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While current makeup trends have skewed more dewy than matte, the best powder foundations still have a place in everyday makeup routines thanks to their fail-proof application—just pat on, and go! Think of them as the love child of a liquid foundation and face powder, delivering lightweight coverage with an even finish, London-based pro makeup artist Maria Asadi tells Vogue.
“They’re incredibly versatile and can achieve a range of finishes depending on how they’re applied, whether it’s a soft, natural skin-like finish for daytime or a more polished, blurred look that works beautifully under lights and long wear conditions,” says Asadi.
Vogue’s Favorite Powder Foundations
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MAC Cosmetics New Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
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L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
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In This Story
“It’s the kind of essential every working artist and everyday wearer can rely on to multitask: setting, perfecting, and retouching all in one,” celebrity makeup artist Lucy Burt adds. Consider just how easy it is—these formulas provide all the benefits of coverage, without any liquid mess, and brush on as easy as any setting powder. Below shop the best powder foundations—all of which happen to be expert-approved and Vogue-loved.
Most Luminous: Chanel Ultra Le Teint
- Why We Love It: A fan of Chanel’s pressed powder foundation, Burt says it delivers on the refined finish that the brand is known for. “Its texture works beautifully as a signature base or layered over concealer and foundation, always lasting impeccably while feeling velvety and weightless on the skin.” “Chic, high-performance, and timeless, it’s perfect for keeping skin looking flawless on the red carpet,” Burt says. Plus, there’s a hit of sunscreen in the formula for added complexion protection.
- Key Ingredients: Talc, dimethicone, squalane, tocopheryl, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica
- Shades: 15
- Finish: Luminous-matte
- Coverage: Medium
- Fragrance Free: No
- Size: 0.45 oz
Best Shade Range: MAC Cosmetics New Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
- Why We Love It: It was at a recent MAC Pro roundtable where Burt learned about this new launch—or should we say, the 2.0 version of the its now discontinued, but still Blot Powder—“a backstage staple for decades,” says Burt. “This updated, talc-free version feels modern and versatile. It’s finely crafted and buildable, working well alone or as a lightweight setting powder.” Burt predicts it will be a must-have in MUA kits, thanks to its spectacular shade range—there are 67 to choose from. What’s more, it delivers 24-hour oil control.
- Key Ingredients: Aluminum starch, hydrogenated vegetable oil, silica, dimethicone, kaolin, mica
- Shades: 67
- Finish: Blurred matte
- Coverage: Medium to full
- Fragrance Free: Yes
- Size: 12 grams
Best Loose Powder: BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
- Why We Love It: It: It’s impossible not to think of Bare Minerals when talking about powder foundations. Thanks to its simple mineral formula made up of just five clean ingredients, it’s ideal for sensitive skin types. “This is a true classic. I love how breathable it feels on the skin while still offering buildable coverage,” says Asadi. “It also has that slightly luminous finish, which keeps the complexion looking alive rather than flat. It works particularly well for natural, everyday makeup looks.”
- Key Ingredients: Bismuth oxychloride, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, mica
- Shades: 30
- Finish: Natural
- Coverage: buildable; medium
- Fragrance Free: Yes
- Size: 0.28 oz
Best Soft Focus: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Feather Matte Powder Foundation
- Why We Love It: Laura Mercier may be best known for its cult-favorite translucent setting powder, but its powder foundation deserves just as much love. Oily to combination skin types can rejoice—blurring pigments combine with oil-absorbing kaolin clay for a long-lasting mattifying effect. Meanwhile, hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid and glycerin ensure skin stays natural-looking and never cakey. Plus, the compact comes with a sponge for effortless, on-the-go application.
- Key Ingredients: Silica, mica, kaolin, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, camellia flower extract, tocopherol
- Shades: 20
- Finish: Soft focus
- Coverage: Medium
- Fragrance Free: Yes
- Size: 0.26 oz
Best Affordable: L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation Powder
- Why We Love It: Seeking a full-coverage foundation at a drugstore price? Add this one to your cart ASAP. “This pick is fantastic for long wear and higher coverage. It has a smooth, velvety finish that’s perfect for anyone who wants their makeup to last all day without touch-ups,” says Asadi, noting that despite the true matte finish, it never feels heavy on the skin.
- Key Ingredients: Talc, zinc stearate, dimethicone, corn starch
- Shades: 20
- Finish: Matte
- Coverage: Full
- Fragrance Free: No
- Size: 0.31 oz
Best Matte: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation
- Why We Love It: Estée Lauder’s compact foundation holds its own within the brand’s cult-favorite Double Wear beauty lineup. It feels velvety-soft and controls shine for up to 12 hours—so no caking or fading. With buildable, medium coverage, it blurs pores and keeps skin shine-free (especially in the pesky, oil-prone T-zone). Plus, it’s waterproof.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Stearate, silica, tocopherol, mica
- Shades: 38
- Finish: Matte
- Coverage: Medium to buildable coverage
- Fragrance Free: Yes
- Size: 0.42 oz
Best With Collagen: IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation
- Why We Love It: It Cosmetics’s powder foundation delivers a soft-focus, airbrushed veil that smooths over pores, fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven texture. Infused with skincare actives like hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, it blurs imperfections while hydrating and refining the skin. The talc-free formula feels silky to the touch and even doubles as a finishing powder for a flawless final layer.
- Key Ingredients: Silica, niacinamide, glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, chamomilla recutita flower extract, tocopherol
- Shades: 7
- Finish: Soft focus
- Coverage: Light, buildable
- Fragrance Free:
- Size: 0.33 oz
Best for Textured Skin: Pür Beauty 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Powder Foundation with SPF 15
- Why We Love It: Pür’s multitasking powder is infused with a host of skincare-grade ingredients to help blur and minimize texture—think retinol, lactic acid, and antioxidants. At the same time, nourishing shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin work to hydrate and prevent dry skin.
- Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, retinol, lactic acid, shea butter, ceramide, vitamin E, ferulic acid, sodium hyaluronate, silica, mica
- Shades: 22
- Finish: Soft-focus matte
- Coverage: Medium, buildable
- Fragrance Free: Yes
- Size: 0.34 oz
Best Long-Wear: Maybelline Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation
- Why We Love It: Maybelline’s powder foundation is another high-performance drugstore darling that delivers on staying power without the need for a splurge. Sweat-proof and transfer-resistant, it offers up to 24-hour wear, with a velvety, breathable finish that’s suitable for a variety of skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Talc, dimethicone, zinc stearate, silica, corn starch, tocopherol
- Shades: 16
- Finish: Soft matte
- Coverage: medium-to-full
- Fragrance Free: Yes
- Size: 0.21 oz
Everything You Need To Know
What type of looks can you achieve with powder foundation?
While a powder foundation may feel like something that was in your high school makeup pouch, in reality, Burt notes these formulas have evolved with the times. “New formulations of powder foundation feels far more flexible and contemporary,” says Burt. “They deliver buildable coverage with improved blendability and a softer, blurring finish. Think: less of a flat matte, and more skin-like.”
Though, it’s worth noting that common ingredients in powder foundations such as talc, bismuth oxychloride, and zea mayes aren’t ideal for acne prone skin, and could cause irritation or blemishes.
How to Apply Powder Foundation
Consider powder foundations to be the some of the easiest complexion products that you’ll ever apply—even as a total beauty novice. Burt likes to go in on clean, prepped skin with a makeup sponge, while Asadi prefers to apply powder foundations with a fluffy brush. Below, Asadi breaks down the types of brushes to choose from:
- Fluffy Brush: “These provide a a sheer wash of coverage, perfect for setting makeup or evening out the complexion,” says Asadi.
- Dense Brush: “A kabuki or buffing foundation brush helps build more coverage and create a smooth finish,” says Asadi.
No matter which method you choose, the experts advises buffing out product in a circular motion to ensure it fully blends with the skin rather than just sitting on top. A primer will ensure extra long-wearing results.
- Maria Asadi is a celebrity makeup artist based in London. Her roster includes Regina King, Jameela Jamil, Tonya Lewis Lee, and more.
- Lucy Burt is a London-based makeup artist with over 20 years of experience. Burt has worked with Aimee Lou Wood, Saoirse Ronan, Millie Bobby Brown, Emma Corrin and more.
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