Summer is a rough season for anyone who wears makeup. Whether you live in dry heat or humidity, your face will feel the effects, especially if you have more oily skin. Finding the best powder foundation to help manage this dilemma can also be a struggle.

How do you track down a product that provides the right amount of coverage, but doesn’t feel heavy and doesn't add to the stress that your skin can go through at this time of year. You also have to find a formula that helps to absorb sweat while you're outside in the heat, while not clogging your pores or settling into creases and lines. Something that is breathable and has a matte finish may do the trick.

Hopefully this list will provide you with the tools to help you find the best powder foundation that checks all of your boxes so you can choose the right product for your skin tone, skin type, and your desired level of coverage.

The Cocoa Powder Foundation from Too Faced is praised for the soft finish that they compare to rose petals. According to Too Faced, the inspiration to infuse the powder with cocoa came from Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Jerrod Blandino while he received a chocolate facial in Hawaii. Cocoa is packed with antioxidants that have numerous health benefits when consumed or applied to your skin. You can enjoy the health benefits of the ingredients and enjoy the delicious scent that will be on your face all day.

In addition to the super-ingredient cocoa, the formula features crystalline powder pigments and is made without gluten or parabens so you can be confident that the makeup you wear all day is not doing more harm than good. The powder absorbs oil all day long without drying out your skin. The crystalline pigments help to prevent fine lines and wrinkles while giving a soft-focus airbrushed look at the same time.

The foundation provides medium to full coverage, allowing you to customize your personal look by building the powder little by little while applying. The Too Faced product not only lasts on your skin throughout the day, but the product will also last a long time in your makeup bag. So while it may be a high-end product with a high-end price, you won’t have to purchase it very often.

To apply properly, use your favorite brush or sponge to gently stroke the foundation on your face. Start at the center, working your way outwards and apply as much product as needed to get your desired results.

Key Features
  • Easily builds from medium to full coverage
  • Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Matte finish never looks dry
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Formulation: Pressed Powder
  • Consistency: Fine
  • Sun Protection: None
  • Brand: Too Faced
Pros
  • Oil absorbing
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Cruelty free
Cons
  • Contains Talc
  • Only 4 Shades

This long-wear foundation is more expensive than other options, but you get what you pay for from the world-renowned makeup artist and cosmetic creator. With a two-part formula, it provides long-lasting wear that has a natural finish. The foundation is oil-free, so it is great for those with oily skin, helping to absorb oil and shine throughout the day without clogging pores. This makes it ideal for not only oily skin, but for combination and normal skin, as well. It is also water-resistant, so bring on the rainy days! Your makeup won’t have to suffer from them.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder allows for customizable coverage. Apply the foundation dry for a sheer to medium coverage with a matte finish. Add a bit of water to the sponge that is included, dab in the powder and apply it wet to get medium to full coverage with a natural finish. Either way, you will be getting flexible coverage that bends with facial expression and doesn’t settle into fine lines and facial features.

Wearers of this smooth finish foundation will feel naturally enhanced when they apply this makeup. It provides a perfect balance between your real skin and makeup, making you feel beautiful in your own skin. It is incredibly easy to apply, so you don’t need any professional makeup experience. Although there is no SPF included, the breathable comfort that this foundation offers allows you to apply with other products without it feeling heavy or caked on.

Key Features
  • Two-part formula designed to provide lightweight coverage with a natural finish
  • Customizable coverage
  • Long-lasting oil-free formula is water-resistant
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Formulation: Pressed powder
  • Consistency: Powder
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • 20 different shades to choose from
  • Oil-free formula
  • Water-resistant
Cons
  • No SPF

Another option that is good quality and completely affordable. L’Oreal True Match Powder is formulated with hints of pearl pigments in order to enhance your skin tone and precisely match the chosen shade to your skin tone and texture. Choose from 34 different true-to-you shades that not only match, but highlight your undertones for a flawless match.

It is made with a micro-fine powder in order to provide coverage that is versatile, but feels natural so you can pair it with your favorite liquid foundation or wear it alone. You will get the coverage you need in order to hide minor blemishes. The light-reflecting pearls in the formula will give you a natural-looking glow while remaining light and airy, great for the summertime.

The minerals are blendable and buildable from sheer to medium coverage, so apply as much as you need without the heavy feel. With the natural look and feel of this foundation, you will leave your house feeling comfortable in your own skin.

This powder is great for all types of skin, including those with sensitive skin, being lightweight and breathable. Whether you have combination skin or are oily, you will enjoy using this product without having to worry about your pores getting clogged or makeup settling into fine lines.

Apply the lightweight powder by dabbing either your favorite brush or a sponge in the powder and lightly brushing over your skin in outward motions. It is very easy to blend, so use as much product as you need to achieve the coverage that you want. You will only have to apply once since this makeup lasts all throughout the day.

Key Features
  • Precisely matches skin tone and texture.
  • Blendability of a liquid makeup.
  • Contains no oils, no pore-clogging fillers, and no heavy textures
Specifications
  • Coverage: Sheer to medium
  • Formulation: Pressed powder
  • Consistency: Smooth
  • Sun Protection: SPF 17
Pros
  • Doesn’t look chalky or cakey
  • Weightless feel
  • Affordable
Cons
  • The dry texture may not be comfortable for those with dry skin
  • Contains Talc

The Original Foundation from BareMinerals is by far their best selling foundation product and it is a popular choice for many. The loose powder is easy to apply and provides beautiful luminous coverage.

Not only are you getting lightweight coverage, but you can feel good about what you are putting on your skin. BareMinerals prides itself on producing makeup that is so pure that you can sleep in it. It is made with all clean mineral pigments and uses non-chemical sunscreen. It is free of talc, parabens, phthalates, fragrance and preservatives. To top that off, it’s vegan, cruelty free and guilt-free!

Wearers get medium coverage that is so lightweight that it provides a no-makeup look. The matte finish absorbs shine throughout the day, lasting up to 8 hours, without drying out the skin. Protect your skin from the sun while you look gorgeous with SPF 15.

BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation is made for literally anyone, with a choice from 30 different shades. You can also customize the amount of coverage that you receive because the formula is buildable. Apply as much as you want until you get the look you want. The luminous finish will blur out any blemishes, and reduce the appearance of pores and shiny skin. It provides the coverage of a liquid foundation, with the breathability of powder.

As a foundation that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of pores, you will physically notice the improvement that it makes on your skin.

Key Features
  • Award-winning mineral powder
  • Clinically proven to reduce appearance of pores
  • Lasts for up to 8 hours
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Powder
  • Consistency: Light
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • Natural matte finish
  • Click lock sifter for easier application
  • Lightweight minerals
  • Contains SPF
Cons
  • Loose powder can be messy

This IT Cosmetics finishing veil provides a flawless airbrushed look. It reinvents the brand's most popular product, the CC+ cream, into a powder form for lightweight coverage. People pay big money to have airbrush makeup applied and you can have it all in this compact foundation. The formula transforms your skin right before your eyes, blurring the lines so that your imperfections, pores, and blemishes are camouflaged instantly.

Never mind daunting multi-step makeup routines, this powder foundation is a one step application that provides the benefits of color correctors, primers, foundations, and finishing powders all in one small compact.

It is a versatile product, so wearers can use it as a simple finishing powder or alone as your primary foundation. It is a buildable foundation so it can match any coverage needs, from sheer to full coverage. To apply as a finishing powder, simply sweep your favorite powder brush lightly over your face after applying your favorite foundation. As a buildable foundation, continue applying the foundation in light sweeps until you achieve your desired coverage.

The formula includes special ingredients to help prevent makeup from settling into fine lines and creases. It is talc-free and includes hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacin and peptides, providing your skin with anti-age properties that your skin will love. A fascinating feature of the brand, IT Cosmetics, is that they partner with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to clinically test formulas and create solutions that your skin will love.

Key Features
  • Made with anti-aging ingredients
  • Camouflages skin imperfections and blemishes
  • Won’t settle into lines or pores
Specifications
  • Coverage: Sheer to medium
  • Formulation: Pressed powder
  • Consistency: Lightweight
  • Sun Protection: SPF 50
Pros
  • Buildable coverage
  • SPF 50+
  • Airbrushed look
Cons
  • Some might find it too cakey

SuperStay Full Coverage Powder is Maybelline’s highest covering powder product. It is made with a high-pigment formula in order to achieve that full-coverage look that lasts for up to 16 hours, ensuring that you have the look you need all day long.

Despite the full-coverage formula, you will still experience a comfortable, long-lasting wear because of the blendable and creamy texture that SuperStay features. It goes on skin smoothly and easily and provides a professional matte finish that looks natural to the naked eye.

Choose from 12 different shades from Classic Ivory, Golden Caramel to Java. Each shade is formulated with complexion matching pigments so that no matter which shade you choose, it will bring out your natural skin tone and is wearable for all types of skin whether you have sensitive, combination, or normal skin. The affordability of this foundation is more evidence that it is for just about anyone!

To apply, use your favorite brush or sponge to blend all over your face and neck. You can apply it alone or you can pair it with you favorite liquid foundation. Although, you likely won’t need additional facial product, considering that the Maybelline SuperStay Powder Foundation provides you with the coverage of a liquid foundation and the light, breathable finish of a powder.

Key Features
  • Long-lasting foundation up to 16 hours of wear.
  • Coverage of a liquid foundation with light finish of a powder.
  • Wearable for all types of skin.
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Pressed powder
  • Consistency: Thick
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Long-lasting wear
  • High-coverage
Cons
  • Only 12 Shades
  • Contains Talc

Finally, a healthy and good-quality product that you don’t have to spend more than fifteen dollars on. The Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation is made with naturally derived minerals that are much safer to put on your skin. It contains vitamins that are essential for good skin health, including Vitamins A, C and E. Because of these ingredients, it helps to improve your overall skin tone and complexion. Made without talc or any harmful fragrances, this foundation helps to even your skin tone, enhance your skin clarity and smooth out the texture. The pigment also helps to reduce redness.

This powder is great for all types of skin, including those with sensitive skin, being lightweight and breathable. You will get the coverage you need hiding minor blemishes, with a natural look and feel, leaving you feeling comfortable in your own skin. The light-reflecting pearls in the formula will give you a natural looking glow while remaining light and airy, great for the summer time.

Available in two forms, pressed powder foundation and loose powder foundation, you can choose the product that is convenient for you and fits your preference on how you apply your makeup. The loose powder is great for easy touch ups, while the pressed powder foundation has a mess-free application. You can also customize the amount of coverage you achieve with this powder. The minerals are blendable and buildable from sheer to medium coverage, so apply as much as you need without the heavy feel. No matter how much you use, the foundation is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.

Key Features
  • Available in powder foundation and loose powder foundation
  • Enhances skin clarity, tone, and texture
  • Made with naturally derived minerals that are safe for skin
Specifications
  • Coverage: Sheer
  • Formulation: Loose powder
  • Consistency: Fine
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Contains skin-essential vitamins A, C, and E
  • No talc or fragrances in formula
  • Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Only 8 different shades

The Barepro powder foundation from bareMinerals provides the fullest coverage of all their products. The pressed powder is easy to apply, mess-free and provides a glowing matte coverage.

You can be happy about the product quality that you are putting on your skin knowing that this powder is formulated with 90 percent natural ingredients, including essential vitamins and minerals that replenish the skin throughout the day. Living up to its reputation, BareMinerals produced this powder so pure that you can sleep in it without parabens or fillers. It is non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic and hypoallergenic. Then they clinically test the formula to ensure the quality by dermatologists, of course never testing on animals.

In choosing this buildable product, wearers can customize their coverage from medium to full while still allowing their skin to breathe and not clogging pores or causing breakouts. The matte finish controls shine throughout the day, lasting the longest of all of their products, for up to 12 hours, without drying out the skin.

BareMinerals barePro Powder Foundation is made for truly anyone, offering the choice of 35 true-to-you shades. The smooth and silky finish will blur out any blemishes, and reduce the appearance of pores and shiny skin. In fact, it will actually improve your overall skin clarity. It provides the coverage of a liquid foundation, with the breathability of powder.

To apply, simply tap your favorite brush lightly onto the barePRO pressed powder and sweep it gently onto your skin in long strokes. Repeat this process to increase the coverage until you are satisfied.

Key Features
  • BareMinerals longest-lasting formula
  • Reduce the appearance of pores
  • In pressed powder form, so it's mess-free
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Formulation: Pressed powder
  • Consistency: Silky
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • 35 different shades
  • Last for 12 hours
  • 90 percent natural ingredients
Cons
  • No sun protection

As part of the Amazonian Clay Collection from Tarte Cosmetics, this unique formula provides unique benefits. The Amazonian Clay ingredient helps with oil control to provide wearers with a shine-free look that lasts all day long. The formula also includes a light-reflecting gemstone called tourmaline that energizes the skin and diffuses light to allow natural dimension. The product offers other enhancing ingredients including pearl powder, which is a mineral-rich powder that has anti-aging properties, and Camellia leaf extract, an antioxidant to help fight free radicals.

Among these unique ingredients that are dermatologist tested, Tarte Cosmetics created this product with the same values that they create all of their products with, vegan, hypoallergenic, talc-free and always cruelty-free. You can rest assured that the makeup you are applying to your skin is safe, knowing that it is always formulated with no parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, triclosan, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

The product includes a special custom mesh applicator to encourage buildable coverage that maintains breathability, preventing makeup from settling into fine lines. The full coverage powder foundation is not only weightless, but also waterproof. So whether or not it is raining outside, you are still getting 12-hour coverage for all-day natural radiance.

Cover redness, pores, and blemishes easily with the goof-proof method. Simply dab your favorite brush into the mesh sifter, tap excess powder off, and apply in smooth circles from the center of your face working outwards. Apply as much powder as necessary to achieve the coverage your desire.

Key Features
  • Hypoallergenic foundation
  • Weightless, flake-free powder
  • Full-coverage formula
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Loose powder
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Amazonian clay ingredient for oil control
  • Doesn’t settle into fine lines
  • Vegan and cruelty free formula
Cons
  • Only 16 shades
  • No SPF

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation is a one-step easy application that provides the natural matte finish of powder with the good coverage of foundation. It is made with pigments that provide a velvety texture, which gives the wearer a comfortable and natural finished look. With buildable coverage, wearers can apply layers of the product to achieve their desired coverage results, from medium to full coverage.

This powder foundation is great for all skin types, but especially for oily skin. The formula is designed to be applied dry and is made with silica in order to absorb oils throughout the day while maintaining the matte finish. Those who have oily skin will love the formula that uses talc to achieve a smooth and non-reflective look. You also don’t have to worry about the heavy weight that talc can cause, as the talc used is ground into a microscopic size. This allows you the smooth texture without the heaviness, allowing your skin to breathe.

Studio fix was made with all different skin types and colors in mind. It is available in 53 different stay-true color shades so everyone can find the color that matches them perfectly. Apply it with your favorite method, whether it be a brush, sponge or powder puff, you will get great coverage that lasts up to 12 hours without causing any breakouts or blemishes. It will quickly become your second skin, providing you with comfort and coverage all day long.

Key Features
  • One step powder and foundation.
  • Provides a matte texture.
  • Medium to full coverage
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Pressed powder
  • Consistency: Finely milled
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Oil control formula
  • Buildable coverage
Cons
  • Finish might be too matte for some

Certain occasions call for certain makeup products. For a day out at the beach, you will probably want lighter makeup, while a night on the town may call for a heavier look. When it comes to foundations, you have the right to be very particular about what type you are the most comfortable wearing. Foundation is applied to the face to help create a uniform complexion and to hide blemishes and flaws. It comes in a variety of forms from liquid to cream to stick to powder. They all can range in the amount of coverage that they provide.

Cream and liquid foundations can provide a good amount of coverage, however, they can feel so heavy and sticky that can be very comfortable to wear, especially for long periods of time. If this sounds like you, than powder foundation is probably your jam. They are the go-to choice for those with combination skin or skin that is on the oily side. Powder foundation is great at helping to keep the shine to a minimum, so it is the preferred choice during the warmer months.

It is the easiest form of foundation to apply and will last throughout the day without you even realizing that it’s there. Powder foundation can come in either a compact with a cake of powder that you sweep on with a sponge or a brush, or it can come loose in a shaker, where you can apply it with a puff or a brush. Some powder foundations are more buildable than others, but all will give your skin tone an even, non-shiny look. It feels breathable and has a matte appearance, while absorbing any oils throughout the day. Stored and cared for properly, it'll stay fresh for months. For those of you that prefer the look and feel of powder foundation, we hope you'll find the perfect option for your needs from the top 10 options that we've rounded up here.

FAQ

Will powder foundation be better than a liquid foundation?

If you have oily skin, powder foundation is a great pick for you. The powder is less likely to stay on and will cover any acne, and you can easily brush over concealer for a beautiful matte finish. For powder foundation, your skin doesn't absorb as it might for a liquid; this makes powder foundation ideal for those with oily skin type.

Powder foundation is convenient if you need something to apply fast or something easy to reapply. If you want something that will last all day, choose a powder foundation.

Will powder foundation work for aging skin?

Powder foundation is a type of foundation that gives medium coverage on the skin. Powder foundation is light, hence does not block the pores. This foundation does not contain oil or emollient. For this reason, it is quite light on the face and does not lead to pore-clogging.

When applied on aging skin, the powder settles into the lines and wrinkles, thus covering them. It makes your skin look more mature and make your wrinkles and fine lines visible. Powder foundation gives you a great natural look.

Is powder foundation best for dry, sensitive skin?

Facial powder is a must-have beauty accessory. It smooths the face and gets rid of unwanted shine. Loose face powder is easy to apply with the help of a makeup brush or powder puff. If you have a dry skin, the powder foundation may not be the best for you, reason being, powder foundation has oil-absorbing properties, so it reduces the shine that builds out throughout the day.

However, if you still want a powder foundation, then opt for a powder foundation that feels like a powder and feels like a cream. It looks like foundation and sets your makeup like a powder. Its mineral-based composition provides a natural finish.

Will the powder foundation cause acne?

Most makeup doesn't cause acne, but certain ingredients in some foundations help acne-causing bacteria grow. For example, applying makeup using your fingers can irritate your skin since fingers carry many germs. Using the wrong foundation formula can be another cause; it's essential to pay attention to the ingredients in your foundation and how your skin will react to them.

Applying too much powder can cause your foundation to look solidified and clog your pores. So to avoid acne consider cleaning your brushes regularly, using the right foundation formula, and also avoid too much powder on your skin.

When do you know a powder foundation will be good for you?

It’s a great dilemma to figure out which powder foundation will work for you on your own. The first thing to consider is durability. Remember that the foundation should be durable enough to stay throughout the day.

Knowing the look you want will also help you determine which powder foundation to use. It’s essential to consider a foundation that will provide more coverage and a dewy and luminous finish. You can choose a powder foundation that adds extra coverage.

Which is the best way to apply your powder foundation?

There are various ways of applying foundation. You can use a makeup sponge, a foundation brush, or your fingers. All the methods have their pros and cons. However, it’s wise enough to practice all three techniques.

When using a makeup brush, swirl a thick makeup bush into the powder foundation until coated, and use circular motions to apply the foundation to your face. A makeup brush is the best method to use since it brushes off the new foundation and smooth out your face, so your foundation looks natural.

Resources — StylecasterBeautygeeks

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