11 powder foundations for a flawless, full-coverage base

From $72 at Sephora
Undetectable on the skin, Make Up For Ever’s new powder foundation delivers a natural velvet matte finish, and the double-sided applicator can be used to customise coverage. 

Key features:

• 40-strong shade range
• Water-resistant, sweatproof and smudgeproof
• Works to cover redness 

Available at:

• $72 from Sephora
• $72 from Adore Beauty
• $72 from The Iconic

From $114 at Sephora

Dior has enriched its high-coverage powder foundation with iris, rose and wild pansy extract to improve comfort, hydration and pore size. The creamy, fine-milled formula is also lightweight and long-lasting, providing breathable, natural-looking coverage for up to 24 hours. 

Key features:

• 90 per cent natural origin ingredients 
• Comfortable velvety soft formula
• Incorporates floral skin care into the formula

Available at:

• $114 from Sephora
• $114 from Myer
• $114 from Adore Beauty

From $36.99 at Adore Beauty

This budget-friendly powder foundation is a must if you’re in need of a formula that promises longevity. It’s waterproof, sweat-proof, and heat and humidity-resistant. 

Key features:

• Humidity-proof
• Works to reduce shine
• Full coverage formula 

Available at:

• $36.99 from Adore Beauty
• $22 (usually $36.99) from The Iconic
• $36.99 from Priceline 

From $60 at Sephora

If you struggle to find your perfect foundation shade, Rihanna has your back — this powder foundation comes in 50 different shades. Fenty Beauty has even taken into account undertone and skin colour depth, so there’s literally something for everyone. 

Key features:

• No flashback formula
• Delivers blurred finish 
• Buildable lightweight formula 

Available at:

• $60 from Sephora
• $36 (usually $60) from Fenty Beauty
• $67.55 from Fresh Beauty Co

From $66 at Myer

M.A.C’s powder foundation has the most matte finish of the bunch. Formulated to minimise shine throughout the day, this pick provides buildable medium to full coverage for up to 12 hours. 

Key features:

• Works to minimise the appearance of pores
• Dual-purpose: worn alone or over makeup 
• Helps to control excess oil and shine 

Available at:

• $66 from Myer
• $66 from Adore Beauty
• $66 from M.A.C

From $62 at Sephora

Patrick Starr’s entry in the category amps up the blur factor with a soft matte finish, and subsequently perfects the complexion (kind of like a beauty filter IRL).  

Key features:

• Vegan formulation
• Customisable coverage
• Works to address uneven texture and tone

Available at:

• $31 (usually $62) from Sephora

From $102.08 at Amazon Australia

If you’re after a powder foundation that won’t settle into fine lines or emphasise texture, this finely-milled, matte-finish pick will provide you with the healthy-looking, smooth complexion you desire.

Key features:

• Antioxidant rich gooseberry extract 
• Fragrance free 
• Ultra-fine powder 

Available at:

• $102.08 from Amazon Australia
• $97.15 (usually $121.44) from all beauty 
• $148.05 from Fresh Beauty Co

From $89 at Myer

Optimised for normal to oily skin types, Bobbi Brown’s powder foundation is oil-free and delivers a comfortable, healthy-looking, and shine-free finish. 

Key features:

• Covers imperfections
• Provides natural looking coverage 
• Soft, creamy texture 

Available at:

• $89 from Myer
• $89 from Adore Beauty 
• $89 from Bobbi Brown 

From $69 at Strawberry Net

This impressive loose powder foundation promises better skin with continued use; you can wear it all day without worrying about clogged pores and breakouts.

Key features:

• Luminous skin finish
• Free from talc
• Won’t dry out skin

Available at:

• $60.50 (usually $69) from Strawberry Net
• $54.05 from Catch
• $58 from Amazon Australia

From $42.95 at Nude By Nature

If blemish-prone skin is what you’re currently dealing with, turning to a foundation with not only a nourishing formula but also built in blemish-controlling ingredients (think salicylic acid) is the choice for you. Luckily Nude By Nature has developed their lightweight, skin-loving blemish control foundation for just that.  

Key features:

• Free from toxins 
• Includes 100 per cent natural salicylic acid 
• Lightweight, balancing formula

Available at:

• $42.95 from Nude By Nature 
• $25.77 (usually $42.95) from Priceline
• $43 from Big W

From $79 at Adore Beauty

You’re going to want to be caught on camera wearing (and holding) this gorgeous golden compact. Glowing skin is all but guaranteed with this (light-absorbing) camera ready silken formula. If getting you camera-ready isn’t enough from your foundation, this hard-working formula even includes soothing vitamin E and brightening vitamin C; big wins all round.

Key features:

• Ultra-luxe gold compact 
• Three-in-one coverage formula 
• Vitamin C and E work to nourish and brighten 

Available at:

• $79 from Adore Beauty
• $79 from Oz Hair and Beauty
• $79 from The Iconic