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

Product shots of three of the best powder foundations, L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation and Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation on a neutral background
(Image credit: L'Oréal, bareMinerals, Fenty)

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

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A selection of the best powder foundations from Estée Lauder, e.l.f. Cosmetics, bareMinerals, and Fenty Beauty

A selection of the powder foundations one of our testers trialled for this feature

(Image credit: Lucy Abbersteen)

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. 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Lucy Abbersteen

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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