Although powder foundations are one of the absolute best antidotes for shine-prone complexions (especially come summer!), they get kind of a bad rap. It's no secret that powders can be notoriously unflattering,

and the wrong shade or formula can quickly veer ashy, cakey, or mask-like, which is the complete opposite of what they're supposed to achieve—sheer, matte, lightweight coverage.

Part of the problem here is the lack of inclusivity. If, for instance, a brand only offers five colors to choose from, it's not surprising that results won't be satisfactory. Additionally, I personally still feel scarred from my MTV-obsessed middle school years when every other infomercial seemed to be selling a different brand of powder foundation. (Just me?)

That being said, brands have come a long way, and while improvements can always be made on the inclusivity and shade-range front, most powder formulas these days provide us with many more options to choose from. Both drugstore and higher-end beauty brands now make powder foundation formulas with 20 to 40 hues, and their technology, finish, and application methods have also improved.

Fast-forward to winter 2021, powder foundations have officially become one of the best and most strategic ways to curb shine and enhance your complexion with an airbrushed-like finish. Below, I'm sharing 19 of the best powder formulas money can buy for every single budget. Keep scrolling!