The 12 Best Mineral Foundations of 2021

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If you're looking for a natural-based alternative to a regular foundation, a mineral foundation is a perfect choice. Unlike traditional formulas, most mineral foundations are made from natural materials, without questionable ingredients and fillers. Composed without talc, mineral oil, alcohol, preservatives, and fragrances, mineral foundations are great options for every type of skin, including sensitive and acne-prone.

Mineral foundations come in a variety of consistencies (powder, liquid, or cream), so it’s easier than ever to achieve natural-looking coverage without cakiness. We've researched the top ones that are ideal for giving great coverage and keeping your skin healthy.

Read on to discover all of the best mineral foundations.

Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

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AmorePacific’s mineral foundation is the creme de la creme of mineral foundations. The CC-Cream formula adds weightless buildable coverage, hydration, and unreal color-correcting abilities. Housed in a compact with a foundation saturated cushion, the application is also super easy and mess-free. To apply, tap your brush into the sponge-like cushion and blend into your face.

COVERGIRL Professional Loose Finishing Powder

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A few whirls of this mineral powder is all it takes to smooth and even out your complexion. For under $15, this powder gives the most beautiful luminous finish and blurring effect. The light, finely-milled powder also prevents cakiness while still mattifying and reducing the appearance of oil.

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Eradicating shine, evening out skin tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores are just a few of the miraculous things this drugstore powder does. The mineral foundation also comes with a handy powder brush-ideal for throwing in your bag for those on-the-go touch-ups. To apply, swirl the brush into the sifter, and then start in the center of your face working out towards your hairline, chin, and jaw.

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Bare Minerals was one of the first brands to contribute to the mineral makeup game. That’s why it’s no surprise that this mineral-based makeup staple is such an amazing loose powder. With buildable coverage, you have the ability to take your look from sheer to medium to full in little to no time. The luminous finish and wide range of shades make it super easy to understand why this powder is a fan favorite.

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Pressed powders are tightly packed into a compact in order to allow for targeted, more precise application. An infusion of vitamins A, C, E, and green tea extract protects against sun damage, fight redness, and prevent blemishes. With a silky feeling, this featherlight powder flawlessly blurs away imperfections while reducing oil and shine. It can be worn alone or layered on top of a liquid or cream foundation for additional coverage.

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This serum-foundation hybrid provides sheer to medium coverage while keeping your skin remarkably hydrated. Composed of a light-reflecting formula, this foundation diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes pores, and evens out skin-tone with minimal transference. Encapsulating liposomes within the package prevents the active ingredients from degrading and allows for the ingredients to effectively release into your skin.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation

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Infused with Amazonian clay and gemstone tourmaline, this unique formula reduces oiliness and shine while providing coverage that rivals any traditional foundation. Plus, the addition of mineral-rich pearl powder provides anti-aging benefits, like refreshing the skin’s surface to keep you always looking energized. All it takes is a few sweeps of this long-lasting foundation to get you instantly ready to take on your day.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

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Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air) giving them a plumping effect.

Created with a blend of hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide, this mineral skin tint is exemplary for hydrating dry skin. The first-of-its-kind, this formula fuses together skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one easy step. Needless to say, this weightless formula will leave your skin looking natural and dewy with zero cakiness or dryness.

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Availableble in 100 different universal shades, there's something for every skin tone with this medium to full coverage formula. This formula includes lactic acid, which stimulates collagen renewal, and major-moisturizers aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, it also helps shield skin from environmental stressors, refines the look of skin texture and tone, and smooths the appearance of skin.

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If you’re someone who always struggles with mattifying your oily skin, this one's for you. Made with kaolin clay, this formula expertly minimizes shine while absorbing excess oil and blurring the appearance of pores. Giving off a second-skin feel, the foundation also provides a weightless matte finish, buildable coverage, and masterfully conceals discoloration.

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Some foundations can make breakouts worse. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a foundation that is made for acne-prone skin. Composed with minimal ingredients, this foundation is perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The flawless airbrush finish, impeccable coverage, and the ultra-fine powder are just some of the reasons why this powder is loved by many. Plus, while you’re wearing it, irritation and breakouts will be reduced.

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Stick foundations are super convenient and easy to use. All it takes is a few swipes of product and a couple of dabs of your fingertips to blend seamlessly into your skin. Achieve weightless full coverage with a healthy glow and soft-focus finish with minimal effort required. Although it’s solid, the texture feels satiny and glides on effortlessly. And, you can use it as a foundation, contour, or highlight

Final Verdict

Even though there are so many options for mineral foundations, finding the best ones can be a challenge. Our favorite mineral powder, AmorePacific’s Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, is composed of a CC Cream formula that provides weightless buildable coverage, hydration, and amazing color correction. Of course, we can’t forget bareMinerals, one of the first brands to effectively tackle mineral foundation. Their Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 is gives a luminous finish and there's a wide array of shades to choose from.

These Mineral Sunscreens Act Like a Shield Against Damaging UV Rays

The 12 Best Mineral Foundations For Every Skin Type

Best Overall: Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact SPF 50+

Best Budget: CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals Loose Powder

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris True Match Naturale Mineral Foundation

Best Loose Powder: BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

Best Pressed Powder: Glo Pressed Based Mineral Powder

Best Liquid: Jane Iredale Liquid Mineral Foundation

Best for Combination Skin: Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation

Best for Dry Skin: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Best Shade Range: PÜR Cosmetics Classic 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation

Best for Oily Skin: CoverFX Pressed Mineral Foundation

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation SPF 50

Best Stick: W3ll People Narcissist Foundation Stick

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