The present invention relates to a solid cosmetic composition in the form of a powder, which is preferably compacted, comprising at least: —a pulverulent phase in an amount of greater than or equal to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one perlite in the form of particles in a content of greater than or equal to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, —a liquid fatty phase, and in which the perlite particles and the liquid fatty phase are present in the composition in a respective total content such that the weight ratio of the perlite particles to the liquid fatty phase ranges from 2 to 25. The present invention also relates to a process for coating the face, and in particular the cheeks, the chin, the temples, the forehead and the nose, with the said cosmetic composition.