A hybrid coating material and process for pigments and other powders, for example cosmetic powders employs an organometallate, for example a titanate, and a functionalized silicon compound, for example a trialkoxysilane or a functionalized polysiloxane, which covalently bond to each other and to the substrate powder. The coated powders can exhibit excellent hydrophobicity coupled with lipophilicity. Employment of fluorinated silicon compounds may provide hydrophobicity and lipophobicity. Examples show good dispersibility of coated pigments in aqueous, oil and silicone fluids.