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 your 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 available on the market right now that will leave you with a dreamy, air-brushed effect. Did we mention that these 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

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. Use a kabuki brush or a damp beauty sponge to apply it 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. Pros

Long-wearing Controls oil Buildable coverage Transfer-resistant Photo-friendly Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

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. Pros

Blends well Natural finish Keeps your face matte all day Available in a wide range of shades Buildable coverage Affordable

Cons

None

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. You can use a tinted moisturizer instead of a regular one if you want some extra coverage. Use a 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. It also keeps your face looking matte all day. Pros

Easy to apply Light to medium coverage Beautiful gold packaging Cruelty-free Affordable

Cons

Comes with a hard and dense sponge

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

Review This powder foundation from NYX works well to minimize 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 is something you can try! Pros

Easy to apply Glides onto the skin easily Soft, natural finish Lightweight Perfect for instant touch-ups through the day Affordable

Cons

Limited shade range

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. Pros

Medium-to-full coverage Naturally matte finish Ultra lightweight Long-wearing Value for money

Cons

None

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. If you have combination skin, this is an excellent formula for you. It is a tad bit pricey for a drugstore brand, but it is a one-of-a-kind formula. Pros

Versatile Easy to blend Buildable coverage Evens out skin tone Sleek packaging

Cons

Does not control shine on hot days

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. Pros

Lightweight and easy to apply Leaves your skin looking matte and natural Does not sink into fine lines and wrinkles Controls shine and oil Sheer to medium coverage

Cons

Expensive

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 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. Pros

Easy to use Fragrance-free Light to medium coverage Absorbs excess oil Decent staying power

Cons

None

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. It provides a flattering, skin-like finish. Pros

Perfect for oily skin Light to medium coverage Natural finish Available in a wide range of shades Fragrance-free

Cons

Expensive

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. Pros

Lightweight Buildable finish Contains moisturizing botanical extracts Can be applied dry or wet Available in 20 shades

Cons

Delicate packaging

Review Pros

Long-staying Vegan Waterproof Full coverage

Cons

Expensive No applicator provided

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. Pros

Buildable coverage Non-comedogenic Easy to blend Dermatologist-tested

Cons

Limited shades

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. Pros

Non-drying Blends well Does not settle into fine lines Has SPF 20, UVA and UVB filters

Cons

Its packaging involves a fixed grinder. Hence, you can’t see the quantity of powder left in the case below. Expensive

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

Review The Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Foundation is 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! Pros

Very smooth and finely-milled texture Non-comedogenic Keeps T-zone shine-free for 4 hours No fallout Non-chalky Easy to blend

Cons

Requires touch-ups

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 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. Pros

Lightweight Does not clog pores Natural finish Easy to blend

Cons

Limited shades

The best thing about a powder foundation formula is that it allows your skin to breathe, unlike your regular full-coverage liquid stuff. It also works as a great on-the-go foundation and can be your bathroom touch-up savior. If you have oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, you must definitely consider ditching your liquid formula for a mineral powder foundation as it changes the way your skin looks and feels. Kerrin Jackson, a 4-time Emmy-nominated film and television makeup artist, says, “High-pigmented powders such as MAC Studio Fix, can provide the coverage of a traditional foundation in literally half the time. AND with a built-in mirror and applicator!” That was our round-up of the 15 best powder foundations for all skin types. Have you ever tried any of these products? What did you think of them? Let us know in the comments section below.

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 are perfect for oily skin beauties, giving you a poreless matte finish. 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.

Best Compact Powders For Oily Skin Best Lakme Compact Powders For Different Skin Types Best Foundations For Oily Skin Available In India How To Choose Compact Powder Shades For Different Skin Types