The best powder foundations for quality coverage that keeps shine at bay

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