Foundation has the potential to be the most valuable player in any makeup routine. It can help camouflage discoloration, perfect uneven skin tone and give the skin a healthy-looking glow all while setting the stage for all the other products that come after it, from blush to lip color. However, choosing a foundation that’s right for your skin can be altogether challenging, especially when it comes to choosing between powder or liquid foundation. To get your beauty routine started on the right foot, we’ll cover all the basics about powder vs. liquid foundation, including:

• Is it better to use powder or liquid foundation?
• Should I use powder or liquid foundation for combination skin?
• Should I use powder foundation or liquid foundation for oily skin?
• Which is better, liquid or powder foundation for wrinkles?
• Should I use powder or liquid foundation for acne-prone skin?
• Which should I use for sensitive skin, liquid foundation or powder foundation?

Is it better to use powder or liquid foundation?

The question of whether it’s better to use powder or liquid foundation really depends on your makeup goals, beauty preferences and skin type. Opting for powder vs. liquid foundation is a very personal choice, but learning more about how each formula will behave on your skin can help you decide which is the best fit for you.

Powder foundation typically provides lighter, more sheer coverage than a liquid foundation, and depending on the formula, powder foundations may also feel more lightweight on your skin than their liquid counterparts. Because powder foundations help absorb excess oil, they can be very effective at reducing shine. When it comes to high temperatures and sweaty situations, powder foundations tend to hold up well. “If you have allergy-prone or sensitive skin, you might also prefer a mineral-based powder foundation because they tend to have fewer ingredients,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Generally speaking, the shorter the ingredient list, the less opportunity for reactivity when it comes to skin that’s easily irritated.”

Liquid foundation formulas, on the other hand, can be more hydrating and help keep flakiness at bay and dry skin looking smooth and fresh. If camouflaging severe discoloration is your goal, a highly pigmented liquid foundation will provide a buildable, full-coverage base for the rest of your makeup routine.

“Liquid foundation can be a good choice for people with rosacea or acne-prone skin,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “It can provide a smoother finish, whereas powder foundation can sometimes emphasize texture on the skin, making acne or rosacea look more pronounced.” Because powder foundation can sometimes settle into lines and wrinkles, liquid foundation formulas tend to be favored for mature skin.

Powder vs. liquid foundation

Are you wondering whether you should use powder foundation or liquid foundation for oily skin? Or how about which is better, liquid or powder foundation for wrinkles? Here are some of our favorite powder and liquid foundation recommendations for different skin types, from dry to sensitive to acne-prone.

For oily skin: jane iredale PurePressed Base

Which is the better choice, powder foundation or liquid foundation for oily skin? We tend to prefer a powder foundation for its oil-absorbing, shine-zapping properties. This powder foundation from jane iredale consists of a powder pan that snaps into a reusable mirrored compact for an easy, on-the-go foundation that's also environmentally friendly. It provides sheer coverage with a matte finish and SPF 15 thanks to a mineral blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

For mature skin: Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18

When it comes to makeup for mature skin, you may be wondering whether to choose liquid or powder foundation for wrinkles. Because some powder foundations have a tendency to settle into and emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, we love the creamy texture of a liquid foundation for mature skin. This formula by Glo Skin Beauty features a silky texture that's formulated with light-diffusing particles for a radiant look. You can apply it with your fingers or a foundation brush to provide the perfect base for your daily makeup routine.

For acne-prone skin: Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation

If you’re pondering whether to choose a powder or liquid foundation for acne-prone skin, we recommend going with the latter. This gel-liquid foundation from Oxygenetix is specially formulated to help treat acne as it conceals. “I love to recommend this foundation for my patients with acne-prone skin,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “The formula does not clog pores, and it also contains 2% salicylic acid, an effective acne-fighting ingredient that helps clear existing breakouts and prevent future ones as well.”

For dry skin: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue - Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

If you’re finding that powder foundation emphasizes the flaky texture of your dry skin, reach for a hydrating liquid foundation instead. With a silky gel texture, this foundation will feel a lot like a tinted moisturizer as it’s applied, plus it’s formulated with hydrating ingredients to help your dry skin appear plump and refreshed. It also contains mineral sunscreen (6% titanium dioxide) with SPF 30 to help protect your skin against the sun’s damaging rays.

For sensitive skin: Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream Foundation

For sensitive skin, it might take some experimentation to find the foundation that works best for you. We love this liquid foundation from Dermablend for sensitive skin because it’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and has also been dermatologist-tested for allergies and sensitivities. It also contains a slew of skin-improving ingredients, including vitamin E to nourish skin and niacinamide to help calm redness and irritation.

For combination skin: Colorescience Natural Finish Mineral Pressed Foundation

Is it better to use powder or liquid foundation for combination skin? If you have skin that acts both dry and oily, you might enjoy wearing either powder or liquid foundation. One option that has the best of both worlds is this pressed mineral foundation. Because it's formulated with glycerin, it is more hydrating than the average powder foundation. It provides medium to full coverage and water-resistance for up to eighty minutes, which is a plus for active types.

Have you ever wondered, "What’s in my beauty and skin care packaging?" Find your answers and learn more about eco-friendly, recyclable and sustainable packaging in our blog post.