I Usually Cringe at Powder Foundations, But These Soft-Blurring Formulas Left Me Speechless

Pros: Sweat- and waterproof, wide array of shades, buildable coverage, long-wearing

Cons: Honestly, none

Size: 0.42 oz. | Shades: 67 | Benefits: Talc-free | Skin type: All, including sensitive and acne-prone

MAC Cosmetics’ Studio Fix foundation has been a celebrity makeup artist staple for years, but in 2025, the entire formula got a facelift. Not only is it the same incomparable setting powder and foundation hybrid, but it comes in a staggering number of shades (67!), offers up to 24 hours of serious shine control, and has a new, cleaner formula that is totally talc-free.

“I love using MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder as it has coverage and helps to eliminate shine in the T-zone,” says celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney. “I have been using this since I started my career, and it is definitely a product I recommend.” Holm would have to agree, lauding the product’s “iconic finish” that can be lightly dusted out or built up for full coverage with effortless ease.

Customer review: “I got my hands on the reformulated product before it was released and I haven’t been able to let go of it since. The shade range is staggering and its versatility is just as bountiful. Whether I’m reaching for a lighter shade to bake or highlight, using a true-tone shade as a finishing powder, or dipping my brush in a deeper, warmer shade to bronze, I’ve realized this is the only powder I need to do a third of my makeup routine.” – Alyssa Brascia, associate beauty editor

Pros: Inexpensive, longwearing, reduces appearance of pores, controls oil

Cons: Small amount of product compared to others, may be too drying for dry skin types

Size: 0.29 oz. | Shades: 24 | Benefits: All-day shine control | Skin type: Normal, oily, combo

This well-known, cult-classic powder foundation from Maybelline is a top hit at any drugstore, and chances are you’ve owned one at some point. This blurring formula is finely milled despite the low price, and its oil-absorbing technology works hard to control shine for up to 12 hours of matte wear.

Editor review: “I've been using Maybelline's powder for well over a decade now, and I have yet to find anything that tops it. When I do my daily makeup routine, I look for something that'll reduce the appearance of oily skin around my T-zone, and this product never fails.” — Sabrina Talbert, assistant beauty editor

Pros: Versatile, water- and oil-resistant, wide shade range

Cons: Not the most pigmented (if that’s what you’re looking for)

Size: Not listed | Shades: 36 | Benefits: Non-drying, long-lasting wear | Skin type: All

Tied for our best budget buy is Sheglam’s powder foundation, which is a winner in so many ways. The fine formula is infused with shea butter and jojoba seed oil for non-drying wear, yet it imparts a velvety finish that effectively controls oil. Just a few strokes of a brush or sponge leave your skin virtually poreless and diffuse fine lines. Some shoppers felt that this product didn’t provide enough (read: high) coverage, but if you want a sheer wash—or something that can double as a finishing powder—then this is for you.

Customer review: “Loving this foundation! Full coverage and doesn’t come off in south Florida heat and humidity! Never looks cakey—always looks like my skin. Product lasts a long time. I’ve had mine over 6 months and I’m just starting to see pan in the middle, so I’ll be ordering more! I won’t be without this foundation!”

Pros: Inclusive shade range, lightweight wear, long-lasting, shine-controlling

Cons: Doesn’t stay in stock for long

Size: 0.32 oz. | Shades: 50 | Benefits: Non-cakey, lightweight, incredible shade range | Skin type: Normal, oily, combination

If you often struggle to find the right foundation for your skin tone and undertones, you’re bound to meet your skin tone soulmate within Fenty Beauty’s wide range of long-wearing foundations. Before there was MAC’s 67-shade powder makeover, there was this staggering line of lightweight, buildable powders from Rihanna’s beauty brand. Not only is this formula built for crease-free, extended wear, but it comes with options for fair, cool, neutral, warm, and olive undertones—even Holm lauds it for its inclusive shade range and “lightweight, blurring” formula.

Customer review: “I recently bought this foundation powder because it was on sale and I love a good makeup sale. I am so happy I did! Im a liquid foundation girlie, but I wanted to try a powder. This melted to exact to my skin I almost thought it wasn't going on with the foundation brush. The coverage is light but just right for everyday. Perfect for my oily t-zone and transfer is minimal.”

Pros: Non-cakey, full coverage wear; versatile usage

Cons: Pricey for the amount of product

Size: 0.30 | Shades: 31 | Benefits: Trio-blur complex that diffuses texture | Skin type: Normal, oily, combination

This is a favorite of Holm’s, and the celebrity MUA calls this powder “great for on-camera moments” thanks to its ultra-smoothing, filter-like finish. This lightweight formula can be used as foundation, pressed powder, setting powder, and more, offering a soft-matte finish that controls oil production and sets makeup for up to 24 hours, sans creasing. The best part? It has high coverage for full-glam moments that can be accomplished in light, minimal layers (AKA, the secret to good makeup).

Customer review: “I have combo-dry skin and didn’t believe in pressed powders until I tried this. I also love how slim the compact is because it’s really easy to take on the go with me for any touch-ups, and it comes with a really nice quality puff/sponge as well. I have since receiving it in gratis went and repurchased it with my own money—that’s how much I like it.”

Pros: Long-wearing formula, resistant to heat, water, and sweat

Cons: Has a scent

Size: 0.31 oz. | Shades: 16 | Benefits: 24-hour wear | Skin type: All, including acne-prone

L’Oréal Infallible Powder Foundation, lauded as another budget-friendly winner, is a standout for so many reasons. It’s a great option for mature skin, is light enough to prevent caking, and offers impressively buildable coverage that plays nice with any skin type (yes, even acne-prone). All this for $17? Sign me up.

Customer review/Editor review: “This gives great coverage and doesn’t look cakey. I use this as a finishing powder and it gives longevity to my makeup. I also used it for touch-ups for a wedding day (12-hour wear!)”

Pros: Versatile use, skin-like finish

Cons: Not the easiest to build, if you want higher coverage

Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 14 | Benefits: Non-drying finish, vegan formula | Skin type: All

If you’ve been burned by heavy, cakey, and much-too-dry powder foundation formulas in the past, I’m happy to announce that you won’t find that here. Rare Beauty’s finishing powder is a great option for those who want a natural, soft-focus finish, sheer coverage, and a conscious ingredients list (this is powder talc-free, which we love). Whether you’re applying it with a plush sponge (to bake) or a fluffy brush (to set), you’ll get a flawless finish with every stroke.

Customer review: “Obsessed! I’ve added this into my everyday makeup routine and it’s elevated my makeup without a doubt. Gotten so many compliments on my makeup and I love the product. It just completely blurs and smooths everything and just puts it all together. If you’re on the fence, get it you won’t be disappointed.”

Pros: Airy feel, soft matte finish, blurs complexion

Cons: Expensive, sold out in several deep shades

Size: 0.45 oz. | Shades: 15 | Benefits: Diffuses skin texture, weightless feel | Skin type: All

There’s nothing quite like the effortlessness of French beauty, and this powder foundation from Chanel captures this sentiment to a T. This lightweight formula imparts velvety-soft skin thanks to its versatile powder, which can be applied with a blush or sponge applicator, and it effectively absorbs shine without making the skin look one-dimensional. Undetectable and flawless—the ultimate French way.

Customer review: “This is truly a flawless foundation powder. The color was exactly as it seemed to be, and it smells wonderful. The price was high for a small compact, but I guess I am paying for the Chanel name all in all. I like the weightless feel and how it looks on me.”

Pros: Easy to build coverage, smooths texture and tone, minimizes pores

Cons: Too few shades for deep skin

Size: 0.33 oz. | Shades: 6 | Benefits: Includes hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hydrolyzed collagen, and peptides | Skin type: All

If customizable coverage is what you’re after, then you’ll want to add this "perfecting" powder to your cart. Not only can you achieve a buildable complexion in just a few swipes, but this foundation also offers a truly airbrushed effect in no time thanks to its powdery cocktail of focus-blurring pigments. One swipe with a sponge leaves my skin looking poreless and effectively controls shine for all-day wear—it’s my go-to in the sweaty summertime.

Customer review: “I have found my forever compact! I absolutely love this coverage! It's weightless but still has complete coverage. The IT products have won me over!”

Pros: Long-wearing, lightweight formula; blurred, soft-focus finish

Cons: Some shoppers cite oxidation

Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 33 | Benefits: 12-hour wear, multiuse formula | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Powder foundations are wise to implement into your routine, but they’re not always the best for every skin type. If you run dry and want to use a liquid or cream foundation as your base, but set it with a powder, then this is the one to try. One/Size’s pressed powder is your one-way ticket to filter-like blurred skin and impressive control due to a formula that offers 12-hour longevity and true-color coverage. You can use this finely milled powder for everything from shine control to finishing powder, and its matte, medium coverage finish keeps your skin flawless and makeup in check, but never powdery.

Customer review: “So far, this has been amazing! I've been wear-testing it the past week to see if it will last through my 12-hour shift work day. It has been great and mattifying! I would put it on the same level as the MAC powder foundation, but slightly better!”

Pros: Wide shade range, buildable coverage without extra weight, naturally luminous finish

Cons: Application may be tricky for beginners (swirl and tap with a brush)

Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 30 | Benefits: Includes SPF 15, is talc-free | Skin type: All

You may think of baking when you hear the term “loose powder,” but you’d be surprised to learn how effective BareMinerals’ Loose Powder is as an everyday foundation. Holm personally recommends this “clean” formula for those with sensitive or mature skin, and reviewers sing its praises for how long-lasting and blurring this product is, even in the summer heat. Plus, it has SPF 15. Can we ask for anything more?

Customer review: “BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 is more than a foundation—it’s a multitasking marvel that combines skincare, sun protection, and customizable coverage in one product. Whether you’re after a polished look for work, a glowy finish for an event, or a breathable base for everyday wear, this foundation delivers every time.”