Just like with liquid foundation, choosing a shade that closely matches your natural skin color is one of the most important steps to good coverage.
We have a full breakdown for matching powders to your skin type in our complete buying guide. Our product reviews cover the full spectrum of finishes, including: In short, matte powder is better for oily skin, and dewy-finish powders usually work better on drier skin. FinishĮven though powder may seem like a natural choice for oily skin, people with almost any skin type can find a powder foundation with a finish to suit their unique needs. We have some application recommendations later in the article that can help you best use powder foundation to make sure you get the level of coverage you’re looking for in a foundation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get adequate coverage from a powder foundation. Powder is typically more like a veil, whereas liquid is more like a mask. You can build up coverage gradually and let more of your natural tone shine through. While some powders are considered full-coverage, they tend to be sheerer than liquids. Powder can even out your imperfections without being as dense. This makes it great for layering with concealer and finishing with powder to cover any imperfections completely. It soaks into your skin rather than staying on the surface. Liquid foundation tends to go on a little thicker and gives more substantial coverage. However, there are plenty of good powder options worth considering, too. When you think of foundation, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a liquid. Getting the Most Out of Your Powder Foundationįactors to Consider When Buying a Powder Foundationīefore we dive into our product reviews, here’s everything you need to know to pick the best powder foundation for your needs.Best Shimmer Finish: Revlon PhotoReady Pressed Face Powder Best for Sensitive Skin: Dermablend Intense Powder Foundation Best Texture: Laura Geller Baked Balance-N-Brighten Best Dewy Finish: PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Best for Mature Skin: COVERGIRL Advanced Radiance Best Budget Powder Foundation: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Pressed Powder Longest-Lasting: Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Best Loose Powder Foundation: L'Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Best Premium Powder Foundation: Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Best Overall Powder Foundation: bareMinerals Barepro Performance Wear Factors to Consider When Buying a Powder Foundation.
Now that you've got all the pro tips, keep scrolling for matte foundations that will make your skin look completely flawless. I think using a Beautyblender with a matte foundation is always good because it's going to make it not look as flat." Another tip? "Apply it with a small brush. Her favorite matte formulas have "satiny velvetness that doesn't look dry and powdery." Seek out something that doesn't immediately cement to your skin and instead can glide.
You can build to canceling out those shadows but start in the T-Zone for sure," Hughes explains. "Applying matte foundation in the contours of the face, where we've got natural hollows and shadows, loses all the dimension in your face. Use a peel pad or physical exfoliator, or a flannel and cleansing balm is sometimes enough."Īs far as application goes, Hughes recommends putting foundation first on the T-Zone then spreading it outwards as opposed to going from the outside in. Exfoliation is also key for creating a base: "Make sure not to leave any dry skin texture visible. If you're dry and using a matte foundation use a richer, creamy moisturizer," she says. "If you're oily and using a matte foundation, use a gel moisturizer. How you prep your skin beforehand is everything.
Hughes knows how to make the most out of your matte foundation. And with the tips of makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, who has worked with Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, your look will be as flawless as ever. With the right matte foundation, I don't need much touching-up. My chin and T-Zone look slick and shiny by noon and I prefer not having to blot or pile on face powder every hour. As much as I like the healthy glow of a dewy look, my super oily skin just can't deal.