6 Powder Foundation Hacks to Try This Summer

When you think of foundation your mind probably wanders to liquid foundations — maybe something with a matte finish you use daily or the light coverage formula you love for no-makeup makeup looks. But you’re missing out on an entire category of foundation that happens to be the most versatile of the bunch — powder foundation.

Whether it’s used as a foundation, applied like setting powder or used to mattify, powder foundation never falls short. We’ve rounded up our favorite powder foundation tips and hacks so grab your favorite compact and give these a go.

4 Ways to Hack Your Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is a powder with more coverage so every way in which you use powder, you can use powder foundation. When you think of it like that, the different ways you can use it in your everyday makeup routine multiply. Keep reading for tips to hack the way you use your powder foundation.

Use it as a Setting Powder

We know you’re supposed to apply your powder foundation as you would any other kind, but if you want extra coverage, it can double as a setting powder. First, apply your primer and liquid foundation (or a tinted face balm) and reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear in a Powder and a big fluffy brush to set your entire look. The extra coverage will give you a flawless finish and your makeup won’t smudge, budge or transfer throughout the day. 

Use it to Mattify Your T-Zone

If you struggle with oiliness (especially in the warmer months), we recommend using power foundation as a quick fix for T-Zone touch-ups. Throughout the day when you start to get oily in the T-zone (we’re talking on your forehead, and down or around your nose), pick up your powder foundation and use a sponge to tap it over these areas. You’ll be matte, shine-free and fresh in no time.

Use it to Conceal Dark Circles

Since powder foundation can provide quite a bit of coverage, use it on top of your under-eye concealer to hide dark circles and puffiness in a pinch. Start by applying your concealer — we love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid —  let it dry, then set the area with your powder foundation. You’ll look more awake and crease-free all day long.

Use it to Contour or Bronze

We typically use powder products to bronze and contour so who says you can’t use powder foundation instead? Choose a powder foundation that’s two to three shades darker than you’re skin tone and apply to the skin with a fluffy brush to bronze or a denser brush to contour. Powder foundation like the aforementioned Infalliable 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder is weightless and non-cakey so it’ll melt into the skin and you don’t need to layer cream and powder products to achieve a snatched look.

2 Tricks For Applying Powder Foundation

Diversify your powder foundation even more by changing the way you apply it. See our tips below to upgrade your application methods.

Use a Blush Brush

Typical powder foundations will come with their own sponge or blender to blot on all over your complexion, but celebrity makeup artist and L’Oréal Paris expert Sir John tells us that using a blush brush will actually give you better results. 

“A blush brush has the best circumference for applying powder foundation and can allow you to manipulate around the nose, under the eyes, the hairline, around the chin and so on,” he says.

Use a Light Hand 

To avoid looking cakey and keep your makeup looking fresh, we recommend using a light hand when applying your powder foundation formula. Don’t press on your sponge or brush too heavily into the compact – instead, press gently to let the product do its thing. In the summer months, you’ll be especially grateful for the more lightweight coverage.

Next: How to Cover Up Dark Spots with Makeup

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Photography: Matthew Zach, Senior Art Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay