Skip to main contentSkip to footer

6 powder foundations for every skin type

Find the right formula for your skin type

powder foundations
Share this:

Applying foundation on the go is pretty tricky, and there are days when we all need a little help to even out skin tone, but time is against us. A powder foundation will solve your timing and toning issues, help control an oily T-zone and provide a pore-free finish perfect enough for a red carpet. No longer cakey or ghostly, modern powder foundations boast sophisticated HD formulas that put their more fluid counterparts in the shade. In fact, you can rely on a flawless finish which will suit both day and night time party looks, and are suitable for all seasons. With a multitude of brands now offering ranges that cater to a variety of skintones and types, there really is no excuse not to try this mess-free way to cover up on-the-go. Read on for six of the best powder formulas.

MORE: See the latest make-up features here

Glossier Wowder

The hottest new beauty launch this year offers up Wowder for non-dewy days. This fine, talc-free powder contains kaolin clay to absorb oil without clogging the skin, vitamin E for nourishment, and light-reflecting 'diamond' particles to create that soft-focus blur. Available in just three sheer, glowy, shades, which will suit most skins, these powders cut shine, blur the appearance of pores, set make-up, and look like your skin. Use with the soft, coordinating brush.

powder foundations

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

With 53 shades, MAC is the go-to powder for a diverse range of women. Ranging in shades from the cool C2 to NW58 this powder foundation has achieved cult status among both make-up lovers and professionals. It provides matte perfection and medium coverage in one swipe and is a pocket friendly price.

STORY: Glossier finally arrives online in the UK

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation

Urban Decay have cleaned up in the eyeshadow palette market but, with a launch range of just 14 shades, this foundation may not cater to all women. But it does have the high-quality finish of its signature products and provides a velvety, natural-looking demi-matte finish which will suit women whose skin types range from Fair Cool to Deep Neutral and are looking for a daily make-up solution.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Powder Make-up

Estee Lauder has pushed to get 28 shades ranging from Cool Bone to Rich Mahogany for their luxe powder make-up line. This timely add-on to the Double Wear liquid foundation range provides customisable coverage courtesy of its dual-sided sponge, and makes transitioning from powder foundation to finishing powder easy. It works brilliantly on its own or can be paired with a liquid foundation of choice.

Bareminerals Original SPF 15 Foundation

With an impressive 32 shade range, from Fair to Deepest Dark, that caters for individual undertones too, Bareminerals' non-drying mineral foundation formula helps smooth over fine lines, wrinkles and mild pigmentation without clumping or caking. You can build your perfect level of coverage up with a simple swirl, tap and buff. One for all skin tones.

STORY: A Puma x MAC collaboration is coming in 2018

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder

Laura Mercier is famous for making skin looks its best, and her silky smooth pressed powder acts as a top coat for smoothing over unevenness and shine-prone areas. There are 20 shades to choose from and it can be used wet or dry depending on the level of coverage you want. Either way it will give an even finish that doesn't look unnatural in any way.