10 Best Powder Foundations Available In India
Create a noteworthy base for your blush, highlighter, and concealer.
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 3 yearsKrati 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 of ... more
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Powder foundations are the perfect solution for those lazy days or when you are running late. While a regular foundation needs a lot of prepping and precision, a powder foundation is just dab and go. There is a wide range of powder foundations for all skin types and tones, and finding the right one can get difficult. To make your day easy, we have put together a list of the 10 best powder foundations in India. Read on.
In This Article
10 Best Powder Foundations In India
1. NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation
The Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation by NYXis specifically formulated for oily skin types. It imparts a natural matte finish and provides buildable coverage. It is enriched with minerals that reflect light, reduce the appearance of pores, and leave your skin smooth. This powder foundation comes in six shades to match various skin tones and can be worn during the day or night.
Pros
- Blends well
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- Well pigmented
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Expensive
2. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation
The Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation by Neutrogena is ideal for sensitive skin. It is infused with naturally derived minerals, soy protein, vitamins A, C, and E, and silk powders. It is gentle on the skin and provides sheer to medium coverage.
Soy protein possesses anti-aging properties and keeps your skin moisturized. Vitamin E fights free radical damage and environmental aggressors. This powder foundation enhances skin clarity and evens out the skin tone. It improves the overall texture and reduces the appearance of redness and blemishes. It is available in eight shades to suit a variety of skin tones.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy tested
- Long-lasting
- Talc-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 5,621 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Lakme 9TO5 Primer-Matte Powder Foundation
The Primer-Matte Powder Foundation from Lakmecombines three products in one – primer, foundation, and compact. It blends easily into your skin, does not look patchy, and provides long-lasting coverage. The formula conceals fine lines and blemishes and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. This lightweight powder foundation has a matte finish and is available in six shades.
Pros
- Blends well
- Lightweight
- Good coverage
- Matte finish
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Doesn’t last long.
4. Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation
The Even Touch Powder Foundation by Milani provides medium to full coverage to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. It offers a smooth finish and long-lasting shine control. The powder foundation is breathable and does not clog your pores. It can be used as a setting powder or for touch-ups on the go. The super-smooth texture blends easily in to the skin without feeling patchy or cakey. This powder foundation is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Blends well
- Non-oily
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Sheer coverage
5. Maybelline Fit Me Skin Fit Powder Foundation
This powder foundation from Maybelline has micro velvet powder that is very refined in texture. It blurs the pores and smoothes the skin for a flawless even finish. It is available in six different shades – classic ivory, natural buff, pure beige, sun beige, toffee, and warm nude. This powder foundation offers medium coverage with a matte finish and is suitable for light to medium skin tone. Additionally, the smooth texture gives you a brightened complexion and comes with an SPF of 32 PA+++. The pack comes with a buff and a mirror.
Pros
- Can be used as both wet and dry
- Buildable
- Blends well
- Easy to use
Cons
None
6. M.A.C Studio Fix Powder + Foundation
The Studio Fix Powder + Foundation by M.A.C offers a 12-hour matte finish and controls shine. It provides medium-to-full buildable coverage and helps visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. This powder foundation is true to color and available in a variety of shades to match every skin tone. Its smooth texture blends easily into the skin and does not cake or crease on application. The velvety texture allows the skin to breathe. This product is suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Non-streaking
- Non-caking
- Sweat-resistant
- Photo-friendly
- Blends well
Cons
- Expensive
7. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation
The Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation by Tarte Cosmetics is a lightweight, waterproof powder foundation. It is infused with Amazonian clay, tourmaline, pearl powder, mineral pigments, and camellia leaf extract. The Amazonian clay aids longer wear, while tourmaline helps brighten the skin tone and impart radiance.
Pearl powder has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that protect the skin. Camellia leaf extract is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radical damage and heal and repair your skin. The mineral pigments soothe and soften the skin. This powder foundation provides natural matter coverage and reduces redness and the appearance of pores. The mesh applicator ensures breathable and buildable coverage.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Matte finish
Cons
- Expensive
8. Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation
The Photo Filter Powder Foundation by Smash box is velvety soft and powered by Light Filter Technology that helps blur and diffuse imperfections and redness and imparts radiance. This powder foundation offers buildable sheer-to-medium coverage shine control that lasts for up to 8 hours. It does not cake, crease, clog the pores, or settle into fine lines. The oil-free formula blots excess oil and mattifies the T-zone.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Lightweight
- Customized buildable coverage
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-drying
- Non-caking
- Non-settling
Cons
- Expensive
9. Bobbi Brown Weightless Powder Foundation
The Weightless Powder Foundation by Bobbi Brown is ideal for oily skin. It is infused with natural ingredients like rosemary extract, apple fruit extract, and apricot extract. Rosemary extract has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce puffiness. Apricot extracts are rich in antioxidants and help fight free radical damage. Apple fruit extract possesses skin-soothing and smoothing properties and helps improve your skin’s elasticity and texture.
This powder foundation provides sheer to medium coverage. It hides blemishes, fine lines, dark spots, and pores and makes your skin look flawless and radiant. This product repels humidity and heat and does not crease or melt. The creamy and velvety texture blends easily into your skin without creasing or appearing blotchy. It is available in 20 true-to-skin shades.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Non-creasing
- Resistant to heat and humidity
Cons
- Expensive
10. Elizabeth Arden Mineral Powder Foundation
The Elizabeth Arden Mineral Foundation Powder provides a flawless finish by releasing a fresh layer of microlight makeup that is ultra-blendable. The non-drying formula brightens the skin and smooths imperfections without settling into fine lines. This powder foundation is infused with vitamins A, C, and E, natural skin smoothers, and sea water complex that strengthens the skin and supports its natural mineral equilibrium. The buildable formula offers light to full coverage and a luminous, natural finish. This powder foundation also has SPF 20 that protects the skin from sun damage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Talc-free
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologically tested
- Has SPF 20
- Non-cakey
- Non-drying
- Non-settling
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
None
Let’s now look at a few factors that will help you pick the best powder foundation.
How To Choose The Best Powder Foundation
- Shade
Choose a shade that matches your skin tone. In case you choose a powder foundation that is shades lighter than your actual complexion, your face might turn ashy or grayish after some time.
- Undertone
If you have a lighter skin tone, choose a foundation with a pink undertone. If you have a deeper skin tone, choose a foundation with orange or yellow undertones.
- Skin Type
If you have oily skin, go for a matte powder foundation as it controls excess oil in your face. Also, avoid the ones that are shiny or shimmery as they may make your face seem oilier. Check if the powder foundation is waterproof and sweat-proof powder.
If you have dry skin, opt for a translucent powder foundation to make your skin look non-flaky and healthy. In case you have sensitive skin, choose mineral-based powder foundations that are mineral-based. These foundations do not have waxes, emollient oils, fragrances, or preservatives that are found in regular foundations. Also, check if the product is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic for better results.
- Coverage
In case you have lesser fine lines, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or blemishes, choose a powder foundation with minimal coverage. But if you have visible scars or blemishes, choose a full coverage foundation. A sheer powder foundation will give you a more natural look.
- Avoid These Ingredients
There are a lot of ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, irritate, or even damage your skin. While choosing a powder foundation, steer clear of products containing alcohol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances and dyes.
A powder foundation is a one-step solution for clear and non-greasy skin. Make sure you choose the right one that matches your skin type and tone for flawless results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific benefits of using powder foundation for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes, a powder foundation is beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin due to its oil-absorbing properties that help control excess sebum and reduce shine throughout the day. Additionally, powder foundations are often non-comedogenic, reducing the risk of clogged pores and aggravating acne.
Are there any specific techniques for applying powder foundation to achieve the best results?
When applying powder foundation, use a fluffy brush for a light, even application, focusing on oily (the T-zone) or acne-prone areas. For optimal coverage, apply a little powder first, then build the foundation gradually, and finish it with a setting spray to enhance longevity and reduce potential cakiness.
Does powder foundation have any potential drawbacks or limitations compared to other types of foundation?
Powder foundations may have some drawbacks such as providing less coverage for severe acne or skin imperfections. It can also accentuate dry patches on the skin, making it less suitable for individuals with very dry skin. It can also settle in fine lines and wrinkles and look cakey.
Are there any specific tools or brushes recommended for applying powder foundation?
For applying powder foundation, a dense and soft kabuki brush is recommended to achieve a seamless and airbrushed finish. Alternatively, a flat-top buffing brush can work well for controlled application and buildable coverage.
Do powder foundations have a longer shelf life compared to liquid or cream foundations?
Powder foundations generally have a longer shelf life compared to liquid or cream foundations due to their dry and non-liquid formulation that is less prone to bacterial growth and separation over time.
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