Available in 25 shades, it’s also one of the few powders that offers a wide range of coverage, from sheer to full, and comes with a dual-sided sponge to help you customize your application; one side deposits product so you can control your coverage level, while the other is intended for seamless blending.
Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation
While powders can be so basic and straightforward that they come in a single translucent shade, that’s not the case for powder foundation, which actually needs to conceal and blur large pores, dark spots, and beyond.
This buildable formula comes in an impressive 50 shades — which is par for the course for our girl Rihanna, who set a new standard for accounting for diverse skin tones back in 2017 — and even resists sweat and humidity. Despite the generous coverage it doesn’t feel heavy or settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and it’s lightweight enough to layer over other foundations if you’re just looking to set makeup.
Best Talc-Free Formula: IT Cosmetics Celebration Full Coverage Powder Foundation
Most powder foundations are built with minimizing excess oil in mind; Not only do they tamp down shine, but they also help blur pores. What sets this formula apart is a lineup of powerful skin-care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and antioxidants like niacinamide and vitamin C, which help brighten skin — putting it among the best foundations for mature skin, full stop.
Another bonus: It’s talc-free and leaves skin with a radiant finish. The only drawback is that it comes in only seven shades, which may be a tough sell for some skin tones.
TikTok-Famous Product: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
This TikTok-viral foundation makes skin look professionally airbrushed and feels just as lightweight, too. Available in 20 shades, the oil-free powder won’t crease, settle in wrinkles, or clog pores, making it a winner for those with combination skin.
Plus, it’s heat-proof, so it can see you through the warmer months without caking up or feeling heavy, and comes with a flat sponge applicator designed to lend more versatility. When used dry, it deposits medium coverage, but as Black mentioned, dampening the sponge first will turn it up to full coverage.
Best Loose Powder: BareMinerals Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
While powder foundations have been around for years, few redefined the category quite like BareMinerals, whose loose powder has been racking up Allure Best of Beauty Awards since 2007. (We have receipts.) It’s one of the few powders that covers the light-to-medium coverage range (though it can be built up to full coverage as needed) and the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide serve as sunscreen filters.