Best Powder Foundation Makeup

Powders are best for a matte finish

Powder foundation is a popular alternative to liquid formulas. Many women find powders easier and quicker to apply than others, plus they feel lightweight -- a bonus for women who don't like to wear makeup. While many powders are often used only to set a foundation application or eliminate shine, there are certainly some that work well as a stand-alone foundation and provide plenty of coverage.

One complaint we found about powder foundation from many sources is they do not usually work well on dry skin. The powder tends to accentuate dry areas. One notable exception to this rule is mineral foundation, which is a favorite for many dry-skinned users. However, for slightly dry to oily skin, powder is an excellent option.

The best reviewed powder foundation we found is MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (Est. $27) . This powder feels silky smooth going on and is a favorite of users and beauty pros. It soaks up excess oil and provides flawless coverage. If over-applied, it can look cakey, but most reviewers say they're able to correct this by using a lighter hand. Because of this, it may not be the best option for makeup newbies.

MAC offers an excellent range of shades, making this a popular option for a wide range of women. Most powders tend to look ashy on darker tones, but beauty expert Paula Begoun says there are shades here that work well for all skin colors.

MAC is a great option for a diverse range of skin types and coverage preferences, but if the price point is too high, CoverGirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Foundation Compact (Est. $10) may be a reasonable alternative. This foundation is a cream compact that applies and sets like a powder. Like many powder foundations, AquaSmooth can accentuate dry areas, so it won't work for women with dry skin; for normal to oily skin it provides the same matte coverage as MAC.

While reviewers of MAC praise the foundation for looking natural, AquaSmooth gets the opposite response. Beauty expert Paula Begoun agrees; some of the colors are not true to life, and it's essential to blend the cream quickly, as it sets almost immediately. At such a low price point, though, nearly 1,000 MakeupAlley.com reviewers are willing to give it a shot and 65 percent plan on buying it again.