If the velvety, matte finish you get when powdering post-foundation is your kind of look, you might want to consider condensing two steps into one. Powder foundations are an effective way to blur blemishes, while leaving your skin looking like, well, skin.
In fact, powder foundations can even work wonders when it comes to dark circles, which may even put your beloved concealer out of a job too.
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The compact, buildable formulas will be the kindest to oily or combination skin types, as well as your best friend when you’re in need of an on-the-go touch-up. But that’s not to say there isn’t a formula for everyone and every skin type, either.
Here, we list the best powder foundations – packed with hydrating ingredients and skin-loving formulas to ensure a soft and diffused finish, every time.
Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Foundation
We say: Forget the powder foundations that highlight dry patches and sink into deep lines. Nude by Nature’s creamy formula uses naturally hydrating ingredients, like jojoba esters and kaolin clay, for a flawless and hydrating application.
You say: “I have acne, redness, and lots of fine hairs, and this is the only powder that covers it without clumping around the uneven texture. It’s a nice light to medium coverage foundation, and it lets your skin feel like it can still breathe.” – Private function
Want to know more? Read Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Foundation reviews here…
M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
We say: For a mistake-proof finish, M.A.C’s powder foundation provides a matte coverage that absorbs unwanted oils, leaving skin with a breathable and smooth finish.
You say: “ I love that I can apply it lightly or just dab it onto where I’m shiny to help give me a more matte look – but the look is lovely and natural too and makes me look better!! I also love how it can be applied heavier and more coats can be put on.” – clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation reviews here…
L’Oréal Paris True Match Mineral Foundation
We say: If you like your foundation to offer up a few skin-healing benefits as well as coverage, look in L’Oréal’s direction. The lightweight powder formula contains kaolin and zinc to reduce blemishes by controlling oil production, plus sea mineral extracts to prevent skin from drying out.
You say: “I love this product. I have been using this for about 10 years and I always come back to it. Repurchased many times!” – Miss Zoe Jade
Want to know more? Read L’Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Foundation reviews here…
Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20
We say: Ticking all the right boxes, Elizabeth Arden’s powder foundation has been formulated with SPF 20 as well as vitamins A, C and E. Plus, it’s made gentle enough for sensitive skin and brilliant enough to keep you looking luminous all day.
You say: “Absolutely love it! It does not cake, no matter how much you put on. Wonderful coverage, natural colour and matches my skin very well. It does not change colour as my skin gets oilier during the day.” – Flavii
Want to know more? Read Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20 reviews here…
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Powder Makeup SPF10
We say: Well, we understand how they came up with the name. Those who are notorious for running late, listen up. This oil-absorbing formula offers impressive staying power, which means less time touching up and more time getting to where you need to go.
You say: “I have been using this for years. It gives a really nice finish over my foundation or I wear just the powder for a lighter look when I don’t want to wear much make up but it still gives me a nice even coverage and feels great.” – stacinator
Want to know more? Read Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Powder Makeup SPF10 reviews here…
The NBN powder is great!
Currently liking the Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder Foundation at the moment but I recently purchased the NBN pressed powder from a sale at my local chemist so I am excited to try that one!
The Nude By Nature powder is really nice.
I love M.A.C foundation powders, they are the only ones that dont' seem to cake on my skin.
Yes I have used one have been using the Ultraceuticals Mineral Foundation in Shade 4 (previously called Latte)for many years I love it as it is full of antioxidants so feeds the skin at the same time. Nothing else has come close to it for me yet. 🙂
I've been a long time fan of the NbN Mineral foundation but I would be open to trying different brands.
Have tried mineral powder foundations in the past (NbN before they improved their shade range + I still have a little INIKA loose powder foundation kicking around) but now that I'm older & have more imperfections in my skin, I prefer using liquid foundations instead.
Yes, will switch to powder after I use up current one I am using. But will test first a few before deciding which to buy. Dislike tossing products away. If they do not give me testers, no purchase. Atm using translucent powder over sheered out to max liquid foundation that I love and use atm. One product in future sounds more appealing.
I do love the MAC one and the Nude By Nature one very much. Gone a la naturale today though!
I really need to get some of that Nude By Nature powder.
I also love the Koh Gen Do powder foundation
Always use a light dusting of Mineral Powder over my Liquid Foundation so many nice powders available. Need to be more adventurous and try something different.
I think the last time I tried a powder foundation was when I was a teenager. I wouldn’t mind giving the Estée Lauder one a try.
I dont usually wear a lot of makeup and never use powder and seldom use foundation . Only on very rare occasions.
I'm the same, I used my BB creams instead these days, some of them are slightly tinted so I don't bother with foundation anymore.
I use the NBN powder foundation. I also have a Clinique one that I quite like, but the shade is too dark for my skin tone, so I use it to contour.
I have dry skin and I just cannot get powder foundation to work for me.
Same here, since Covid, I have been quite bare faced and doing it without a care in the world!
I don’t quite understand how powder foundations are hydrating?
I've ordered the NBN powder from Beautorium and am really looking forward to trying it out.
Powder foundations don’t really suit my skin. I’m on the dry side and they make me look about 10 years older!
I've tried the Nude by Nature powder – it's very good.
I haven't tried a powder foundation before but I would be open to giving it a try.
Ive used the NBN powder but I tend to stick to my BB Creams and Tinted Moisturiser for work.
Great suggestions…
I have steered away from powder foundations but I remember how easy they were to apply so I now want to try the MAC one.
I'm still wary of powder foundations because they make my skin look dull – maybe I just haven't used the right one. I much prefer a BB cream or a lightweight creamy foundation
I've never found a powder that looks good, My skin really prefers liquid.
Nude by Nature is my pick of these to try. Didn't know powder (Estee Lauder) came with an SPF factor
Yeah I tried NBN powder does wonders for my skin.
Australis' Fresh & Flawless pressed powder is a good dupe for the MAC Studio Fix powder. It has really good pigment.
I love every mineral powder I've ever tried. I first used Physicians Formula, but now I buy NbN because it's Aussie.
I haven't tried a powder foundation before, I prefer to use a liquid (currently Clinique Superbalanced 🙂 ).
Whilst I prefer liquid foundations, the nbn one is really great
Have tried the NBN one before.
Mineral powder is the best for oily skin.
Nude by nature is my go to it certainly show up my pores like a liquid foundation. Love it.
100% agree
Some great powdersand brands
I love the MAC. Sometimes I use Tinted Moisturiser, and sometimes I really CBF and I just go with a dusting of powder. It’s quick, easy, and it looks good.
Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Foundation is my favourite. It was perfect for light to medium coverage. It really lift up my natural look.
Im on the hunt for a good powder foundation. at the moment loreal is the best one. others accentuate everything even with my oily skin
The NBN powder foundation is great. I need to use powder foundation with or without liquid especially under my eyes so help stop foundation slippage.
I've got the NBN and love it, sometimes I use it on its own or if I'm wanting a fuller coverage I'll use it over my Chanel liquid foundation
Recently began trying the NBN pressed powder and I absolutely love it! Another winner from NBN!
I used to love the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation. I'm thinking about trying it again to see if it still works for my dry skin. I like Lily Lolo Mineral Powder because I can get a colour match for my pale skin. Apart from Nude by Nature, there are some great Australian companies such as Eco Minerals and Inika that make excellent mineral powder foundations.
Haven't tried a powder foundation in years so it seems like it's time to get back on the bandwagon!
I love Nude by nature sets perfectly
Nude By Nature is my go-to.
I used to love Shisedo Powder Foundaiton but I was 20 years younger.