The best powder foundations for quality coverage that keeps shine at bay
Our expert beauty testers have handpicked the best powder foundations for flawless coverage across all budgets
I've been using powder foundation for ten years now, and if you also struggle with oily skin, the best powder foundations are a godsend. Convenient, easy to use and practical, there's nothing quite like the convenience and practicality of a powder foundation, especially if your skin turns shiny throughout the day. They offer a flawless finish for all skin types, for coverage that lasts all day long without cakiness.
A powder formula means you can have your trusty base with you while you're on the go, with minimal risk of spillage or mess. From lunchtime retouches to a freshening up before happy hour or as a travel or wedding-day purse essential, powder foundation can solve myriad complexion emergencies.
But portability isn't the only thing that makes powder a top choice 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 into the skin. Tailor this to those areas where you want coverage to avoid the skin looking cakey."
Unlike powder foundations of days gone by, which had dry, chalky formulas and limited shade ranges, today's powders feature innovations that help create a flawless base with surprisingly substantial coverage, similar to what you can expect from the best foundations. Our beauty experts tested dozens of formulas to see how well they covered and lasted to find the best powder foundations across all budgets for different skin types, coverage, and finish. Scroll to find the eight that reign supreme.
The best powder foundations, tried and tested by our beauty experts
Why you can trust Woman & Home
Best overall
RRP: £36.50
Shades: 20
Coverage: Light, buildable coverage
“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 Dionne. "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. But it’s the formula that really delivers. The 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 was able to disguise discoloration and blur the look of pores and blemishes very easily.
Buy if: You want an easy to use, fuss-free option
Avoid if: You want super high coverage
Best matte
RRP: £34
Shades: 50
Coverage: Buildable, high coverage
According to the brand, Rihanna could never find the perfect powder foundation and spent three whole years perfecting this formula. And that she did. Powder foundations aren't always buildable, as some go cakey if over-applied. That's not the case here, as this velvety soft formula's coverage can be built up with ease 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 Pro Filt'r Foundation, (which is one of the best liquid foundations) the shade range is very extensive, with 50 different options to cater to all skin tones and undertones. As ever with Rihanna's makeup products we are seriously impressed by this powder foundation. Not to mention that the minimalist, octagonal white compact looks seriously chic.
Buy if: If you want an exact shade match, with 50 shades available, you should be able to find the perfect match
Avoid if: You prefer a little bit of a natural glow coming through
Best for a flawless finish
RRP: £50
Shades: 16
Coverage: Buildable, full coverage
"When Dior promised this would be a non-transfer foundation, they delivered. 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," says Dionne. "After wearing BareMinerals for the past 10 years, this is the only other powder foundation I use (and love) just as much," she explains. The compact foundation comes with a double-sided applicator. A velvet side is used to apply the foundation to the skin, and a smooth side is used to blend it in as the formula melts into the skin for a natural and flawless finish.
The formula is mostly made from natural-origin ingredients, boasts 24-hour wear (I can attest for 12 hours), is super soft on the skin, and leaves the skin with a natural matte finish. The powder itself is fine and rather creamy, which gives the skin a comfortable and breathable feel.
Buy if: You want a matte but luminous finish that looks like your skin but better
Avoid if: You don't enjoy a sponge applicator
Best affordable
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 24 hours of wear (we just have to remove our makeup at night), if you're looking for a more affordable option, this is the best powder foundation to try.
It's super lightweight, with a buildable medium coverage and a soft matte finish. It comes with a sponge applicator, which is great for touch-ups on the go, which you may want to keep with you as although it says it's resistant to water, heat and sweat, we did have to top up a couple of times during the day.
Buy if: You want to try powder foundation an affordable price point
Avoid if: You’re looking for an exact shade match as there are only six shades
Best long-lasting
RRP: £43
Shades: 40
Coverage: Buildable, medium to full
If you've ever read an Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation review, you'll be aware that it is one of the most iconic foundations on the market, but did you know there's a powder version? In a chic black-and-gold compact, this powder foundation feels seriously luxurious from the moment you pick it up – something that we found extends to the formula inside. This powder is very finely milled and has a silky soft feel, blending into the skin with ease. In fact, it's so fine that it also doubles as a setting powder and it takes the edge off any shiny patches 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
Best for shade range
RRP: £42
Shades: 18
Coverage: Full
A household name for high-quality, high-performing foundations, we knew we could trust base maestro Bobbi to develop a beautiful, natural powder foundation for which we immediately wanted to swap our regular liquid. Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation's main selling point is that it isn't made up of dry ingredients pressed into the compact; instead, a liquid mix is baked for 12 hours until set. It's safe to say that 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 assume is down to its liquid origin. We couldn't feel anything on our skin at all, which is basically the holy grail of powder foundations. Kudos to the Bobbi Brown brand for offering a decent range of shades for various skin tones, too. 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 something light coverage
Best for setting makeup
RRP: £38
Shades: 4
Coverage: Light coverage to use as a finishing powder
The Real Flawless Pressed Powder gives a luminous, flawless finish thanks to its skincare infused formula. The pressed powder adds radiance and hydration to the skin, through chamomile and rose oil extracts. If you don't usually enjoy a powder feel, you will love this as it feels comfortable to wear throughout the day.
The best part has to be the Laura Mercier's 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 look (already one of this year’s biggest makeup trends), then this will give your skin a healthy radiance when worn alone, or will add a glow over your foundation.
Buy if: You need a new setting powder, or looking for one of the best powder foundations with less coverage and more glow.
Avoid if: You're on the hunt for a full coverage foundation.
Best dewy finish
RRP: £88
Shades: 6
Coverage: Light and natural
Everything about this foundation - from the sleek claret compact to the incredibly finely-milled powder to the matte but somehow also glowy finish - says luxury. The price does too, of course, but if you've got a little more to spend and want a truly fabulous powder base, then we think that 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 that you can easily build it up bit by bit where needed, say, around the nose and under the eyes. 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 Phyto-Teint Éclat Compact Powder Foundation 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 wet the sponge to lay the powder down in a more robust way to offset a stronger smoky eye or lip look.
Buy if: You want a light and natural finish
Avoid if: You want a more affordable option
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 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 may also be seamlessly used on 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," explains 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 powder's blotting properties and its ability to both mattify and keep 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 your powder – this will soften from the get-go, preventing the powder from clinging to those 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 incorporate serum, moisturiser, and potentially also a primer that suits your skin type in order to hold the makeup in place for long wear.
- If you're using a powder brush: Powder brushes help deliver non-cakey, sheer coverage and finish. Swirl your brush into your loose or pressed powder and gently tap off the excess. Apply the product in a circular motion, buffing the powder lightly into your forehead, cheeks, and the rest of your face. Or, if you want full coverage, focus on your T-zone first, working outward.
- If you're using a makeup sponge: By design, sponges give more coverage. Use the sponge to collect powder, and tap off any excess to prevent streaking and splotching. Apply the powder to the most shine-prone areas of your face and work outwards, bouncing it over the skin and working into any contours such as around the nose.
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Lucy is a UK-based beauty journalist who has written for the likes of Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Women's Health and more, as well as contributing to woman&home. Her work covers everything from expert skin and haircare tips to the latest product launches and the show-stopping beauty looks spotted backstage at London Fashion Week. During her career she's interviewed some seriously famous faces, from Little Mix to Drag Race royalty The Vivienne, as well as chatting to the industry's leading hairdressers, dermatologists and make-up artists.
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