Having a fresh, clean face is probably the most desired of all makeup looks. While we can’t always get our skin to glow and behave like we want it to, we can turn to foundations to even it out. Powder foundations are a quick way to either smooth out your pores or set your liquid foundation in an airbrushed finish.
Here are 10 tried and true powder foundations that you can use on their own or on top of your makeup for a flawless look:
Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 by bareMinerals
This powder foundation can be buffed on with a brush for an even coverage. It’s made with oxide minerals for a natural and soft feel. It’s handy to use if you’re in too much of a hurry to blend liquid foundation, and it’ll definitely give your skin a youthful glow.
READY Touch-Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15 by bareMinerals
This version of bareMineral powder is pressed into a compact for on-the-go use. While it offers lighter coverage than the mineral foundation, the grapeseed oil formula is just as natural and clean. It’s great as a finishing powder, since it buffs out imperfections and adds a glow to your skin. I recommend it for traveling and as a handbag companion.
Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder by Clinique
Clinique’s products are good for sensitive skin, since they use fragrance-free, non-irritant ingredients. This powder will keep shine out of your skin for a matte finish. It’s long-lasting – so you won’t need much touching up after applying this finishing powder. For all-day wedding events and hot venues, use this powder to keep your skin fresh and oil-free.
Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder by NARS
NARS unique powder adds a light-reflecting touch to your face makeup – your skin will literally shimmer. However, it’s not pigmented so you’ll still need a foundation if you want coverage. Despite sounding like a glittery gimmick, the powder looks natural and doesn’t leave silvery pigments all over your skin. It’s perfect for nighttime events or parties where there’s bound to be lots of camera flashes.
Studio Fix Powder by MAC Cosmetics
MAC’s Studio Fix Powder provides a velvety smooth coverage that’ll work for any type of imperfection. Unlike most powder foundations, it actually covers up and smooths out your skin. You can easily swap out your liquid foundation for this handy, easy-to-apply compact. Studio Fix is commonly used on runways and sets because of its high coverage, low-maintenance qualities.
Clean Pressed Powder by CoverGirl
This drugstore brand is cheap, but effective. It comes in different formulas to suit your skin type – normal, oily, or sensitive. The pressed powder offers decent coverage, but it works best as a finishing powder instead of foundation. While the powder doesn’t go on as smoothly as the more expensive brands, it does even out your skin and offer a natural glow.
Smart Shade Loose Finishing Powder by Almay
Almay’s loose powder comes in only 3 shades, but they are translucent enough to match your skin tone. The powder needs to be buffed on with a brush, so it requires more maintenance than your pressed powders. However, the formula is effective at creating radiant skin. For a cheaper alternative to bareMinerals or other pricier mineral foundations, I recommend Almay.
All-in-One Face Base by The Body Shop
The Body Shop has amazing products for whatever your skin type is, and this foundation is meant for sensitive skin. The formula features cold-pressed Namibian marula oil, which delivers non-irritating and moisturizing touches into otherwise drying face powders. The coverage is good enough to stand on its own – so you can use this powder for an all-in-one face makeup look without any finishing touches.
True Match Powder by L’Oreal
L’Oreal’s finishing powder is offered in 33 different shades to match your skin tone. It goes well with liquid foundation and provides a non-cakey glow. Pearly pigments add a slight sparkle to your skin – but not too much that it’s over-the-top and unnatural. Plus, it’s oil-free so it won’t trigger any breakouts! This product is customizable and handy to keep in your purse for instant skin refreshment.
Dual Finish – Versatile Powder Makeup by Lancome
Lancome is quality makeup that’s well worth the price. This powder functions as a foundation and as a finishing touch to makeup. You can build up the coverage you need from sheer to opaque in a lightweight formula. The pressed powder format is easy to apply and store in your handbag for on-the-go touch ups. I love how it multitasks as a highlighter or concealer as it’s required – it is definitely a worthwhile investment to your skin makeup collection.
What are your favorite powder foundations?