If you’re looking for a natural, easy to apply face powder or makeup base that provides sheer to medium coverage and long lasting wear time, mineral powder is a great option.
Not only is wearing it lightweight and gentle on your skin (even sensitive types), but it also provides an even finish that looks unmade-up—and without caking up throughout the day.
With so many options available on the market today, we've done the hard work for you by narrowing down our top five picks of the best mineral powders – from budget buys to luxury choices – so you can find one perfect for your needs. Read on and get ready to say goodbye to cakey and patchy makeup forever.
We take the guesswork out of finding the best products. Each product was individually selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try out for ourselves and some we combed through thousands of reviews to find, but all opinions in this article are our own.
P.S. LindsaysReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something at no extra cost to you (that's how we stay in business and keep bringing you the best finds to save you time).
How We Chose The Mineral Powder
When selecting the best mineral powders, we considered factors such as coverage level, price range, ingredient list and more.
We also took into account user reviews from websites like Amazon, Walmart and Sephora to make sure each product was of high quality and had positive customer feedback.
After carefully researching all the different options bare minerals available on the market, we have compiled our list of the best mineral powders for you to choose from.
Also, be sure to check out our buyer's guide for more information on picking the right mineral powder for your skin type. So without further ado, let’s get started.
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup
Why It's Our Top Pick
This silky mineral powder foundation offers medium to full coverage while still being lightweight and breathable. It is also enriched with SPF 15 so you can be sure your skin is protected against the sun’s harsh rays.
This powder also contains a blend of natural minerals and vitamins to nourish and hydrate your skin, while also providing a long-lasting finish that won't cake or fade. The PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder is ideal for those with normal to oily skin types, and is also cruelty-free and vegan friendly.
This product is available in three shades, so you can find one perfect for your complexion. So if you’re looking for a lightweight, medium to almost full coverage powder base that offers sun protection and nourishment in one, the PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder is an excellent choice.
All The Details
The Pur 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder Foundation with Concealer & Finishing Powder is a multi-tasking, mineral-based powder foundation that gives you medium to full coverage, while also providing SPF 15 sunscreen protection.
Its mineral formula is both cruelty-free and vegan friendly, so it's a great choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone who wants to avoid animal testing. The pressed powder format makes it easy to apply and provides a beautiful dewy finish.
Plus, the powder provides a convenient all-in-one solution that combines foundation, concealer and finishing powder in one product. Ultimately, this is an ideal choice for those who want light to full coverage with an easy application process.
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder
Why It's Our Top Pick
Supergoop Mineral Powder offers broad spectrum sun protection with SPF 35 PA+++ to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, the powder is infused with ceramides, olive glycerides and coated silica spheres that create a soft focus finish, reducing the appearance of pores and providing a sheer to medium coverage.
It has a twist-lock brush dispenses a precise amount of powder and allows you to turn off the flow after application, making it mess-free and great for on the go touchups.
So if you're looking for a lightweight, gentle powder that provides even coverage and long lasting wear time, this is the one for you.
All The Details
The Supergoop! (Re)setting Mineral Powder is a setting powder that doubles as a sunscreen, providing Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+ protection in an ultra-lightweight formula.
This 100% mineral, non-nano formulation contains ceramides and olive glycerides to help seal in moisture, while coated silica spheres diffuse light and diminish the appearance of pores for a soft focus finish.
The twist-lock brush dispenses a precise amount of sheer powder and then lets you turn off the flow after application. Available in translucent or three best-selling shades. And of course, it’s reef-safe.
Physicians Formula Mineral Powder
Why It's Our Top Pick
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder is an excellent choice for those with very sensitive skin, or anyone looking for a sheer to medium coverage with long lasting wear time.
This talc-free, paraben-free formula provides a comfortable and buildable coverage that diminishes the appearance of imperfections while delivering a satin finish.
Plus, it is formulated with antioxidants and vitamins, providing SPF protection while nourishing your skin.
Last but not least, this amazing product comes with an air cushion blender sponge for easy application, and is available in two shades – Creamy Natural and Translucent Light.
And with its hypoallergenic formula, it is free from any harsh ingredients, making it safe for all skin types.
All The Details
The Phycicians Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder is the perfect mineral powder for even sensitive skin types. It provides a smooth, buildable texture and coverage that diminishes the appearance of imperfections, delivering an impeccable, bare-feeling satin finish.
The gentle, minimalist formula helps reduce irritation and breakouts while providing SPF protection.
This mineral oil and powder includes an air-cushion blender sponge for flawless application and is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, paraben free, dermatologist tested, gluten free, clinically tested and vegan & cruelty free.
With the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder you can say goodbye to harsh chemicals.
bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Powder
Why It's Our Top Pick
The bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil Powder is a great option for those looking for a weightless, talc-free powder that sets and extends makeup wear.
This product helps to illuminate skin and blur visible pores and fine lines, giving you a radiant glow and a glowing, lit-from-within look. The clean formula is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, perfect for all skin types.
Plus, it is vegan and formulated without talc, gluten, synthetic fragrance or PEGs! Key ingredients such as mica provide a luminous finish while iron oxide gives natural coverage and corn starch minimizes pores and absorbs excess oil.
All The Details
The BareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil Powder is a durable, long-lasting powder that sets your makeup while blurring and illuminating your complexion. It contains light-reflecting pearls to give you a glow for a glowing, lit-from-within look.
Plus, the clean formula is dermatologist tested and formulated without talc, gluten, synthetic fragrance or PEGs. This mineral powder is also vegan and non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and non-acnegenic.
With key ingredients like mica to provide a luminous and silky finish, clean, mineral-based Iron Oxide for natural-looking color and coverage, and Corn Starch to minimize pores and absorb excess oil, you can expect a filtered, natural finish, and even coverage.
jane iredale PurePressed Base
Why It's Our Top Pick
The jane iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Compact Set is a talc-free, vegan, and cruelty-free pressed powder with SPF. This semi-matte mineral foundation gives you sheer to medium coverage while providing natural protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
With nourishing ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins, this product is gentle on skin and helps provide superior hydration. The refillable compact comes with two refills so you can switch up your look whenever you want.
Plus, it’s free of synthetic chemicals, oil free and weightless. So if you’re looking for a mineral, loose powder foundation that provides sheer to medium coverage and long lasting wear time, jane iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation is your perfect pick.
All The Details
The Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill or Refillable Compact Set is a semi-matte pressed powder with SPF 20. Formulated with natural minerals and botanical extracts, this powder provides sheer to medium coverage that is free of talc, vegan and cruelty-free.
This soft, lightweight formula offers long lasting wear time and will not cake throughout the day. The refillable compact comes in a variety of shades to match your complexion and you can opt for the refill option.
The Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Set is a great choice if you are looking for an easy to apply makeup base that provides sheer to medium coverage with long-lasting wear time.
Mineral Powder FAQs
Is mineral powder better than liquid foundation?
Mineral powder has several benefits over liquid foundation. It is lightweight, provides natural coverage and won’t cake up or rub off throughout the day. Additionally, mineral powder is typically free of harsh chemicals and irritants which makes it great for sensitive skin types.
What is the best mineral powder?
The best mineral powder depends on your individual needs, but we beleive the five options in this article are a great place to find one that works for you.
Can I use mineral powder as a setting powder?
Yes, many mineral powders can be used as both a foundation and a setting powder. Mineral powders provide sheer to medium coverage with long lasting wear time and can help reduce shine and absorb excess oil. They are also lightweight, so they won’t cake up or rub off throughout the day.
Does mineral powder have SPF?
Yes, some mineral powders contain foundation spf. Look for formulations with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to get the best sun protection.
Can I use mineral powder on my eyes?
Yes, you can use mineral powder as an eye shadow or as a setting powder on your eyelids to help keep your eye makeup in place. Just be sure to use a very light hand and choose shades that are close to your skin tone.
Do I need to use a brush or sponge for mineral powder?
Yes, you will need to use a brush or sponge to apply the mineral powder. A densely packed brush is best for achieving full coverage while a lighter brush can be used for lighter coverage and more natural look.
Can mineral powder help control oily skin?
Yes, many mineral powders are formulated with oil-absorbing ingredients like Silica, Corn Starch and Kaolin Clay to help control oily skin. These ingredients will help minimize the appearance of pores and absorb excess oil for a matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
Should I use a primer with mineral powder?
It is not necessary to use a primer with mineral powder, but if you have particularly oily skin or need extra coverage, then you may want to consider using one. Primers will help to create a smooth canvas for your makeup and also extend the wear time of your makeup.
How do I remove mineral powder?
Mineral powder can be easily removed with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Make sure to use circular motions when cleansing for an effective and thorough cleanse.
Will mineral powder cause breakouts?
If you are prone to breakouts, it is best to use a mineral powder that is non-comedogenic and free of talc, which can clog pores and lead to acne. Additionally, using a brush or sponge with clean bristles will help reduce the risk of bacteria buildup on your skin.
What is the Best Mineral Powder For You?
It can be a challenge to choose the right one with so many choices available so make sure to understand the unique properties and benefits of each before selecting one that suits your needs.
Moreover, depending on your skin tone and type, you may want to adjust the shade or even blend several colors together in order to get the perfect finish.
With these tips in mind, a mineral powder can make a great addition to your daily beauty routine to keep skin smooth and flawless and restore your natural radiance.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, check out these options and see which one is right for you.
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