Best Drugstore Powder Foundations

Getting a natural makeup look without sacrificing quality is now easier than ever. Drugstore powder foundations have come a long way in recent years, and they now offer more coverage, better wearability, and even different shades to fit your skin tone perfectly.

We tested many powder foundations to find the best drugstore options, and here are our top picks:

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best drugstore powder foundations

Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Oily Skin

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Pressed Powder Foundation

maybelline powder foundation

This is our top pick for drugstore powder foundation because it gives the skin a beautiful finish without looking cakey or dry.

It has a creamy formula that glides smoothly and offers light to medium coverage.

It also comes in an impressive range of 10 shades, so you can easily find the perfect shade for your skin tone.

Unlike other drugstore powder foundations, this one is long-lasting and doesn’t emphasize dry patches. Even after 5 hours of wear, this foundation didn’t separate, and my face still looked good.

It also has a natural matte finish that looks flattering and lasts well on oily skin.

Pros: 

  • Light to medium coverage
  • It doesn’t emphasize dry patches
  • Long-wearing formula
  • Large shade range

Cons:

  • None.

TIP: If you have warm undertones, avoid choosing a cool-toned powder color to prevent your makeup from looking pink.

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Satin Matte Powder Foundation

This light to medium coverage foundation offers a natural matte finish, and it comes in 10 different shades to match many skin tones.

It has a lightweight formula that is very pigmented and blends easily into the skin. The best way to apply this powder is by building up the coverage layer by layer.

Applying too much at once might give the skin a cakey and chalky look, so I recommend using it with a light hand.

I tried to apply it with a powder sponge, but it looked cakey on the skin, so I like to buff it in with a dense buffing brush to get a flawless finish.

It’s not the most long-wearing foundation, as it can stay for 3-4 hours on oily skin, but you can apply it on top of a primer to make it last longer. You can also use a setting spray to make it last even longer.

Overall, it’s a great drugstore powder foundation that is perfect for those who want light coverage and a natural finish.

Pros:

  • Light to medium coverage
  • Natural, matte finish
  • Blends easily with a brush

Cons:

  • There are more long-lasting formulas.

Related: Best Drugstore Setting Sprays

Revlon Colorstay Finishing Pressed Powder

REVLON POWDER

This powder foundation has a lightweight formula that feels like nothing on the skin. It also offers buildable coverage, so you can either go light or build it up for medium coverage.

It gives a smooth and flawless finish that looks natural, but you need to be careful not to apply too much, or it can look cakey.

If you have large pores, this powder can also help blur them out. It can last up to 5 hours on oily skin without fading or caking.

The shade range could be better; it only comes in 5 shades, so those with darker skin tones might not find a good match.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight formula
  • Buildable coverage
  • Blurs out pores

Cons:

  • The shade range is limited.

Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation

MINERAL FUSION POWDER

This pressed powder foundation is enriched with antioxidants and has a light to medium coverage. The formula feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t look cakey or dry, so it’s perfect for those who want a natural finish.

It also has a large shade range, so you can easily find the perfect match for your skin tone.

I like to use this powder whenever I’m in a rush because it applies quickly and evenly. It has good staying power and can last up to 6 hours without fading or caking.

It’s a bit more pricey than other drugstore powders, but it’s worth it.

Pros:

  • Light to medium coverage
  • Enriched with antioxidants
  • Large shade range
  • Long-wearing formula

Cons:

  • None

L’Oreal Paris True Match Makeup Super Blendable Oil-Free Pressed Powder

l'oreal paris tru match foundation

This powder foundation is perfect for light coverage and a natural, matte finish. It has an oil-free formula that feels very lightweight on the skin and doesn’t look cakey.

Sadly, L’Oreal changed the packaging, and the powder puff that comes with it is now a pad, not a microfibre puff, which does not hold the powder well.

The best way to apply this powder is with a puff and pat it gently on the skin. Avoid using too much, as it can look cakey, so build it up for more coverage.

It has good staying power and can last up to 6 hours on oily skin without fading or caking.

It’s also affordable and comes in 16 shades.

L’Oreal also has a liquid foundation in the true match line, one of the best drugstore foundations for a flawless but natural look. The main difference between liquid and powder foundations is the coverage you get. Liquids are generally medium to full coverage, whereas powders are lighter and offer more of a natural finish.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and oil-free formula
  • Affordable
  • 16 shades available

Cons: 

  • The packaging could be better.
  • It can look cakey if you apply too much.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder

This pressed powder is designed to give the skin a smooth and natural finish while providing light coverage.

It has a lightweight formula that feels comfortable and evens the skin tone.

The downside of this powder is that it doesn’t come with a powder puff, so you will need to buy one separately.

It also has only four shades, so those with darker skin tones might not find a good match.

Besides that, this is a good drugstore powder for those who want light coverage and a natural-looking finish.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight formula
  • It gives the skin a smooth, natural finish

Cons: 

  • Only four shades are available
  • No powder puff included.

e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation 

ELF CAMO POWDER FOUNDATION

This is a great drugstore powder foundation for those who need medium coverage. It has a pigmented formula that can cover skin discoloration and minor blemishes.

It’s not the best choice for dry skin as it can emphasize dry patches, but it looks beautiful on normal to oily skin.

The best way to apply this powder is with a buffing brush for a natural finish. You can also use it with a powder puff, but it looks cakey if you apply too much.

It has good staying power and can last up to 5 hours without fading or caking.

Pros:

  • Pigmented formula
  • Provides medium coverage
  • Good staying power

Cons:

  • It can emphasize dry patches.

Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream-To-Powder Foundation

This drugstore powder foundation is perfect for those with oily skin. It has a creamy formula that provides medium coverage and feels very lightweight on the skin.

It provides a matte finish that looks very natural and doesn’t emphasize fine lines. You can also use it to conceal blemishes and other skin imperfections.

Since it’s a cream product, it works best when you warm up the product before application. I like to use a damp makeup sponge, rub it in circular motions into the powder, and then press it on the skin.

Once applied, it sets to a powder finish and can last up to 5 hours without fading or caking.

Pros:

  • Creamy formula
  • Provides medium coverage
  • Matte finish
  • You can use it to spot conceal

Cons: 

  • It can look cakey if you apply too much

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Mattifying Pressed Powder Foundation

BURTS BEES POWDER FOUNDATION

This powder foundation is perfect for those looking for an all-natural formula.

It has a lightweight, mattifying formula that provides light coverage and feels comfortable on the skin.

It comes in 6 shades suitable for fair to medium skin tones.

I like to apply this powder with a microfiber puff or a brush for a natural finish. It has good staying power and can last up to 5 hours without fading.

Pros:

  • 100% natural formula
  • Light coverage
  • Mattifying finish
  • Good staying power

Cons:

  • None.

Almay Clear Complexion Pressed Powder with Salicylic Acid

ALMAY POWDER FOUNDATION

Almay products are known for their gentle formulas, and this powder is no different. It can be an excellent option for acne-prone sensitive skin because it’s non-irritating.

It’s designed to provide light coverage while evening out the skin tone.

The formula contains salicylic acid, which can help reduce future breakouts.

It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t look cakey or dry and has good staying power.

I like to use this powder for an everyday minimal makeup look.

Pros: 

  • Non-irritating formula
  • Light coverage
  • Contains salicylic acid
  • Good staying power

Cons: 

  • The shade range is limited.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30

PHYSICIANS FORMULA POWDER

Although this powder is only available in 2 shades, it’s still a great drugstore powder.

It has a lightweight formula that provides light coverage and feels very comfortable on the skin.

I like to apply it with a powder puff to get the maximum coverage, making the skin look soft and polished.

It has good staying power and can last up to 5 hours on oily skin. There might be better choices for dry skin because it can cling to dry patches.

It also has an SPF 30, but I wouldn’t rely on it as your sole sun protection. Always apply a separate sunscreen before makeup to get the best protection.

It might leave a white cast in flash photography, so I prefer not to use it if I’m attending a special event.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight formula
  • Provides light coverage
  • Good staying power

Cons: 

  • The shade range is limited
  • It can cling to dry patches.

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop All Day Mattifying Powder

NYX POWDER FOUNDATION

You can use this powder alone or set the foundation for a shine-free look.

It provides sheer but buildable coverage and gives the skin a matte finish. It contains rice powder which helps to absorb excess oil. 

The formula is very lightweight and doesn’t look heavy on the skin or emphasize fine lines. It helps to blur large pores, and it has good staying power too.

The only downside is that it might break easily because of its thin and lightweight formula.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight
  • Absorbs excess oil

Cons:

  • It might break easily.

L.A. Girl Pro Face Matte Pressed Powder

LA GIRL POWDER FOUNDATION

Many matte powders can look dry on the skin, but this one from L.A. Girl has a creamy formula that looks natural.

It provides light coverage and can be used alone or on top of the foundation to control shine.

It comes in 9 shades which is great, but few are available for fair or dark skin tones.

TIP: If you have warm undertones, avoid choosing a light shade to prevent your makeup from appearing ashy.

This powder is very affordable, and it has good staying power too. It’s the perfect choice when you’re in a rush and must apply your makeup quickly.

It blends easily into the skin with a brush or a powder puff, and it sets to a matte finish that looks like your skin but better.

Pros:

  • Creamy formula
  • Light coverage
  • Good staying

Cons:

  • Limited shade range.

Undone Beauty Under / Over Powder

This powder is designed to prime and set the makeup, but I also like to use it as a powder foundation. It has a light formula that doesn’t take much effort to blend.

It provides light, buildable coverage, leaving the skin soft and even.

The formula contains kaolin and jojoba oil, both beneficial for oily skin.

The only downside is that it’s only available in three shades, which doesn’t make it an excellent choice for those with fair or dark skin tones.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight formula
  • Buildable coverage
  • Contains kaolin and jojoba oil.

Cons: 

  • Limited shade range.

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

MAYBELLINE FIT ME LOOSE POWDER

Maybelline has a great selection of drugstore powders, and this one is no exception.

This powder has a loose formula that it’s lightweight yet buildable. It provides a natural finish to the skin. The coverage is light to medium and doesn’t cake up or settle into fine lines.

You can use it to set the makeup or alone for a light makeup look.

The key ingredient is silica which helps to absorb excess oils and keep the skin shine-free.

It’s available in 8 shades, but I still wish there were a few more options for very fair or dark skin tones.

Due to its loose formula, this powder can be messy and hard to apply, especially if you are in a rush. The main differences between pressed and loose powders are that they are easier to use and travel-friendly.

Pros:

  • Lightweight formula
  • Buildable coverage
  • Good staying power.

Cons:

  • None.

Pacifica Neutralizing Mattifier Soft Focus Translucent Powder

PACIFICA POWDER

This powder is labeled as’ translucent,’ but it has a slight tint, and you can use it alone or as a setting powder.

The coverage is sheer but buildable, so it’s great for those who want light coverage without looking cakey. It’s formulated with lotus powder extract and coconut water to soothe the skin.

I like to apply it with a buffing brush for a natural finish or with a microfiber puff for medium coverage.

The downside is that it only comes in two shades, so this isn’t the best choice if you have very fair or dark skin tones.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight formula
  • Buildable coverage
  • Formulated with lotus powder extract and coconut water.

Cons: 

  • It’s only available in two shades.

Best Drugstore Powder Foundation Full Coverage

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder

L'Oreal Paris Infallible  Powder

This powder foundation can be a good option if you have oily skin, as it can last very well on the skin without fading or caking.

The formula is very pigmented, and it offers medium to full coverage. You can swipe it on with a powder puff for full coverage or buff it in with a brush for more light to medium coverage.

It tends to cling to dry patches, so make sure your skin is moisturized before makeup.

The packaging could be more sturdy, and the powder is fragile, so it might break easily after several uses.

Mine broke after four months, so this is something to consider if you’re looking for a more long-lasting powder foundation. It’s also not the best powder for travel since it might break in your makeup bag.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting wear up to 24 hours
  • Medium to full coverage
  • The shade range is good

Cons:

  • It can emphasize dry patches.
  • The packaging could be better.

Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Dry Skin

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Pressed Powder Foundation with Minerals

L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Pressed Powder

This creamy powder is one of the best powder foundations for mature skin, and it provides a velvety finish that looks natural and lightweight.

It helps blur the appearance of pores and fine lines. The formula also doesn’t settle into dry patches or creases, making it great for older skin.

Dab it gently on the skin with a powder puff and avoid rubbing it in, as this can make the coverage streaky.

It sets quickly into a satin finish, and it helps even out the skin tone for a beautiful, flawless look.

TIP: If your skin is very dry, apply a hydrating primer before using this foundation to prevent your makeup from looking flaky.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight, natural finish
  • Good for mature skin
  • Doesn’t settle into fine lines

Cons: 

  • None

Winky Lux Diamond Infused Powder Foundation

This drugstore powder foundation is perfect if you want a glowy look.

It has a creamy formula that provides light coverage and gives the skin a beautiful, natural-looking finish.

The best way to apply it is with a dense brush, buffing it on the skin for light, even coverage.

The formula’s diamond powder helps give the skin a natural glow. It also has good staying power and can last up to 5 hours without fading or caking.

Pros:

  • Creamy formula
  • Light to medium coverage
  • It gives a natural glow
  • Good staying power

Cons:

  • Only four shades are available.

Honeybee Gardens Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation

Honeybee Gardens Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation

This mineral powder is perfect for dry skin as it gives the skin a silky finish.

It provides light but buildable coverage, and it’s made with nourishing ingredients like Rosemary Leaf Oil and Goji Berry Oil.

The formula is lightweight and applies easily with a sponge or a brush. You can use it on bare skin or apply it on top of a hydrating primer for more hydration.

It doesn’t emphasize fine lines and helps blurs large pores too.

Pros:

  • Nourishing ingredients
  • Lightweight finish
  • Light to medium coverage
  • It doesn’t emphasize fine lines and pores

Cons: 

  • None.

Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Crème Powder Foundation 

Black Opal True Color Pore Perfecting Crème Powder Foundation

This cream-to-powder foundation is supposed to mattify the skin, but after testing it, we’ve found that it is more suitable for dry skin.

It has a thin formula that applies easily with a sponge, and you can dab it lightly on the skin to get light to medium coverage.

The formula doesn’t settle into dry patches or creases but works best when applied in thin layers.

It sets to a satin finish and lasts up to 5 hours without fading.

Pros: 

  • Light to medium coverage
  • Satin finish
  • Good staying power
  • It doesn’t settle into creases and dry patches

Cons: 

  • None.

Related: Powder Vs. Cream Foundations

ColourPop Pretty Fresh Pressed Face Powder

This powder from ColourPop is worth a try. It’s an excellent option for dry skin because it’s non-drying and has a natural-looking finish.

It provides light to medium coverage and helps blur pores and fine lines. It’s not the most long-wearing, but it works fine for a minimal everyday makeup look.

The formula blends effortlessly into the skin, and you can apply it with a sponge or brush. You can use it as a foundation or a powder to set your makeup.

Pros:

  • Light to medium coverage
  • Non-drying
  • Blends easily with a sponge or brush

Cons:

  • Not long wearing.

FLOWER Beauty Light Illusion Perfecting Powder

FLOWER BEAUTY POWDER

This is the perfect foundation for you if you want a semi-matte finish.

It provides light to medium coverage and has a creamy formula that applies easily with a brush or sponge.

This powder is excellent for normal to dry skin as it’s not drying and doesn’t cling to dry patches.

It has good staying power and is the perfect choice for every day since it doesn’t look cakey on the skin.

Pros:

  • Light to medium coverage
  • Suitable for normal to dry skin
  • Creamy formula

Cons:

  • None

Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Powder Foundation

COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Pressed Powder

COVERGIRL CLEAN FRESH POWDER

This vegan and cruelty-free powder foundation are perfect for those who don’t like heavy makeup. It has a lightweight formula that provides light to medium coverage and doesn’t look cakey.

It also has a large shade range, so you can easily find the perfect match for your skin tone.

I like to use this powder when I need more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, but I want to look like I’m wearing only a little makeup.

I pat it on the skin with a microfiber puff for a natural finish, and it stays put for up to 5 hours without fading or caking.

It is more suitable for oily skin as it can feel slightly heavy on dry skin.

Pros: 

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Light to medium coverage

Cons: 

  • It can look cakey if you apply too much.

COVERGIRL Simply Pressed Powder Compact Foundation

This drugstore powder foundation is great for those with oily skin. It has a lightweight formula that provides light to medium coverage and gives the skin a natural-looking, matte finish.

It comes with a sponge for easy application. To get a flawless look, start by applying a thin layer of foundation and build upon it as needed.

Avoid applying too much, as it can look cakey if you don’t blend it properly.

It has good staying power and doesn’t fade or cake even after 5 hours.

Pros:

  • Lightweight formula
  • It gives the skin a matte finish
  • Good staying power

Cons:

  • It might emphasize skin texture if you apply too much.

Your Questions, Answered

How Do You Apply Powder Foundation Without Looking Cakey?

Before starting, make sure your skin is prepped and moisturized. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities and follow up with a moisturizer.

Avoid using a rich moisturizer, as it can leave your skin feeling greasy. Use a gentle formula and allow it to sink in for 15 minutes before applying the foundation.

Depending on your skin type, you can use a primer to create a smooth base for the makeup. This step is optional but helps your foundation stick better and last longer.

If you want light coverage:

  1. Use a soft buffing brush.
  2. Swirl the brush into the powder and apply it to the skin in small circular motions.
  3. Blend it well and build up the coverage as needed.

For medium coverage, use a microfiber puff. Pat it gently on the skin to deposit the product and blend until there are no harsh lines.

The key to avoiding a cakey look is to apply the powder in thin layers and blend it well. Once you’re done, you can use a setting spray to lock your face.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to apply powder foundation without looking cakey!

Do You Put Concealer On Before Powder Foundation?

A concealer can help hide blemishes, dark spots, and skin imperfections to give your skin a flawless look.

If you use a powder foundation, start applying the concealer first to areas where you need more coverage.

You can use a small conceal brush to spot conceal any blemishes or skin discoloration.

Once you’ve applied the concealer, you can apply your powder foundation as usual. Avoid rubbing the foundation, especially on the areas where you’ve used concealer.

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Claire is a beauty enthusiast and lover of all things makeup. Her blog is a resource for makeup tips and tricks, product reviews and beauty tutorials.

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