Answer: EVERYONE. Made without the emollient, pore-clogging ingredients found in some liquid foundations, powder formulas are pretty much every skin type's best friend. Combination and acne-prone babes get breathable coverage that smooths over imperfections. Oily skin types get shine control that lasts all day (or night). Everyone gets a buildable, velvet-matte finish. What's not to love? 

While it takes less time and precision to apply powder foundation than some other foundation formulas, there are some tried and true makeup artist tricks to creating different looks. We're going to share our favorite tips with you and walk through two different techniques: one for achieving a sun-drenched finish and great for everyday wear, and one for a perfectly blended full-coverage makeup look.

P.S. Want to know our picks for the best powder foundations for every skin type and coverage level? Check out our guide to the best powder foundations here. Need a visual? Check out this easy tutorial on how to properly apply your powder foundation here: 

Before You Apply: Prep Your Skin

To get the most comfortable, natural finish with powder foundation, there are a few prep steps you'll want to take before even reaching for a primer:

1. Use a cleanser and toner with replenishing ingredients. This makes sure you're not trapping any pore-clogging impurities under your foundation when you apply it.

2.“Regardless of skin type, always prep the skin with a light application of facial oil, with a concentration on the dryer areas and any blemishes,” says Gomila.Apply serums if they're part of your skincare routine and follow up with a moisturizer. Makeup sticks best to a clean and hydrated face, so it's important to apply moisturizer (after using a cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils) even if you tend to get shiny during the day.

3. Hands off your face for a couple of minutes. This part's important—your moisturizer needs to absorb completely for your primer to do its job.  

4. Use a primer. Why?  It’s simple; no matter which formula of foundation you use, you'll get the most control over your foundation finish by applying a primer first. Not sure which primer to choose? We've got you covered here with our complete guide to choosing the best primer for your skin type.

Pick Your Product

Like with any foundation, you'll want to go for the shade that's closest to your natural skin tone and complementary to your undertones. And, like with any foundation, there are different products for every coverage level and finish. “Anytime you’re buying a foundation, it’s important to go outside in the sunlight with a mirror and see how the finish and color applies to your skin type, texture, and tone,” Gomila advises. 

To get lighter coverage: “Most powder foundations are formulated as having medium coverage, which makes coverage easily buildable. The trick to getting a more sheer coverage level with powder foundation would be to apply a very small amount to each quadrant of your face,” Gomila says. Then, lightly and evenly blend it without adding more product. “The goal is to use less foundation so the product is properly distributed on the face in a lighter application,” Gomila adds. Loose powder foundations, as opposed to pressed-powder foundations, work best for a sheer, your-skin-but-better finish. YC COLLECTION Loose Setting Powder  is an Ipster favorite for minimal coverage because it's non-irritating on even the most sensitive skin types, and it also provides light-to-medium coverage. “ With loose setting powder, lightly bake under eyes, corners of the lips, and any deep wrinkles to set the product. Then dust off the setting powder,” Gomila recommends.

To get buildable coverage: pressed powder will take you from sheer to full coverage and anywhere in between. Try thePÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, a richly pigmented SPF-infused powder.

To minimize redness, blemishes, or an uneven skin tone: go for a smoothing full-coverage formula like ONE/SIZE Turn Up The Base Versatile Powder Foundation. “To combat redness, I always reach for my secret weapon,  CLINIQUE Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder. It’s super easy to apply and works instantly!” says Gomila.

To combat oily skin: mattifying powders work even harder to keep shine at bay. Use theFENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundationfor long-lasting oil control and a shine-free matte finish. 

To create a dewy finish: look for a powder that allows for a wet or dry application, like the NARS All DAy Luminous Powder Foundation.

Next, we'll show you two different ways to apply powder, for lighter or medium-to-fuller coverage.

When searching for the right foundation formula—be it powder, cream, or liquid—there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. While liquid foundations have dominated the shelves for decades, there is so much to love and learn about powder foundations, particularly for those with certain skin types or preferred finishes.

Ahead, we explain everything you need to know about powder foundation—from its benefits to application techniques—and get some expert tips from pro makeup artist Carolina Dalí. It's possible you might become a powder foundation convert after reading.

Meet the Expert

Carolina Dalí is a celebrity makeup artist. Her clients include Hunter Schafer, Constance Wu, and Natalia Dyer.

What Is Powder Foundation?

Powder foundation is exactly what it sounds like: A foundation that is available in a powder versus a liquid formula. Powder foundations, like this one from Maybelline, come in compacts as well as in loose powder form and typically have a matte finish. They tend to offer light to medium coverage, and the powder is finely milled to apply as smoothly as possible.

If you're concerned that a powder formulation won't provide as much pigment as liquid, don't be—powder foundations are highly pigmented and can offer just as much coverage and color as liquid formulas. Powder foundations also come in cream-to-powder formulas, which start as a light cream texture and dry completely matte once blended on the skin.

How Does Powder Foundation Compare to Liquid Foundation?

Seeing as there are definite differences between liquid and powder formulas in foundations, it's good to know how they compare to each other so you can make a decision on which you'll want to wear.

While most liquid foundations are buildable and offer full coverage, powder foundations typically tend to offer less coverage than their liquid counterparts, making them ideal for those looking for a natural finish that doesn't look (or feel) heavy.

It's important to look at the ingredients of your foundations so you can get an idea of what you're working with. For example, a liquid foundation will typically be water-, oil-, or silicone-based, while powder foundations contain minerals and talc. Powder foundation can give sheer coverage, help cut shine for oily skin, and is easy to bring on the go for touch-ups. Liquid foundations can offer fuller coverage and a more radiant, dewy finish (although many liquid formulas offer matte coverage) and come in various formulas from sheer, light tints to fuller coverage options.

Who Should Use Powder Foundation?

When deciding if powder foundation is the best formula for you, the first thing you'll want to take into consideration is your skin type. "Powder foundation is ideal for oily to combination skin types," Dalí notes, as powder helps to control shine and provides a matte finish. Powder foundation is also ideal for anyone who wants to wear matte makeup but desires a light finish that feels breathable on the skin. If you are acne-prone or have sensitive skin, powder foundation is also a great choice as it comes in many non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog your pores.

How to Apply Powder Foundation

Application techniques can make all the difference when applying powder foundation. Read on for best practices and tips to ensure the process is as easy as it can be.

With a Sponge

1. If you want your powder foundation to last throughout the day, Dalí insists that you must start with hydrated skin. "Be sure to properly moisturize your skin first," she says. "Powder-based products adhere best to skin that’s hydrated."
2. Once your moisturizer has settled, you can use a flat sponge to press and roll the powder foundation into areas such as around the nose and mouth.
3. Moving on to the rest of your face, lightly press the sponge into the skin and roll it with your fingers to ensure an even application of powder.

Byrdie Tip

Tapered and egg-shaped sponges are ideal for applying and blending powder foundation under the eyes and for touch-ups. Dalí's favorite sponges are Serge Lutens' The Blenders Pro ($55).

Be sure to wash your sponges regularly to maintain cleanliness and to keep bacteria from settling in.

With a Brush

1. Dalí recommends concealer before powder for those looking to cover up specific areas. "On moisturized skin, apply concealer and blend it well on blemishes and veins," she advises.
2. "For a natural and seamless finish, apply the powder foundation using a medium-sized powder brush, blending and targeting the areas that need coverage," Dalí says. She recommends Westman Atelier's Powder Brush ($85) because it allows you to blend powder easily on the face and gets into the harder-to-reach areas.
   
3. If you prefer fuller coverage when wearing powder foundation, Dalí recommends lightly misting your powder brush. (Emphasis on the lightly—you don't want to get your powder foundation too wet.) "If you prefer full coverage: moisturize, conceal, lightly spray the brush with a hydrating mist, dip it in the powder foundation, and apply until you have the desired coverage," she says. "Once you’ve achieved your desired coverage, give your skin a few minutes to warm up the complexion and see the final results."
   

The Final Takeaway

Powder foundation can be worn alone as your main makeup or used in conjunction with liquid foundation to add extra coverage and mattify the skin. There are many formulas suitable for acne-prone, sensitive, and oily skin types that are easy to apply and leave a soft, beautiful satin finish. Extremely versatile and easy to apply, there are many benefits to incorporating powder foundation into your beauty routine.