8 Best Pressed Powders for Makeup That Lasts Throughout the Day

Keep skin soft and smooth with this powder that is the perfect finishing touch for a makeup routine. Despite its mattifying effect, rose wax and almond oil help keep skin hydrated. It can be applied with a puff or brush, though it doesn’t come with an applicator.

Tester notes: “As lightweight as it gets, this powder that I've used for years truly seals in makeup while feeling like nothing on the skin,” says GH Temporary Beauty Editor Celia Shatzman. “It can be applied anywhere — even under the eyes to set concealer. Though it has light-reflecting particles, it looks glowy, not shimmery.”

When you want a little more coverage, reach for this powder that doubles as a foundation. Offering medium to full coverage, it covers like a liquid but mattifies like a powder sans creasing or caking. Boasting up to 24 hours of wear, the brand claims it to be oil-free, waterproof, heatproof, sweat-proof and transfer-proof. But be sure to handle the compact with care because some shoppers complained of the powder cracking and shattering easily.

Tester notes: It’s a go-to for Wnek and her combo/oily skin. “It is lightweight with buildable coverage and does a great job at covering redness and evening skin tone,” she says. “I also like that is available in 20 shades.”

Each of the four color-correcting shades work together to neutralize redness, even skin tone and brighten dull skin. The formula is spiked with kaolin to help absorb shine and peony root extract to help address dullness. Note that the four colors should be mixed together with a puff or brush for proper application.

Expert notes: “My absolute go-to, I love the color theory behind everything the brand does,” Siard says. “It’s also not just for the aesthetics of it — the four colors allow the product to stretch shades and create an even more inclusive range. It is one of the most blurring powders in my collection without ever feeling heavy. It’s an 11 out of 10 for me.”

Sheer and soft, skincare ingredients are baked right into the formula. Per the brand, the bamboo stem extract minimizes shine, passionfruit leaf extract smooths and peony extract shrinks the appearance of pores. Boasting an airy texture, it helps minimize shine but leaves skin glowing and won’t crease or cake. It comes in brightening shades as well, though some shoppers felt they weren’t effective enough.

Tester notes: “I love that this comes in a travel-friendly size for my makeup bag,” says GH Deputy Editor Sarah Gregory. “It has a range of shades, and it doesn't settle into my lines — just makes my shiny skin more matte and sets my makeup.”

With an impressive shade range of 33 options, everyone can find their match with this powder foundation. Offering medium to full buildable coverage, the formula contains triple-milled micronized pigments for true-color coverage that blends right into skin. It also has microspheres and texturizers to help filter out wrinkles, fine lines, pores and any unwanted texture. Rice silk powder adds to the soft-focus blurring effect. But those with acne-prone skin may want to opt out because some shoppers complained of breakouts.

Tester notes: “I'm not a huge fan of powder foundations, but this one is my exception,” says Amanda Constantine, GH home and apparel reviews analyst. “I apply the foundation with a powder puff for a super smooth finish, and if I really want a full coverage look, I layer it over a liquid foundation. It has a blurring effect and helps to stop shine around my nose and forehead all night!”

Think of this as taking a blotting paper to the next level — it helps removes slickness but also leaves a touch of mattifying powder behind without drying out skin, courtesy of squalane. The non-comedogenic formula is suited for acne-prone skin and will help avoid breakouts. Though it only comes in one translucent shade, it works for all skin tones.

Tester notes: “A mattifying miracle for oily skin, just a few dabs instantly zaps shine and leaves my makeup looking refreshed,” Shatzman says. “Ideal for on-the-go, the compact has a small mirror and comes with a sponge applicator, so it’s great for stashing in your purse, especially on hot summer days. Even after multiple touch-ups it won’t get cakey.”

Pressed powders once had a bad rep for leaving skin looking and feeling dry, but formulas have come a long way, especially this one. All about radiance, it leaves a gorgeous glow (not greasy!) and keeps skin feeling comfortable. The finishing powder helps keep makeup locked down and blurs along the way. The chic compact includes a mirror and sponge applicator, making it great for on-the-go. However, the shade range is a bit limited.

Shopper notes: “This powder compact is by far the best I've ever used,” an Amazon reviewer said. “It's especially good on mature skin like mine. There's an ample amount of pressed powder, and a very thin rectangle soft pad with a cross ribbon to slide your two fingers through, so you don't drop it! In my opinion, this Hourglass pressed powder is worth the price because it has never let me down. When I needed to dab my nose, cheeks or forehead, it picked up just the right amount and applied it perfectly without being too matte. It provided a perfect blur to areas prone to wrinkles also.”

Truly skin-like, this translucent powder disappears into the complexion and sets makeup for up to eight hours thanks to jojoba esters that create a flexible film to extend wear. It's non-comedogenic and non-irritating per the brand, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Licorice root extract and hectorite work to smooth, brighten and blur, plus mica and silica leave skin with a glow.

Tester notes: “Accurately named, this setting powder really is undetectable,” Shatzman says. “I love how natural its sheer wash of color looks on my skin. My oily skin can easily be triggered, so I appreciate that this was formulated with sensitive skin in mind. The only drawback is that though I appreciate the natural radiant finish, I wish it were a little more mattifying.”