Greatest 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 concept of unfastened 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 advised 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 repeatedly 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 instructed of the latter.

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

The Advantages of Powder Basis

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

If you’re on the lookout for mild protection or a technique to management shine, powder basis is a incredible possibility, particularly throughout the scorching summer time months.

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

Beneath are my ideas on Sephora’s hottest powder foundations (at the very least on the Dallas location) together with a couple of different hits that provide lighter-than-air protection for each finances.  

That is the stuff. It utterly obliterated all my iffy emotions about powder foundations. Effectively, virtually. As my Sephora buddies talked about, this beautiful matte end may be drying, even for mixture pores and skin. However a pleasant liquid primer or a couple 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 effective particles create a stunning blurring impact however nonetheless depart 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 conversant in Make Up For Ever, but when it’s ok for the effective people 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 effective the particles are. (Additionally, kudos to the bodily compact, which survived my butter fingers dropping it on the chilly arduous flooring.)

Make Up For Ever’s powder felt extra hydrating than Laura Mercier, although each foundations will finally depart pores and skin feeling dry if you happen to don’t apply a liquid primer.

What’s to Love: It’s virtually 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, effectively, cowl.) It additionally didn’t depart my pores and skin feeling as silky.

This basis has me shook. As a endlessly fan of the dewy look, I hesitated to strive one thing that would depart me with a extra matte, poreless complexion. However after a couple 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 just a little extra shine like my T-zone, I’m completely satisfied to have a go-to for absorbing oil. Last be aware: Being somebody whose pores and skin sees rather a lot 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 colour match that’s extra correct than its opponents. I additionally love the Rubicell applicator, which makes for straightforward subsequent purposes and even makes it easy to pair the muse with my tinted liquid moisturizer.

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