Powder foundations, a.k.a. mineral makeup, are one of those things that sound too good to be true. They take mere seconds to apply, don’t require layers of product, and the formulas are so simple that even those with sensitive skin can use them. While mineral powders are not the perfect choice for everyone, they can certainly boost one’s beauty routine, and they’re always good to have on hand for touch-ups.
In this article, we are listing all of the best powder foundations on the market, so you can get started using them! We’ll also explain how to choose the right mineral foundation for you.
In this article:
- Our Picks of the Best Mineral Powder Foundations
- What to Look for in the Perfect Powder Foundation for You?
Our Picks of the Best Mineral Powder Foundations
First things first, these 11 powder foundations are some of the best on the market, so if you have decided to add mineral makeup to your beauty kit, pick the one that appeals to you the most!
1. Bareminerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
It’s important to start with the original, especially when it’s this darn good. This is one of the best mineral makeup products out there, with a simple formula that is great for the skin, and provides even, medium coverage. This powder foundation has a light luminosity, so it is not as matte as other products, and it even has some sun protection! There are 29 shades to choose from at Sephora.
2. Lancôme Dual Finish Multi-Tasking Powder Foundation
Is there anything more luxurious than touching up your makeup from a gorgeous Lancôme compact? This formula has a matte finish that works beautifully to give light to medium coverage to those with oily or combination skin. It comes in 32 shades at Nordstrom.
3. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation
If you’re looking for a mineral powder foundation with a bit of a creamy feel, then this should be your go-to option. This is one of the best powder foundations for those who like a full-coverage product. It contains some gem powders that give a luminous finish to the skin, making it the perfect choice for those with normal skin that would like a glowy finish. There are 12 shades of this foundation available at Ulta.
4. Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation
This pressed powder foundation gives the skin full coverage. It’s a great choice for normal, combination and oily skin types, since it has a matte finish. Since it’s a pressed powder it’s perfect for touch-ups on the go. It comes in 21 shades at Amazon.
5. Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder
This convenient powder foundation comes pressed into a compact. It has a light-medium coverage, and a velvety finish. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, and it works with most skin types. Choose the best fit out of the 20 shades available at Sephora.
6. Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation
One of the things I find most admirable about Cover FX is their massive color range, which means everyone can find a perfect match for their skin color. This excellent mineral makeup product gives the skin medium to full coverage, with a matte formula that includes kaolin clay to absorb oil. You can pick one of the 39 possible shades at Sephora.
7. PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15
This pressed mineral foundation combines the beauty and ease of application of a powder with some skincare ingredients to nourish the skin. It’s a great choice for all skin types, and it even provides sun protection. The coverage is buildable, so you can choose your best fit out of the 11 shades at Ulta.
8. Jane Iredale Amazing Base SPF 20
This pressed mineral makeup product gives serious protection while evening out the skin tone with a light to medium matte coverage. With a whopping 20 SPF and lots of skincare ingredients, this foundation really protects the skin and prevents premature aging. Since it’s a refillable product, it’s much better for the environment than buying a brand new compact each time. There are 13 shades available at Dermstore.
9. Glo Skin Beauty Loose Base Powder Foundation
This light-coverage powder foundation neutralizes unevenness in the skin, and gives perfect, natural coverage that isn’t overly matte. It’s a great choice for all skin types, but those wanting to fight premature aging will enjoy that it contains both vitamin E and vitamin C. It comes in 9 shades at Dermstore.
10. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
This product has been around for a long time now, and it remains one of the best powder foundations on the market. This pressed powder has a matte, medium to full coverage, and it works best with skin types leaning towards a little oilier. It covers beautifully and controls shine all day long. There are 51 shade options at Nordstrom, so anyone can find a match.
11. Laura Geller ‘Balance-n-Brighten’ Baked Color Correcting Foundation
If you’re looking for a luminous powder foundation, then this one is one of the best. It has a light coverage, and light-reflective particles that give the skin a glowy yet even look. It works well with all skin types. Choose one of 6 shades at Nordstrom.
What to Look for in the Perfect Powder Foundation for You?
As with any foundation product, choosing a color that will match your skin both in darkness and undertone is very important. The great thing about powder foundations is that they are very easy to test at the store.
The best place to apply powder foundations when checking their color is along the jawline – that way you can see how well the color blends into both your face and neck. You can apply a few different colors in stripes next to each other, and choose the one that seems to blend in most seamlessly.
When it comes to undertone, many companies categorize their mineral foundation powders as warm, cool, or neutral, which makes it easier to find the right shade.
- If your skin has more yellow or olive tones in it, then you should opt for a warm foundation.
- If your skin leans a little towards pinkish, then a cool mineral makeup product will work best.
- Lastly, if your skin is beige or just somewhere in between, then go for a neutral tone.
Photos via Sephora, Nordstrom