What Is A Pressed Powder?
Pressed powders have a semi-solid consistency and can help liquid foundation or concealer stay put without budging. Some can have foundation built-in or can be mixed with foundation for heavier and long-lasting coverage. When used as the finishing step of a makeup routine, pressed powders made with finely milled minerals help set the products that were applied before it. Their oil-absorbing properties prevent skin from getting too oily or greasy while also controlling shine. When used on bare skin, some pressed powders also can blur out fine lines, pores, wrinkles, and spots. In a compact form, they are ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
15 Best Pressed Powders That Will Revolutionize Your Glam In 2022
1. Best Non-Comedogenic:Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Powder – 120 CLASSIC IVORY
If your pores always peek through your makeup, try patting them down with the matte pressed powder by Maybelline New York. This mineral-based product features Perlite Mineral Technology that absorbs oil from your skin to mattify it, and the micro-powders help make your pores a disappearing act. This compressed powder is a must-have for a natural-looking finish equipped with shine control if you’ve got oily skin. Know more about this product in this video. Pros
Allergy-tested Non-comedogenic Dermatologist-tested Blurs out pores Offers shine control Suitable for long-lasting wear
Cons
Powder might settle into creases
2. Best Lightweight:Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – Creamy Natural
Rimmel’s got for you the best pressed face powder that is made with natural minerals. The lightweight powder is easy to use and glides on effortlessly to give a matte effect. Along with controlling shine for up to 5 hours, it also virtually blurs pores for a smooth complexion. It contains coconut oil that not only helps the formula go on buttery-soft but this ingredient is enriched with healthy fats that deeply condition your skin. Keep this in your arsenal as a top pressed powder for oily skin types in a wide range of skin tones. Learn more about this product in this video. Pros
Controls shine Reduces appearance of pores Conditions skin Smooth formula 5-hour staying powder Dermatologically-tested
Cons
Scent might be overpowering for those sensitive to fragrance
3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:PÜR Cosmetics 4-In-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation – Bisque
This award-winning pressed powder compact for acne-prone skin is all you need for smoother-looking skin in an instant. The buildable powder is lightweight for natural and medium coverage and won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Avail the power of a foundation, powder, concealer, and sunscreen in a single multitasking product. Enriched with waltheria extract for brightening and evening out the skin, shea butter and vitamin E also seal in moisture. It also contains PÜR’s unique Ceretin Complex that features a blend of retinol, lactic acid, and ceramides to improve texture and provide anti-aging benefits. Keep your skin looking fresh all day and night with this pressed powder makeup. This video will provide you with added insights about the product. Pros
SPF 15 Provides anti-aging benefits Made without parabens, talc, gluten, SLS, petroleum, and mineral oils Buildable coverage Vegan Cruelty-free
Cons
May not be long lasting
4. Best Natural-Looking Finish:Revlon PhotoReady Blurring Powder – 010 Fair/Light
To perfect your skin, Revlon’s PhotoReady Blurring Powder contains micro-refined powders that also minimize shine. With the help of photo-chromatic pigments, your skin’s luminosity is increased along with an even skin tone. The small powder brush is super helpful for on-the-go touch-ups. Feather-light in texture, this oil-free pressed powder is also breathable and gives a natural-looking finish and undetectable coverage. Pros
Lightweight and breathable formula Offers shine control Evens out skin tone Offers a natural-looking finish Richly pigmented Luminous finish
Cons
Might settle in creases
5. Best For Oily Skin:COVERGIRL TruBlend Pressed Powder – TRANSLUCENT FAIR
COVERGIRL’s silky smooth top-rated pressed powder is all you will need for a natural finish. Infused with skin-brightening pigments, the smooth pressed powder for acne-prone skin easily glides across the skin and evens skin tone and texture. Controlling excess oil and blurring pores, this top pressed powder is ideal for oily skin, and you can use it even if you have sensitive skin. Don’t worry about clogged pores, as this formula is non-comedogenic. Pros
Offers a natural-looking finish Cruelty-free Brightens skin Provides even coverage Doesn’t clog pores Tested by dermatologists
Cons
Some may find it to be cakey
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Mineral Foundation – Cool 2
A good pressed powder doesn’t settle into skin creases, and that’s exactly why we love this one by Mineral Fusion! It is triple-milled to be as fine as they come so that it can grace your skin for a truly airbrushed finish. The buildable coverage gives you power over how light or heavy you want it, and the shine-free look keeps your face matte. The natural pressed powder formula is infused with pomegranate, white and red teas, and sea kelp for a healthy glow that controls free radical damage too. For a moisturizing and brightening boost, vitamins C and E come into the picture. You will also find licorice root, cucumber, and aloe vera to soothe skin and calm it. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Hypoallergenic Free of parabens, phthalates, talc, fragrance, gluten, and artificial colors Blurs pores Controls free radical damage
Cons
Some may find the formula to be heavy
7. Best For Dry-Combination Skin:Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder – Invisible Matte
With an ultra-sheer texture, Clinique’s got one of the best mattifying powders. If you happen to struggle with oily spots or oily skin, use this to get a fresh feel and look whenever, wherever. Minimizing the size of your pores, the oil-control pressed powder formula goes on as smooth as silk and controls shine all day long. No matter what skin tone you have, Clinique’s got you covered as there’s a hue for everyone. Pros
Gives a matte finish Ideal for dry combination skin Covers oily spots Controls shine Offers a natural-looking complexion Made without parabens, phthalates, and fragrance
Cons
Might not be ideal for mature skin
8. Best Long-Lasting Coverage:Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base – Honey Light
Glo Skin Beauty’s award-winning pressed finishing powder is weightless and offers you long-wearing coverage. It contains green tea and vitamins C and E that are laden with antioxidant benefits. The non-comedogenic pressed powder formula doesn’t have any talc and is anti-inflammatory to protect skin against free radicals and signs of aging. Triple-milled, the texture gives you buildable coverage that is resistant to flashback, cakiness, or drying. Pros
Buildable formula Soothing on sensitive skin or areas Offers a semi-matte finish Talc-free Non-comedogenic Nourishes skin
Cons
Some may find it hard to blend
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Almay Pressed Powder – 200 Light Medium, Mine
Experience fewer incidences of midday shine with the best-pressed powder by Almay. It sops up the oil in your skin for undetectable coverage. The ultra-fine pressed setting powder is oil-free to control shine, and the lightweight texture reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. You can use it to keep your makeup in place all day long, and with the mirror and puff applicator, you’re always prepared for touch-ups. Pros
Dermatologist-tested Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Fragrance-free Sets makeup Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups
Cons
Some may find it to be lightly pigmented
10. Best SPF:Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder Foundation – Fair 05
Neutrogena’s soft powder allows you to enjoy a natural-looking matte finish that doesn’t look caked-on. Containing vitamins B5, C, and E, the formula deeply moisturizes skin to look and feel smoother. Owing to the light diffusers, fine lines, wrinkles, and spots are softened for an evened-out skin texture. One of our favorite pressed powders with SPF, this formula ensures your skin is protected against the sun while looking fabulous! Pros
Conditions skin SPF 20 Lightweight Smooths skin texture Blurs skin imperfections Evens out skin texture
Cons
Some may find it to have a short staying power
11. Best Soft-Focus Effect:Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
Charlotte Tilbury is a cult-loved beauty brand that consistently delivers effective formulas. The Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is a must-have for those that always seem to end up with an oily T-zone. This micro-powder enhances your complexion for skin that looks poreless. It smooths, blurs, and perfects skin with a soft-focus effect so you can be confident in the skin you’re in. To hydrate your skin, you’ll find rose wax and almond oil that keeps it soft. Minimizing shine, this high-definition illuminating pressed powder dials up the brightness for a beautiful glow. Pros
Offers a soft-focus effect Contains hydrating ingredients Evens out skin tone and texture Long lasting Blurs out skin irregularities Minimizes shine
Cons
Some may find it to be cakey
12. Best Hydrating:CLUB Suppin Pressed Face Powder- White Floral
The translucent finish this powder gives off is barely noticeable and it keeps large pores and uneven skin covered. To amply hydrate skin, this Pressed Face Powder contains hyaluronic acid with collagen that plumps, while neubara fruit extract moisturizes deeply. It features a filter made with ougon root extract that protects your skin from sun and pollution. Use this pressed powder to load up on skincare benefits while rocking flawless skin. Pros
Hydrates skin Contains moisturizing ingredients Protects skin from environmental stressors Blurs enlarged pores Evens out skin texture and tone Has a pleasant fragrance
Cons
Some may find it to have a sticky consistency
13. Best For Dry Skin:No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder – Medium
For the ultimate flawless and radiant finish, this light-diffusing powder gives long-lasting wear. Infused with vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5, rest assured your skin is being looked after in the best way possible. And for much-needed hydration, hyaluronic acid comes into the picture by softening dry patches on dry skin types. The sheer coverage in this pressed powder for dry skin is enough to set your makeup in place so that it stays fresh and seamlessly blended. Pros
Offers sheer coverage Hydrates skin Vitamins condition skin Offers long-lasting wear Easy to blend Soft and airy texture
Cons
Some may find it to be chalky
14. Best Breathable Formula:Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder – No. 05 Soft Sand
The portable nature of Bobbi Brown’s pressed face powder isn’t the only good thing about it, as it can truly transform your skin for the better. Its silky formula goes on super smooth to give your skin a soft-to-touch feel and blots out oil. Made with a Special Pigment Coating Process, this feature allows your makeup to stay on for longer, and the hues match your exact skin tone. With the help of Spherical Powders, a blurred look is created, which masks fine lines for an even texture. The natural matte finish is the cherry on top as Soft Sand is a medium beige shade that helps control shine on light-to-medium skin tones with a smooth finish. Pros
Silky and breathable formula Blurs out fine lines Blots out excess oil Gives a natural matte finish Helps makeup last longer Evens out skin texture
Cons
Not ideal for those looking for heavy coverage
15. Best For Shine Control:Youngblood Pressed Mineral Foundation – Barely Beige
With a velvet or semi-matte finish, Youngblood’s Pressed Mineral Foundation gives you natural and buildable coverage. Sheer-to-medium with a lightweight finish, your flawless complexion will be a sight to behold. As it contains aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamin E with antioxidant protection, you can easily maintain your skin in tip-top shape. The silky-smooth texture effectively covers up fine lines and wrinkles and also smooths down the appearance of pores. With the built-in Rice Setting Powder, your skin’s shine is well-controlled. No matter what your skin type, dust this on your liquid formulas with no worries. Pros
Lightweight and breathable Made with 100% pure minerals Non-comedogenic Non-irritating Buildable coverage Blurs out skin imperfections
Cons
May not be ideal for long lasting wear
Now that we’ve looked at the best pressed powders on the market, let’s take a look at things to consider before picking one out for yourself.
How To Choose The Right Pressed Powder
Skin tone
Matching the pressed powder shade to your skin tone is crucial because if you choose something too light, it may end up looking ashy, and something too dark will look harsh. Test the shade out on your cheeks or jaw line, as this will allow you to match better. Fairer skin tones can choose a powder with a yellow base as this helps with a subtle glow without looking chalky. Deeper skin tones can select copper-based shades for a brighter look, and medium skin tones should choose something apricot-based for a natural finish.
Skin type
Another important factor when it comes to purchasing any makeup product is our skin type. Oily and combination skin types should look out for pressed powders that offer maximum oil and shine control with a matte finish. A waterproof and non-comedogenic feature is also quite ideal and will prevent you from requiring too many touch-ups or ending up with clogged pores. Oil-based powders are helpful for dry or dehydrated skin and a translucent shade can prevent your skin from looking flaky. Try moisturizing or cream formulas that offer full coverage and go for a dewy and radiant finish. If you have sensitive skin, mineral-based and non-comedogenic powders are your best bet. Check the ingredient list to ensure that there are no oils, waxes, fragrances, or preservatives that can irritate your skin. A patch test can help identify if the product might cause a flare-up.
Coverage
If you’re looking for a natural finish, a sheer or light coverage is the way to go. This is suitable for oily and combination skin as the formulas tend to be breathable and cover skin without ending up cakey. If you’re in the habit of frequent touch-ups throughout the day, lightweight coverage will come in handy. Full coverage suits dry skin as some pressed powders come with a built-in foundation, and they use a heavy formula. Filled with oils and emollients, dry skin will benefit from this type of coverage as it helps you look more supple and healthy. As normal skin types are the luckier ones, choose the coverage you desire according to your skin tone. After you’ve bagged the right pressed powder for yourself, let’s learn how you can use it for a gorgeous finish.
How To Use A Pressed Powder
Step 1: Ensure you’re done with your base makeup such as foundation and concealer if you’re using a pressed powder as the final step of your makeup routine. If you’re aiming for a natural look, go to the next step. Step 2: Dab a powder puff or a kabuki or a fluffy brush into the compact and dust off the excess powder by tapping it against the lid. Step 3: Start by lightly dusting the powder on your T-zone and move outwards. Make sure to not forget the under eye area. Do not apply the powder over your entire face, but just in areas that you want to blot out excess shine or oil. You can also cover up some fine lines and wrinkles. Step 4: Repeat the above step until you have the coverage you desire. Step 5: If you find yourself with excess powder, brush it away gently. Step 6: Reapply as and when needed throughout the day for a quick pick-me-up for your skin.
Portable, sleek, and versatile — pressed powders have got it all. They are your 1-stop solution to setting a makeup look that you worked super hard on, midday retouching, and for those ‘no-makeup makeup look days. When your skin gets too dull or gets too greasy during the workday, nothing will help you out, a pressed powder is all you need. Our list of the best pressed powders includes a formula for every skin tone and every skin type. Dab some on to extend the life of your makeup or switch on the lit-from-within glow. With multiple shades, finishes, and coverages, we’re sure you’re bound to find your true match.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Makeup enthusiast Chaitra Krishnan, who authored this article, finds great joy in experimenting with makeup items. She experiments with them to help her readers find the perfect makeup products. She made this list of the best pressed powder with the help of extensive research and some trials. These listed ones can cater to the requirements of different skin tones and types, and they can blot out the excess oil and shine. How long does pressed powder last? Even though this differs from brand to brand, most pressed powders have a staying power of anywhere between 5 to 12 hours. Is pressed powder and setting powder the same? Pressed powder has a semi-solid consistency that extends the life of foundation whereas setting powder is loose powder that sets makeup. Is pressed powder good for oily skin? Most powder formulas are suitable for oily skin owing to the oil and shine-absorbing properties. Pressed powders that give a matte finish can also be beneficial. Does pressed powder cause acne? Pressed powders that are non-comedogenic and are formulated without pore-clogging oils will not cause acne. Does pressed powder clog pores? No, most pressed powders are non-comedogenic and do not clog pores. Do you use pressed powder before or after the foundation? Apply pressed powder as the last step in your makeup routine, a few steps after the foundation. How long can I use pressed powder? A well-maintained, opened pressed powder may be used for two years before replacement. What’s the difference between translucent powder and pressed powder? Pressed powders are more pigmented than translucent powders and offer better coverage.
Recommended Articles Best Face Powders That Help You Achieve A Flawless LookBest Compact Powders For Dry SkinBest Powder Foundations To Conceal ImperfectionsBest Setting Powders For A Flawless Makeup Look (All Skin Types)
