15 Best Pressed Powders For A Flawless Makeup Finish – 2024
Get an even complexion and make your makeup last all day with these incredible compacts.
Whitney is a professional makeup artist with more than 17 years of experience. She began her professional journey at the cosmetic counters of Macy’s Herald Square and Sephora. Her skills were further honed at the Makeup Forever Academy in New York and subsequently, Whitney collaborated with esteemed brands, including MAC Cosmetics, Makeup Forever Pro Studio NYC, and Too Faced Cosmetics and notable platforms, such as Viacom, Skitch, VICELAND, Centric, Google, BET/BET Digital, People TV, and the NBA 2K League.
Read full bio of Whitney Rae Alexander
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: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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The best pressed powders can keep your makeup intact throughout the day. We may have the best foundations and concealers in our vanity, but a good pressed powder is needed to hold these in place. When used correctly, this wonderful powder can blot out the excess shine or oil to ensure you look your glamorous best all the time. Here, we have listed the best pressed powders that cater to a wide range of skin tones and types. Keep scrolling to find out more about the products you would like to test and lock your glam in place.
In This Article
What Is A Pressed Powder?
Pressed powders have a semi-solid consistency and can help liquid foundation or concealer stay put without budging. Some can have foundation built-in or can be mixed with foundation for heavier and long-lasting coverage. When used as the finishing step of a makeup routine, pressed powders made with finely milled minerals help set the products that were applied before it to deliver exceptional results. Their oil-absorbing properties prevent skin from getting too oily or greasy while also controlling shine. When used on bare skin, some pressed powders also can blur out fine lines, pores, wrinkles, and spots. In a compact form, they are ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
15 Best Pressed Powders That Will Revolutionize Your Glam In 2024
1. Best Non-Comedogenic:Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Powder – 120 CLASSIC IVORY
If your pores always peek through your makeup, try patting them down with the matte pressed powder by Maybelline New York. This mineral-based product features Perlite Mineral Technology that absorbs oil from your skin to mattify it, and the micro-powders help make your pores a disappearing act. This compressed powder is a must-have for a natural-looking finish equipped with shine control if you’ve got oily skin. Know more about this product in this video which details the tester’s experience.
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Blurs out pores
- Offers shine control
- Suitable for long-lasting wear
- Powder might settle into creases
Quick tip2. Best Lightweight:Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – Creamy Natural
Rimmel’s got for you the best pressed face powder that is made with natural minerals. The lightweight powder is easy to use and glides on effortlessly to give a matte effect. Along with controlling shine for up to 5 hours, it also virtually blurs pores for a smooth complexion. It contains coconut oil that not only helps the formula go on buttery-soft but this ingredient is enriched with healthy fats that deeply condition your skin. Keep this mattifying formula in your arsenal as a top-pressed powder for oily skin types. Learn more about this product and learn about the reviewer’s experience in this video.
- Controls shine
- Reduces appearance of pores
- Conditions skin
- Smooth formula
- 5-hour staying powder
- Dermatologically-tested
- Scent might be overpowering for those sensitive to fragrance
Quick tip3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:PÜR Cosmetics 4-In-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation – Bisque
This award-winning pressed powder compact for acne-prone skin is all you need for smoother-looking skin in an instant. Professional Makeup Artist, Whitney Rae Alexander, says, “Texture is unmatched! Super smooth and feels like 2nd skin!” The buildable powder is lightweight for natural and medium coverage and won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Avail the power of a foundation, powder, concealer, and sunscreen in a single multitasking product. Enriched with waltheria extract for brightening and evening out the skin, shea butter and vitamin E also seal in moisture. It also contains PÜR’s unique Ceretin Complex that features a blend of retinol, lactic acid, and ceramides to improve texture and provide anti-aging benefits. Keep your skin looking fresh all day and night with this pressed powder makeup. This video will provide you with added insights about the product from the reviewer’s experience.
- SPF 15
- Provides anti-aging benefits
- Made without parabens, talc, gluten, SLS, petroleum, and mineral oils
- Buildable coverage
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- May not be long lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 6,275 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Powder - 120 CLASSIC IVORY Best Non-Comedogenic | Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - Creamy Natural Best Lightweight | PÜR Cosmetics 4-In-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation - Bisque Best For Acne-Prone Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal; OilyColor | NormalColor | AllColor |
| Dimensions | 2.59 x 2.59 x 0.79 inches | 3 x 3 x 0.8 inches | 0.75 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.87 Ounces | 0.49 Ounces | 2.08 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 25,705 | 4,258 | 6,275 |
| Price | $411.0 | $1540 | $29.5 |
4. Best Natural-Looking Finish:Revlon PhotoReady Blurring Powder – 010 Fair/Light
To perfect your skin, Revlon’s PhotoReady Blurring Powder contains micro-refined powders that also minimize shine. With the help of photo-chromatic pigments, your skin’s luminosity is increased along with an even skin tone. The small powder brush is super helpful with this photo-friendly pressed powder for on-the-go touch-ups. This oil-free pressed powder imparts a featherlight feel. Also, this breathable formulation gives a natural-looking finish and undetectable coverage.
- Lightweight and breathable formula
- Offers shine control
- Evens out skin tone
- Offers a natural-looking finish
- Richly pigmented
- Luminous finish
- Might settle in creases
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 4,171 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
5. Best For Oily Skin:COVERGIRL TruBlend Pressed Powder – TRANSLUCENT FAIR
COVERGIRL’s silky smooth top-rated pressed powder is all you will need for a natural finish. Infused with skin-brightening pigments, the smooth pressed powder for acne-prone skin easily glides across the skin and evens skin tone and texture. Controlling excess oil and blurring pores, this top-pressed powder offers a translucent finish. Also, it is ideal for oily skin, and you can use it even if you have sensitive skin. Don’t worry about clogged pores, as this formula is non-comedogenic.
- Offers a natural-looking finish
- Cruelty-free
- Brightens skin
- Provides even coverage
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Tested by dermatologists
- Some may find it to be cakey
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Mineral Foundation – Cool 2
A good pressed powder doesn’t settle into skin creases, and that’s exactly why we love this one by Mineral Fusion! It is triple-milled to be as fine as they come so that it can grace your skin for a truly airbrushed finish. The buildable coverage gives you power over how light or heavy you want it, and the shine-free look keeps your face matte. The natural pressed powder formula is infused with pomegranate, white and red teas, and sea kelp for a healthy glow that controls free radical damage too. For a moisturizing and brightening boost, vitamins C and E come into the picture. In addition, this pressed powder sets your makeup in place. You will also find licorice root, cucumber, and aloe vera to soothe skin and calm it. Best of all, this product is not tested on animals so you can pick this one tension-free.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of parabens, phthalates, talc, fragrance, gluten, and artificial colors
- Blurs pores
- Controls free radical damage
- Some may find the formula to be heavy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 2,832 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
7. Best Skin-Friendly Formula:Jade Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation
The Jade Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation offers a smooth and silky texture to your skin. It comes in a matte finish to give you a subtle yet very attractive facial appearance. The powder and concealer even out the skin tone and texture while also protecting your skin from UV radiation. The foundation is loaded with micronized minerals along with rich plankton and algae extracts that keep your skin hydrated and young. This statement-making foundation formula is made of skin-loving ingredients and comes in 26 shades of buildable coverage. The compact refillable set is budget-friendly and ensures you save big bucks without any compromise in quality.
- Lightweight
- Natural ingredients
- Skin-friendly
- Dermatologist-tested
- Offers Matte finish
- Long-lasting impact
- UV protection
- Talc-free
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly
- Budget-friendly
None
8. Best Long-Lasting Coverage:Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base – Honey Light
Glo Skin Beauty’s award-winning pressed finishing powder is weightless and offers you long-wearing coverage. It contains green tea and vitamins C and E that are laden with antioxidant benefits. The non-comedogenic pressed powder formula doesn’t have any talc and is anti-inflammatory to protect skin against free radicals and signs of aging. Triple-milled, the texture gives you buildable coverage that is resistant to flashback, cakiness, or drying. In addition, this non-cakey formula offers a natural-looking finish.
- Buildable formula
- Soothing on sensitive skin or areas
- Offers a semi-matte finish
- Talc-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Nourishes skin
- Some may find it hard to blend
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Almay Pressed Powder – 200 Light Medium, Mine
Experience fewer incidences of midday shine with the best-pressed powder by Almay. It sops up the oil in your skin for undetectable coverage. The ultra-fine pressed setting powder is oil-free to control shine, and the lightweight texture reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. You can use it to keep your makeup in place all day long, and with the mirror and puff applicator, you’re always prepared for touch-ups.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sets makeup
- Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups
- Some may find it to be lightly pigmented
10. Best SPF:Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder Foundation – Fair 05
Neutrogena’s soft powder allows you to enjoy a natural-looking matte finish that doesn’t look caked-on. Containing vitamins B5, C, and E, the formula deeply moisturizes skin to look and feel smoother. Owing to the light diffusers, fine lines, wrinkles, and spots are softened for an evened-out skin texture. One of our favorite pressed powders with SPF, this formula ensures your skin is protected against the sun while looking fabulous!
- Conditions skin
- SPF 20
- Lightweight
- Smooths skin texture
- Blurs skin imperfections
- Evens out skin texture
- Some may find it to have a short staying power
11. Best Soft-Focus Effect:Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
Charlotte Tilbury is a cult-loved beauty brand that consistently delivers effective formulas. The Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is a must-have for those that always seem to end up with an oily T-zone. This micro-powder enhances your complexion for skin that looks poreless. It blurs, perfects, and smooths skin’s appearance with a soft-focus effect so you can be confident in the skin you’re in. Whitney Rae Alexander, says, “Smooth like butter! Rich in formula and super breathable on the skin! 10/10!” To hydrate your skin, you’ll find rose wax and almond oil that keeps it soft. Minimizing shine, this high-definition illuminating pressed powder blends seamlessly and dials up the brightness for a beautiful glow.
- Offers a soft-focus effect
- Contains hydrating ingredients
- Evens out skin tone and texture
- Long lasting
- Blurs out skin irregularities
- Minimizes shine
- Some may find it to be cakey
12. Best Airbrush Finish:Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Pressed Powder
The Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Pressed Powder delivers impressive coverage and offers your skin an impeccable airbrush finish. The powder comes with SPF 30 range protection that shields the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. It is free from any skin-harming ingredients and prevents skin allergies. This effortless pressed powder comes in 3 shades including translucent, creamy natural, and beige, making it perfect for every occasion.
It is suitable for all skin types and gets rid of all skin imperfections such as dark circles, wrinkles and fine lines. The product is dermatologically-approved and contains many healthy natural ingredients. These include oleifera leaf extract, biloba leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, and ginseng root extract. These ingredients help keep the skin fresh, hydrated, youthful, and glowing.
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting impact
- Organic ingredients
- Skin-friendly
- Suits all skin types
- Offers even coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Clinically-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Budget-friendly
- Slightly heavy on skin
13. Best For Dry Skin:No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder – Medium
For the ultimate flawless and radiant finish, this light-diffusing powder gives long-lasting wear. Infused with vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5, rest assured your skin is being looked after in the best way possible. And for much-needed hydration, hyaluronic acid comes into the picture by softening dry patches on dry skin types. According to reviews, this matte formula is ideal for oily skin to prevent shine for hours. The sheer coverage offered by this comfortable pressed powder for dry skin is enough to set your makeup in place so that it stays fresh and seamlessly blended.
- Offers sheer coverage
- Hydrates skin
- Vitamins condition skin
- Offers long-lasting wear
- Easy to blend
- Soft and airy texture
- Some may find it to be chalky
14. Best Breathable Formula:Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder – No. 05 Soft Sand
The portable nature of Bobbi Brown’s pressed face powder isn’t the only good thing about it, as it can truly transform your skin for the better. Its silky formula goes on super smooth to give your skin a soft-to-touch feel and blots out oil. Made with a Special Pigment Coating Process, this feature allows your makeup to stay on for longer, and the hues match your exact skin tone. With the help of Spherical Powders, a blurred look is created, which masks fine lines for an even texture. The natural matte finish is the cherry on top as Soft Sand is a medium beige shade that helps control shine on light-to-medium skin tones with a smooth finish.
- Silky and breathable formula
- Blurs out fine lines
- Blots out excess oil
- Gives a natural matte finish
- Helps makeup last longer
- Evens out skin texture
- Not ideal for those looking for heavy coverage
15. Best For Shine Control:Youngblood Pressed Mineral Foundation – Barely Beige
With a velvet or semi-matte finish, Youngblood’s Pressed Mineral Foundation gives you natural and buildable coverage. Sheer-to-medium with a lightweight finish, your flawless complexion will be a sight to behold. As it contains aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamin E with antioxidant protection, you can easily maintain your skin in tip-top shape. The silky-smooth texture effectively covers up fine lines and wrinkles, smooths down the appearance of pores, and blurs imperfections, creating the perfect canvas for makeup artistry. With the built-in Rice Setting Powder, your skin’s shine is well-controlled. No matter what your skin type, dust this on your liquid formulas with no worries.
- Lightweight and breathable
- Made with 100% pure minerals
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Buildable coverage
- Blurs out skin imperfections
- May not be ideal for long lasting wear
Now that we’ve looked at the best pressed powders on the market, let’s take a look at things to consider before picking one out for yourself.
How To Choose The Right Pressed Powder
- Skin tone
Matching the pressed powder shade to your skin tone is crucial because if you choose something too light, it may end up looking ashy, and something too dark will look harsh. Test the shade out on your cheeks or jaw line, as this will allow you to match better. Fairer skin tones can choose a powder with a yellow base as this helps with a subtle glow without looking chalky. Deeper skin tones can select copper-based shades for a brighter look, and medium skin tones should choose something apricot-based for a natural finish.
- Skin type
Another important factor when it comes to purchasing any makeup product is our skin type. Oily and combination skin types should look out for pressed powders that offer maximum oil and shine control with a matte finish for enhanced beauty. A waterproof and non-comedogenic feature is also quite ideal and will prevent you from requiring too many touch-ups or ending up with clogged pores.
Oil-based powders are helpful for dry or dehydrated skin and a translucent shade can prevent your skin from looking flaky. Try moisturizing or cream formulas that offer full coverage and go for a dewy and radiant finish.
If you have sensitive skin, mineral-based and non-comedogenic powders are your best bet. Check the ingredient list to ensure that there are no oils, waxes, fragrances, or preservatives that can irritate your skin. A patch test can help identify if the product might cause a flare-up.
- Coverage
If you’re looking for a natural finish, a sheer or light coverage is the way to go. This is suitable for oily and combination skin as the formulas tend to be breathable and cover skin without ending up cakey. If you’re in the habit of frequent touch-ups throughout the day, lightweight coverage will come in handy. Full coverage suits dry skin as some pressed powders come with a built-in foundation, and they use a heavy formula. Filled with oils and emollients, dry skin will benefit from this type of coverage as it helps you look more supple and healthy. As normal skin types are the luckier ones, choose the coverage you desire according to your skin tone.
After you’ve bagged the right pressed powder for yourself, let’s learn how you can use it for a gorgeous finish.
How To Use A Pressed Powder
- Step 1: Ensure you’re done with your base makeup such as foundation and concealer if you’re using a pressed powder as the final step of your makeup routine. If you’re aiming for a natural look, go to the next step.
- Step 2: Dab a powder puff or a kabuki or a fluffy brush into the compact and dust off the excess powder by tapping it against the lid.
- Step 3: Start by lightly dusting the powder on your T-zone and move outwards. Make sure to not forget the under eye area. Do not apply the powder over your entire face, but just in areas that you want to blot out excess shine or oil. You can also cover up some fine lines and wrinkles.
- Step 4: Repeat the above step until you have the coverage you desire.
- Step 5: If you find yourself with excess powder, brush it away gently.
- Step 6: Reapply as and when needed throughout the day for a quick pick-me-up for your skin.
Infographic: Tips To Use Pressed Powders The Right Way
Pressed powders help keep your makeup looking flawless. They enhance the foundation’s coverage and the makeup’s longevity. They are a great addition to your makeup vanity when used the right way. Check out the below infographic to learn how to improve the effectiveness of pressed powders. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Portable, sleek, and versatile — pressed powders have got it all. They are your 1-stop solution to setting a makeup look that you worked super hard on, midday retouching, and for those ‘no-makeup makeup look days. When your skin gets too dull or gets too greasy during the workday, nothing will help you out, a pressed powder is all you need. Try the Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Powder – 120 CLASSIC IVORY for its natural-looking finish, the PÜR Cosmetics 4-In-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation – Bisque for its anti-aging benefits, and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder to even out the skin tone and texture. Our list of the best pressed powders includes a formula for every skin tone and every skin type.Dab some on to extend the life of your makeup or switch on the lit-from-within glow. With multiple shades, finishes, and coverages, we’re sure you’re bound to find your true match.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Makeup enthusiast Srijita De, who authored this article, finds great joy in experimenting with makeup items. She experiments with them to help her readers find the perfect makeup products. She made this list of the best pressed powder with the help of extensive research and some trials. These listed ones can cater to the requirements of different skin tones and types, and they can blot out the excess oil and shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pressed powder last?
Even though this differs from brand to brand, most pressed powders have a staying power of anywhere between 5 to 12 hours.
Is pressed powder and setting powder the same?
Pressed powder has a semi-solid consistency that extends the life of foundation whereas setting powder is loose powder that sets makeup.
Is pressed powder good for oily skin?
Most powder formulas are suitable for oily skin owing to the oil and shine-absorbing properties. Pressed powders that give a matte finish can also be beneficial.
Does pressed powder cause acne?
Pressed powders that are non-comedogenic and are formulated without pore-clogging oils will not cause acne.
Does pressed powder clog pores?
No, most pressed powders are non-comedogenic and do not clog pores.
Do you use pressed powder before or after the foundation?
Apply pressed powder as the last step in your makeup routine, a few steps after the foundation.
How long can I use pressed powder?
A well-maintained, opened pressed powder may be used for two years before replacement.
What’s the difference between translucent powder and pressed powder?
Pressed powders are more pigmented than translucent powders and offer better coverage.
Best Face Powders That Help You Achieve A Flawless LookBest Compact Powders For Dry SkinBest Powder Foundations To Conceal ImperfectionsBest Setting Powders For A Flawless Makeup Look (All Skin Types)
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