Why I Prefer Powder Foundation Over Liquid Foundation

As someone with oily skin, I've gone through different phases with foundation, but these days I almost always reach for powder foundation instead of liquid.

It's not because I think liquid foundation is bad or that powder foundation is better for everyone. I just like how powder foundation works with my oily skin, my makeup routine, and the way I actually wear makeup.

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The powder foundation I'm currently using is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Powder Foundation in the shade Java. I've been using this one for several years now, and I really like how it wears on my skin. 

This Maybelline powder foundation is also versatile because I can wear it solo as a foundation or as a setting powder the times I wear liquid foundation. I share more about why I wear this powder foundation in My Favorite Drugstore Makeup Powder For My Oily Skin.

Why powder foundation works for my oily skin

Powder foundation, whether it’s the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Powder Foundation or another powder foundation, has become my go-to for everyday makeup. Here are the reasons why.

1. Powder foundation feels lighter on my skin

When I first started wearing foundation, I was wearing liquids. And some of those would feel heavy and even cakey on my oily skin. Over the years, liquid foundations have gotten lighter and more flexible, but they still have more of a heaviness, at least to me, than powder does.

To me, powder foundation feels so lightweight, and it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a heavy layer of makeup. Sometimes I almost forget I'm wearing makeup, making it perfect for my simple everyday makeup look.

2. It's easy to apply

To me, powder foundations are the simplest and least messy foundations to apply. I just need the powder and a powder puff, and I can pat the foundation onto my skin.

My routine for applying powder foundation is similar to liquid foundation. 

• I start with my full skincare routine 
• Apply a matte primer to help with controlling oil and minimizing pores
• Apply translucent powder, which may seem unusual, but I wear it to help control oil and give me an even base before applying foundation
• Add a little concealer to key areas if needed or wanted
• Apply my powder foundation by patting it on
• Finish with setting spray to set my makeup

If I were applying a liquid foundation, it would be an extra step after the translucent powder.

Related read: 6 Tips For All-Day Lasting Makeup On Oily Skin

3. It works well with my oily skin

As someone with oily skin, I like how powder fits into the way I manage shine. So using it as a foundation just makes sense. When I combine it with the rest of my makeup routine, including my mattifying and shine-control products, I like the smooth, natural-looking finish I get while keeping shine under control.

4. It's convenient when I'm traveling

I don’t like to take a lot of time when I put on makeup. Especially when I travel, and powder foundation fits in well with that. 

Using a powder foundation means 

• I don't have to worry about fitting another liquid into my liquids bag or dealing with a potentially messy foundation bottle
• I can throw the powder and puff into my makeup bag without needing a separate sponge or foundation brush
• I can apply my makeup on the go with less fuss and less mess

5. It can do more than one job

The powder foundation I use, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder Foundation, can be used either as a foundation or as a setting powder. This means I get more for my money, and I don’t need to buy several different products.

The main ways I use it are by itself and with liquid foundation

• When I want a simple, light makeup look, I just wear powder foundation. I can build it up for more coverage.
• When I'm wearing liquid foundation, I use the powder to set the liquid foundation and help control shine.

Is powder foundation right for everyone?

Powder foundation isn't for everyone. It isn't automatically better than liquid foundation. If you prefer the finish or coverage of liquid foundation, there's nothing wrong with using it. While I sometimes wear liquid foundation, I simply prefer powder because it works better for my oily skin, my routine, and the way I like to wear makeup.