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What's your favorite foundation and powder pairing?


What’s your favorite foundation and powder pairing? Share!

For my normal-to-dry skin, I love Guerlain Lingerie de Peau paired with Les Voilettes powder.

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Lauren Avatar

For weekends, I love Jouer Matte Moisture Tint topped with Tarte Amazonian Clay Powder Foundation. My skin is currently a bit too dry for that combination, so I’ve been using Smashbox CC ream instead, but I do prefer the overall final look with the Jouer when my skin is right. Coverage is great, not sure why that combo is my weekend look and not my workweek look…

In summer, for work, I really like MUFE Mat velvet + topped with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, either Dim Light or Diffused Light. Right now, due to my normal to dry skin (I am usually oily), I am using MUFE HD Foundation with a touch of MAC mineralize skin finish on my nose, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder elsewhere.

Jade Avatar

I actually wear a BB cream, but I use it like a foundation – Garnier BB Cream
Oil-Free for Oily to Combination Skin. I use the shade Light and it happens to be an absolutely perfect match for me. I set it with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. I’ve been searching for a replacement but so far I keep going back to the Garnier!

Rachel R. Avatar

BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Fair with Mineral Veil in Original (translucent) or Illuminating. They match my skin tone, control the oil, wear all day, don’t upset my allergies, and look great. I can wear the veil under the foundation, over it, or both, depending on how oily my skin is that day. Probably not the most exciting combo, but they work the best on me and always look good, so they’re my favorites.

I have a really hard time matching foundations, on top of needing super-oil control/oxidation prevention, so really I don’t own many foundations or powders.

Lotus Avatar

You will 100% love the new NARS foundation! I do, I thought I got acne and was going to go back to Maestro but I don’t like it for now and the acne was just Aunt Flow. 😀 And get the loose powder in Snow! LOOOOOOOVE! Ugh <3

Gillian Avatar

That’s a hard one but for the moment, if we’re talking liquid foundation, it’s usually Burberry Luminous Fluid Foundation in 01 with a touch of Barry M white cream foundation set with Guerlain Meteorites in 02 Clair, either loose or pressed. I also like the Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation in N0 again set with Guerlain Meteorites.

For more coverage I would use Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation in 00 Alabaster over the foundation and before the finishing powder. I love this and went through it very quickly so I’m on to my second one.

Finally, as an alternative to the Guerlain Meteorites I love the MAC Prep and Prime translucent loose powder. So silky and it works well for my oily skin.

I switch my foundation up every couple of months or so but sometimes I’ll just pick on the day according to the finish I want so I might wear three or four different foundations in one week, if not more! I need to use them , although I totally failed with my ‘No Buy’ and repurchased the Bobbi Brown powder foundation instead of just using up what I have. My excuse is that it’s really the only powder foundation that works for my skin. 😀

Gillian Avatar

I’m tempted to try the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal. Anyone else used this one? I’ve swatched it a few times and like the finish it gives. I might just go and try it out when I’m next in Space NK but that probably won’t be for a while so any ideas as to which colour to get, or even which powder to get (I’ve got oily skin so it would need to cope well with that), it would be appreciated. 🙂

Lotus Avatar

Hi Gillian! Ethereal is a HG for me. It truly is a unicorn product! I’m So fair and it is perfection! I love using it! It always makes me go ooooo, so pretty! I also love the meteorites so I’m pretty sure our taste is similar and so I highly recommend! Please keep me posted if you get it and when you fall in love! I also highly recommend the brush to go with! I love it so much, I have 3! 🙂 <3

Arianna Avatar

I like Rimmel Match Perfection + Maybelline Fit Me Powder (the original type).

I have tried maaaaany higher end products, but none worked as well on my normal to dry skin – light olive in shade.
For both products I found exceptional formulas and a wonderful range of shades.

However on a daily basis, I use Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact Douceur, so I can use that only instead of pairing 2 products 🙂

Brenda F Avatar

what colour do you use in Rimmel? I have tried a few and like the foundation overall, but they ALL seem to oxidize on me within a half hour..I haven’t tried the match perfection yet.

Emily Avatar

I have super dry, sensitive, acne prone skin with rosacea, and have found UD’s ultra definition liquid foundation + the ultra definition loose finishing powder to be my skin’s best match! Once the weather warms up over here, I’ll switch to the powder foundation.

Laura_Lou Avatar

I tend to use Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich with MAC Prep & Prime translucent pressed powder on top. I find the BB foundation really good for my dry skin but it tends to set kinda shiny so I like to use a translucent powder just to make it look more satin/natural.

Wednesday Avatar

I’ve been absolutely blown away by KohGenDoh Aqua foundation. Top it off with LaMer loose powder (Which I just heard is being discountinued..ugh.. I’ve got one on the go and a full backup in stash in colour Cream). The LaMer has completely kicked two of my previous favourites out of rotation: NARS Light Reflecting, and Chantecaille HD Perfecting. It’s that good. Can’t believe it is getting the axe.

Lotus Avatar

Hi Wendy! La Mer’s loose powder was my HG powder! Until I discovered NARS Velvet loose powder! I’m very pale so I ise the Snow color, but they have many! It’s somewhat new but I recommend giving it a try to see if it replaces the La Mer for you as well! I believe MonsieurAlex also said something regarding this NARS powder taking the place of LM as well. Check out his YouTube! 🙂 YSL souffle éclat is a lovely loose as well but not better than the above, I’m sure you know that, though. I also hope you found the concealer you were looking for your eye area! <3

Lotus Avatar

Hello Wendy! I’m so glad you found a concealer with which is treating you kindly! That’s a nice one! I don’t like the silicones I’m the NARS foundation so I’ll be switching back to GA Maestro soon! (You reminded me, however random)

I still have my La Mer tub too! They never end, and I’m quite sure that it is not permanently being discontinued as it is their best seller in many locations, efficient and beloved, irrevocably irreplaceable. I like to use a couple colors for a flawless effect and I’d more than appreciate its stay. The translucent loose NARS is a decent press into face setting powder, but the Velvet loose… It has an imperceivable way of melding onto the face and creating a flawless natural silken finish to the skin. So on days when you’d rather save your succinct HG, perhaps consider trying the Nars velvet in intervals to make yours go farther! Otherwise, as you said, I’d not worry, they last forever and you have storage! As well.. I still won’t believe they’re discontinued, even when they are. I’m far too stubborn, haha. 🙂

Jade Avatar

I’m so glad to see you say that – I have totally gone OFF primers since I developed oily skin. It seems primers either come in “mattifying and pore-reducing” silicone-based, or hydrating and glowy non-silicone (or at least silicone is way down to product list) – while I love the latter, they don’t help my oils situation much. So I digress!! I’m yet to find a primer that TRULY keeps oil at bay, on my oily skin, in my hot climate.

xamyx Avatar

I have drier skin, so I prefer a dewier finish when it comes to foundation, so I don’t typically powder. When I need something to last, I go with Revlon ColorStay, and rely on a luminous highlighter. I’m a big fan of the Maybelline Master Hi-Light which does double-duty as a blush & hoghlighter, so I’m using less powder on my face, therefore eliminating cakiness & my pores are less noticeable.

Nicole Avatar

I am glad you posted about the ByTerry powder. I have read split comments on it. Use Guerlain Les Violettes to set my face. But,it is a little too matte and dry for my under eye. Do you like it for setting under the eyes. I also use Guerlain Meteorites. But, I don’t feel it “sets” my unereye concealer and I suppose it’s not suppose to. It’s a “setting” powder. I appreciate any feedback you have. I know By Terry is not very popular yet and the reviews I am reading are all over. Thank you!

Sarah Avatar

Yes i like it for setting my under eye concealer with this powder (but with a light hand). I also have Les voilettes (i like that one too), but the By Terry powder makes my skin look very perfect without being really matte…if you know what i mean. The Meteorites, i use as a finish powder afterwards. And the By terry powder is the only powder I can do the “Wayne-Goss”method with, all other powders made me go cake face.
I hope that helps?

Sarah Avatar

Basically it’s putting powder on before foundation, which makes your makeup last longer and fills in the pores. Also you have a more foundation finish (dewy, if your foundation is that) than a powdery finish. If you search for this on google you will see the video and also loads of people who tried it. Some love it, some don’t. I didn’t at first, but with the Hydra powder I love it.

Pami Avatar

That’s an interesting concept. I would think that would be a recipe for “cake face” if you were using a liquid foundation. I’ll google it just too see what it’s all about. Thanks Sarah. 🙂

rachel Avatar

I’ve always wondered what other dry-skinned ladies used. I have dry skin and have never used a pressed powder over foundation. I always feel like they will make the lines in my forehead stand out and make me appear even more dry.

ale Avatar

at the moment i’m using guerlain parure gold with chanel loose powder.
the chanel powder works with any foundation (dior, chanel, EL, YSL) as it does not change the finish of the foundation too much (can u tell i love it? :))). if want a really luminous finish i’ll top everyting off with meteorites perles.

Myan Avatar

I have combination skin that starts out pretty dry after washing my face in the morning, but then gets oily throughout the day.

For work days, I like pairing NARS tinted moisturizer with NARS loose translucent setting powder. Other times, I use Dior Star foundation with the same NARS loose setting powder.

Lotus Avatar

In rotation, either the new Nars Luminous foundation with Nars Velvet loose powder, or KGD foundation with the same NARS Velvet loose powder. : ) That powder has replaced my fave: La Mer. Amazing!

Brenda F Avatar

For my dry skin at the moment I’m using Annabelle Skintrue Foundation in True Beige (it’s a bit too neutral in colour) and Meow Pampered Puss as a powder in Frisky Manx. (that gives me enough of the yellow I need to balance out the foundation). Even though the colour isn’t quite the right undertone, I really like it – it hasn’t separated on me, overemphasized dry places or oxidized on me! I can make it work 🙂

Pami Avatar

On my normal-to-dry skin I use Missha Cho Bo Yang BB Cream as foundation, custom blending both shades (I make a stripe of each on the top of my hand varying the amounts of the lighter and darker as needed, then blend and apply with fingers patting all over). I usually top it with Bareminerals Brightening Mineral Veil using Jane Iredale’s Handi flat top brush, or Stila #8 Powder Brush. I love my Guerlain Meteorites in 01 Teint Rose, but since it’s talc based I only use it on special occasions. Talc doesn’t play well with my skin. Once in awhile I’ll use Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder, but it’s not my favorite. Sometimes I’ll finish with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders – I have the palette (LOVE!) and Luminous Light.

CJ Avatar

NARS Sheer Matte with MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Setting Powder (the pressed compact). Works well for my oily skin but I keep Boscia blotting papers handy.

Samantha Avatar

I have very dry skin and mix (small amounts of) MAC Face and Body, MAC Studio Fix, and MAC Studio Sculpt + Guerlain Meteorites to set it. This combination gives me a beautiful glow and is actually hydrating to my skin.

Valerie C. Avatar

I like it, not heavy or mask like. The old formula broke me out, but, this new one doesn’t. The MUFE powder is nice too because it offers coverage and is lightweight 🙂

Julia Avatar

Ooh, I very much like Guerlain, too, Christine. My current favorite is Sisley Phyto Teint Expert and the loose powder. The powder is very fine, and never settles into wrinkles. The foundation is a medium to full coverage, but looks glowing.

El Avatar

Vichy ProEven BB cream then Chanel Vitalumiere powder foundation. The Chanel coverage can be built up if needed, so it gives me a lot of flexibility. The BB cream just brightens me up and it’s moisturising, so makes a good base for powder. I have dry combination skin.

Angel Avatar

I almost always mix and match different brands, but right now, I’m finding Urban Decay Naked foundation and loose powder to be a perfect combo.

Linda Avatar

I stopped buying the expensive foundations that was 40 and $50 each. I started buying cover girl ready set gorgeous and it’s the best foundation in the world it dries to a soft met powder finish, but I still like to set it with Revlon finishing powder.

I look better with this foundation that I have in years.

Jessica Avatar

In the winter, I have dry skin and been loving Bare Skin from Bare Minerals with Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder. It makes my skin look smooth and hydrated and beautiful. I get so many compliments when I use this combination.

Brooke Avatar

Ugh nothing has been working for me. I just stared to used Nars concealer on red spots and under eyes. I set it with benefit peach. I’ll use a little maybelline fit me pressed powder on my oily forehead. I just switched to a great skin care routine that has my skin flawless

Cami Avatar

I’ve been loving the Loreal Infallible Pro-Matte foundation with the matching powder. Other all time favorites are the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation with the Laura Mercier universal loose setting powder and Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet with UD Pressed Powder.

calimom Avatar

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light in shade 02 with Coty Airspun in Naturally Neutral. For me this is the perfect balance between luminous and matte. I do find that the type of serums and moisturizers I use affects the way makeup looks on my skin.

Rowaten Avatar

My skin is normal to oily and my favorite foundation is Mac studio finish and Bassam Fattouh loose powder its amazing to settle the foundation and concelar

Irene Avatar

I have sensitive/combination skin (seb dermatitis + rosacea), and I like Skin79 Green bb cream with NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder. That powder is amazing, it blurs imperfections yet doesn’t emphasize any dry patches.

Linda Avatar

dior bb cream and mac fix power foundation. i know the second one is not a fixing powder but a foundation however i use it with a huge fluffly brush to have a fixing poweder effect. The result for my dry skin is amazing!

Celeste Avatar

Sunday Riley Tinted Primer and Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Powder. Perfect looking skin without the “makeup mask” effect. Lasts all day.

Chris Avatar

Covergirl Queen Collection 3 in 1 Liquid – Queen Lasting Matte Pressed Powder

I would like to try Estee Lauder Double Matte with a pressed powder.

Stacy M Avatar

On “real makeup days,” I like the Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless” line: both he Oxygen Wow liquid foundation, and pressed powder. I discovered them in the “How to Look the Best At Everything” travel/trial kit from Sephora that I bought to take on a vacation, and they got me hooked fast.

On “I just BARELY care enough to not go bare-faced, but don’t push your luck” days, I usually reach for a one of a few CC creams I own, followed by… wait for it… I’m not kidding!…. Elf Cosmetics’ pressed mineral foundation! I swear, I like the Elf version better than any other pressed powder foundation I’ve tried (I’m hopeless at loose foundations, so I’ve only tried the pressed minerals in any brand)… It goes on very smooth, wears well, and leaves a really nice, natural finish.

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