Powder Vs. Liquid Foundation: Which Is Better For Your Skin?

You're not a makeup guru yet, but you're on your way. And yet, the second you walk into the beauty aisle, you're overwhelmed by different products, beginning with foundations. Suddenly the question becomes: Should you use a powder or liquid foundation to keep your skin glowing? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. 

Lots of different factors come into play including but not limited to your skin type, the kind of coverage you desire, and even the finish you're looking for. Do you want that dewy, glowing look? Or are you a matte-finish kind of individual? It's also important to consider the sensitivity of your skin, and what kind of effect certain ingredients may have on it.  

Once you start to think about the different aspects and what you really need from your makeup, the answer goes from simple math to calculus. Save yourself from crunching numbers by learning about the benefits of powder and liquid foundations. Find out why powder foundation might be better for those with sensitive skin, while liquid can give dry skin the hydration it craves.

You may not have heard much about it, but powder foundation isn't a new player in the makeup game. It's actually been around for a while. But it is a little less common than its liquid counterpart. That doesn't mean that liquid is necessarily the better option though, especially if you've got oily skin. One of the greatest advantages of powder foundation is that it absorbs all those nasty oils on your face that are working to clog your pores and could cause your next breakout. 

It's not just when you apply it either, since you'll reap these oil-blasting benefits all day long. So, powder foundation is great for those with oily skin who want a nice matte coverage. But that's not all when it comes to the health of your skin and powder foundation. It also has fewer ingredients and chemicals overall. When you take liquid out of the equation, most of the fillers and preservatives that can irritate the skin are eliminated, making it less harsh in general.

Additionally, the National Rosacea Society also points out that mineral powder foundations are great for those dealing with the condition since they cause less irritation to the skin. This makes powder foundations perfect for those with other allergies or sensitivities too. But, powder foundation isn't the perfect choice for everyone's skin. 

Just because powder foundation knocks the water right out of liquid foundation doesn't mean it's better for everyone. Those with dry skin might find that powder foundation makes them look cakey, while the liquid variety gives them that flawless finish by adding oils back into their skin. It also contains added chemicals and vitamins, like glycerin, which "prevent sensitive skin from getting dry," as board-certified dermatologist Tiffany L. Clay, MD, informed Health.

Liquid foundation isn't just hydrating either; it also offers more coverage and varied formulas than powder foundation. So, you're able to mold your foundation application technique to achieve fuller coverage as applicable and find the perfect formula for your skin needs. Additionally, a liquid foundation can be better for those with more mature skin since it doesn't settle as easily into wrinkles. Powder foundation could make you look older, and no one wants that. 

As you can see, the question of which foundation is best for your skin is a difficult one to answer definitively. You have to take several factors into consideration as you weigh up the pros and cons. To keep it simple, reach for a liquid foundation for dry skin or higher coverage. Powder foundation, meanwhile, works best for sensitive and oily skin. It may take some trial and error, but finding the right foundation for you will have you looking camera ready in no time at all.