The best powder foundations will even out your complexion with ease and feel comfortable to wear – often with the added benefit of being conveniently portable in a handy mirror compact that carries no spill risk. A great match for oily skin, they can make a brilliant base on all skin types for all-day coverage without caking.
Several factors give powder formulas an edge over the best cream foundations. Powders absorb excess oil, help blur imperfections, set liquid makeup, and give your look extra staying power. "Use a [loosely packed] sheer powder brush and sweep powder foundation onto the skin for a lightweight finish," advises Bobbi Brown Pro Artist Hollie Ellis. "On areas where you want a little extra coverage, a full coverage face brush also provides a cushion effect; simply press and stipple [powder] into the skin. Tailor this to those areas where you want coverage to avoid the skin looking cakey."
Intuition may historically have told you to steer clear, thanks to some older powders being dry, chalky and carrying limited shade ranges. But today's powders are innovative and lightweight and can even rival the best foundations in liquid or cream form. Our beauty experts have tested dozens of formulas to see how well they covered and lasted; ahead are their reviews of the best powder foundations to suit varying budgets, skin types, and coverage and finish preferences.
The best powder foundations, reviewed by our beauty experts
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RRP: £36.50 | Shades: 20 | Coverage: Light and buildable
“I’ve been using this foundation for ten 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,” she continues. This mineral foundation boasts a vegan formula and buildable coverage that won't look cakey, clog pores, cause breakouts, or settle into fine lines. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, which is ideal for sensitive skin types, though we would stress that it works for all complexions, as our testers with different skin needs loved it.
Not all powder foundations are buildable, but all of our testers found this loose formula works as a very sheer veil that can be dialled up to full coverage. You can use a tiny amount for a sheer finish, or add more for full coverage without the cake, or it settling into fine lines. 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 want very high coverage
RRP: £34 | Shades: 50 | Coverage: Buildable, high coverage
According to Fenty Beauty, Rihanna could never find the perfect powder foundation and spent three whole years perfecting this formula. Powder foundations aren't always buildable and can cake – but hat'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 glowy or more radiant-looking base.
As is the case with the original and great Pro Filt'r Foundation, the shade range here is very extensive with 50 options that cater to all skin tones and undertones. As ever with Fenty makeup, we are seriously impressed by this powder foundation (not to mention that the minimalistic, octagonal white compact looks seriously chic).
Buy if: You want an exact shade match (there are 50 choices here)
Avoid if: You like a bit of a natural glow
RRP: £50 | Shades: 16 | Coverage: Buildable, full coverage
"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.
The formula is mostly made from natural-origin ingredients, boasts 24-hour wear (Dionne can attest for 12 hours), is super soft on the skin and leaves it with a natural matte finish. The powder itself is also fine and rather creamy 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
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 one if you're looking for a more affordable 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 plus as, although it says it's resistant to water, heat and sweat, we did have to top it up a couple of times during the day.
Buy if: You want to try powder foundation at an affordable price point
Avoid if: You’re looking for an exact shade match as there are only six shades
RRP: £43 | Shades: 40 | Coverage: Buildable, medium to full
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 seriously 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 with extra staying powder
Avoid if: You don't want a hefty price tag
RRP: £42 | Shades: 18 | Coverage: Full
A name that goes hand in hand with high-quality, high-performing foundations, we knew we could trust this brand to have a beautiful, natural powder foundation that'd make us want to swap out our regular liquid. The main selling point of Bobbi Brown's Skin Weightless Powder 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. Suffice to say we were intrigued.
The result? A formula that covers and evens skin tone without feeling heavy or drying our complexions out. It blends particularly nicely for a powder, which we put down to its liquid origin. We couldn't feel anything on our skin at all, so in our book it's the holy grail of powder foundations. There is also a good shade range on offer here, too). In other words, it was an easy decision to feature this in our edit of the best powder foundations.
Buy if: You have dry skin
Avoid if: You want lightweight coverage
RRP: £38 | Shades: 4 | Coverage: Lightweight finishing powder
Laura Mercier's Real Flawless Pressed Powder yields a luminous, almost flawless finish thanks to its skincare-infused formula. The pressed powder adds 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’re going for a "no-makeup" makeup 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: £88 | Shades: 6 | Coverage: Lightweight, natural-looking
Everything about this foundation – from its sleek claret compact to the incredibly finely-milled powder to the matte-yet-glowy finish – says luxury. So too doe the price, but if you've got a little more budget and want a truly fabulous powder base, we think this should be it. Use the soft peachy sponge to apply and blend the silky powder; the coverage is light at first, but we found it builds easily, bit by bit, where needed – around the nose and under the eyes, for example. Alternatively, you can leave a sheer look wherever you want your skin to show through.
We know it sounds unusual to describe a powder foundation as dewy-looking, but Sisley's Phyto-Teint Éclat Compact Powder Foundation really won't cake or look flat, no matter how much you layer on, such is its lovely, light-diffusing effect. If you want a weightier look, you could dampen the sponge for a more robust finish that'll compliment a stronger smoky eye or lip look.
Buy if: You want a light and natural finish
Avoid if: You don't have a big budget
How we tested the best powder foundations
A selection of the powder foundations one of our testers trialled for this feature
In order 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
- Packaging
- Format – is it loose or pressed?
- Ease of application and buildability
- Finish
- How it wears throughout the day – did it go shiny, patchy, or transfer?
- Cost
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
You may know how to apply foundation with liquid and cream versions, but a slightly different approach is required for the best powder foundations.
- Prep your skin: Once you've cleansed your face to ensure you're starting with a clean canvas, you'll also want to apply your usual serum, moisturiser and SPF. You may also want to use primer that suits your skin type, which can improve your makeup's longevity.
- If you're using a powder brush: These tools help to deliver non-cakey, sheer coverage and finish. Swirl your brush into your loose or pressed powder and gently tap off the excess. Apply in a circular motion, buffing the powder lightly into your forehead, cheeks, and the rest of your face. Or, if you want fuller coverage, focus on your T-zone first, working outward.
- If you're using a makeup sponge: By design, sponges give more coverage. Use one to first collect powder, then tap off any excess to prevent streaking, splotching and general cakiness. Apply first to the most shine-prone areas of your face and work outwards, dabbing it gently across the skin and into any contours, such as around the nose.
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