You’ll Want To Add This Powder Foundation To Your Makeup Bag

Liquid foundations get a lot of love, but they aren’t your only option. Powder foundation can be the perfect way to combat an oily complexion, make your makeup last longer, and quickly even your skin tone. If you aren’t familiar with this face makeup staple, get ready to be filled in. Here, we’re walking you through what you need to know about powder foundations and giving you the scoop on our best one. Bonus: We’ll also share a powder foundation that’s specially formulated for mature skin.

WHAT IS POWDER FOUNDATION?

As much as you love wearing makeup—or even if you’re not such a huge fan—no one wants to wear a foundation formula that feels heavy. This is one of the many reasons powder foundation can be a smart pick. You can think of these powder formulas as a way to provide your skin with even coverage that’s breathable, buildable, and mattifying. Basically, it’s pretty much everything you need for your makeup look. Finding the right foundation formula is no easy feat, but powder foundations come in handy to cover-up imperfections with a featherlight touch. We’re totally smitten!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIQUID AND POWDER FOUNDATION?

If you’re one of those people that believes all foundations are pretty much the same, think again. Liquid foundation is available in water, cream, and oil formulations. They typically do a concrete job of blending seamlessly onto the skin to hide imperfections and may even hydrate the skin and create a luminous finish. They can offer sheer, medium, or full coverage; it all depends on the specific foundation.

On the flip side, powder foundation typically provides sheer coverage for a more natural look. Since it applies like a traditional face powder, it can be reapplied easily throughout the day as needed. Powder foundation also tends to stay put during warm weather and works to absorb oils for a fresh look that lasts all day long.

IS PRESSED POWDER THE SAME AS POWDER FOUNDATION?

It’s easy to think that pressed powder and powder foundation are the same because of the similarities in packaging and name, but these two products are quite different. See, powder foundation is meant to provide the benefits of a powder and foundation all in one. It usually has more pigment and provides more coverage than a regular pressed powder. Pressed powders are typically used on top of liquid or cream foundations to set them in place, instead of as foundation.

CAN YOU USE POWDER FOUNDATION ALONE?

Speaking of the differences between pressed powders and powder foundations, you know that pressed powder is used over other foundations, but may be unsure if anything should go under powder foundation. Well, it’s really up to you. You can use powder foundation alone as the base of your makeup look, or you can layer it over primer and concealer for a bit more coverage and staying power.

DOES POWDER FOUNDATION DRY SKIN OUT?

It’s very common to hear that powder foundation can dry out your skin. So naturally, you may have some reservations. It’s true that powder foundation works well with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin because of its oil-absorbing properties. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t work for dry skin. While some super mattifying formulas may dry skin out more, there are powder foundations that can suit all skin types. Choose a formula that’s hydrating and lightweight, and you should be safe.

OUR BEST POWDER FOUNDATION

Now that you can consider yourself a powder foundation expert, it’s time to get your hands on our best powder foundation offering. You’ll want to select a formula that provides flawless coverage sans the greasy and cakey appearance, and that’s why we love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup. This formula works to ensure seamless blendability, just like your go-to liquid foundation, and is free of oils, pore-clogging fillers, and heavy textures to give you your best-looking skin yet. Best of all, it’s suitable for all skin types.

That said, if you have mature skin, which is known for being on the drier side, you may think powder foundation isn’t for you. But, with our L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Creamy Powder Foundation with Minerals, that isn’t the case. Just as its name suggests, this powder foundation has a creamy formula that’s infused with a ceramide antioxidant complex and minerals and does not cake. Rather than settling into fine lines and wrinkles, it helps blur their appearance for a satin, shine-free look. It also offers buildable coverage with a matte finish.

HOW TO USE POWDER FOUNDATION

It’s time to put one of our best powder foundations to use. Follow this step-by-step makeup tutorial for a look that will turn heads.

STEP 1: START WITH CLEAN SKIN

Before we start talking makeup, it’s always smart to cleanse your skin. Clean skin makes for a more flawless makeup application. Start by using a facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which gets rid of dirt and impurities while leaving skin hydrated. Simply saturate a cotton pad and wipe across your skin until clean.

STEP 2: BRING ON THE MOISTURE

After cleansing your face, reach for a facial moisturizer to help lock in moisture, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. All three are formulated with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin soft, supple, and moisturized, which goes hand in hand with creating a stunning makeup look.

STEP 3: PRIME, PRIME, PRIME

Help your makeup look go the distance with a makeup primer. Makeup primer works to create a smooth base for a seamless makeup application. Try the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer to prep your skin. Be sure your primer dries before moving on to the next step.

STEP 4: APPLY YOUR POWDER FOUNDATION

Now it’s time to perfect your skin. Nothing beats natural-looking makeup and powder foundation couldn't be better suited to getting the look. Using a makeup sponge or powder brush, apply the foundation to your skin and blend out toward your hairline and down until even. Build until you reach your desired level of coverage.

STEP 5: REACH FOR YOUR BRONZER

Get ready for a sun-kissed glow. To prevent your makeup from falling flat, apply the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer on the hollows of your cheeks and temples.

STEP 5: BLUSH IT UP

To give your makeup look a touch of definition, grab a neutral blush to enhance your cheekbones. Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in your shade of choice to give your cheeks a super pretty flush of color.

STEP 6: IT’S MASCARA TIME

Pump up the volume on your lashes with a few coats of mascara. Take your look to the next level with the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable, which delivers intense volume and length.

STEP 7: COLOR YOUR POUT

No makeup look is complete without a chic burst of color and natural shine. Get the best of both worlds with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss painted across your pout.

STEP 8: SEAL THE DEAL

After all of your hard work, we would hate to see your makeup fade. Lock in your look with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray, spritzing in “X” and “T” motions for a makeup look that looks just-applied all day.

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