Confirmed: These are the 9 best powder foundations for breathable, shine-free coverage
Boasting convenience, buildable coverage and a natural matte finish, these are the best-performing powders on the market
Sennen Prickett
Gone are the heavy, flat-looking bases of days gone by. Nowadays, the best powder foundations boast lightweight, silky textures with customisable and buildable coverage.
Finding the best foundation is no one-size-fits-all process, with an array of formulas on the market, each offering different levels of coverage and designed to suit a plethora of skin types. While some may seek out the best lightweight foundations for a barely-there feel, others might prefer the best full coverage foundations.
Best powder foundation deals
These deals were last checked on 02/04/26 and we will continue to do so to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.
The best powder foundations, reviewed by our beauty experts
RRP: £38 | Shades: 4 | Coverage: Lightweight finishing powder
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
This Laura Mercier pressed powder yields a luminous, almost flawless finish thanks to its skincare-infused formula, adding radiance and hydration to the skin with chamomile and rose oil extracts. If you don't usually enjoy a powdery feel, we think you will love this as it feels comfortable to wear throughout the day. The best part has to be its "auto-balancing" tech, which helps to control shine for hours. If you want a powder foundation to cover blemishes or pigmentation, you will want to use one of the best powder foundations above. But if you like a "no-makeup" kind of look, this will give your skin a healthy radiance either when worn alone or over your foundation.
Buy if: You need a new setting powder or want very lightweight coverage
Avoid if: You want a full coverage foundation
RRP: £56 | Shades: 16 | Coverage: Buildable, full coverage
Reviewed by: Dionne Brighton
"When Dior promised a non-transfer foundation, they delivered," says Dionne. "This is the only powder foundation I can trust not to transfer onto the white shirt of the friend I'm hugging and to stay in place for hours. After wearing bareMinerals for the past 10 years, this is the only other powder foundation I use and love just as much." The compact also houses a dual-sided applicator; the velvet side applies the foundation to the skin, while the smooth side blends as the formula melts into the skin, yielding a natural and flawless finish. Mostly made from natural-origin ingredients, the fine formula is super soft on the skin, which makes for comfortable and breathable wear.
Buy if: You want something that looks like your skin but better
Avoid if: You don't like a sponge applicator
RRP: £13.99 | Shades: 6 | Coverage: Medium to full
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
The liquid version of this formula went viral on social media when it first launched – and the powder foundation is just as great. It promises 24 hours of wear and while we couldn't attest to quite that long (we have to remove our makeup before bed!), this is a good base if you're looking for a more affordable powder option. It's super lightweight, with buildable, medium coverage and a soft matte finish. It also comes with a sponge applicator, which is great for touch-ups on the go. This is a real plus point as, although the brand notes the formula is water, heat and sweat resistant, we did have to top it up a couple of times during the day.
Buy if: You're looking for a more affordable powder foundation
Avoid if: You want an exact shade match; there are only six here
RRP: £35 | Shades: 50 | Coverage: Buildable, high coverage
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
Powder foundations aren't always buildable and can cake – but that's not the case here, as this velvety soft formula builds easily thanks to its light-as-air consistency. That extends to the wearing experience, as we barely noticed that we were wearing any powder during the testing process. We would, however, stress that the finish is undoubtedly matte, so steer clear if you prefer a glowier or more radiant-looking base. As is the case with the original liquid Pro Filt'r Foundation, the shade range here is very extensive with 50 options spanning a big range of skin tones and undertones – so, as ever with Fenty Beauty, we are seriously impressed by this powder foundation.
Buy if: You want an exact shade match (there are 50 choices here)
Avoid if: You like a bit of a natural glow or a radiant finish
RRP: £36.50 | Shades: 30 | Coverage: Light, buildable
Reviewed by: Dionne Brighton
“I’ve been using this foundation for 10 years now, and although I’ve tried more foundations than I can count since, this will always be my number one,” says tester Dionne Brighton, "I have chronically oily skin and this is the only formula I trust to not leave me a shiny mess by the end of the night.” The hypoallergenic formula is ideal for sensitive skin types, though we would stress that it worked for all our testers' complexions. All of our testers thought this loose formula goes on as a fairly sheer veil that can be built up to fuller coverage, without going cakey or settling into fine lines. We found it disguised discolouration and blurred the look of pores and blemishes very easily.
Buy if: You want an easy-to-use, fuss-free option
Avoid if: You're after very full coverage
RRP: £12 | Shades: 24 | Coverage: Full
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
Another great affordable buy, this powder foundation is part of e.l.f.'s fan favourite Camo range. With a 24-strong shade range that's also pretty inclusive, the powder formula itself provides great coverage that can be built nicely without going cakey – all housed in a handy mirrored compact. According to the brand, the formula itself is "primer infused" to help boost the longevity. It is definitely on the heavier-duty side in terms of feel, as powder foundations go, but if you want brilliant coverage that lasts, you could do a lot worse than put your trust in this reasonably-priced brand and it's under-£15 powder foundation.
Buy if: You seek a lasting, shine-free finish
Avoid if: You prefer lightweight coverage
RRP: £42 | Shades: 18 | Coverage: Full
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
The main selling point of this quality foundation is that it isn't made up of dry ingredients pressed into the compact; instead, a liquid mix is baked for 12 hours until it sets. The result is a formula that covers and evens skin tone without feeling heavy or drying out our complexions, offering a natural matte finish. It blends particularly nicely for a powder, which we put down to its liquid origin. We couldn't feel it on our skin at all, so in our book it's tip-top – and there's a good shade range on offer here, too. An easy inclusion in our edit of the top powders around and one of the best baked foundations on the UK market.
Buy if: You have dry skin
Avoid if: You want lightweight coverage
RRP: £43 | Shades: 40 | Coverage: Buildable, medium to full
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
If you've ever read an Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation review, you'll know this is one of the most iconic foundations on the market. But did you know there's a powder version, too? Housed in a chic black-and-gold compact, this powder feels luxurious from the moment you pick it up – something we found extends to the formula inside, too. It's very finely milled and has a silky soft feel, blending with ease. In fact, it's so fine that it doubles as a setting powder and takes the edge off any shiny areas perfectly. Both humidity and sweat-resistant, this promises to control oil for up to 12 hours, and much like the original foundation, we can attest to the fact that it does have great staying power.
Buy if: You need a powder that has impressive staying powder
Avoid if: You don't have a particularly big budget; this is quite pricey
RRP: £34 | Shades: 10 | Coverage: Light-yet-buildable
Reviewed by: Lucy Abbersteen
From social media famous makeup brand Kosas, the Cloud Set Baking and Setting Powder scored very highly with us. Though we'll admit it's not technically a foundation, it does provide some lightweight and blurring coverage that means it could be used as a natural-looking matte base. And it really is impressively lightweight in every sense of the word, feeling beautiful on our skin with a silky, barely-there texture. If we were really pushed to critique it in some way, we'd say that it's definitely on the more expensive side as powders go. But even if you regularly used it as a base we're confident it'd last a decent amount of time – and we can vouch for its setting prowess, too.
Buy if: You want the most lightweight powder option available and don't need much coverage
Avoid if: You're after something with very full coverage
How we tested the best powder foundations
A selection of the powder foundations one of our testers trialled for this feature
To ensure that our guide to the best powder foundations truly does feature the best of the best, our testers put dozens of formulas through their paces to see how well they covered and lasted. While testing the various powders, they took note of the following factors:
- Number of shades available: is the shade range diverse and inclusive?
- Packaging: Is it easily accessible, travel-friendly and does it lok the part?
- Format: Is the powder itself pressed or loose?
- Ease of application and buildability: Does the formula apply nicely and can it be built up to achieve the desired coverage?
- Finish: What is the finish of the product like on the skin? Is it completely matte or does it have a soft radiant element to it?
- How it wears throughout the day: Did our testers find it went shiny, patchy or transferred?
- Cost: Does it fall into the budget category or does it require an investment? If it's more expensive, does it perform well to make the extra expense worth the money?
Your best powder foundation FAQs, answered
What are the benefits of powder foundation?
- Ease of use: If you don't usually wear foundation, many makeup artists recommend starting out with powder; it's often easier to apply and won't leave any telltale streaks or visible lines. Most also include a sponge or puff, which makes things exponentially handier for travel or on the go. Many of the best foundation brushes can also be seamlessly used with a powder formula.
- Mattifying properties: Powder foundations are great for oily or combination skin types due to their ultra-lightweight base. The powder absorbs extra oil and can easily be used to touch up and remedy any excess shine or grease spots throughout the day. "Foundation powder gives you a more matte finish and is really easy to use with a sponge," notes celebrity makeup artist Lisa Armstrong.
What skin type should use powder foundation?
Any skin type can use powder foundation, but it tends to suit those with oilier complexions because of its blotting properties and its ability to both mattify and prevent shine from developing throughout the day.
If you do have dry skin but prefer the look and feel of a powder finish, the key is to make sure you're moisturising well before applying powder. Doing so will soften your complexion from the get-go and prevent the powder from clinging to any areas of dry skin and looking noticeably patchy. Our guide to the best foundations for dry skin has all the tips you need to master your base.
How to apply the best powder foundations
The first step is to take "A [loosely packed] sheer powder brush and sweep powder foundation onto the skin for a lightweight finish," says Bobbi Brown Pro Artist Hollie Ellis.
Then, "On areas where you want a little extra coverage, a full coverage face brush also provides a cushion effect; simply press and stipple into the skin. Tailor this to those areas where you want coverage to avoid the skin looking cakey."
- Prep: After cleansing – to ensure you're starting with a clean canvas – you'll also want to apply your usual serums, moisturiser and SPF. You may also opt for a primer suited to your skin type to help boost your makeup's longevity.
- Use a brush: These tools help to deliver non-cakey, sheer coverage and finish. Swirl your chosen powder brush into your loose or pressed powder and gently tap off the excess. Apply it lightly in a circular motion across your forehead, cheeks, and the rest of your face if you feel it's needed. Or, if you want fuller coverage, focus on your T-zone first, working outward.
- Or sponge: Makeup sponges pick up more product for denser coverage. First, collect a little powder, then dab off the excess to prevent caking. Start by applying it to the most shine-prone areas of your face and blend out, dabbing it gently across the skin and into any contours, such as around the nose.
Our expert panel
Dionne is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist and woman&home contributor who has also written for titles including Marie Claire and Glamour. As someone with oily skin, she knows what makes a good powder foundation, having tested many of those on the market.
Lucy is a freelance beauty journalist and a contributing beauty editor at woman&home. With close to a decade of experience in the industry she has tested hundreds of products over the years, reviewing everything from hair tools to makeup. Also having very oily skin herself, she often relies on powder to take the shine off her complexion.
Hollie Ellis is a makeup artist and a member of the Bobbi Brown Pro Team – whose powder foundation is featured in our guide. She has advised on how to apply powder foundation for the best results.
Lisa Armstrong is an award-winning makeup artist and the makeup designer for BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. She shared some of the benefits of powder foundations for this guide.