The Best Loose Powder Foundations of 2025

Loose powder foundations have evolved far beyond their chalky predecessors, offering lightweight, buildable coverage that blurs imperfections, controls shine, and feels breathable on the skin. Ideal for oily, combination, or sensitive types, these formulas provide a natural, matte-to-radiant finish without settling into lines. Based on expert reviews from beauty editors, makeup artists, and user feedback, here are the top five picks for 2025. Each excels in coverage, shade range, and longevity, with options for various skin concerns.

1. bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

4.7 out of 5

A lightweight mineral foundation that enhances your skin while offering buildable coverage—from sheer to full—with a natural, radiant glow.
Benefits:
Delivers long-lasting coverage with a luminous, natural finish. Helps reduce the appearance of pores and imperfections.

2. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation

4.6 out of 5

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Makeup Foundation helps improve redness, skin clarity, tone, and texture with lightweight, breathable coverage that feels soft and natural on the skin.
Infused with skin-nourishing Vitamins A, C, and E, this mineral powder foundation supports a healthy-looking complexion while providing sheer to medium buildable coverage.
Formulated for sensitive skin, this talc-free powder minimizes the appearance of imperfections and redness, enhancing skin tone for a smooth, natural finish.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder

4.6 out of 5

Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder is a mineral-based formula that helps control shine and smooths skin texture while adding a subtle touch of color. This setting powder offers the perfect final step to complete your makeup look.

A Shade That Matches You: Maybelline Fit Me finishing powder comes in a variety of shades, ranging from Ivory to Mocha, to suit many skin tones. Use it to set your makeup or reduce shine for a flawless, natural-looking finish that gives the impression you woke up flawless.

4. Almay Setting Powder

4.6 out of 5

This loose powder locks in your makeup while letting your skin feel natural and breathable. Its ultra-fine texture mattifies oily areas and imparts a healthy, radiant glow. It blends effortlessly to even out skin tone, minimize the appearance of pores, and gently blur imperfections. With weightless, comfortable wear, it offers light to medium buildable coverage for a flawless finish.

5. e.l.f. Halo Glow Soft Focus Setting Powder

4.5 out of 5

Weightless Loose Setting Powder: No filter needed—this silky, lightweight powder sets your makeup while leaving your skin with a natural, radiant glow without any shine.
Blurring Effect: Designed to blur fine lines and pores, it gives your complexion a smooth, soft-focus finish that’s perfect for selfies.
Airbrushed Finish: The e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder gently veils your skin for a dreamy, flawless airbrushed look.

6. COVERGIRL Professional Loose Finishing Powder

4.6 out of 5

Smooth Finish: Silky-fine loose powder delivers a flawless, beautiful finish.
Compact & Portable: Conveniently sized to fit in your bag for easy touch-ups anytime, anywhere.
Lightweight Formula: Buildable coverage lets you layer effortlessly to achieve your perfect look.

7. L’Oréal Paris True Match Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

4.5 out of 5

Skin-Improving Mineral Foundation
Helps control shine and minimizes the appearance of pores.
Gentle formula specially designed for sensitive skin.
Free from preservatives, talc, and fragrance—100% clean and safe for your skin.

8. Airspun Coty Loose Face Powder

4.6 out of 5

• Talc-free formula
• Exclusive microspun texture for a cloudlike softness
• Ultra-lightweight feel
• Absorbs oil for a shine-free, matte finish
• Won’t crease, cake, or cause flashback

9. Wet n wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder

4.6 out of 5

A silky, weightless setting powder that offers a hint of sheer coverage to lock in your makeup for long-lasting wear. It applies smoothly and blends effortlessly, creating a soft-focus effect that subtly blurs fine lines and imperfections. Translucent and ideal for fair to medium and tan skin tones, perfect for setting or baking your makeup. Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and fragrance-free for a clean, gentle finish.

10. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Loose Setting Powder – Medium

4.5 out of 5

Loose Setting Powder: This silky-soft finishing powder offers a matte veil of comfortable color available in shades that suit a wide range of skin tones. Its feather-light formula absorbs oil while leaving a smooth, matte finish.

Matte Finish: Use it under the eyes, along the cheekbones, or on the T-zone to set your makeup, or simply brush the Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder over your Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation for a flawless look.

Quick Tips for Application

• Start with moisturized skin to avoid patchiness.
• Use a fluffy brush for sheer application or a denser one for buildup.
• Tap off excess powder and buff in circular motions for an even, airbrushed look.
• For longevity, set with a translucent powder on shine-prone areas.

These selections prioritize inclusivity, clean ingredients, and real-world performance. If you have a specific skin type or concern (e.g., mature or acne-prone), let me know for tailored recs!