The 15 Best Powder Foundations to Create a Flawless Base

This powder foundation from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is the top pick in this category, as no other option can compete when it comes to how breathable it feels on the skin. Available in over 50 shades, you are sure to find a tone that works flawlessly for your complexion.

The soft matte finish is universally flattering, while the medium coverage provides just enough color to improve your base without ever looking cakey. It also works for both young and mature skin, as it doesn’t clog pores or settle in fine lines. This sweat, humidity and crease-resistant compact is a great option to carry with you at all times to make sure your skin remains looking its best.

Coming at under $10, this powder foundation from e.l.f will not only save you money, but also time — as it has been infused with a skin primer to streamline your makeup application and leave you with a smooth and even base.

There is minimal effort required when using this soft-focus effect buildable color as it glides on seamlessly to the skin. The formula is also talc-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t turn cakey or clog your pores.

NYX is famed for its professional-grade products at drugstore prices, and this powder foundation will elevate any makeup look with its soft matte finish. It provides a veil of coverage to create a naturally enhanced base that is anything but cakey or heavy.

Surprisingly airy for a powder, this foundation will keep you shine-free all day and even comes with a mirror and hidden puff if you do need a quick touch up while on the go.

This is the chosen powder foundation of makeup artists and it is easy to see why. Its full coverage abilities conceal everything from redness, blemishes and pigmentation, all while keeping a smooth matte real-skin appearance.

If you are looking for a foundation to last you all day, this color is designed to hold up and stay put under any conditions or circumstances and is even waterproof. It also contains a trio-blur complex to give your skin that much desired filtered finish.

This creamy powder has been especially formulated to be free from talc, oil, fragrance and multiple other harsh ingredients that may irritate your skin. It also has the added bonus of containing SPF 30 if you are looking for an extra dose of sun protection.

This mineral powder provides a light and natural coverage, and is easy to apply and achieve an even distribution due to just how ultra-fine it is. The non-comedogenic formula also makes it a great option for those with acne-prone skin.

If you thought having dry skin meant powder foundation was a no-go for you, this balm powder from acclaimed makeup artist Danessa Myricks will quickly turn you into a compact convert. The formula has been infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin soft and supple.

The balm-to-powder consistency works to even out the texture of your skin while also providing a light breathable coverage. It also contains the Swedish wonder ingredient upsalite which keeps your skin’s sebum balanced.

Oily skin is the perfect candidate for a powder foundation, and this Fit Me Matte option from Maybelline will prevent your skin from ever turning greasy looking while also providing you with a customizable buildable coverage.

With over 22 shades to choose from, you are bound to find the right tone for your skin and in addition to its mattifying long-lasting capabilities, this base also reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines.

For those with acne-prone skin, finding a foundation that won’t break you out can sometimes feel like mission impossible. This loose mineral powder from bareMinerals is a great way to achieve coverage without clogging your pores. It also has the added benefit of providing sun protection.

Suitable for all skin types, the super fine powder particles deliver an even and airy color that keeps shine under control, while also feeling silky-soft on the skin due to being infused with silica.

There is no fear of your makeup turning orange with this bestselling option from Laura Geller. Handmade in Italy, this powder foundation uses innovative technology to keep your base looking like your natural skin only better.

With a universally flattering demi-matte finish and a formula infused with powerful antioxidants centella asiatica and white tea extracts, it works for both young and mature skin.

This powder foundation from Juvia’s Place glides on like a dream to result in a radiant finish that lasts all day and even stays put against water. Packed full of skin nourishing ingredients, not only does it cover any imperfections, it improves the quality of your complexion.

Vitamins A and C rich acerola cherries work together with carotenoids to hydrate and shield the skin contributing to its overall appearance.

This is the foundation to reach for if you are looking for a base that will stay put when faced with sweltering temperatures and humidity. Its pore-blurring matte finish provides a full coverage base that won’t transfer or smudge.

The lightweight feel also makes it incredibly comfortable to wear making it a great option as a day-to-day foundation.

Keep your skin extra protected with this smooth mineral foundation that, along with its soft-focus matte finish, also provides an SPF 35. The super-soft formula feels featherweight on the skin and keeps your shine at bay without ever appearing cakey.

It blurs the appearance of fine lines and is easy to use due to its built-in brush which makes for a hassle-free application that only takes a minute.

The color-true technology of this powder foundation means your makeup stays looking as good as it did when you first applied it for up to 12 hours. The silky soft texture feels breathable and airy on the skin — making it the perfect option for all day wear.

The compact has been designed to be refillable, so when you repurchase, you only need to replace the color — making it more economical and environmentally friendly.

Powder foundation is synonymous for its matte finish, but this option from Yensa manages to deliver a buildable coverage that provides a more radiant and luminous base. It has been infused with their innovative 8 SuperBlacks Essence which offers a multitude of benefits to the skin.

Black sesame seed oil works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, black tea extract tackles pollution and environmental stressors while chia seeds maintain hydration. If your skin gets irritated easily, this foundation also contains Korean black raspberry to fight inflammation and nettle to calm skin and soothe redness.

If you are looking for a full coverage base, then this powder foundation from Lancome is truly transformative for the skin. While it offers incredible pigment, it never feels heavy on the skin. You can also achieve a lighter veil of color by using a powder brush and gently dusting the powder over the face.

The natural finish is ideal for both day wear or teamed with a statement lip for a night look, and the compact even includes both a puff and sponge for quick on-the-go touch ups.