The powder foundations we rate

Among make-up lovers, there are liquid-foundation loyalists and powder-foundation devotees. Today we're talking to the latter: the ones won over by the velvety, natural-looking finish of powder. Powder foundation is usually recommended for combination to oily skin because it is more mattifying, but it can sometimes dry out the most sensitive areas. That said, there are now plenty of variations on the powder foundation formula, and some suit dry skin perfectly. It is also worth saying that you can apply powder foundation with a sponge or a brush, depending on the finish you want and your personal preference.

Shiseido Pureness Matifying Compact Foundation

This one is mainly for oily skin. Non-comedogenic and formulated without oils, it can be applied to skin prone to blemishes.

What we like: it mattifies very well and gives the complexion a lovely even finish. It may need a touch-up during the day, but overall it wears well.

You can apply it with the sponge for more coverage or with a brush for a very natural finish. It is easy to apply and comfortable to wear, and it doesn't cake as long as you use the right amount.

What we like less: the shade range isn't very varied, and it can be hard to find the right match for your complexion, so do ask a professional for advice and try it on the lower part of the face, along the jawline, not on the wrist.

It can also dry out certain areas on combination skin, so avoid it if you only shine down the centre of your face and your cheeks are drier.

The compact comes with a sponge and a mirror.

Givenchy Prisme Foundation

We'll admit it: this one is a proper little luxury. Four different shades in one compact let you adjust the intensity of your base across different areas of the face, across the seasons and according to the effect you want. Presented in a lovely compact, as ever with Givenchy, it comes with a brush and a mirror.

What we like: the powder texture is very soft, easy to apply and very comfortable to wear. It has good staying power and a very natural finish that still delivers coverage; so far, so good. It mattifies quite well, although a touch-up may be needed during the day, or a quick blot with a mattifying sheet at lunchtime. It doesn't dry out the skin or settle into fine lines.

What we like less: it takes a few tries before you can juggle the different shades perfectly. And, inevitably, the thing we like least is the price. It is expensive, especially considering that the amount of product is a little light...

bareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15

Mineral foundation has won plenty of fans, and with good reason. Formulated with minerals and, according to the brand, free from preservatives, mineral powders are no less effective.

bareMinerals Original Powder Foundation is no exception. It comes in a small pot that has had a few improvements over the original version, since it now has a closeable sifter that stops the powder from spilling everywhere and allows for better dosage.

What we like: the powder is fine and very comfortable to wear. It doesn't cake and gives a very luminous finish. There are lots of shades to choose from, and a good match usually means a natural result: that's the case here. According to the brand, it suits all skin types.

Staying power is quite good, but do still expect to touch up. You can build coverage with your brush until you get the result you want.

What we like less: you have to learn how to apply it, as it is trickier to work with than its peers. You need to take your time for an even base, but once you've got the hang of it, application is quicker.

Sisley Phyto-Teint Éclat Compact

The powder version of the brand's liquid foundation, Phyto-Teint Éclat Compact is non-comedogenic and, according to Sisley, suitable for all skin types.

What we like: the powder is ultra-soft and very easy to apply, which makes doing your make-up a doddle. There's no demarcation, lines aren't emphasised and the skin looks velvety. The shades aren't very varied but they are very natural. We also like the luminosity, the coverage without a mask-like effect and the good staying power: an excellent product!

Presented in a lovely compact with a sponge and mirror, it is easy to carry around and perfect for any touch-ups.

What we like less: the price! It is a luxury, and it could perhaps do with a few more shade options.

Kanebo Powder Compact Foundation

This one is a firm favourite of ours, we admit.

What we like: designed to suit all skin types, it doesn't dry the skin out, unlike some other powder foundations. The shades are very pretty and natural. We like how easy it is to use; the powder is very pleasant and gives good coverage without dulling the complexion. The refillable case is a real bonus: the first purchase is therefore significant, but after that you only buy the powder refill to put back into your compact.

What we like less: on combination to oily skin, it doesn't mattify for long, so a touch-up may be needed during the day. And it isn't easy to find, as it isn't sold in every beauty retailer.

Budget

As a rough guide, expect to pay around £25-£45 for a branded powder foundation from a chemist or beauty retailer, and more like £50-£70 for luxury lines. The price depends on the amount of product, whether the case is refillable and whether a brush or sponge is included. Refillable compacts, such as Kanebo's, mean you only need to buy the refill afterwards, which brings the cost down over time. It is worth trying the shade at a beauty counter or asking for a sample before you decide, because a badly matched shade remains one of the main reasons people give up on powder foundation.