Powder foundations get a bad rap, but there is a case to make as to why you need them in your makeup bag – enter e.l.f. cosmetics which has just launched a powder foundation that restores our faith in this underrated base product.

We know what you’re thinking: “How is this any better than my old faithful liquid foundation?” Well, if you’ve been hiding under a TikTok-free zone, you would have missed out on the Gorgeous Gorgeous Girls of social media obsessing over powder foundation. Let’s start with the fact that these wonder products are way more travel friendly; e.l.f.’s Camo Powder Foundation – the newest member of the bestselling Camo family (which includes the Camo Concealer and Camo CC Cream) – comes in a compact with a mirror and refillable sponge, and, honestly, giving yourself a top-up has never been easier.

Then it promises to give you a lightweight feel that stands the test of time, without leaving your skin looking or feeling dry – which was probably our biggest concern. It’s also buildable, yet never cakey, so you can have your full coverage without feeling and looking like you are carrying the entirety of the pot on your face. And then, of course, there’s the shine control – no room for Tin Man over here, you can simply blot away the look of any natural oils creeping up throughout the day.

As for the shade range, Camo Powder Foundation was formulated for everyone, coming in 30 shades, with a diverse range of undertones suitable for every complexion. As for the price tag? Bonus point: it will only set you back £10. All sounds great on paper, so in true GLAMOUR form, we decided to put this foundation to the test. Here are five people with five different complexion’s honest thoughts.

e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation, £10, Superdrug

Elle Turner, GLAMOUR'S Beauty Editor

Shade tried: 280N 

I’ll be honest, I had preconceived notions about this foundation. I’ve got dry-combination skin, so a powder format is not at all what I’d normally go for. Applying it, my suspicions were confirmed. It was dry and mattifying and felt like it sat on top of my skin rather than blending with it. I was fully prepared to write it off until I checked it again in the mirror 10 minutes later.

This is a foundation that gets better as the day goes on. Given a little bit of time to meld with my skin, it created a pretty, semi-matte canvas that withstood the sweaty Tube and kept my complexion looking balanced. I was surprised by how much I liked it. That said, I’m still a dewy-coverage stan, so my favourite way to wear this is tactically applied over a tinted moisturiser to lock it in place.

Rating: 8/10

Esohe Ebohon, GLAMOUR'S Operations Manager

Shade tried: 620W

I think this foundation is great for those who want a fuss-free product that is easy to apply and offers good, buildable coverage. I'm not big on powdered foundations, and there is not much converting me in that, but I really needed something to help me control shine. I worried the product would melt off my skin easily, but it stayed put all day.

As someone who is used to using liquid foundations, it took a little getting used to, but I think powder is great for those hot summer days ahead (we hope!).

Although it feels super light on my skin and it was buildable, which I loved, it didn't fully cover all my blemishes, so I think I would only use it for days when I'm looking for light coverage. However, for someone battling shine on the daily that would usually never opt for a powder foundation, I'd say I'm on the brink of conversion. The price tag of £10 makes this e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation really affordable. I mean, for the price point alone, I’d say it's worth it!

Rating: 7.5/10

Nitasha Dhiri, Conde Nast’s Director of Corporate Strategy

Shade tried: 280N & 240W

I love a good, full-coverage liquid foundation but I’m a complete newbie when it comes to powder, so I was curious to try out e.l.f.’s new Camo Powder Foundation. If I’m honest, I wasn’t expecting much before I tried this, but was I wrong!

My skin looked airbrushed without being cakey and this was so much quicker (and easier) to apply than a regular liquid foundation. It evened out my skin tone while feeling pretty weightless on my face. I also love how versatile the powder formula is – you can keep coverage light or build up to a fuller finish, making it suitable for any look.

My only gripe is that it did highlight a few dry patches on my face – if you have dry skin this probably isn’t the best product for you – but this will definitely be living at the top of my makeup bag for the foreseeable future!

Rating: 9/10

Kirsty Brady, Conde Nast Junior Creative Producer

Shade tried: 240W

I’ve never used a powder foundation before. I’ve always thought of powder foundations as best for oily skin, and I assumed the product would be cakey and hard to work with. I picked shade 240W and tried using the sponge applicator first, before switching to a flat-head buffing brush, which applied the product more evenly.

The shade I tried was perhaps too light for me, but colour-match fail aside, I was surprised at how natural it looked. However, after a while, the foundation did give that powdery look and started to slide around my face. I'm not sure this would hold up on a busy workday. I expected the powder to cling on to and highlight any dry patches or fine lines on my face, but it left a natural-looking airbrushed effect. Although I'm not sure I'd convert fully to a powder foundation overnight, I might give this one another go.

Rating: 7/10

Celia Gomez Villan, GLAMOUR'S Video Editor 

Shade tried: 120N

If you’d told me a month ago I’d be this obsessed over a powder foundation I’d have told you that you're losing your mind! I was really impressed with how smooth the powder is. It gave me pigment right away, without feeling cakey at all. One quick application and see you never, pores! I was quite sceptical about the sponge that comes with the product, but it made the application easy and the formula blended perfectly on my skin, covering any shine.

Unlike other powder foundations, this one looks very natural. It's lightweight but full coverage, leaving my skin with a beautiful, silky finish. What more could you want? It also stayed put after a long day. My skin is sensitive and tends to blush quite a lot (cherry tomato is my default shade), so this powder will become a great ally to even out my skin tone, covering the redness and correcting minor imperfections. Put it in your basket!

Rating: 8/10

e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation is available exclusively at Superdrug

For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Entertainment Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona

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