8 Best Powder Foundations for Flawless Coverage
Truth be told, we don't hear a lot about powder foundations - they're kind of like the underdog of the foundation world. They're often underrated, but absolutely excel in warm, humid weather for keeping your makeup looking intact.
If you ask me, they're perfect for your travel makeup bag since they're so easy to use and perfect for hotter climates!
I know what you're thinking - isn't powder foundation for people who don't know how to apply liquid foundation? Won't it look cakey?
The truth is, they're a must-have product in your makeup bag. Here's why you should try powder foundation, plus find out our top recommendations!
What is Powder Foundation?
Okay, a little self-explanatory, but a powder foundation is a base product that provides coverage and a matte finish in a powder form, instead of liquid or cream.
There's a lot of overlap with mineral makeup and powder foundation, and that's because mineral makeup ingredients are formulated best as powders, both pressed and loose.
It's also important to remember that powder foundations are different from setting powders or mattifying powders. Setting powders typically won't have any coverage, and only serve to set and lock in liquid makeup into place. Similarly, mattifying powders also don't usually have much coverage and just absorb excess oils with ingredients such as talc and kaolin.
Which Skin Types is Powder Foundation Best For?
You might be surprised to know that foundation compacts are fantastic for a wide variety of skin types - not just oily or combination skin! It's important to check the claims of the formula, though. Some powders are formulated with hydrating ingredients that help to manage normal and dry skin. Others will be more mattifying to keep skin shine free!
To sum it up, powder foundations can be ideal for all skin types. Just be sure to shop for one that's tailored to your skin's needs!
Benefits of Powdered Foundation
Powdered foundation has a few advantages over liquid and cream foundations! Here are my favourite benefits of foundation compacts.
Ease Of Application
They are SO easy to use - seriously. Most powder and mineral foundations can be applied with either a powder puff or a brush that quickly blends into skin for a perfected finish - no more streaky foundation!
My favourite foundation tip is to blend in circles, especially if you're using a kabuki brush or similar - this helps to apply the foundation in an even layer for flawless coverage.
Lightweight Coverage
While they are not the most pigmented, especially compared to cream foundations, a powder foundation will provide enough coverage for most! They're ideal for letting natural features such as freckles peep through, while covering any redness and other imperfections.
Pro tip: if you want to cover up any serious pigmentation or other blemishes, I suggest spot concealing with a cream concealer, then going in with your powder foundation!
Fast Touch Ups
If you ask me, there's nothing that beats powder when it comes to quick touch ups. Liquid or cream foundations can wear off and sometimes, reapplying just isn't an option - it's like you can see where the fresh product was applied compared to what was already there.
With powder foundations, you don't really have that issue - just blend or pat it in, and it all comes together super seamlessly!
Matte Finish
Not everyone loves a dewy finish - especially me, since I have oily skin - so a powder foundation is my go-to. I just find a matte finish looks much better, especially in photos! If you ask me, a matte finish helps to keep everything looking more pulled together, too.
8 Best Powder Foundations at Beauty Affairs
Now that you know why powder foundation is such a winner, take a look at the favourites I've picked out at Beauty Affairs. Each is best suited for a specific skin type or skin concern, so shop accordingly!
Best For Mature Skin: La Prairie Skin Caviar Powder Foundation SPF15
Like all amazing products from La Prairie, this foundation is infused with signature Caviar extract to give your skin a luxurious boost. This formula also has SPF15 to lend another layer of protection from the sun (you should be wearing a sunscreen underneath this anyway)! The La Prairie Skin Caviar Powder Foundation is available at Beauty Affairs in 5 rich shades.
The formula is hydrating and doesn't settle into fine lines, making it ideal for the needs of mature skin, which tends to be drier and less plump due to the gradual collagen loss throughout the years. The anti-ageing benefits of the La Prairie foundation won't go unnoticed, either!
Best for Oily Skin: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
When it comes to oily skin, there's no makeup line more recognisable than the MAC Studio Fix line. The MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation offers a wide range of shades, ensuring a perfect match for all skin tones! We love an inclusive cosmetic brand!
A key mattifying ingredient in the formula is silica - this helps to keep skin shine-free and minimises the appearance of pores, making it perfect for those with oily or combination skin types. Additionally, MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation
Another major benefit of the MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation is that it's dermatologist-tested and non-acnegenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts, which is crucial for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Best for Dry Skin: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Fusion Powder
If you have dry skin, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Fusion Powder stands out as the best powder foundation - hands down. This pressed finishing powder boasts a lightweight texture that melts into the skin, creating a natural-looking veil that never cakes or smears.
Formulated with ultrafine pigments and flexible microspheres, the Glow Fusion Face Powder transforms into a thin fluid on contact with the skin. This unique formulation ensures a flawless, perfected look that feels comfortable and breathable, making it ideal for those with dry skin who need a hydrating touch.
Plus, the sustainability factor is a bonus - each compact can be refilled once finished, with refills available separately. This not only makes it an environmentally friendly choice but also a cost-effective one!
Best for Combination Skin: Vani-T Mineral Powder Foundation
Combination skin is a little tricky to choose the right makeup products for, but never fear - we've got the ultimate recommendation! Vani-T Mineral Powder Foundation is an award-winning powder foundation that you'll love. It's formulated with micro diffusers that diminish the appearance of blemishes and lines for an always photo-ready look.
Vani-T Mineral Powder Foundation also boasts a hybrid makeup and skincare formula, infused with SPF that helps to shield your skin from the full effect of the sun's ways for a natural glow, every single day.
Best for Anti-Ageing: La Mer Sheer Pressed Powder
The best powder foundation for anti-ageing has to be the La Mer Sheer Pressed Powder. Like all La Mer products, it's infused with the iconic Miracle Broth, an ingredient created from fermenting seaweed to boost it's antioxidant and skin rejuvenating abilities.
It's incredibly finely milled and blends into skin like a dream - as it should for the price! It's sheer enough to be used over the top of other foundations to enhance wear, but the La Mer Sheer Pressed Powder is also fantastic on its own to keep skin looking amazing all day long.
Best for Smaller Budgets: GA-DE Skin Splendor Compact
There's no reason why smaller budgets should miss out on an amazing powder foundation. Our pick is the GA-DE Skin Splendor Compact foundation; this long-wearing compact is ideal for all skin types. It's not drying on skin and helps to minimise the appearance of freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles. It perfectly balances long-wear with a velvety finish that lasts throughout the day!
Powder Foundations: Key Points
Powder foundations may be underrated, but they're a versatile and essential addition to any makeup bag, especially for those in warm, humid climates or on the go. They provide ease of application, lightweight coverage, fast touch-ups, and a matte finish.
They're offered by luxury, professional, and budget brands alike in a wide variety of skin tones; if you're still looking for your perfect powder foundation, start with this list!