15 Best Powder Foundations, As Per A Makeup Artist (2024)

If you have oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin and haven’t been fortunate enough to find the right foundation formula, a powder foundation may just be the greatest thing you try for your base.

Kerrin Jackson, a 4-time Emmy-nominated film and television makeup artist, says, “While today’s makeup trends seem to gravitate away from a heavy powder finish to a dewy, more natural look, there will always be a place for pressed powders in beauty. They are perfect for mattifying targetted shiny spots, like our noses or chins. And correcting redness or uneven areas with ease.”

Powder foundations offer impeccable coverage without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue on your skin as they are made without oils and emollients. The bottom line? You’ll say goodbye to that dreaded shine thanks to their excellent oil-absorbing properties. We have put together 15 of the best powder foundations for radiant skin available on the market right now that will leave you with a dreamy, air-brushed effect and visible results.

Did we mention that these cosmetics are perfect for daily wear? Because they are.

Best Of The Best: Top 15 Powder Foundations

1. Best Long-Wearing:M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Image: M.a.c

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Review

This powder foundation from M.A.C’s Studio Fix range gives you everything you will ever need from a powder-based foundation formula. Available in shades for every skin tone on the planet, it takes the prize for its convenient application and staying power as highlighted in various reviews. Use a kabuki brush or a damp beauty sponge to apply the makeup product and see what works best for you. It blends well and leaves your skin looking flawless. Its coverage is impressive, and you can use it over your moisturizer and sunscreen for an even-toned base that lasts for up to 8 hours.

2. Best Matte Finish:Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder

Review

Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder is one of the best drugstore powder foundations for oily skin. If you apply this using a damp beauty sponge, it leaves your skin with a beautiful, natural-looking matte effect. Pick a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone and be amazed by how it performs. Keep in mind that wearing a primer underneath this formula makes it last a lot longer.

Pro Tip

Your typical foundation brush might not be the greatest option for applying powder. Instead, the broader circumference of a blush brush makes it simple to mix your powder foundation around the hairline, chin, and nose.

3. Best Cruelty-Free:Milani Even-Touch Powder Foundation

Review

The trick with this product is to moisturize well and then use a primer before applying it for long hours of wear. You can use a tinted moisturizer instead of a regular one if you want some extra coverage. As per reviews, the best way to go about it is to use damp sponge or a kabuki brush to apply this powder and make sure you blend it out properly. It is a great powder foundation for aging skin, and it does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. This foundation powder also keeps your face looking matte all day.

	M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Best Long-Wearing	Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder Best Matte Finish	Milani Even-Touch Powder Foundation Best Cruelty-Free
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	Normal	Normal; Oily	-
Color	Nc43	Buff Beige	Golden Beige
Dimensions	3 x 3.4 x 3 inches	2.59 x 2.59 x 0.79 inches	3 x 3 x 1 inches
Weight	0.5 Ounces	2.02 Ounces	1.6 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	27	5,230	202
Price	₹35.5	₹6.94	₹14.95

4. Best In Budget:NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation

Review

This powder foundation from NYX works well to minimize skin shine on your face. It goes on velvety, but once it sets, it creates a smooth and matte finish. You can apply this product with a sponge applicator. However, it also applies well with a brush. If you are looking for a very subtle and natural finish for a decent price, this drugstore foundation is something you can try!

5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Bare Minerals Bare Pro Powder Foundation

Review

This pressed powder foundation from Bare Minerals gives you the full coverage of your dreams. It is a matte formula that stays right where you apply it for up to 12 hours. Formulated with 90% natural ingredients containing minerals and vitamins, it makes for an ideal option for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is available in 30 true-to-you shades to provide a natural look.

6. Best Buildable Coverage:L’Oreal Paris True Match Genius 4-in-1 Compact Foundation

Review

If you want to achieve a velvety finish, this powder foundation from L’Oreal does precisely that. It hides minor flaws and blemishes well and also blurs fine lines and wrinkles to offer an even complexion. If you have combination skin, this is an excellent formula for you. The true match powder foundation is a tad bit pricey for a drugstore brand, but it is a one-of-a-kind formula best for humid climates.

7. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation

Review

Bobbi Brown’s Skin Weightless Powder Foundation will leave your skin looking matte for about 7-8 hours. It has a gorgeous, lightweight consistency, and it can be used alone or over a liquid foundation – it works beautifully both ways. We recommend using a little bit of concealer in case you have dark spots or pigmentation before applying this powder with a blending sponge for a flawless, skin-like finish.

8. Best Fragrance-Free:L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Powder Foundation

Review

If you want a powder foundation that helps your face look fresher and more vibrant, this one by L’Oreal is a great option. You can use it either with a dry sponge or a slightly damp one to build flawless coverage. Take note: it does not look streaky or melt away on hot days! For a drugstore powder foundation, this one is a blessing for oily skin.

Pro Tip

Avoid pressing the brush too firmly into the skin when buffing with your powder foundation to reduce excess caking. You are using too much pressure if the bristles are bending. Instead, gently stipple the product into the skin with your hand.

9. Best For Oily Skin:Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation

Review

Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation contains a whole bunch of beneficial ingredients and is formulated without any parabens. This powder goes on smoothly and evens out your skin tone, diminishing redness and the appearance of pores and fine lines with ease. The best part? It does not look cakey at all. Its breathable formula provides a flattering, skin-like finish.

10. Best For Moisturizing:NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Powder

Review

To all the dry-skinned beauties – if you are a fan of powder foundations and upset that it just won’t work with your skin type, the NYX Hydra Touch Powder is for you. It offers smooth, even application and provides your skin with the right amount of glow. Use it with a damp beauty sponge to amp up its coverage. Also, say goodbye to those annoying dry patches getting highlighted by your foundation.

11. Best Waterproof:Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation

Review

If you fear flaking and cakiness, Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation is something that you’ve got to try! Buy a miniature kabuki brush to get the product out and apply it with a patting motion, slowly transitioning to gentle buffing. It has a unique silky texture that adapts beautifully to dry skin. Also, Amazonian Clay is enriched with light-reflecting gemstones that will make your complexion look radiant and youthful.

12. The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Loose Powder Foundation

Review

This featherlight powder base is ideal for sensitive skin as it is formulated with pure minerals. It covers imperfections and fine lines well and leaves you with a radiant, natural-looking finish. You also get the added benefit of SPF 25.

13. Best Non-Drying:Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 20

Review

For sensitive to combination to acne-prone skin, this powder from Elizabeth Arden is a blessing! Apply your regular moisturizer and go in with this foundation. It offers SPF 20, which is great for daytime use. It feels incredibly light on the skin and blends like a dream, making it ideal for everyday wear.

14. Best For Sun Protection:Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Foundation

Review

The Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Foundation is clinically-tested and great for anyone who has acne or rosacea. It offers sheer coverage and adds a whole lot of radiance to your skin. It is great for daily wear when you don’t want to go through a whole elaborate makeup routine. Also, it contains SPF 20, making it ideal for wearing during the day. If you have sensitive skin, definitely try this out!

15. Best For Skin Tone Correction:Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup

Review

If you are crazy about the “lit from within” look, Clinique’s powder foundation effortlessly hands it to you. This powder formula goes on smoothly and evens out your complexion without looking fake or powdery. It is an ideal choice for daily wear as it is made with non-comedogenic ingredients and corrects uneven skin tone.

Infographic: Benefits Of Using Powder Foundations

Powder foundations are perfect for those who prefer a simple makeup routine and are usually in a hurry. They give a seamless finish and some premium formulas also provide certain skin care benefits. Check out the infographic below to understand why a powder foundation can be a game-changer in your makeup routine.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear a powder foundation alone?

Yes, you can wear a powder foundation alone for oil control and coverage but you will require frequent reapplication throughout the day.

Do you put on concealer before or after powder foundation?

In the case of a powder foundation, it is better to apply the concealer first to get better coverage. It also prevents the makeup from looking cakey. However, with a liquid foundation, the foundation goes before the concealer.

Can you put a cream highlighter over a powder foundation?

Yes, you can use a highlighter according to the amount of shimmer you want.

What is the difference between compact powder and powder foundation?

Compact powders are used for touch up and to get rid of excess oil and sebum from the face, while foundations offer more coverage to provide a base for your makeup.

Do you set powder foundations with powder?

Yes, if you see oiliness after applying your powder foundation you can use a translucent powder to get rid of the excess shine and oil.

Does powder foundation make you look older?

No. Unless the powder foundation looks extra dry and settles in the fine lines on your face it does not make you look older.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Esha Saxena, the author, is a skincare and makeup enthusiast, who loves trying new products as per the skin type and concerns. She has carefully gone through several customer reviews and has tried some products herself before bringing to you this curation of the best powder foundations right here. She has also included the pros and cons of each to help you select the one best suitable for your need and concern. These foundations from reputed makeup brands are perfect for oily skin beauties, giving you a poreless matte finish.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Kerrin JacksonMakeup Artist

   

Kerrin is a 4-time Emmy-nominated film and television makeup artist. She has worked on TV shows, such as The Walking Dead, The Mandalorian, and Our Flag Means Death, and films, such as Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars - Attack of the Clones, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, The Hobbit Trilogy, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales to name a few.

Read full bio of Kerrin Jackson

Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

Read full bio of Esha Saxena

Srijita DeCommerce Writer

Srijita 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.

Read full bio of Srijita De

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak