I got here of make-up age within the period of BareMinerals, a model that popularized the concept of free powder basis for a big swath of mall-going millennials. Attempt as I would, 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 kind, I got down to discover the perfect powder basis—one which masters the artwork of the barely-there look whereas nonetheless providing ample protection.
Web analysis frequently 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 unbelievable 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 sometimes talc, powder foundations are nice for regular, mixture, and oily pores and skin varieties, particularly ones which have oil-controlling elements. (Dry or mature complexions can mix powder basis with a liquid primer to lock in a little bit of hydration.)
For those who’re in search of mild protection or a option to management shine, powder basis is a unbelievable 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 might go away pores and skin feeling utterly 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 (no less than on the Dallas location) together with just a few different hits that provide lighter-than-air protection for each finances.
Each product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll at all times give an trustworthy opinion, whether or not gifted or bought ourselves. For those who purchase one thing by our hyperlinks, we might earn a small fee for gratis to you.
That is the stuff. It utterly obliterated all my iffy emotions about powder foundations. Effectively, nearly. As my Sephora pals 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 nice particles create a beautiful 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 worth. 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 nice people on BeautyTok, it’s actually ok for me. Whereas I didn’t like it 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 nice the particles are. (Additionally, kudos to the bodily compact, which survived my butter fingers dropping it on the chilly onerous ground.)
Make Up For Ever’s powder felt extra hydrating than Laura Mercier, although each foundations will finally go away pores and skin feeling dry in the event you don’t apply a liquid primer.
What’s to Love: It’s nearly unimaginable 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 ceaselessly fan of the dewy, high-shine look, I hesitated to attempt one thing that would depart 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 crimson spots whereas additionally night out my complexion. And with areas that see somewhat extra shine like my T-zone, I’m glad to have a go-to for absorbing oil. Last be aware: Being somebody whose pores and skin sees rather a lot 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 after I want it. — Isabelle, Managing Editor
What’s to Love: This basis is available in 12 shades, providing a premium shade match that’s much 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 significantly sticky beginning-of-June wedding ceremony. After an hour out within the relentless humidity, suffice it to say, this didn’t maintain up. (However actually, what might?)
PHOTO: No make-up.
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