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- Ana Vasilescu
- Updated February 2, 2023
Courtesy of the brand / Glo Skin Beauty
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Ah, oily skin, finding the right foundation can be quite a challenge. Especially in summer, with those hot temperatures and high humidity, it's like all the makeup just melts and creases right off our faces. Isn't it the truth? I know the fight all too well. But there is hope! The best powder foundations, they are the answer to our prayers. With their oil-wicking properties and lightweight feel, they're less likely to clog pores and have a beautiful matte finish - a dream come true for us with oily skin. No more smudging, wrinkling, and spoiling our day before it even begins. With these powder foundations, you can have flawless, shine-free skin long after the sun goes down, I promise.
Why powder foundations are great for oily skin
Powder foundations are best for oily skin as their powdery texture means they have excellent oil absorbency and impart a matte finish that keeps shine at bay. Also, most powder foundations contain ingredients that help them adhere better to the skin (like mica), thereby prolonging their powder-wear. Another common ingredient in powder foundations is silica, which not only improves their spreadability but also prevents caking, a major problem for those with oily skin. And because powder formulas sit on the skin instead of being absorbed, they're less likely to cause breakouts.
You can find two types of powder foundations: loose powder and pressed powder. While the former has finely ground formulas, can hold more oil and last longer, the latter is easier to apply and usually offers more coverage.
How to apply powder foundation
As a beauty editor, I know that flawless skin starts with the right preparation. Before you start applying your foundation, make sure your skin is thoroughly moisturized and exfoliated - here it isHow often should oily skin exfoliate?. This will help create the perfect canvas for your foundation and help it adhere better without chipping, wrinkling, or settling in fine lines. Using a primer before foundation also helps to blur large pores and prolong lasting power, but that's entirely optional.
Next, choose a short, tightly packed bristle brush to apply your powder foundation. This type of brush helps you control the amount of powder and distribute it evenly for optimal coverage without crusting.
When applying a powder foundation, you need to take it in small amounts and build up coverage with gentle circular motions. Remember, patience is key; Powder foundations usually require several light coats for full coverage, so take your time and build up gradually. And voila! You get a smooth, matte complexion that lasts all day.
The best powder foundations for oily skin
Let me tell you, these powder foundations for oily skin are must-haves in your makeup arsenal. The skin-friendly formulas, enriched with minerals and natural pigments, are the secret to a shine-free complexion that lasts all day. Whether you're running errands or heading into town, you can count on these powder foundations to leave your skin looking natural and matte.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Foundation
This iconic foundation is slightly more sheer and matte than loose powders, but offers a nice layer of light coverage. Made with antioxidants from pine bark and pomegranate extracts, it helps fight free radicals while also infusing SPF 20 from minerals sourced from the earth. We love that it has 26 skin-true shades making it easy for anyone to find their perfect match, and it has a semi-matte finish, just like your skin but better. No wonder the formula is raving in thousands of Amazon reviews.

Bare Minerals Loose Powder Matte Foundation
Made for oily skin and with only seven ingredients,Bare Minerals Loose Powder Matte Foundationis a godsend for those with oily skin. A real skin fetish, the foundation is as light as air and offers sheer to full coverage and an oil-free look. The result? A natural matte finish that mimics real skin, blurs pores and a barely-there look, making this loose powder foundation a favorite for any no makeup, makeup lover. And no, it doesn't settle into fine lines.

PURE 4-in-1 powder foundation
This foundation meets skincare to take care of your complexion even after lifting. That's because it's fortified with minerals, antioxidants, and the brand's Ceretin Complex (retinol, lactic acid, shea butter, and ceramide) to improve tone and soften fine lines. PÜR's best-selling powder foundation glides on imperceptibly for a velvety-matte, shine-free finish that easily builds from sheer to full coverage. True to its name, the four-in-one formula is a primer, concealer, and SPF — although don't skimp on sunscreen — and comes in a wide range of 26 shades with varying tones and undertones.

Clinique Superpowder Doppelgesichts-Make-up
Clinique's smudging foundation is matte enough to treat even the oiliest complexion. It covers well without feeling heavy or clogging pores, and is moderate to full when it comes to coverage, concealing large pores and dark spots for even, flawless skin. We especially commend it for the portable compact pack that includes a mirror and sponge applicator for easy touch-ups throughout the day, ideal for those who are always on the go.

Glo Skin Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation
Glo offers skincare in a powder base that contains antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and green tea, helping to protect skin every time you wear it. Enough pigmented to provide good coverage, this pressed powder foundation offers long-lasting coverage with a second-skin finish that never feels heavy. You'll enjoy how it leaves skin smooth and shine-free and its long-lasting formula that stays in place - you'll wonder how you could live without it.

Inika Loose Mineral Foundation Puder
You'll get rid of liquid foundations forever after trying this formula. Made from 100% natural ingredients, Inika Mineral Foundation is ideal for those who want minimalist, clean formulas. This loose powder foundation offers smooth, buildable coverage that gives your skin a soft glamor that lasts all day. Its silky texture creates an airbrushed finish that keeps oil at bay, leaving you with a flawless, even complexion. But here's the best part: Inika Loose Mineral Foundation is free of fillers and unforgiving synthetic compounds, so you can trust it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts.

Lose Mineral Foundation by The Beautiful Woman
Can you believe this foundation only has four ingredients? And all are minerals that help absorb excess oil without clogging pores or feeling heavy. La Bella Donna Loose Mineral Foundation is perfect when you want sheer coverage and SPF 50 sun protection from naturally derived minerals. In the short term, it cares for the skin, protects against the sun's rays and, thanks to 24% zinc oxide, acts as a remedy against pimples. And if that weren't enough, it's water-resistant so excess oil doesn't stand a chance; this foundationresists.

Who wrote that?
Ana Vasilescu is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women's Concepts. She has over 5 years experience in the beauty editing industry and dermatology research and has been an acne patient for over a decade. Ana is now an ILO and CPD accredited skincare consultant who wants to teach others the importance of a consistent routine. She covers a wide range of skincare topics - from vibrant ingredients to anti-aging and acne advice. She has a BA in Sociology and Political Science from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies. Keep finding herLinkedInorInstagram.
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