I got here of make-up age within the period of BareMinerals, a model that popularized the thought of free powder basis for a big swath of mall-going millennials. Strive as I’d, nevertheless, I by no means fairly took to the lighter-than-air formulation or how they dusted onto my pores and skin. However after a make-up artist recommended I look into powder for my mixture pores and skin sort, I got down to discover one of the best powder basis—one which masters the artwork of the barely-there look whereas nonetheless providing ample protection.
Web analysis often factors to the identical manufacturers (you’ll see your Diors, Chanels, City Decays, and MACs), so I did what any red-blooded, mall-going millennial would do—went to my native Sephora to ask what their top-selling powder foundations are. The nice individuals with headsets swiftly led me to the aisles for Laura Mercier (a basic) and Make Up For Ever (a MUA fave). “It’s what {most professional} make-up artists use on photoshoots,” I used to be instructed of the latter.
I’ve been utilizing my color-matched compacts for the previous few weeks, and whereas they’re each implausible choices, I’ve ideas on each (and a transparent winner). However earlier than I contact on that…
Featured picture of Nitsa Citrine by Claire Huntsberger.
The Advantages of Powder Basis
In contrast to cream or liquid basis, powder basis doesn’t include any water. Comprised principally of finely milled pigments, emollients, and infrequently talc, powder foundations are nice for regular, mixture, and oily pores and skin varieties, particularly ones which have oil-controlling components. (Dry or mature complexions can mix powder basis with a liquid primer to lock in a little bit of hydration.)
In case you’re in search of gentle protection or a option to management shine, powder basis is a implausible choice, particularly throughout the scorching summer season months.
In fact, an excessive amount of can result in an excessively matte end (or the dreaded cakey look) and may go away pores and skin feeling fully dried out. So the product you utilize (and the way you apply it) makes a world of distinction.
Beneath are my ideas on Sephora’s hottest powder foundations (a minimum of on the Dallas location) together with just a few different hits that supply lighter-than-air protection for each funds.
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That is the stuff. It fully obliterated all my iffy emotions about powder foundations. Nicely, nearly. As my Sephora buddies talked about, this pretty matte end could be drying, even for mixture pores and skin. However a pleasant liquid primer or just a few drops of your favourite face oil ought to assist stability issues out.
The protection is superbly buildable, and my pores and skin (when correctly moisturized earlier than utility) felt like silk. The tremendous advantageous particles create a stunning blurring impact however nonetheless go away room for issues like freckles to shine. This one did require a bit extra work to make sure the powder was evenly dispersed in comparison with Make Up For Ever.
What’s to Love: The silky really feel and no-makeup end.
What’s To not Love: The value. However the high quality (even of the compact and included sponge) is price it.
I used to be rather less acquainted with Make Up For Ever, but when it’s ok for the advantageous people on BeautyTok, it’s actually ok for me. Whereas I didn’t find it irresistible fairly as a lot as Laura Mercier’s powder basis, I used to be impressed with how easily the powder went on, particularly contemplating how advantageous the particles are. (Additionally, kudos to the bodily compact, which survived my butter fingers dropping it on the chilly exhausting ground.)
Make Up For Ever’s powder felt extra hydrating than Laura Mercier, although each foundations will ultimately go away pores and skin feeling dry for those who don’t apply a liquid primer.
What’s to Love: It’s nearly not possible to mess up a Make Up For Ever utility, which swipes on ridiculously clean.
What’s To not Love: Whereas it had a lighter contact than Laura Mercier, it additionally wasn’t fairly as blurring. (I like my protection to, properly, cowl.) It additionally didn’t go away my pores and skin feeling as silky.
This basis has me shook. As a eternally fan of the dewy, high-shine look, I hesitated to strive one thing that would go away me with a extra matte, poreless complexion. However after just a few breakouts and even bug bites on my décolletage, I made a decision to dive in. I like that it wears like a second pores and skin. This basis covers up breakouts and purple spots whereas additionally night out my complexion. And with areas that see somewhat extra shine like my T-zone, I’m completely happy to have a go-to for absorbing oil. Last be aware: Being somebody whose pores and skin sees loads throughout my daytime hours (between exercises, conferences, and the like), I’m glad to have one thing I can depend on and reapply all through the day for customizable protection once I want it. — Isabelle, Managing Editor
What’s to Love: This basis is available in 12 shades, providing a premium colour match that’s way more correct than its rivals. I additionally love the Rubicell applicator, which makes for simple subsequent functions and even makes it straightforward to pair the muse with my tinted liquid moisturizer.
What’s To not Love: Whereas I like the light-weight formulation, I wore this throughout one notably sticky beginning-of-June marriage ceremony. After an hour out within the relentless humidity, suffice it to say, this didn’t maintain up. (However truthfully, what might?)
