conscious consumers, as it does not undergo any animal testing.
Best For: Sensitive skin
- Reef-friendly
- Talc-free
- Matte finish
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Defective packaging
13. Best For Smooth Texture:No.7 Lift & Luminate Finishing Powder
No.7 Lift & Luminate Finishing Powder helps you achieve the effect of a smooth cream that improves your skin texture and seamlessly sets your makeup. This product diffuses light and reduces the appearance of pores to even out your skin texture and add firmness. It also reduces the signs of aging and gives you smooth skin with a flawless look!
Best For: All skin types
- 3 age-defying benefits
- Non-cakey
- Lightweight
- None
14. Best For Dry, Mature Skin:Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
Looking for a setting powder that perfects your skin? Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder is a lightweight and finely-milled powder with soft-focus, light-reflecting particles that instantly blur pores, wrinkles, and fine lines, for a flawless, airbrushed finish. It contains diamond powder to create the most refined refraction with zero flashbacks. The translucent formula is suitable for all skin tones to get an invisible, natural finish.
Best For: All skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Great for dry and mature skin
- Talc-free
None
"This Hourglass setting powder does not feel heavy on my skin. I like it because it gives my skin a subtle glow that I don't get from any other powders. I have some fine lines and the product does not settle into them."
15. Best Non-Acnegenic:MAC Mineralize Skinfinish
A little highlight adds extra oomph and charm to the look. Infused with MAC multi-mineral complex, this celebrity-endorsed brand’s product works wonders on the skin! The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish is a luxurious, slow-baked powder that highlights the face and body. It provides radiance and adds a luminous polish to the skin while accentuating the high points of the face. Grab this one to get the most glamorous finishing look.
Best For: Normal to combination skin types
- Non-acnegenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Compact packaging
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
None
16. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
The cult classic of finishing powders, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores to give you the perfect soft-focus finish. It is infused with Sweet Almond Oil and Rose Wax that add smoothness and moisture to the skin. It also reduces shine while the pearlescent pigments diffuse light to brighten the natural complexion. Reviews on Amazon assert that the product delivers a smooth finish.
Best For: All skin types, best for oily and combination skin types
- Natural-looking finish
- Hydrates the skin
- Easily blendable
- Smooth on the skin
- Ideal for oily T-zone
None
17. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder
An award-winning finishing powder, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Powder, is known for its blurring and light-diffusing benefits that make all skin tones look perfect in any light. The silica- and silicon-based formula provides a matte finish while blurring pores and fine lines. It is a non-drying formula suitable for all skin types. This HD powder is best for makeup touch-ups.
Best For: All skin types
- Suits all skin tones
- Non-drying
- Long-lasting
- Does not cause skin irritation or breakouts
None
18. NARS Reflecting Light Loose Setting Powder
If you’re always in the limelight, you might need a photo-friendly setting powder. NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder uses Photochroamtic Technology that adjusts to new light sources, giving you no flashback but only perfect, happy skin. The Light Reflexing Complex optimizes light reflection creating a soft-focus effect that fades fine lines, pores, and wrinkles. The evenly-applicable powder regulates shine throughout the day, blends seamlessly, and delivers a weightless feeling and finish.
Best For: Normal to combination skin types
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Can be used to set lip color, layer eyeshadow, soften eye or cheek looks
- May settle into fine lines for some skin types
19. Laura Mercier Loose Fit Translucent Powder
A sheer coverage always wins the game. To get the perfect hint of sheer coverage, hold onto the Loose Fit Translucent Powder from Laura Mercier. This lightweight, finely ground powder delivers a matte finish that lasts up to 12 hours. The soft-focus effect blurs fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes for a youthful appearance. The flash-free formula makes it perfect for everyday wear.
Best For: All skin types
- Long-lasting
- Matte finish
- Flash-free formula
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
None
Benefits Of Applying Face Powder
- Face powders reduce sweat production. They give your makeup the effect of being sweat-resistant as they absorb excess sweat and oil. They absorb the excess oil and regulate shine to keep the skin matte and oil-free.
- Face powders enhance the glow and radiance of the skin.
- They blur imperfections, fine lines, pores, and wrinkles, making the skin appear flawless.
- They help makeup last longer and prevent it from melting away.
- They even out the skin tone and make the skin look smoother.
How To Apply Face Powder Correctly
- Apply foundation or concealer first. Setting or finishing powders should be applied after foundation and concealer but before lip and eye makeup.
- Choose the right face powder for your skin. Pick a face powder that is either translucent or matches your skin tone.
- Load the powder onto a makeup brush. Tap the brush to remove excess product.
- Dust your face with the powder using light movements all over your face.
- Use a densely bristled brush or blender to blend the powder for an airbrushed finish.
How To Choose The Best Face Powder Or Compact – Buying Guide
- Get the right shade for your skin. A face powder should match the skin tone. If you can’t seem to find the exact shade, you can choose a translucent powder.
- Choose an expertly crafted powder with the right finish. For oily skin beauties, an oil-free face powder that gives a matte finish is an ideal choice. A face powder should add subtle shine or a natural glow to your complexion.
- Pick a face powder with the right texture. The right one should be finely milled and have a lightweight texture. It should glide smoothly on the skin and blend easily for exceptional results, without accentuating fine lines or looking cakey.
Infographic: Dos & Don’ts Of Using Face Powders
Face powders are one of the most useful and time saving products that help you maintain an even skin tone during makeup. However, there are a few pointers to keep in mind while applying them to get the best results. Keep scrolling and check out the infographic below to learn more about the dos and don’ts of applying face powders.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Retaining a flawless complexion all day long can be a challenging task, but with the best face powders and compacts, you can keep your makeup on point all day long. The products reviewed in the curated list will give you even-toned skin and offer you the right coverage. The Anastasia Beverly Hills-Loose Setting Powder is a great choice for people who are looking for lightweight, translucent powder, while the L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Compact Makeup is great for those who want oil-control formulas. The bareMinerals Mineral Veil is great for people who want non-comedogenic formulas. Whether you want a quick touch-up or to avoid white patches on your face, these compact powders will come in handy. They are lightweight, available in multiple shades, and do not look thick or cakey on application. Consider your skin tone, the right shade, and the texture of the powder before buying the best face powders! Additionally, check what reviewers have to say about the products to make a suitable buying decision.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified as an image consultant and in makeup techniques. She has curated the list of best face powders and compacts for women with their pros and cons listed for users to make the right choice following their skin type. She has carefully researched the products to pick the best ones. These products provide extra coverage to your makeup and make you look oh-so-fabulous by avoiding white patches on your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between compact powder and face powder?
Face powders are mostly used as a finisher or makeup setting powder that are different from compact powders. Compact powders match the skin tone exactly, whereas setting powders are comparatively pale. Setting powders can also be used for baking after contour and rest of your makeup, but a compact powder only blurs the imperfections. A compact powder sits directly on the skin, while a setting powder melts into the skin to secure makeup for a longer time. A compact powder is used to touch up your makeup throughout the day, whereas a face powder is used to hold and set the makeup in place.
Can I use face powder every day?
You can use a face powder every day to get light coverage and to keep oil secretion in control. However, choose a high-quality face powder free from harsh ingredients that can affect your skin.
Can face powder cause pimples?
Choose a non-acnegenic or a non-comedogenic face powder to avoid clogging of pores and further breakouts. Also, do not apply excess face powder as it can cause pimples.
Can face powder cause wrinkles?
Yes, face powders that contain talc cause wrinkling of the skin. Also, using face powders regularly and in excess amounts can cause early aging of the skin.
Can I apply face powder without foundation?
Yes, you can apply face powder without foundation. However, go for a face powder that provides decent coverage and matches your skin tone.
Should my face powder be darker than my foundation?
No, your powder shade should be exactly the same as your foundation. If it is lighter or darker than the foundation, it will give a streaked appearance.
What is the best powder to set makeup?
A translucent setting powder is the best to set makeup. While there are plenty of those, you can choose the best setting powder depending on your skin tone, type, and need.
What should I use to apply pressed powder?
Use a rounded kabuki brush to apply pressed powder evenly and achieve a flawless, airbrushed finish.
Do I need both setting and finishing powder?
Yes, you can use a setting and a finishing powder together. A setting powder will set and hold your makeup in place while a finishing powder will blur the imperfections for a smoother finish. However, some formulae perform this dual action.
Is face powder necessary for makeup?
Yes, a face powder will set and hold your makeup and control the oil secretion, keeping your skin oil-free and fresh and matte all day long. It will also add a natural glow to your complexion and smooth imperfections for a healthy, youthful appearance.
Should you wear face powder over the foundation?
Yes. Apply face powder over makeup products like foundation and concealer. It acts as a setting powder for your overall look.
Can I use face powder in place of foundation?
Yes, you can use makeup powder in place of foundation on your skin. Women with oily skin need less coverage and can use powder foundation on their skin. You can also apply pressed-setting powders to set makeup throughout the day.
What’s a good powder to set the foundation?
The translucent powder from SUGAR is the best setting powder to get a flawless finish. It keeps your makeup in place and controls shine.
Read full bio of Felicia Chang
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