The powder-versus-cream debate truly begins and ends with a person’s personal preference. For some, a powder formula wards off excess oil, and for others, a creamier base gives off a luminosity that couldn’t otherwise be achieved (think dewy but not oily). Although the latter sometimes has a reputation for being tricky to use due to its thicker consistency and sometimes messy application, it definitely beats powder in creating that “second skin” look that makes it look as though we aren’t wearing anything…or at least didn’t have to put much effort into what we’re wearing already.
As we near another summer-to-fall transition and start thinking about full coverage in the cooler temps, these are the budget-friendly finds we’d recommend trying for a smooth and silky-looking finish.
Originally posted on StyleCaster.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Créme Color
Use this gel-cream formula as a bold eyeliner or smudge it out with a brush to achieve a standout smoky eye.
Waterproof Créme Color, $18 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
bareMinerals Gen Nude Eyeshadow + Primer
Available in a spectrum of nude shades, this creamy formula can be used in two different ways: as an eye shadow or as a primer to hold shadow in place longer.
Gen Nude Eyeshadow + Primer, $20 at bareMinerals
Benefit Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer
It's infused with vitamin E and apple seed extract to deliver hydration as well.
Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer, $20 at Benefit
Black Radiance True Complexion BB Cream
An oil-free skin tint meant to even out the appearance of darker skin tones.
True Complexion BB Cream, $5.99 at Black Radiance
Ciate London Blush Pop Crème Blush
Sweep onto the apples of your cheeks for a natural-looking blush.
Blush Pop Crème Blush, $19 at Ciate London
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes
A sheer wash of color that won't irritate sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.
Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes, $17.50 at Clinique
Essence Metal Shock Lip Paint
Cream color with a vibrant metallic finish.
Metal Shock Lip Paint, $2.49 at Essence
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick
Choose from 14 intense colors that deliver a matte but nondrying finish.
Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick, $18 at Fenty Beauty
Flesh Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation
Expect medium coverage and a dewy finish with this travel-friendly foundation stick.
Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation, $18 at Flesh
Flower That’s So Kohl! Kohl Eyeliner
This suedelike pen is designed to work inside the waterline.
That's So Kohl! Kohl Eyeliner, $9 at Flower
Iman Second to None Cover Cream
Apply this concealer directly over areas experiencing hyperpigmentation for an even finish.
Second to None Cover Cream, $12 at Iman
Jouer Slim Crème Eyeliner
Apply across the lash line or on the waterline for bold eyes.
Slim Crème Eyeliner, $16 at Jouer
L.A. Girl Luminous Glow Skin Illuminator
Mix in with your foundation for glowy skin.
Luminous Glow Skin Illuminator, $9 at L.A. Girl
L’Oréal Color Riche La Palette
Mix and match these pink shades for a bold, pretty pout.
L'Oréal Color Riche La Palette, $16.99 at Ulta
Milani Smooth Finish Cream-to-Powder Makeup
A not-quite-foundation that dries into a powder.
Smooth Finish Cream-to-Powder Makeup, $9 at Milani
NYX Foil Play Cream Eyeshadow
A jellylike powder with a metallic finish.
Foil Play Cream Eyeshadow, $6 at NYX Professional Makeup
Makeup Revolution Brow Pomade
Use the applicator brush to fill in sparse brows with the creamy, budge-proof formula.
Makeup Revolution Brow Pomade, $9 at Revolution Beauty London
Sephora Collection Golden Hour Liquid Highlighter
Apply to the bridge of the nose, brow bone and décolletage for a sun-kissed glow.
Golden Hour Liquid Highlighter, $14 at Sephora
Sleek Makeup Major Matte Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream
Bold lipstick without the flaking.
Sleek Makeup Major Matte Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream, $3.99 at Ulta
Wet n Wild MegaCushion Foundation SPF 15
Lightweight coverage with built-in sun protection.
MegaCushion Foundation SPF 15, $8.99 at Wet n Wild
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