Finest Powder Foundations in 2024, Examined By Our Editors

I got here of make-up age within the period of BareMinerals, a model that popularized the thought of free powder basis for a big swath of mall-going millennials. Attempt as I might—I by no means fairly took to the lighter-than-air formulation or how they dusted onto my pores and skin. However after a make-up artist instructed I look into powder for my mixture pores and skin kind, I got down to discover one of the best powder foundation—one which masters the artwork of the barely-there look whereas nonetheless providing ample protection.

Web analysis commonly factors to the identical manufacturers (you’ll see your Diors, Chanels, City Decays, and MACs), so I did what any red-blooded, mall-going millennial would do—went to my native Sephora to ask what their top-selling powder foundations are. The great individuals with headsets swiftly led me to the aisles for Laura Mercier (a traditional) and Make Up For Ever (a MUA fave). “It’s what {most professional} make-up artists use on photoshoots,” I used to be informed of the latter.

I’ve been utilizing my color-matched compacts for the previous few weeks, and whereas they’re each implausible choices, I’ve ideas on each (and a transparent winner). However earlier than I contact on that…

The Advantages of Powder Basis

Not like cream or liquid basis, powder basis doesn’t comprise any water. Comprised principally of finely milled pigments, emollients, and infrequently talc, powder foundations are nice for regular, mixture, and oily pores and skin sorts, particularly ones which have oil-controlling components. (Dry or mature complexions can mix powder basis with a liquid primer to lock in a little bit of hydration.)  

If you’re searching for gentle protection or a option to management shine, powder basis is a implausible choice, particularly in the course of the scorching summer season months.

After all, an excessive amount of can result in a very matte end (or the dreaded cakey look) and might go away pores and skin feeling fully dried out. So the product you utilize (and the way you apply it) makes a world of distinction.

Beneath are my ideas on Sephora’s hottest powder foundations (not less than on the Dallas location) together with a number of different hits that provide lighter-than-air protection for each finances.  

That is the stuff. It fully obliterated all my iffy emotions about powder foundations. Effectively, nearly. As my Sephora associates talked about, this pretty matte end will be drying, even for mixture pores and skin. However a pleasant liquid primer or a number of drops of your favourite face oil ought to assist stability issues out.

The protection is superbly buildable, and my pores and skin (when correctly moisturized earlier than utility) felt like silk. The tremendous tremendous particles create a stunning blurring impact however nonetheless go away room for issues like freckles to shine. This one did require a bit extra work to make sure the powder was evenly dispersed in comparison with Make Up For Ever.

What’s to Love: The silky really feel and no-makeup end.

What’s To not Love: The worth. However the high quality (even of the compact and included sponge) is value it.

I used to be rather less aware of Make Up For Ever, but when it’s ok for the tremendous of us on BeautyTok, it’s actually ok for me. Whereas I didn’t adore it fairly as a lot as Laura Mercier’s powder basis, I used to be impressed with how easily the powder went on, particularly contemplating how tremendous the particles are. (Additionally, kudos to the bodily compact, which survived my butter fingers dropping it on the chilly onerous flooring.)

Make Up For Ever’s powder felt extra hydrating than Laura Mercier, although each foundations will ultimately go away pores and skin feeling dry should you don’t apply a liquid primer.

What’s to Love: It’s nearly unattainable to mess up a Make Up For Ever utility, which swipes on ridiculously clean.

What’s To not Love: Whereas it had a lighter contact than Laura Mercier, it additionally wasn’t fairly as blurring. (I like my protection to, nicely, cowl.) It additionally didn’t go away my pores and skin feeling as silky.

This basis has me shook. As a without end fan of the dewy look, I hesitated to attempt one thing that would go away me with a extra matte, poreless complexion. However after a number of breakouts and even bug bites on my décolletage, I made a decision to dive in.

This product wears like a second pores and skin. The muse covers up breakouts and purple spots whereas additionally night out my complexion. And with areas that see a bit of extra shine like my T-zone, I’m completely happy to have a go-to for absorbing oil. Ultimate notice: Being somebody whose pores and skin sees loads throughout my daytime hours (between exercises, screen-heavy conferences, and the like), I’m glad to have one thing I can depend on and reapply all through the day for customizable protection once I want it. — Isabelle, Managing Editor

What’s to Love: This basis is available in 12 shades, providing a premium coloration match that’s extra correct than its opponents. I additionally love the Rubicell applicator, which makes for simple subsequent functions and even makes it easy to pair the muse with my tinted liquid moisturizer.

What’s To not Love: Whereas I like the light-weight formulation, I wore this throughout one significantly sticky beginning-of-June marriage ceremony. After an hour out within the relentless humidity, suffice it to say, this didn’t maintain up. (However truthfully, what might?)