10 Best Loose Powder Foundations For Oily Skin And A Flawless Finish
Get a flawless finish and natural glow with makeup products that are long-lasting.
Tommy TafoyaMakeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup
Experience: 10 years
Tommy is a New York-based makeup artist with over a decade of experience. He originally hails from Los Angeles and Tokyo and is largely inspired by color, organic life, and spirituality. Tommy has been featured in prestigious publications l... more
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Srijita DeCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
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A full face of makeup on oily skin is a risky business if you do not use the correct makeup products. The best loose powder foundations are most suited for avoiding such disasters. Unlike liquid foundations, these do not have a greasy finish that otherwise start to shine after a few hours. Imagine being in an important event or a date only to realize that your foundation is coming off like an oily mess!
Makeup lovers know the importance of a good quality foundation in their makeup routine. Today’s powder formulas are enriched with ingredients that prevent excess sebum production and are non-comedogenic. They combine the best of skin care and makeup in one product. The loose powder foundations help you get a flawless complexion without worrying about excess shine or clogging your pores to cause breakouts. Here, we have listed the 10 best loose powder foundations that match different skin tones. To avoid a face full of melted makeup and stickiness, you must try these foundations soon.
In This Article
What Is Loose Powder Foundation?
Loose powder foundation is made of minerals like active zinc oxide, or active titanium that are finely milled to achieve a powder-like consistency. The minerals help in adding a lustrous shine that is subtle and gives a healthy-looking glow to the skin. The powder helps absorb oil and sebum and offer shine control with a mattifying effect. Often, these powder foundations contain kaolin or rose powders that detoxify and brighten the skin to provide added nourishment benefits. Loose powder foundations can also be used to highlight, conceal, and contour the face, as they come in a variety of shades. You’ll find that loose powder foundations give lightweight coverage for a natural finish that doesn’t look too heavy, and hence, they’re ideal for oily skin daily wear.
Get Natural-Looking Skin With The 10 Best Loose Powder Foundations Of 2023
1. Best Full Coverage:Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder – Translucent
For a natural look with a velvety finish, pick up Coty Airspun’s loose powder foundation. While smoothing the texture of your face, the loose face powder also ensures to cover up your fine lines, wrinkles, and spots. Not only can you use this loose oil control foundation powder as a base for your everyday makeup, but it can also double as a loose setting powder, so your entire glam look stays intact all day long. You’ll be surprised to know that this timeless translucent powder also offers full coverage because of its lightweight consistency! Swipe some with a brush to contour, highlight, or set, and you’re ready to go. We think this is one of the best loose powder foundations for oily skin out there! If you want to find out more about this all-day wear foundation and its usage, make sure to check out this video detailing a tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Available in 6 shades
- Gives full coverage
- Can be used as a concealer
- Works as base makeup or setting powder
- Controls oil
- Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- Smooth application
Cons
- The scent may be overpowering for some.
Pro TipSince inserting your brush directly into the container increases risk of spillage, add the product to the lid to apply it.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 11,433 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Daily:Maybelline New York Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder – Fair Light
Image: Maybelline New York Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder – Fair Light A worthy mention on our list of the best loose powder foundations of 2023, the loose finishing powder by Maybelline lasts up to 12 hours for a flawless look. Maybelline’s mineral-based powder is non-comedogenic, so don’t worry about it clogging your pores. And since the powder foundation controls oil production, it’s ideal if you’ve got oily skin as it will give you a natural finish. You can use this good loose powder foundation from the celebrity-endorsed brand to either set your look or start with it as a makeup base for a smoothing effect. As a plus, this pore minimizing foundation can also be used to contour or highlight your unique features. Professional makeup artist, Tommy Tafoya, explains, “Even if you contour or highlight with creams, setting with a loose powder can reinforce your sculpting and make your finishing blend more seamless. I like this option for a natural looking finish.” If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.
Pros
- Available in 8 shades
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Controls shine
- Provides smooth texture
- 12-hour wear
- Natural-looking, oil-free finish
- Can be used to contour or highlight
Cons
- Provides low coverage and might make fine lines apparent in mature skin
Quick TipFor best results, apply the product after using Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation and a concealer to ensure a flawless finish.
3. Best Hypoallergenic Product:BareMinerals Original Foundation – Medium Beige
Image: Bare Minerals Doll up with BareMinerals’ natural loose powder foundation made with all-clean ingredients to protect the health of your skin. Not only do you get lightweight and buildable coverage, but the luminous finish of this loose powder foundation with SPF will deliver exceptional results and ensure you get many compliments! As you use this vegan loose powder foundation over time, your skin barrier strengthens, and you’ll notice a reduction in breakouts, spots, and fine lines. As a cherry on top, this BareMinerals talc-free loose powder foundation doesn’t contain tree nuts, PEG, synthetic fragrance, SLS, or any other harmful ingredients.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Buildable coverage
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Includes SPF 15
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- May not be long-wearing
Pro TipApply the powder over your face in small circular motions beginning with the T-zone, heading toward the hairline after moving across your forehead, then down your nose.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 830 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
4. Best Drugstore Foundation:Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation – Natural Ivory
Image: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation – Natural Ivory If you’re a makeup enthusiast, you must be familiar with Neutrogena’s best drugstore loose powder foundation available in 8 shades. With a combination of mineral color and light-reflecting pearls, it will leave you with radiant-looking skin. If this wasn’t all, there’s a blend of vitamins A, C, and E with antioxidant benefits to nourish the skin. For the safety of sensitive skin types, the naturally-derived minerals in this powder give a natural coverage. This one does not contain talc, fragrance, or dyes, making it ideal for sensitive skin and a smooth and even smooth finish. Perfect for everyday use, this loose powder foundation for sensitive skin gives you sheer-to-medium build coverage. This product from the expert-recommended brand does not contain talc, fragrance, or dyes, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It delivers a smooth and even finish to your face. Perfect for everyday use, this loose powder foundation for sensitive skin gives you sheer-to-medium build coverage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable formula
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t contain talc, dye, or fragrance
- Contains a vitamin blend for skin-nourishing benefits
- Smoothes skin texture
- Gives a subtle, natural glow
Cons
- Might not be easy to blend
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,621 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
5. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Bellapierre Mineral Foundation – MF02
Image: Bellapierre Bellapierre’s all-rounder mineral foundation with SPF 15 is the best loose powder foundation for acne-prone skin. It’s so versatile that it functions as a 5-in-1 product that can easily transition between being a foundation, concealer, finishing product, and setting powder, with the bonus of a sunblock! The versatile powder covers up dark circles, fine lines, and blemishes for smooth skin that doesn’t disappoint all day with an effortless swipe. The pure mineral pigments give you a medium-to-full coverage with a lightweight formula. What’s more? This foundation is free of animal testing, ensuring a guilt-free experience. Add this foundation to your makeup routine so you can rock it to work every day and feel like you’re barely wearing anything.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- SPF 15
- Medium-to-full coverage
- Offers SPF protection
- Can also be used as setting and finishing powder
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Might not be ideal for all-day wear
6. Best For Acne Scars:Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Natural Loose Mineral Foundation – Honey
Image: Youngblood Natural Loose Mineral Foundation – Honey If you’re looking for a lightweight talc-free powder that gives you a natural healthy glow, you’re on the right track! Young blood’s Natural Loose Mineral Foundation is suitable for all skin types as it enhances your skin with a buildable sheer-to-full finish. You can also use this expert-recommended product to conceal acne scars and fine lines because it does not clog pores or settle into wrinkles. This non-irritating and breathable formula is not only non-drying but made without any harmful ingredients so that you can sport healthy skin with a satiny finish.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Buildable powder
- Suitable for all skin types
- Conceals imperfections
- Sheer coverage
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Doesn’t contain talc or parabens
Cons
- Might end up being cakey if not blended in well
7. Best In Travel-Friendly:L’Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Foundation – Natural Ivory
Image: L’oreal Paris Say hello to convenience with L’Oreal Paris’ full coverage loose powder foundation. With a built-in brush applicator, getting glammed up on the go is a dream come true! The key ingredient kaolin present in this product detoxifies skin and removes impurities. Its mineral formula improves your skin and glides on gently to smoothen and even skin texture for that flawless finish you’re always craving. With SPF 19, this best mineral loose powder foundation stays put up to 16 hours, so that you can go about your day without worry!
Pros
- Includes SPF 19
- Evens skin texture
- Built-in brush
- Travel-friendly
- Photo-friendly
- Easy application
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might be a bit drying on dry, mature skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 7,864 rave reviews on Amazon.
8. Best For Redness:Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder – Radiant
Image: Jane Iredale For skin so smooth it feels like silk, 1 gentle sweep of Jane Iredale’s organic loose powder foundation is enough. It is expertly crafted with micronized minerals that provide excellent sheer-to-medium coverage that is ideal for the everyday natural look. It also imparts a luminous finish that will make sure you turn heads wherever you go. Its soft-focus effect blurs out fine lines, blemishes, and redness for an effortlessly clear base. Available in 13 shades with an oil-free and weightless formula, this loose powder foundation is a great catch.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Doubles as a concealer
- Provides blurring effect
- Vegan
- Water-resistant
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances or preservatives
- Non-comedogenic
- Includes SPF 20
- Made without nanoparticles, GMOs, talc, or mineral oils
Cons
- May require frequent touch-ups
9. Best Organic Formula:Sweet Face Minerals Matte Loose Powder – Warm
Image: Sweet Face Minerals Sweet Face Minerals brings to you its organic loose powder foundation suitable for all skin types and comes in 10 ultra-pigmented shades. With a weightless and airy formula, the powder glides on super smoothly and never ends up being cakey. And while you’re looking all gorgeous, the natural ingredients improve and even skin tone and texture while correcting problem skin. The formula also contains active ingredients like rose powder that helps skin brightening, and kaolin removes impurities by detoxifying the skin.
Pros
- Richly pigmented
- Improves skin texture and tone
- Brightening and detoxifying ingredients
- 100% natural and organic
- Weightless
Cons
- May not be suitable for long wear
10. Best For Fine Lines:Inika Loose Mineral Powder Foundation – Grace
Image: Inika Loose Mineral A solid winner in our books, Inika’s Loose Mineral Powder Foundation is made of natural minerals that effectively cover up any acne blemishes, fine lines, or pores. This matte loose powder foundation will give you a sheer-to-full level of coverage that is perfect for getting that statement-making finish. The added SPF 25 is super convenient if you don’t like layering on too many products. Without clogging pores or irritating skin, this loose powder foundation with SPF also doubles as a concealer to give your skin a silky finish.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Works as a concealer
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Buildable coverage
- Contains SPF 25
- Free of chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May need frequent touch-ups
Now that we’ve gone over the 10 best loose powder foundations, let’s take a look at how you can choose the best one to control shine and give great coverage.
How To Choose The Best Loose Powder Foundation
- Shade range according to skin type
Even though loose powder foundations benefit oily skin the most, other skin types can also use them. If your skin type is oily, go one shade lighter than your original skin tone. There is the danger of the oils in your skin oxidizing with the powder and turning darker, so a shade lighter will avoid discoloration. If you have combination or dry skin, you can choose a shade that matches your skin tone, as there won’t be a fear of discoloration.
- Finish
Loose powder foundations with matte finishes don’t give a shimmer, and they’re best suited to oily skin types as they control the oil and excess shine. On the other hand, Velvety finishes come with a subtle sheen to them that look better on dry and combination skin types as they provide a soft glow and cause the skin to look radiant.
- Ingredients
Stick to quality ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for dry skin, salicylic acid for oily, and acne-prone skin types. As a rule of thumb, it is best to stay clear of harsh and harmful chemicals that may cause an allergic reaction or strip your skin dry of its essential oils. Invest in loose powder foundations that do not contain parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, etc.
After you’ve secured a wonderful loose powder foundation, it’s time to learn how to use it to enhance your natural beauty and take your makeup look to the next level.
How To Apply Loose Powder Foundation With A Brush
- Step 1: Swirl your kabuki brush in the loose powder foundation container and press deeply to obtain powder.
- Step 2: Tap the brush against the container to dust any excess off as this can end up making you look cakey.
- Step 3: Dust the powder across your face on the cheeks, forehead, along your nose and on your chin and jawline. Do this while blending gently to achieve a natural matte finish.
- Step 4: If you want heavy or full coverage, repeat the process again.
The Bottom Line
Loose powder foundations can be the holy grail for oily-skinned beauties that find liquid formulas a hassle. They’re super convenient, and with the lightweight and highly natural-looking coverage they provide, they’re perfect for simple, everyday looks. The Maybelline’s Fit Me! Finishing Powder is one of the finest options offering pore-minimizing and smoothing effects, while the BareMinerals’ Original Foundation provides clean, buildable coverage. For those who want a built-in brush applicator that helps even out skin tone, L’Oreal’s True Match Mineral Foundation is the perfect option. If looking like you have no makeup on is your idea of makeup (and if you’ve got oily skin!), loose powder foundations will be your best buddy. Some even come with added SPF, so you don’t have to lather on sunscreen afterward. Makeup artist Tommy Tafoya says, “Powder SPF is my ideal sun protection. With a powder SPF, you can continue to apply it easily throughout the day to stay protected without messing up your makeup!” Not only do they control the shine that comes with having oily skin, but they offer a flawless finish that makes you look like you’re ready for the red carpet! However, remember to read the reviews before making a purchase and conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is passionate about makeup and understands how to achieve a perfect camera-ready look by using the best loose powder foundations. She has compiled the above list of the best loose powder foundations for photoshoots based on her expertise and after checking the online reviews from different trusted online forums. These products are cost-effective and help you achieve a natural-looking glowing appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to lighten loose powder foundation?
You can dab on a finishing powder as the final layer of your makeup, as finishing powders tend to be of a lighter color.
What is the difference between pressed and loose powder foundations?
Pressed powders help in setting liquid foundation so that it stays for long without smudging. They are pressed into a compact. Loose powder foundations, on the other hand, are finely crushed minerals like iron oxides, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide to control the oil that oily skin types produce throughout the day. They provide light-to-medium coverage.
What is the difference between compact and loose powder foundation?
Compact powders are pressed into a case and come in the form of a solid block to give a velvety finish. Loose powder foundations are finely milled and give an airbrushed finish with lightweight coverage.
What brush can be used to apply loose powder foundation?
A kabuki brush, which is a fluffy brush, comes with dense bristles in a round dome shape, and can help apply loose face powders well. They also come in different shapes like flat or rectangular and you can choose one depending on your needs.
Can you wear loose powder without foundation?
Yes, you can dab a tiny bit of powder foundation onto your regular foundation to get a smooth, matte look.
Can you use loose powder on mature skin?
Yes, you use loose powder on mature skin. But avoid powders that sit into the fine lines and wrinkles and accentuate them more.
Can we use baby powder instead of loose powder?
No, most baby powders are not made to sit well with other makeup products.
Can you use concealer with a loose powder foundation?
Yes, you use concealer with a loose powder foundation. It helps set the concealer in place and evens out the skin tone.
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