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So, you put powder on using a brush. Great. Perfect. No problem. But if you don't own one of the best powder puffs, you may be missing out on a crucial part of your blurring, baking, setting, and shimmering routine. Powder puffs can be an alternative to traditional brushes or an added step to ensure your makeup look is locked in place. Still, no need to fret if you don't have one yet. Luckily, the web is rife with plentiful powder puffs to suit your beauty needs. Need something dual-sided? Of course. Machine washable? Naturally. A puff big enough for your whole body? Without a doubt. Read on for our roundup of the best powder puffs on the market, plus some expert input on all things puffy. Face Powder Filling Machine
Why It's Worth It: You know and love Beautyblender for its iconic makeup sponges, but now, allow us to introduce you to its Power Pocket Puff. This dual-sided, dual-textured puff is ready for all your loose powder and pressed powder needs. The teardrop shape is handy for getting into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your face, and the finger band and finger pocket help you precisely guide the puff as you powder. It's machine washable, too, which is always a plus.
Editor Tip: The further you insert your fingers into the finger pocket of the puff, the more precision you'll achieve as you powder.
Material: Polyester | Best For: Loose and pressed powders
Why It's Worth It: In the Jenny Patinkin On Pointe Puff Set, you get two velvety soft, white triangle powder puffs with a bouncy center for even and secure powder distribution. Slip your fingers under the pink ribbon for easy gripping as you move the puff across your face. The pile of the fabric is sheared to the ideal height, so your makeup transfers seamlessly from the puff onto your skin during powder application.
Editor Tip: When you're ready for a refresh, hand wash this duo and let them air-dry.
Material: Cotton | Best For: Undereye area
Why It's Worth It: The Megababe Dust Puff finally answers the age-old question, "What if my powder puff could double as a stuffed animal?" Ok, that's not what it's for—but would you look at how cozy this thing is? This body-powder puff is oversized for peak coverage, and the fleece holds fast onto the powder to prevent fallout as you move the puff across your body. It's perfect for your summertime anti-chafing powdering routine.
Editor Tip: The Megababe Dust Duo, which features the puff and a bottle of the brand's sweat-fighting powder (you can pick between Dry Guy and Body Dust), won a Best of Beauty Award in 2023. Both powders contain moisture-absorbing corn starch, soothing aloe, and sweet-smelling lavender.
Material: Fleece | Best For: Body powdering, large surfaces
Why It's Worth It: If you're a liquid foundation or concealer girlie, the Real Techniques Miracle 2-In-1 Dual-Sided Powder Puff is your perfect match. The puff has two sides, each with a different function—pink and fluffy for powder and orange and spongy for liquids and creams. Just flip the puff through the elastic band when you want to switch sides and spot clean with warm water as often as you like.
Editor Tip: If you're using the orange sponge side often, the brand recommends replacing the puff every 30 days to keep things nice and sanitary.
Material: Cotton, sponge, silicone insert | Best For: Liquid products
Why It's Worth It: The round, cushiony One/Size Ultimate Setting & Baking Puff is flat so it can hug the surface of your face to distribute powder evenly. Its shape makes it ideal for powdering the bridge and side of your nose and large flat areas like the forehead. Even though it's circular, the puff is still easy to angle (note the flat edge below the satin strap). It's generously sized and undeniably cute.
Editor Tip: The puff pairs perfectly with the One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, one of the brand's best sellers.
Material: Cotton | Best For: Flat areas
Why It's Worth It: Another machine-washable option, this fluffy little E.L.F. Halo Glow Powder Puff helps powder go on soft every time. At a cheap and cheerful $4, you can't go wrong. Use the pointed tip to press powder onto your undereyes and the wider bottom side for larger areas like your cheeks and chin.
Editor Tip: E.L.F. sells a mini version of this puff in a three-piece set if you want even more precision as you powder.
Material: Velour | Best For: All-over use
Why It's Worth It: Once again, Sephora Collection is here to save the day—and your wallet. The line's Velour Powder Puff is all business, no chalkiness. This durable, velvety puff works well to mattify, blur the appearance of pores, and smooth product, and is ideal for touch-ups throughout the day. It's on the larger side—about palm-sized—so you get nice face powder coverage but still all of the benefits of the precise, pointed tip. Users also like how the black material makes it easy to see how much product you're distributing.
Editor Tip: Fold the puff in half for more size customization as you powder.
Material: Velour | Best For: Matte powders, on cheeks and forehead
There are instances where you can use a powder puff and a traditional blush interchangeably, but according to makeup artist Tobi Henney, using a powder puff can benefit your beauty routine. "A powder puff will press the powder into the skin and blur any shine and imperfections. It also helps with the longevity of the makeup," says Henney. Makeup artist Kirin Bhatty agrees, telling Allure, "A powder puff is great because it lets you apply product directly to the skin without any fallout that can occur with a brush. It’s also a great tool for setting makeup."
While the differences between brushes and powder puffs may seem negligible, they can affect your makeup's final result and help with ease of application. "[Brushes and powder puffs] serve different purposes—as puffs are able to pack on product and also absorb shine, while brushes are designed to diffuse while you apply," says Bhatty. "You can be super targeted with using a powder puff and focus on small areas easily, like under the eyes and sides of the nose," Henney adds.
When it comes to choosing a powder puff, you have many options. Available in various materials, start by considering which feels and textures you prefer on your skin. Additionally, think about how you plan to use the powder puffs. "I always prefer the kinds made of velour," says Bhatty. "For undereyes, choose a puff with a triangular point on one end. For shine, a round traditional puff is great–you can also roll it into a taco shape to apply product alongside the nose or anywhere else you need a little extra product," she continues. Bhatty adds that she likes to use an extra large, round puff for bronzer and highlighter.
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best powder puffs, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: materials, ease of use, value, and results. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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