I Usually Cringe at Powder Foundations, But These Soft-Blurring Formulas Left Me Speechless
Airbrushed skin coming right up.


Erin Jahns
Although powder foundations are one of the best antidotes for shine-prone complexions (especially come summer!), they get kind of a bad rap. It's no secret that powders can be unflattering, and the wrong shade or formula can quickly veer ashy or cakey, which is the complete opposite of what we’re after—matte, lightweight coverage.
“A good powder foundation should be finely milled, buildable, and offer a smooth, natural finish without looking cakey,” says makeup artist to the mega-famous, Ash K Holm. “Look for a formula with skin-loving ingredients, good coverage (sheer to full), and a comfortable texture that blends effortlessly into the skin.”
While powder foundations were typically a miss back in our early aughts youths, these formulas have grown leaps and bounds in the years that have passed, with an emphasis on wider, more inclusive shade ranges, more advanced formulations, and better education around application and technique.
Fast-forward to 2025, powder foundations have officially become one of the best and most efficient ways to curb shine and give your complexion an airbrushed finish. Below, the 13 best powder formulas money can buy, no matter the budget.
The Best Powder Foundations, at a Glance
- Best Overall: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
- Best Budget: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder
- Best Splurge: Dior Forever Natural Velvet Transfer-Proof Compact Foundation
- Best for Mature Skin: Laura Geller Baked Balance-N-Brighten Powder Foundation
- Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation
Best Overall: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Pros: Sweat- and waterproof, wide array of shades, buildable coverage, long-wearing
Cons: Honestly, none
Size: 0.42 oz. | Shades: 67 | Benefits: Talc-free | Skin type: All, including sensitive and acne-prone
MAC Cosmetics’ Studio Fix foundation has been a celebrity makeup artist staple for years, but in 2025, the entire formula got a facelift. Not only is it the same incomparable setting powder and foundation hybrid, but it comes in a staggering number of shades (67!), offers up to 24 hours of serious shine control, and has a new, cleaner formula that is totally talc-free.
“I love using MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder as it has coverage and helps to eliminate shine in the T-zone,” says celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney. “I have been using this since I started my career, and it is definitely a product I recommend.” Holm would have to agree, lauding the product’s “iconic finish” that can be lightly dusted out or built up for full coverage with effortless ease.
Customer review: “I got my hands on the reformulated product before it was released and I haven’t been able to let go of it since. The shade range is staggering and its versatility is just as bountiful. Whether I’m reaching for a lighter shade to bake or highlight, using a true-tone shade as a finishing powder, or dipping my brush in a deeper, warmer shade to bronze, I’ve realized this is the only powder I need to do a third of my makeup routine.” Alyssa Brascia, associate beauty editor
Best Budget: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder
Pros: Inexpensive, longwearing, reduces appearance of pores, controls oil
Cons: Small amount of product compared to others, may be too drying for dry skin types
Size: 0.29 oz. | Shades: 24 | Benefits: All-day shine control | Skin type: Normal, oily, combo
This well-known, cult-classic powder foundation from Maybelline is a top hit at any drugstore, and chances are you’ve owned one at some point. This blurring formula is finely milled despite the low price, and its oil-absorbing technology works hard to control shine for up to 12 hours of matte wear.
Editor review: “I've been using Maybelline's powder for well over a decade now, and I have yet to find anything that tops it. When I do my daily makeup routine, I look for something that'll reduce the appearance of oily skin around my T-zone, and this product never fails.” — Sabrina Talbert, assistant beauty editor
Best Budget, Runner-Up: Sheglam Skin-Focus Full Coverage Powder Foundation
Pros: Versatile, water- and oil-resistant, wide shade range
Cons: Not the most pigmented (if that’s what you’re looking for)
Size: Not listed | Shades: 36 | Benefits: Non-drying, long-lasting wear | Skin type: All
Tied for our best budget buy is Sheglam’s powder foundation, which is a winner in so many ways. The fine formula is infused with shea butter and jojoba seed oil for non-drying wear, yet it imparts a velvety finish that effectively controls oil. Just a few strokes of a brush or sponge leave your skin virtually poreless and diffuse fine lines. Some shoppers felt that this product didn’t provide enough (read: high) coverage, but if you want a sheer wash—or something that can double as a finishing powder—then this is for you.
Customer review: “Loving this foundation! Full coverage and doesn’t come off in south Florida heat and humidity! Never looks cakey—always looks like my skin. Product lasts a long time. I’ve had mine over 6 months and I’m just starting to see pan in the middle, so I’ll be ordering more! I won’t be without this foundation!”
Best Splurge: Dior Forever Natural Velvet Matte Compact Foundation
Pros: Skincare-infused, natural formula; buildable coverage
Cons: Comparatively pricey
Size: 0.40 oz. | Shades: 16 | Benefits: Skin-loving ingredients | Skin type: Oily, combination, normal
If you’re looking for a formula that not only smooths your complexion but also loves on your skin, consider this skincare-forward powder from Dior. While powders can sometimes feel drying after extended wear, this pressed formula is infused with iris, wild pansy flower, and rose extracts to moisturize, smooth, and protect your skin. It offers medium (yet buildable!) coverage from the first swipe, evening your tone and texture without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s compounded with an ingredient list that boasts a 90% natural formula.
Customer review: “So happy I finally found a powder foundation that is beautiful, blurring, not dry feeling, and has my perfect shade. I’ve tried countless powder foundations and was scared to try this one… so glad I did!”
Pros: Diffuses fine lines and wrinkles, buildable, color-correcting formula, illuminates skin
Cons: No complaints here
Size: 0.38 oz. | Shades: 9 | Benefits: Flexible shades, skincare-forward formula | Skin type: All, including rosacea and sensitive skin
It can be hard to find a powder product that smooths the texture and tone of mature skin without looking too dry, but somehow, Laura Geller’s foundation does just that. Since matte finishes often read powdery on complexions with fine lines, this foundation instead offers a natural finish that makes aging skin look luminous. Its swirled powder makes these shades surprisingly agile, working for a range of skin tones while utilizing a cocktail of antioxidants that hydrate and plump the dermis.
Customer review: “I have been searching for the perfect foundation and I can’t believe I found it in a powder form! I am 56 and it’s hard to find coverage that doesn’t settle in the fine lines and make them pronounced or make my pores look like an orange peel. I can not believe how beautiful my skin looks! I look like a professional did my makeup!”
Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation
Pros: Inclusive shade range, lightweight wear, long-lasting, shine-controlling
Cons: Doesn’t stay in stock for long
Size: 0.32 oz. | Shades: 50 | Benefits: Non-cakey, lightweight, incredible shade range | Skin type: Normal, oily, combination
If you often struggle to find the right foundation for your skin tone and undertones, you’re bound to meet your skin tone soulmate within Fenty Beauty’s wide range of long-wearing foundations. Before there was MAC’s 67-shade powder makeover, there was this staggering line of lightweight, buildable powders from Rihanna’s beauty brand. Not only is this formula built for crease-free, extended wear, but it comes with options for fair, cool, neutral, warm, and olive undertones—even Holm lauds it for its inclusive shade range and “lightweight, blurring” formula.
Customer review: “I recently bought this foundation powder because it was on sale and I love a good makeup sale. I am so happy I did! Im a liquid foundation girlie, but I wanted to try a powder. This melted to exact to my skin I almost thought it wasn't going on with the foundation brush. The coverage is light but just right for everyday. Perfect for my oily t-zone and transfer is minimal.”
Best Multipurpose: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Blurring Powder
Pros: Non-cakey, full coverage wear; versatile usage
Cons: Pricey for the amount of product
Size: 0.30 | Shades: 31 | Benefits: Trio-blur complex that diffuses texture | Skin type: Normal, oily, combination
This is a favorite of Holm’s, and the celebrity MUA calls this powder “great for on-camera moments” thanks to its ultra-smoothing, filter-like finish. This lightweight formula can be used as foundation, pressed powder, setting powder, and more, offering a soft-matte finish that controls oil production and sets makeup for up to 24 hours, sans creasing. The best part? It has high coverage for full-glam moments that can be accomplished in light, minimal layers (AKA, the secret to good makeup).
Customer review: “I have combo-dry skin and didn’t believe in pressed powders until I tried this. I also love how slim the compact is because it’s really easy to take on the go with me for any touch-ups, and it comes with a really nice quality puff/sponge as well. I have since receiving it in gratis went and repurchased it with my own money—that’s how much I like it.”
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation
Pros: Long-wearing formula, resistant to heat, water, and sweat
Cons: Has a scent
Size: 0.31 oz. | Shades: 16 | Benefits: 24-hour wear | Skin type: All, including acne-prone
L’Oréal Infallible Powder Foundation, lauded as another budget-friendly winner, is a standout for so many reasons. It’s a great option for mature skin, is light enough to prevent caking, and offers impressively buildable coverage that plays nice with any skin type (yes, even acne-prone). All this for $17? Sign me up.
Customer review/Editor review: “This gives great coverage and doesn’t look cakey. I use this as a finishing powder and it gives longevity to my makeup. I also used it for touch-ups for a wedding day (12-hour wear!)”
Best Natural Finish: Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Finishing Powder
Pros: Versatile use, skin-like finish
Cons: Not the easiest to build, if you want higher coverage
Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 14 | Benefits: Non-drying finish, vegan formula | Skin type: All
If you’ve been burned by heavy, cakey, and much-too-dry powder foundation formulas in the past, I’m happy to announce that you won’t find that here. Rare Beauty’s finishing powder is a great option for those who want a natural, soft-focus finish, sheer coverage, and a conscious ingredients list (this is powder talc-free, which we love). Whether you’re applying it with a plush sponge (to bake) or a fluffy brush (to set), you’ll get a flawless finish with every stroke.
Customer review: “Obsessed! I’ve added this into my everyday makeup routine and it’s elevated my makeup without a doubt. Gotten so many compliments on my makeup and I love the product. It just completely blurs and smooths everything and just puts it all together. If you’re on the fence, get it you won’t be disappointed.”
Best Lightweight: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Compact Foundation
Pros: Airy feel, soft matte finish, blurs complexion
Cons: Expensive, sold out in several deep shades
Size: 0.45 oz. | Shades: 15 | Benefits: Diffuses skin texture, weightless feel | Skin type: All
There’s nothing quite like the effortlessness of French beauty, and this powder foundation from Chanel captures this sentiment to a T. This lightweight formula imparts velvety-soft skin thanks to its versatile powder, which can be applied with a blush or sponge applicator, and it effectively absorbs shine without making the skin look one-dimensional. Undetectable and flawless—the ultimate French way.
Customer review: “This is truly a flawless foundation powder. The color was exactly as it seemed to be, and it smells wonderful. The price was high for a small compact, but I guess I am paying for the Chanel name all in all. I like the weightless feel and how it looks on me.”
Best Coverage: It Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation
Pros: Easy to build coverage, smooths texture and tone, minimizes pores
Cons: Too few shades for deep skin
Size: 0.33 oz. | Shades: 6 | Benefits: Includes hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hydrolyzed collagen, and peptides | Skin type: All
If customizable coverage is what you’re after, then you’ll want to add this "perfecting" powder to your cart. Not only can you achieve a buildable complexion in just a few swipes, but this foundation also offers a truly airbrushed effect in no time thanks to its powdery cocktail of focus-blurring pigments. One swipe with a sponge leaves my skin looking poreless and effectively controls shine for all-day wear—it’s my go-to in the sweaty summertime.
Customer review: “I have found my forever compact! I absolutely love this coverage! It's weightless but still has complete coverage. The IT products have won me over!”
Best Pressed Powder: One/Size Turn Up the Base Powder Foundation
Pros: Long-wearing, lightweight formula; blurred, soft-focus finish
Cons: Some shoppers cite oxidation
Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 33 | Benefits: 12-hour wear, multiuse formula | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Powder foundations are wise to implement into your routine, but they’re not always the best for every skin type. If you run dry and want to use a liquid or cream foundation as your base, but set it with a powder, then this is the one to try. One/Size’s pressed powder is your one-way ticket to filter-like blurred skin and impressive control due to a formula that offers 12-hour longevity and true-color coverage. You can use this finely milled powder for everything from shine control to finishing powder, and its matte, medium coverage finish keeps your skin flawless and makeup in check, but never powdery.
Customer review: “So far, this has been amazing! I've been wear-testing it the past week to see if it will last through my 12-hour shift work day. It has been great and mattifying! I would put it on the same level as the MAC powder foundation, but slightly better!”
Best Loose Powder: BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
Pros: Wide shade range, buildable coverage without extra weight, naturally luminous finish
Cons: Application may be tricky for beginners (swirl and tap with a brush)
Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 30 | Benefits: Includes SPF 15, is talc-free | Skin type: All
You may think of baking when you hear the term “loose powder,” but you’d be surprised to learn how effective BareMinerals’ Loose Powder is as an everyday foundation. Holm personally recommends this “clean” formula for those with sensitive or mature skin, and reviewers sing its praises for how long-lasting and blurring this product is, even in the summer heat. Plus, it has SPF 15. Can we ask for anything more?
Customer review: “BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 is more than a foundation—it’s a multitasking marvel that combines skincare, sun protection, and customizable coverage in one product. Whether you’re after a polished look for work, a glowy finish for an event, or a breathable base for everyday wear, this foundation delivers every time.”
FAQ
What is powder foundation?
Many factors differentiate powder foundations from cream and liquid formulas, namely the difference in matter and consistency. That said, powder foundations serve a different purpose and come with their set of benefits—and you’d be surprised how necessary they are.
“Powder foundation is typically more lightweight, offers a matte or semi-matte finish, [and] has less slip and dewiness than liquids or creams,” Holm explains, also pointing out that it’s easier to take on the go for touch-ups than any other kind. “Think of it as great for quick coverage and a polished finish without the mess or blending time of liquids,” she adds.
Is powder foundation good for mature skin?
Depending on the formula, yes, powder foundation can be very good for mature skin. “Opt for hydrating or creamy powder foundations with light-reflecting properties that don’t settle into fine lines,” Holm advises those with aging skin. “Avoid overly matte, dry, or thick powders—these can emphasize texture or dryness,” she muses.
Henney also recommends reaching for a powder foundation in particular settings, such as on-air appearances and certain weather conditions. “It can be good for [the] camera—on TV or movies—when using it as a makeup artist,” she explains. “It can also be good on wedding days if you are in a humid climate and need more staying power, or if you have super oily skin,” she adds.
Who is powder foundation good for, and who should avoid it?
Having glammed some of Hollywood’s most elite for camera flashes, Holm has a few pointers about who should and shouldn’t opt for powder foundations over any other medium of full-face coverage.
- Great for: Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types who want a lightweight, matte finish. Also ideal for quick touch-ups and minimal makeup days.
- Not ideal for: Very dry or flaking skin, unless it’s prepped well with moisturizer or a hydrating primer.
How do I find the right powder foundation for my skin tone?
With the improvements brands have made in the name of shade expansion, there are now a bevy of options that stretch from porcelain to very deep skin tones, including cool, warm, neutral, and olive undertones, too. If finding the right combo sounds daunting, I hear you, and Henney has a formula.
“You have to start with finding your undertone—are you warm/yellow undertone or cool/pink undertone (or neutral)?” asks Henney. “From there, you can figure out if you land in the light, medium, tan, [or] dark range and find your exact shade.”
How to Apply Powder Foundation
Holm has a breakdown for the perfect powder foundation application, and it goes like this:
- Prep your skin with a hydrating primer or lightweight moisturizer to avoid a dry finish.
- Use a dense brush or puff for fuller coverage, or a fluffy brush for lighter application.
- Mist with a setting spray after application to melt the powder into the skin and add a more skin-like finish.
- Want a two-in-one? Apply lightly as a setting powder over liquid foundation for more coverage and staying power.
What to Look For
When it came to finding the best powder foundations, I took a look at several different factors.
- Formula: Though each product has a powder base, each pulls different strengths. I looked for standout factors—was one easier to layer than another without making the skin look cakey? Did it hold up well to long days of wear (and consistently control shine)? Do they have ingredients that make them intrinsically different, like SPF or skincare benefits that prevent the skin from drying out?
- Coverage: If you’re applying foundation at all, you are seeking some sort of coverage, so naturally, this was one of the leading qualities I looked for in a winning formula. Each powder provided a different level of coverage, with some being lightweight and natural-looking (ahem, Rare Beauty Tinted Finishing Powder) and others being so potent that the skin can appear airbrushed (read: It Cosmetics CC+ Powder Foundation). The last thing you want to do is add on a layer of makeup for no reason, so I ensured that these picks were true to their intentions.
How We Chose
As someone who uses powders in her everyday life (I love a dewy moment, but if you want your makeup to stay, you need at least one powder in your collection), I know a thing or two about what constitutes a good powder foundation. Whether I’m applying it directly to my skin as a foundation, dusting it over cream foundation as a finishing powder, or baking the highlights of my face with a setting powder, these multipurpose products are a staple in my routine—and I’ve tried a lot of them.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of testing every single one on this list (I live in a small New York apartment with no space, guys!), I asked for top-tier recommendations from my team of established beauty editors and, for extra good measure, went out to two of my most trusted beauty experts—Ash K Holm and Tobi Henney—for advice on what to look for and which are worth adding to their carts. The results of my testing, their recommendations, and other expert- and shopper-loved products stand before you, ready to take your glam game to the next level.
Why Trust Us
First-person testing is of the utmost importance to us atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , which is why we try as many products as possible ourselves before polling our fellow editors for their fine-taste picks. We are a team of seasoned beauty editors who have spent years testing Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest beauty products on the market, which gives us the confidence to relay our picks to you based on real-life experience and real, unfiltered feedback.
To bolster our claims, we reach out to industry experts who are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of expertise, and are expected to use the best of the best on their famous clientele, making for the most coveted knowledge in the beauty industry. Their recommendations, tips, tricks, and explanations offer invaluable insight into which products beauty lovers should be using to achieve celebrity-level glam, and we package them up into buying guides to give you the most informed insights possible, making your life a little easier (and a whole lot more glamorous).
Who's Who
- Ash K Holm is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles. She regularly glams the likes of Ariana Grande, Megan Fox, and the Kardashian sisters.
- Tobi Henney is a celebrity makeup artist who often works with Barbara Palvin, Karlie Kloss, and Lili Reinhart.

Alyssa Brascia is an associate beauty editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She is based in New York City and has nearly three years of industry experience, with rivers of content spanning from multigenerational lipstick reviews to celebrity fashion roundups. Brascia graduated with a BS in apparel, merchandising, and design from Iowa State University and went on to serve as a staff shopping writer at People.com for more than 2.5 years. Her earlier work can be found at InStyle, Travel + Leisure, Shape, and more. Brascia has personally tested more than a thousand beauty products, so if she’s not swatching a new eye shadow palette, she’s busy styling a chic outfit for a menial errand (because anywhere can be a runway if you believe hard enough).
- Erin JahnsBeauty Director
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