With summer already here, many of us are battling a shiny T-Zone in an attempt to stay fresh-faced; but with powders for a shine free face, keeping your makeup looking great is a whole lot easier! Some powders can contain nasties such as mineral oil, which can cause breakouts and irritate sensitive skin (believe me, I know!), but there are other powders that are gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, so you don't have to suffer shine. Here are my favorite 7 powders for a shine free face this summer, and all year round!
1 E.L.F Translucent Mattifying Powder
This was a recent purchase for me after months of trying to find a new powder that (a) didn't make me break out and (b) didn't turn me orange! I love this powder for its gentle formula and stylish black mirrored compact, which comes with a soft sponge. The translucent powder isn't too pale and really does help mattify skin and control shine - plus, it's a great price! It's one of my favorite powders for a shine free face.
Frequently asked questions
2 BareMinerals Mineral Veil
First off, I have to admit that bareMinerals does nothing for my skin - but I have dozens of friends that swear by it, which is why I'm including it here. This was recently listed as one of Harper's Bazaar's top face powders. It contains no artificial oils, chemicals or parabens and helps leave skin matte without blotchiness.
3 Diorskin Nude Luminous Rose Power
As you'd expect from Dior, the packaging of this powder is to die for! Mind you, so is the price...If you can afford it (it's a bit expensive for me) then treat yourself. I've heard great things - namely that it creates a flawless 'no makeup' look and a natural, fresh finish.
4 NYC Smooth Mineral Loose Face Powder SPF12
A better choice than Dior for women on a budget (that's most of us then!), this mineral powder nourishes skin whilst protecting it with SPF12. So it's great for fair-skinned women like myself! With no talc, dyes, alcohol, perfumes or preservatives, it's great for sensitive skin and doesn't contain mineral oil, which can cause breakouts. This powder leaves your skin fresh and matte and is a great alternative to bareMinerals.
5 Boots 17 Pressed Powder
This is a compact I have relied on for years - silky smooth face powder in a neat, mirrored compact with a soft applicator sponge. I used this until it fell apart in my handbag, and loved it so much that I glued it back together until the powder was finished! A great budget buy, although it may only be available in the UK.
6 Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Designed to even skin tone and brighten dark circles, it also mattifies but leaves skin with a radiant sheen that's great for summer. Plant extracts nourish skin and this is best used under your eyes to set concealer and brighten dark circles, or dusted on your cheekbones. Lovely!
7 MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder
I must confess, I'm a sucker for a cute product name and even cuter packaging! This limited-edition face powder from MAC comes in a gorgeous leather-effect compact with a bow. It's seriously pretty. The powder itself comes in three shades to suit all skin tones and whilst it reduces shine, it leaves a sheer, glowing finish on the skin that I think looks great for summer. Gorgeous!
Whatever your budget, there's sure to be a face powder to suit you in the above list. Or perhaps you already have a tried-and-tested favorite? I would love to know which face powders you use, so share them with me in the comments!
