Powders are pretty hard to avoid in the beauty world — we wear them on our eyes, in our hair, and even on our lips. But TBH, we haven't always loved the way they felt or looked on our face. (The words chalky, dry, and cakey might come to mind.)But this year, all of that changed. Beauty brands turned the powder category on its head — with formulas that are not only silky, but also hydrate, brighten, and smooth while they sit there on your face. Since we're all about multitasking, we thought we'd gather our favorite next-generation powders so you can experience the magic too. Check 'em out in the slides ahead.
If you have dry skin but still want the makeup-setting benefits of a powder, By Terry's formula is definitely the way to go. The ultra-fine loose powder contains hyaluronic acid — a moisturizing powerhouse— to hydrate parched skin.
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, $60, available at Barneys New York.
We didn't think it was possible, but this magic powder actually turns into a full-coverage cream once it hits your face. Simply dip a flat foundation brush or sponge into the pot and buff or stipple the formula onto your skin.
Jay Manuel Beauty Powder To Cream Foundation, $38, available at Jay Manuel Beauty.
This highlighter is infused with moisturizing argan oil to soften — rather than accentuate — dry patches. The shimmer is so fine, we even set our entire face with it for a luminous finish.
Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illumnizing Veil, $30, available at Sephora.
BareMinerals' Hydrating Mineral Veil is a classic for a reason. The finely milled loose powder is packed with vitamins and minerals that have a brightening effect on the skin. And, we swear, it never looks cakey.
BareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil, $22, available at Ulta.
This silica-packed bronzer was specifically designed to smooth over rough textures and large pores. A light dusting of the matte powder over our forehead and cheekbones gave our skin the perfect sun-kissed glow — not to mention an airbrushed effect.
Too Faced Bronzed & Poreless, $27, available at Too Faced.
This bronzer promises a "multidimensional matte finish," which sounds like BS — but makes sense once you try it. The creamy baked powder offers a shine-free yet somehow luminous result (sans glitter or shimmer). Tell us your secret, Laura.
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact, $40, available at Sephora.
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