When it comes to finding the perfect foundation formula, you can either go all cream or all powder. It makes sense if you think about it: creams blend better with creams while powders blend better with powders.
What if you want the best of both worlds? What if you want a foundation that glides on smoothly like a cream, and then morphs into a powder? That’s where cream to powder foundations come into play.
How can you tell which one is right for your unique skin type, problems, and age? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back! Ahead, you can find all the information you need to buy the best cream to powder foundation.
Switching to Cream to Powder Foundations
Before you hurry and purchase the first cream to powder foundation that seems right for your needs, here are the things you need to keep in mind.
- Know Your Skin Type. Cream to powder foundation works great for slightly oily or slightly dry skin. Its creamy texture hydrates the skin and prevents it from drying while the powder formulation absorbs excess sebum.
If you don’t want a dewy finish or a perfect matte look, then cream to powder foundation is the right pick for you. Keep in mind that if you have oily skin, the cream aspect tends to exaggerate the shine, so the powder won’t be able to absorb the excess oil.
- The Type of Coverage You’re Looking For. Due to its creamy texture, this type of foundation is easy to apply. In other words, it will glide on your skin smoothly and not smudge like liquid foundations, providing excellent coverage. However, cream to powder foundation tends to look heavier than other formulas. So, if you’re going for a natural look, then it’s best to opt for a liquid foundation.
How to Find the Perfect Cream to Powder Foundation
Searching for a decent cream to powder foundation to suit your skin type, color, and needs can seem like a daunting quest. Pay attention to the tips below to find the perfect product.
- Ease of Application. Liquid foundations can leave strikes or spots if you don’t have the time and patience to apply them carefully. Cream to powder foundations, on the other hand, require only a small applicator and offers a perfect cover up in minutes. You can even do touch ups throughout the day in just a matter of seconds.
- Don’t Let the Price Influence You. The brand name and popularity of a product isn’t always a guarantee that it will work for your particular skin problems and needs. Before you reach for the priciest cream to powder foundation, make sure they are the best fit for you. Pay attention to the level of coverage they offer and ensure they minimize your problems, not enhance them.
- Pay Attention to the Ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, dry skin, or oily skin, look for products that contain Aloe Vera, antioxidants or vitamins to prevent future skin problems.
- Make Sure It Comes with an Applicator. Cream to powder foundations usually come in the form of a pressed powder. That means that they’re compact and easy to carry around even in a small clutch. Look for products that come with a small applicator so that you won’t spread any pathogens when using your fingers. A mirror is a plus as well.
- Buy the Right Shade. Keep in mind that if it’s summer, your tanned skin will require a darker tone, but during the winter you may need to buy a lighter color. Always test the shades before purchasing.
5 Best Picks by our Editors
1. Mehron- Celebre Pro-HD Cream Makeup
Mehron Celebre Pro-HD is the overall highest rated cream to powder foundation by both beauty gurus and regular consumers. This smooth and innovative product can provide as much coverage as you need without building up and looking cakey. Not to mention, it’s oil free, so your skin will have a matte finish throughout the entire day.
Created to suit the needs of all skin types, Mehron Celebre Pro-HD will make your dry and lifeless skin look lively. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, its formulation will absorb excess oil and ensure a non-greasy texture. The result is a flawless look in a single application.
One of the things that make Mehron Celebre Pro-HD such a great product that, in addition to excellent coverage, its Aloe Vera, pomegranate, and vitamin E rich formula protects and hydrates the skin.
There are 20 shades available, so regardless of your skin tone, you’ll have no problem finding the exact color for you.
All in all, Mehron Celebre Pro-HD is the best cream to powder foundation for every skin type.
Pros
- Great for all skin types
- Absorbs oil from oily skin
- Only needs one application
- Many shades available
- Great coverage without caking
Cons
- Becomes oily hours after application
- Easy to apply too much
2. L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Compact
The True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup accomplished something that few foundations can to give you: flawless natural coverage that feels weightless. By mixing the versatility of a cream foundation with the matte finish of powder products, this foundation will cover your skin’s imperfections without caking.
With an innovative formula that contains no oils, no heavy texture or pore-clogging fillers, you’ll get a perfect finish that is so light that you’ll forget you’re wearing foundation.
Affordable, soft, and smooth, L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup is an excellent product that you’ll love using time and time again.
Pros
- Feels totally weightless
- Great for covering imperfections
- No caking
- Will not clog pores
- Affordable
- Many shades
Con
- Blending can be challenging
3. Milani Smooth Finish Cream To Powder
How about a foundation that is easy to apply, provides great coverage, and makes your skin look flawless? That is exactly what Milani Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Makeup can offer. It glides on the skin with ease and offers full coverage without caking.
Not only that it blends perfectly to ensure a natural matte finish, but due to its oil-free formula, your skin won’t get greasy or dry.
Another great thing about Milani Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Makeup is that it comes with a mirror and sponge applicator. So, either you’re in the car, or at the office, you can check and adjust your look in no time.
Long-lasting, versatile, and with excellent coverage, this is one of the best cream to powder foundations you can find.
Pros
- Good coverage
- Looks very smooth
- Easy to spread
- Great for blending
- Comes with a mirror and sponge applicator
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Finish can be a little dull
- Not many colors/shades
4. IMAN Cosmetics Cream to Powder Foundation
When it comes to the IMAN line of cosmetics, this product is the all-time favorite and best-seller. If you are looking for full coverage and a super sheer finish, along with skin-nourishing ingredients, this IMAN Cosmetics Cream to Powder Foundation is worth checking out. The fact that it can cover even the largest and darkest blemishes makes this product a winner. It can make virtually all skin imperfections vanish.
Due to the nature of the IMAN Cosmetics Cream to Powder Foundation, it is straightforward to spread around to achieve full and even coverage, not to mention that its consistency makes blending relatively easy, resulting in a remarkably velvety powder finish. Keep in mind that you will want to use an applicator sponge to achieve a sheer finish, but using your fingers is recommended for maximum coverage.
The other thing that stands out about IMAN Cosmetics Cream to Powder Foundation is how healthy it is for the skin. This product comes loaded with various beneficial ingredients, including jojoba, aloe, sugar can extract, citrus, and vitamins E and A. In other words, this foundation should help to hydrate your skin and keep it healthy. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Pros
- Easy blending
- Easy to spread
- Good coverage
- Makes blemishes disappear
- Great skin hydration and nourishment
Cons
- Contains talc
5. Flori Roberts Cream To Powder Foundation
If you are looking for a cream-to-powder foundation with a very deep satin finish for darker skin tones, this Flori Roberts Cream To Powder Foundation could be ideal for you. This product comes in 15 different shades for dark skin. However, this Flori Roberts Cream To Powder Foundation is not for you if you want a lighter shade.
That said, if you have dark skin, the very deep matte finish will look great. In addition, it features a matte finish, which will prevent your skin from looking shiny or sweaty.
Keep in mind that if you want full coverage, you may need several layers. The Flori Roberts Cream To Powder Foundation does a fantastic job at covering blemishes and imperfections. The fact that it applies like a cream makes it very easy to apply and spread evenly, and you can use a brush, an applicator sponge, or even your fingers if needed.
The Flori Roberts Cream To Powder Foundation is loaded with healthy ingredients that are beneficial for the skin. It includes vitamin A, which is great for collagen production, vitamin E, a fantastic anti-oxidant, and soybean oil, which is also rich in vitamin E. All in all, this foundation helps to tighten, hydrate, and nourish your skin.
Pros
- Many skin-healthy ingredients
- Great coverage
- Ideal for dark skin tones
- Many dark tones to choose from
- Easy to spread
- Matte finish
Cons
- Color chart is not 100% accurate