17 Powder Foundations to Try in 2023 and How to Apply Them

January 13, 2023
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
four compacts of the maybelline super stay powder foundations laid out on a neon purple and pink background
L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder

Maybelline New York Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation

This full-coverage powder lasts up to 24 hours and gives you the softest matte finish that almost appears creamy. You can apply this with a brush all over the face or a wet sponge for a more dewy effect. No matter how you apply it, though, it won’t budge an inch.

Maybelline New York Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation

Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Makeup

We love the Dual Finish Powder Makeup because you can easily use it wet or dry. It offers sheer coverage, so it feels extremely light on the skin, yet proves to be super buildable with a few applications.

Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Makeup

Urban Decay Stay Naked The Fix Powder Foundation

Whether you want to keep it natural or go full glam, the medium buildable coverage of this foundation works for whatever makeup look you’re feeling on a given day. Plus, the longwear formula is resistant to sweat and water.  

Urban Decay Stay Naked The Fix Powder Foundation

Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

Although technically a setting powder, this baked formula is so good that it can be used on its own, in our opinion. It has smoothing ingredients and works to sweep away excess oil and shine — making your skin look resilient, soft and bouncy, like, well, a cloud!

Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation

This pressed powder foundation option is a must-try for a medium, matte finish. It’s lightweight and absorbs excess oil with ease, but won’t make your skin appear dry or cracked.

Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation

Winky Lux Diamond-Infused Foundation Powder

If you want to try a powder foundation but still want a dewy finish, opt for this diamond-infused pick that will leave your skin looking radiant. This one comes with a touch-up sponge and a mirror, making it a perfect foundation option for when you’re on-the-go, too!

Winky Lux Diamond-Infused Foundation Powder

Best Full-Coverage Foundation Powders

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder

This powder is ideal for combating oily skin without looking cakey or ashy. It’s definitely on the sheer side, so it’s best to pair it with a liquid foundation base if you are looking for more coverage.

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder

IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation

This pigmented option gives you an airbrushed effect that blurs pores and fine lines without creasing, which is one of our biggest foundation pet peeves. Not only does it create the appearance of younger-looking skin, but it’s actually infused with anti-aging ingredients, too.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm

If you have oily-prone skin, you’ll love this balm-to-powder foundation formula that works to mattify the complexion. It has long-lasting coverage, too, and won’t smudge or budge throughout the day.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm

ONE/SIZE Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation

For an extremely pigmented finish, try this powder foundation that will leave your skin looking matte and smooth. We love that it helps cover up imperfections and rough skin texture with blurring technology.

ONE/SIZE Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation

Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Foundation

Thanks to its cream-to-powder formula, the True Color Pore Perfecting Foundation feels unbelievably smooth and silky on your skin.

Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Foundation

e.l.f Cosmetics Camo Powder Foundation

Kiss shine goodbye with this camouflaging powder foundation option that helps absorb excess oil. It’s non-comedogenic and comes in a huge shade range that's suitable for all skin tones and undertones.

e.l.f Cosmetics Camo Powder Foundation

Pur Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15

This mineral powder option not only covers imperfections and blurs fine lines but also contains SPF 15. It can be used as a foundation, concealer, powder and SPF all in one, and is a secret weapon when it comes to makeup touch-ups throughout the day.

Pur Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15

Best Loose Powder Foundations

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder

This loose powder option will give you a lightweight matte  veil over your makeup. It comes in six shades, including a banana-powder hue that can help color correct dark spots and imperfections.

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

There’s a reason this foundation powder is a cult-favorite amongst many: It gives your complexion a velvet finish for hours. Versatile in nature,  it can be used under the eyes or around the nose — or wherever your foundation creases the most — to keep everything in place.

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

Glossier Wowder

If you’re just looking for a little shine absorption and minimal coverage, this sheer powder is a must try. It helps blur the appearance of pores and can be used over foundation or on its own for a sheer finish.

Glossier Wowder
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Visual Designer: Juliana Campisi, Prop Stylist: Catherine Pearson, Prop Assistant: Lindsay Jones

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