8 Best Drugstore Powder Foundations For Picture-Perfect Skin | Best Drugstore Powder Foundation

With cream and liquid foundations grabbing center stage, powder foundations have been sent to the back with claims ranging from lack of coverage to an unnatural finish.

Even so, a select few powder foundations have broken through closed doors and even gone viral in the competitive world of makeup as they became timeless tried and true go-to's in people's makeup bags.

Now, is this product perfect for every look or finish your mind can conjure up? Probably not but it comes very close. You just have to find the right powder foundation and application style for you. By the end of this blog post, you'll be able to check both off.

So if you are looking for a portable, mess-free budget-friendly product that provides coverage-flexible and makeup longevity, here are the best drugstore powder foundation options that will leave your skin with a snatched tint!

What Is Powder Foundation?

Powder foundation is a pigmented powder formula that aims to provide varying ranges of coverage and finishes. If what it does sounds similar to that of a liquid foundation, that's because a powder foundation serves to do exactly that but in a different consistency. A bonus of the powder foundation formula is that powders can help reduce oil-based shine and give the skin a healthy glow.

What to look for: When you purchase a complexion product, it is crucial that you pick one that matches your skin goals. Look for what skin type the product caters to. Next, check the coverage factor (sheer, medium, full, buildable etc.). Then, check for its functionalities (primer cum foundation, foundations cum setting powder etc). Lastly, check the ingredients list (i.e. talc-free powders are better for sensitive skin.)

Best Drugstore Powder Foundations

All the products in this specially curated list are either talc-free or made by companies that state to use asbestos-free talc. And just because they are at the drugstore, does not mean they don't deliver!

Best Buildable Full Coverage Overall: Maybelline New York Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation

If a soft matte, water resistant, medium to full coverage, long-wear, liquid foundation-esque formula but in the mess-free form of a powder compact is what you're looking for, this one is for you. Whether your skin is dry, normal, combination, oily, or a mix of multiple types, this foundation goes on like a smooth film over your skin and stays put till you, not the environment or the climate, decide to take it off. With the promise of 24-hour wear time, the Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation became viral for a reason. And a medium-sized range of shades, finding your match is easier in this collection than with most other brands!

Best Buildable Full Coverage for Oily Skin: L’Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

Loreal's Infallible liquid foundation is a tried and true drugstore, long-wear, full coverage name in the game product and this mattifying powder foundation is exactly that, but in powder form. This 24-hour formula comes in a wide shade range and is oil-free, waterproof, heatproof, sweatproof, and non-comedogenic. The powder foundation claims to be a great fit for all skin types and while this may be the case for some sets of people, on average this product is loved most but our oily-skinned fam.

Tip: If you crave the coverage and want to give it a go but have dry skin, make sure to double down on your moisturization before application. Personally, I find that a great primer with a soaking mist to set the skin gives powder foundation the grip it needs to stay put and reduces the cakey effect, especially with full coverage, super matte products.

Best Buildable for Normal to Combo: e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

e.l.f. has been bringing their A-Game since their launch but somehow managed to top that again with their latest and greatest - the e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation.

Add on a layer or a few for more coverage without compromising on the smooth finish. No mess, no shine. Its semi-matte formula doesn't give powderface but rather a "your skin but better" vibe. This medium to full coverage, primer-infused, crease-resistant, long-lasting foundation formula is perfect for a semi-matte "my skin but better" look.

Note: My skin ranges from normal to oily depending on the season, and no matter which side of the spectrum it is leaning toward, this powder foundation pulls through with the ultimate natural finish while allowing some of the skin to peek through. A layer moisture underneath is still recommended for a smooth and patch-free application.

Best Medium Coverage for Normal to Oily Skin: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder Makeup & Setting Powder

If you like the Maybelline powder formulas but want something a little lighter than the Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation, then this medium coverage Fit Me Matte + Poreless Face Powder Makeup & Setting Powder is for you. Created specifically with normal to oily skin in mind, this powder foundation has three main goals: mattify the skin, control excess oil, and blur pores without being cakey or completely masking your skin with its Perlite Mineral technology. Bonus, powder foundation + setting powder is non-comedogenic, allergy and dermatologist-tested.

Best Mineral, Sensitive Skin, Sheer Coverage: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Lightweight Loose Powder Makeup Foundation

On days where just a sheer dust of powder is desired, Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation delivers. Crafted for a natural coverage that includes those with even the most sensitive of skin, this product goes above and beyond by focusing to reduce redness and improve skin tone and texture. No talc, no fragrance, and no dye. The best part of a mineral foundation is its lightweight nature which allows for a non-cakey finish that refuses to extenuate fine lines. User verification shows just that!

Best Blurring & Dry Skin / Mature Skin-Friendly: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Powder Foundation Compact

A lot of the powders on the market can be over-mattifying and hard to work with even with ample pre-routine moisturization and a top coat of hydrating setting spray. This is where the Loreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder comes in handy. With ceramide antioxidant complex, minerals and a promise of hydration, this creamy to-the-touch powder foundation works great for all skin types, including the often left-out mature and/or dry skin. The powder foundation is made to cover dark spots, pores and fine lines leaving a satin and shine-free look.

Best Cream to Powder Formula for Easy Application: Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream to Powder

For those who found working with powder foundation to be a hassle but love the end results, this one is for you. The Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream to Powder formula makes way for a smooth, and of course creamy, application that morphs and sets on the skin like a powder. The result? A soft-matte, camera-ready finish. Made with Lily and Bamboo extracts, it controls oil and shine for up to 16 hours. This mature skin-friendly, long-wear formula is sweatproof, waterproof, fine line-proof, and packed with antioxidant-rich Vitamins A and E and Green Tea, and provides skin protection. With 22 skin-perfecting shades available, you'll find your perfect match.

Best Clean Formula: Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder

We all love a clean, vegan, cruelty-free option and the Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder delivers the clean promise without promising its effectiveness. Experience shine-free perfection with this talc-free face powder. Crafted with the finest tapioca and aloe vera powder, the powder foundation works to absorb oil and leave your skin velvety smooth. This 100% vegan setting powder not only minimizes the appearance of pores but also enhances the overall complexion, making it appear flawless and refined for all skin types. The one downside is that it has a limited shade range.

How To Apply Powder Foundation: Applicator vs. Coverage

What makes this product so versatile is that you get a sheer or medium coverage finish or a full coverage look based on who you choose to apply.

The first thing you want to keep in mind is that powders can dry out the skin. To avoid dry patches, moisturize your skin and allow it to set for a few minutes. After the moisturizer is set, feel free to go in with sunscreen, primer, and or concealer as you normally would in your make routine. The next step is powder foundation application.

For a soft glaze of powder, that a large fluffy brush and dust the powder on the face. This evenly disperses the product while allowing the skin to peek through from beneath the powder foundation. For a medium coverage finish, take a denser brush or sponge and press the product into the skin. For full coverage, lightly wet the brush with a spray or mist or use a damp sponge to press the product into the skin.

If the powder foundation contains dual technology that sets it, you're done. If not, consider dusting a setting powder over top, especially if you crave a super matte finish and your skin is on the more oily side.

Powder Foundation vs. Pressed Powder vs. Setting Powder

When was first starting my makeup collection, trust that I googled away about this very topic. I'll save you the time and give it to you short and sweet.

Powder Foundation

A powder foundation is a powder that contains pigment and is sometimes thicker in consistency to add coverage to your skin. Powder foundations can be in the form of a loose powder or a pressed powder foundation. Some powder foundations are made to function as a foundation and setting powder.

Pressed Powder

Pressed powder can be either a powder foundation or setting powder. The term pressed powder is more of a form of packaging rather than a type of product. Powder foundations come in the form of pressed powders and so do setting powders that want to avoid the mess.

Setting Powder

A setting powder is a powder that is made to do one main thing: hold your makeup in place. Some powders are mattifying and some have slight tints that match your skin color. Don't confuse this tint with coverage. A tint in this case is more so to match your foundation color and complement it as it sets. For coverage, go for a powder foundation.

Conclusion

Since the dawn of beauty routines and makeup, powder foundations have mostly been associated with oily skin types and a cakey finish. In today's industry, there is a powder ready and available for pretty every range of skin type and the amount of coverage each craves. Adding varying finishes from satin to matte, this product is pretty much as well-rounded any as other complexion product. No matter what, there is something for you. If you want a medium to full coverage product that can accommodate your skin from dry to more oily skin, then the Maybelline Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation is for you. If you want a "semi-matte meets radiant" look, try the e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation.

FAQs

How We Curated the List

Whether your skin falls under the category of smooth texturized and oily or rough texturized and dry, we've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of the best drugstore powder foundations that will fit both your budget and your needs.

Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.