Winter isn’t coming, it’s here — and now we have cold temperatures and dry skin to contend with. To do that, we’ve brought out our thickest, emollient-rich skin-care products in an attempt to keep dry, crocodile-like skin at bay. But even the richest workhorse moisturizer is better when used in tandem with other hydrators. That’s…
9 Hydrating Face Powders That Never Look Cakey
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Smashbox
Halo Hydrating Powder, $49 at Sephora
Smashbox's powder takes the best aspects of loose powder and combines them with the stellar points of a pressed powder. The result is a powder compact you twist like a pepper grinder. The fresh grind is feather-light and infused with a blend of peptides, minerals and amino acids to correct, brighten and nourish skin. There are eight colors to choose from and they can be worn by themselves or dusted over foundation.
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BareMinerals
Mineral Veil Finishing Powder, $23 at Ulta
A lot of powders promise airbrushed skin, but the finished look is often more cakey than silky smooth. This moisturizing water-based formula is what makes the difference. It's totally translucent but has cooling minerals and vitamins to refine the look of pores and keep excess T-zone grease under control. There's no need to buy a new powder come summer because the lightweight formula won't feel greasy.
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Nars
Soft Velvet Pressed Powder, $37 at Net-A-Porter
Moisturize dry skin and manage excess oil at the same time with one handy-dandy compact. The powder is packed with hydrating hero hyaluronic acid. The pressed powder is suitable for all skin types and has a flattering velvet finish that blurs imperfections, pores and redness without ever coming across as heavy. Use it to set makeup or wear it by itself for a natural look.
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Becca
Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder, $38 at Becca
The cooling effect of this powder will really be appreciated on scorching days. It's still a good winter pick because it feels pleasant post-shower and on rough (read: hungover) mornings. And the mist-like effect comes courtesy of hydrating ingredients and a formula that's infused with 50 percent water. Becca promises the translucent powder will be imperceptible on all skin types, including dry and dehydrated skin.
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Chantecaille
HD Perfecting Powder, $75 at Space NK
This splurge-worthy pressed powder comes in a compact that looks like a modern art sculpture. It's the micro-fine formula that makes it a top pick. The non-drying formula actually hydrates and won't settle into pores or fine lines. It gives complexions a modern lit-from-within glow without looking like you're wearing makeup. It's designed for a gorgeous finish for HD cameras but will work just as well for snapping selfies.
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Ilia
Translucent Powder Fade Into You, $34 at Net-A-Porter
No brush? No problem. This handy powder has a built-in brush for touch-ups on the fly. The cruelty-free formula has minerals and vitamins, including rosemary and passion fruit oils and aloe vera leaf extract, to keep skin's moisture levels up. The transparent powder does not contain talc so it's suitable for sensitive skin.
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Koh Gen Do
Maifanshi Face Powder, $50 at Nordstrom
Koh Gen Do has long been a makeup artist favorite for film and the red carpet. In fact, it was created by Japanese actress Ai Saotome. Us non-famous folk can still benefit from the micro-fine loose powder. The cruelty-free product leaves out nasties like talc, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and petrochemicals. What it does have is hyaluronic acid to help skin maintain its moisture balance and bring out a flattering glow.
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Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Finishing Powder, $45 at Sephora
The rose gold compact will catch buyers' eyes but they'll stay for the hydrating almond oil and rose wax formula. The nourishing ingredients help the velvety powder blend and stay in place from morning to night without looking chalky. Charlotte Tilbury says that the light-reflecting powder is like a micro-fine cashmere veil on skin, darlings.
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Marc Jacobs
Finish Line Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder, $44 at Marc Jacobs Beauty
Interesting fact: Marc Jacobs' powder is inspired by the designer's love of coconut water. The product uses five(!) types of coconut (water, milk, alkanes, polysaccharides and fragrance) for a deeply nourishing formula. Coconut also gives it a subtle by-the-beach scent. The loose powder seemingly melts into skin for a healthy but not greasy look. Those who are prone to makeup bag messes will like the pot's mess-free interior, which dispenses product per application.
