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. Attempt as I’d, nonetheless, 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 most effective powder basis—one which masters the artwork of the barely-there look whereas nonetheless providing ample protection.
Web analysis recurrently 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 great individuals with headsets swiftly led me to the aisles for Laura Mercier (a traditional) and Make Up For Ever (a MUA fave). “It’s what {most professional} make-up artists use on photoshoots,” I used to be advised of the latter.
I’ve been utilizing my color-matched compacts for the previous few weeks, and whereas they’re each incredible 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 sorts, 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.)
If you happen to’re searching for mild protection or a strategy to management shine, powder basis is a incredible choice, particularly in the course of the scorching summer time months.
After all, an excessive amount of can result in a very matte end (or the dreaded cakey look) and may go away pores and skin feeling fully dried out. So the product you employ (and the way you apply it) makes a world of distinction.
Under are my ideas on Sephora’s hottest powder foundations (no less than on the Dallas location) together with a number of different hits that supply lighter-than-air protection for each price range.
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That is the stuff. It fully obliterated all my iffy emotions about powder foundations. Properly, nearly. As my Sephora buddies talked about, this beautiful matte end may be drying, even for mixture pores and skin. However a pleasant liquid primer or a number of 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 software) felt like silk. The tremendous effective 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 worth. However the high quality (even of the compact and included sponge) is value it.
I used to be rather less conversant in Make Up For Ever, but when it’s adequate for the effective of us on BeautyTok, it’s definitely adequate 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 effective the particles are. (Additionally, kudos to the bodily compact, which survived my butter fingers dropping it on the chilly exhausting flooring.)
Make Up For Ever’s powder felt extra hydrating than Laura Mercier, although each foundations will ultimately go away pores and skin feeling dry in case you don’t apply a liquid primer.
What’s to Love: It’s nearly unimaginable to mess up a Make Up For Ever software, which swipes on ridiculously easy.
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 a number of breakouts and even bug bites on my décolletage, I made a decision to dive in. I really 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 slightly extra shine like my T-zone, I’m glad to have a go-to for absorbing oil. Ultimate notice: Being somebody whose pores and skin sees quite a bit 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 coloration match that’s way more correct than its opponents. I additionally love the Rubicell applicator, which makes for simple subsequent purposes and even makes it straightforward to pair the muse with my tinted liquid moisturizer.
What’s To not Love: Whereas I really like the light-weight formulation, I wore this throughout one significantly 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 may?)
