The Next-Generation Powder Foundations We Love
Image: ALI HARPER/STOCKSY UNITED
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The Next-Generation Powder Foundations We Love

Powder foundations used to have a bad rap, but they’ve come a long way in recent years. Formulas that were once thick and cakey are now capable of blurring out the skin, adding coverage and keeping shine at bay. Intrigued? Here are the ones we rate.
By Sapna Rao /
Image: ALI HARPER/STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Compact Makeup Foundation, £66 | Chantecaille

Best For: Light Coverage 

This sheer, pressed powder not only mattifies oily skin; it also combats redness to leave your complexion looking lightly airbrushed. Ideal for a subtle flush of natural-looking coverage, the added green apple extract also protects the skin against environmental irritants that can cause premature ageing.

Available at LookFantastic.com

Modern Powder Perfector, £28 | Vieve

Best For: Blurring 

The last thing you want with a powder product is for it to highlight any imperfections. For a formula that blurs but feels light as air on the skin, make Vieve your go-to. Featuring hyaluronic acid and collagen amino acids, this one also moisturises skin for a smoother, flawless finish.

Available at Vieve.co.uk

Weightless Perfection Powder Foundation, £13.99 | Kiko

Best For: Maximum Versatility 

Soft -matte finish? Tick. Smooth coverage? Tick. Affordable? Tick. And the benefits don’t end there. What we love most about this product is its versatile formula. Used as is, it provides a lightweight finish, but if you dip into the product with a damp make-up brush, the entire formulation changes. Watch as the pigmentation and buildability increases, offering a blurring medium-to-full coverage finish.

Available at Feelunique.com

Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation, £12.99 | L'Oréal Paris

Best For: Anyone On A Budget

This is a cult favourite for a reason. Part of L'Oréal's Infallible range, it promises to stay put for 24 hours. Although it’s a powder, it has the silky feel of a liquid. Buffed into the skin, it leaves behind an even layer of coverage while also being resistant to water, heat and sweat – perfect for holidays and nights out.

Available at Feelunique.com

Original Loose Powder Foundation, £29 | Bare Minerals

Best For: A Wide Shade Range

A long-time industry favourite thanks to the vast shade range, this Bareminerals formula is a standout. Designed with that ‘no make-up make-up’ look in mind, it offers serious coverage – but never looks flat or cakey thanks to added oxides and pearls. It even includes SPF to perfect and protect the skin over time.

Available at LookFantastic.com


In The Buff Powder Spray, £14.40 | Stila

Best For: Unique Formula

Another unique formula, Stilla’s powder foundation comes packaged in an innovative spray bottle. Simply spritz it onto the skin and buff it out to see the wet formula dry into a silky powder finish. Seriously easy to use, the buildable coverage is also designed to keep shine at bay.

Available at SpaceNk.com

Wanderlust Powder Foundation, £40 | Wander Beauty

Best For: A Hydrating Feel

You can build this foundation up depending on your needs – whether you want something lighter for everyday, or more full-on for a night out. Thanks to added hyaluronic acid, jojoba esters and honeysuckle flower extract, this will never settle into pores or look cakey. Instead, it feels hydrating on the skin while also offering antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and restorative benefits.

Available at LookFantastic.com


Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, £30 | Fenty Beauty

Best For: A Matte Finish

If you struggle with oily skin, chances are liquid and cream foundations will only add to or highlight the problem. That’s where Fenty Beauty’s matte powder foundation is different. Not only is there a shade to suit virtually every skin tone, the formula is seriously impressive. Full coverage, longwearing, lightweight and crease resistant – what more could you want?

Available at Boots.com

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