7 Best Drugstore Powder Foundations: Quick & Flawless Makeup On The Go!
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The best drugstore powder foundations have come a long way from their cakey days.
Need some natural-looking coverage? The best powder foundation drugstore brands are having a moment thanks to their impressive filter-like effects.
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Powder foundations have always been linked to oily skin. While searching for the best powder for oily skin in drugstores used to be the default, today’s cult favorites feature enhanced formulas catering to different skin types, including dry and mature skin.
Bonus: You don’t have to spend a lot to find the best coverage powder foundations. Drugstore brands are some of the best, performing on par with their higher-end counterparts. You just have to know which ones to get!
Tap into our signature research process to discover the best beauty finds. In today’s Haul of Fame round-up, we’ve compiled the best drugstore foundation powders to match your skin type.
Read on to find the best one for you!
Haul of Fame: 7 Best Drugstore Powder Foundations For All Skin Types
1
Overall Best Full Coverage Drugstore Powder Foundation
L’Oréal Paris – Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
2
3
Best Drugstore Compact Powder Foundation For Combination Skin
L’Oréal Paris – True Match Super Blendable Powder
4
Best Mineral Powder Drugstore Product For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena – Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation
5
Best Drugstore Mattifying Powder Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin
Burt’s Bees – 100% Natural Origin Mattifying Powder Foundation
6
Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Dry Skin
Maybelline – SuperStay 24H Hybrid Powder-Foundation
What Are Powder Foundations?
Powder foundations serve as a makeup base by evening out skin tone, refining blemishes, and giving a natural glow to the skin. They come in pressed powder and loose powder foundation formulas.
Compared to liquid foundations, powder foundations are more lightweight. They’re excellent for light to medium coverage (think no-makeup makeup) but can be built up to be the best full coverage powder foundation if needed.
You’ll find two main types of powder foundations: talc-based and mineral-based. Talc-based powder foundation tends to sit a little heavier on the skin compared to the more breathable, feather-light feel of mineral-based.
Benefits Of Powder Foundations
- Lightweight and breathable: Powder foundations come in many non-comedogenic formulas that are less likely to clog your pores.
- Budget-friendly. You can get the best powder from drugstores! Getting your powder foundation cheap doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality. You’ll find they measure up well against the best department store powder foundations.
- Buildable coverage: Their lightweight formula gives you control over the coverage. Generally, light to medium works best.
- Natural no-makeup look: They’re perfect if you’re looking for a flawless finish without having too much product on. You won’t get that cakey look with the best foundation powders.
- Travel-friendly: Pressed powder foundations are conveniently compact, making on-the-go touch-ups a breeze.
- Perfect for sunny weather: The best powder foundations are sweat-proof and have better staying power compared to their liquid counterparts.
Drawbacks Of Powder Foundations
- Limited coverage: Although they can be built up to full coverage, they may not compare as well to what liquid foundations can offer.
- Possible dry skin/mature skin issues: Powder foundations can cling to dry skin patches and emphasize fine lines and wrinkles if not applied properly.
How To Pick The Best Coverage Powders According To Skin Type
The texture of powder foundation naturally helps with absorbing excess oil. This is why powder foundations are often thought to be the perfect fit for oily skin and combination skin.
That being said, the range of best full coverage foundation powders today is extensive, with top-notch options for all skin types. Here’s a guide to selecting the best powder cover up foundation to suit your skin:
Oily Skin
Options for the best drugstore powder for oily skin are endless!
Most powder foundations are great at absorbing oil. If you struggle with shiny skin, try extra mattifying formulas for a neat and sleek look. Sweat-proof foundations can also help the product stay in place.
Pro tip: Add a finishing powder for extra oil control. The best drugstore finishing powder in our books is the famous Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder.
Combination Skin
Powder foundations are a great fit for combination skin as well, offering excellent oil control to combat shine.
If needed, try pairing different powder foundations to target both the oily and dry parts of the skin. You can also rope in some extra help from liquid foundation if you prefer a creamier texture for the drier areas.
Sensitive Skin
Try mineral-based powder foundations. They’re often formulated with clean skin-boosting ingredients, making them a better fit for sensitive skin. They’re generally non-comedogenic so they don’t clog pores, making them less likely to irritate the skin.
Acne-Prone Skin
Mineral powder foundations are a great option for acne-prone skin too. Mineral-based foundations are lightweight and breathable, and their non-comedogenic formula is easy on the pores.
Dry Skin
When looking for the best powder foundation for dry skin, hydration is key.
Powder foundations with creamier formulas can give off a more hydrating look and reduces clinging to dry patches on the skin. Drugstore cream-to-powder foundations are great for this.
For extra radiance, opt for powder foundations with a dewy finish.
Mature Skin
Just like with dry skin, powder foundations can settle into drier areas of the skin like fine lines and wrinkles. Try powder foundations with creamier formulas and moisturizing properties for a flawless anti-aging look.
Haul of Fame: 7 Best Drugstore Powder Foundations For All Skin Types
1. Overall Best Drugstore Full Coverage Powder Foundation
L’Oreal Paris
Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
Say bye to pores and hello to a filter-like finish with this TikTok-approved favorite!
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder wins for its lightweight yet liquid-like matte coverage. It’s truly one of the best drugstore matte powders you’ll find.
The buttery-soft long-wear formula of this best drugstore compact foundation is comfortable on the skin and has excellent staying power for full day-to-night wear.
Available in 20 shades, it’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, waterproof, transfer-proof, and sweatproof (yes, it’s the best powder foundation for summer too!). It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry skin, acne-prone skin, and mature skin.
With more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon, here’s what people are saying about this full coverage drugstore powder foundation:
“I am a big fan of powder foundations and this is the best pressed powder foundation drugstore product I have ever used. It makes my face look like it has a filter on it. I get many compliments on my skin when I wear this.” – Ciarra G. (read more reviews)
2. Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Oily Skin
NYX
Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
Rock a shine-free natural matte finish with NYX Professional Makeup’s stellar powder foundation! Great for light to medium coverage, the easily buildable formula offers an even finish without looking cakey or heavy.
Here’s what people are saying:
“Love this best powder from the drugstore. Works better than even more expensive brands. Has a nice glow.” – Marcy H. (read more reviews)
Here’s another incredible shine-control option: NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Powder Foundation. This highly-rated pick is loved for its perfect matte finish.
For a shine-combating boost, pair this with the best mattifying powder drugstore product: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder for a flawless matte finish (the finishing powder of dreams!).
3. Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Combination Skin
L’Oreal Paris
True Match Super Blendable Powder
The lightweight and breathable L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Powder offers the perfect combo of heavy-duty oil absorption and easily-blendable coverage.
The True Match formula of this drugstore pressed powder is made to match your skin tone for a radiant, shine-free finish. Choose from 34 true-to-color shades meant to perfectly match unique skin tones.
Here’s what people are saying about this best compact foundation drugstore product:
“Been using this for years! Tried other powders but nothing compares to this! Goes on light and stays all day without caking!” – Flo J. (read more reviews)
PS. For extra shine control in the T-zone and oilier areas, finish with a good cheap face powder like the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder!
4. Best Drugstore Mineral Foundation For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena
Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation
While this mineral-based powder foundation is a crowd-favorite pick for all skin types, it’s especially great for those with sensitive skin. Good to know: The ultra-lightweight formula is infused with skin-loving antioxidants!
The soft and blendable formula offers sheer to medium coverage that’s buildable without looking cakey. This gentle, dermatologist-tested powder foundation is perfect for achieving that natural no-makeup look.
This fragrance-free and non-comedogenic powder foundation is available in 8 shades.
Here’s what people are saying about this best-rated powder foundation:
“I purchased this for my skin which is prone to redness. I ditched a much more expensive liquid foundation for this mineral foundation, and my skin improved immensely. Highly recommend for people with sensitive skin!” – Tracy FB. (read more reviews)
5. Best Drugstore Mineral Powder Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin
Burt’s Bees
100% Natural Origin Mattifying Powder Foundation
This drugstore mineral makeup is a real treat for acne-prone skin with its nasties-free formula and ultra-breathable texture.
Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, and synthetic fragrances, this 100% natural foundation employs the skin-correcting properties of bamboo to create a blurred, blemish-free effect.
Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation has 6 shades to choose from. It’s non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.
Here’s what people are saying about this best compact makeup foundation that’s mineral-based:
“I have very sensitive acne-prone skin that breaks out with almost anything. I just happened to come across this on Amazon and it’s AMAZING. It’s so easy to put on and it covers amazingly. I don’t even need to use concealer with this!” – Tracy FB. (read more reviews)
6. Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Dry Skin
Maybelline
SuperStay 24H Hybrid Powder Foundation
If you’re looking for a flawless finish, you’ll love this best drugstore powder with coverage that’s on-point, not to mention another viral TikTok favorite! The wonderfully creamy texture makes for effortless application while its high pigmentation provides impressive medium-to-full coverage.
This hybrid foundation powder offers a mattifying effect while maintaining resistance to caking and patchiness.
Available in 16 shades, it’s perfect for long wear while being comfortably lightweight. It’s sweat-proof, waterproof, and transfer-proof. Bonus: This dermatologist-tested formula is suitable for sensitive skin too!
Here’s what people are saying about this best drugstore full coverage powder:
“I have gotten so many compliments on my makeup after I started using this product. I am in love! It is lightweight but covers well. The price is perfect too. I would highly recommend!” – Afton H. (read more reviews)
PS. Maybelline New York Superstay Hybrid Powder-Foundation is the enhanced version of the classic Maybelline Super Stay 16H Full Coverage Powder Foundation. The original version is still available for loyal fans of this cult favorite.
7. Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Mature Skin
e.l.f.
Camo Powder Foundation
This impressive primer-infused flat powder foundation smooths fine lines and delivers a smooth and airbrushed finish.
This good cheap powder foundation is great if you’re looking for a medium coverage powder foundation. That being said, it can be built up to full coverage without looking cakey. Its dewy semi-matte finish gives mature skin a lush look.
Available in 30 shades, this non-comedogenic powder foundation is free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. It’s also talc-free and crease-resistant.
Here’s what people are saying about this medium-to-full coverage powder foundation drugstore brand:
“I am a 45-year-old with normal/combination skin and the beginnings of wrinkles. I settled on this one and just… WOW! It applies in an instant with my kabuki brush, feels like I’m wearing nothing, and basically makes my skin look flawless. Tossing my old standby right now!” – herladyship1 (read more reviews)
Worthy mention: The Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation is another great mature-friendly option!
How To Apply Powder Foundations
Step 1: Apply Moisturizer
Start your makeup routine by moisturizing your face. Hydrated skin is a must when using the best full coverage drugstore powder products, as it helps the foundation to stay on and form an even coverage.
Step 2: Apply Primer
Apply primer to your face. This is an important step to help the powder foundation go on smoothly and last longer throughout the day.
Step 3: Apply Concealer
Apply concealer on under-eye circles, blemishes, and other spots that need correcting. Blend well.
Step 4: Apply Powder Foundation
You can use a brush or a flat sponge to apply powder foundation to your skin. For brushes, a medium-sized powder brush or a kabuki brush work great.
Start by applying the foundation to the center of the face. Gently press foundation around the forehead, nose, cheekbones, mouth, and chin. Buff and blend outwards in circular motions to the rest of the face to create a natural-looking finish.
One coat is generally enough for that “your-skin-but-better” glow. If you need a fuller look, you can build up the coverage to your liking.
Step 5: Finish The Look
Apply the rest of your makeup. Seal the look with setting powder or setting spray.
For a visual guide on applying powder foundation, here’s a simple routine you can try:
FAQs On Best Drugstore Powder Foundations
Which Foundation Powder Is The Best?
If you’re wondering which foundation powder is the best, consider a good drugstore powder foundation. Here are our picks of the best powder foundations:
- L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
- NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
- L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Powder
- Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation
- Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Mattifying Powder Foundation
- Maybelline SuperStay 24H Hybrid Powder Foundation
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Powder Foundation
What Is The Best Cheap Face Powder Foundation?
The best cheap powder foundation would be the L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation! Its buttery-soft formula has everything you need: it’s long-lasting, sweat-proof, transfer-proof, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all skin types.
Is Powder Foundation Better For Mature Skin?
A good powder foundation can work well for mature skin. The typical belief is that mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation. However, that doesn’t mean powder foundation is off-limits.
With innovative formulas in the market today, mature skin types can opt for powder foundations with moisturizing or priming properties.
Does Powder Foundation Make You Look Older?
Powder foundation can make you look older without the right pre-makeup prep.
Moisturizing is a crucial step. If your skin is dehydrated, a powder foundation only makes things worse. It tends to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, creating an aged look.
Can I Use Powder Foundation Every Day?
Yes, you can use powder foundation every day. Powder foundations are perfect to use on a daily basis. They tend to be lightweight and comfortable for full-day wear.
With buildable formulas, they’re incredibly versatile and can be used to create a wide range of looks, from a sheer, natural glow to a glam full-face coverage.
Do You Put Sunscreen On Before Or After Powder Foundation?
Put sunscreen on before powder foundation. It should be the last step of your skincare routine and applied before any makeup products. You can also consider using the best powder foundation with SPF as an alternative.
What Is The Difference Between Compact Powder And Foundation Powder?
The difference between compact powder and foundation powder is this: foundation powder is used as a makeup base and is applied for coverage while compact powder is used for makeup touch-ups throughout the day.
Can You Just Wear Powder Foundation?
Yes, you can just wear powder foundation. Powder foundation can be worn alone as your main makeup.
Keep in mind that it is relatively lightweight compared to liquid foundation. If you need heavier full-face coverage, it’s possible to combine the two for best results.
Summary: Best Drugstore Powder Foundations
Adding the best drugstore powder foundations to your makeup routine can work wonders if you’re going for smooth, natural-looking coverage.
Your skin type matters when it comes to powder foundations. Oily skin types will do well with the best matte powder foundations, while dry skin types will benefit from drugstore cream foundations.
Here are some awesome reasons to include foundation powders in your routine:
- They’re suitable for all skin types: There are ample options, from the best powder foundation for oily skin drugstore products to the best powder foundation for dry skin drugstore products.
- They’re cheap: Naturally good coverage powder foundations are easy to find in drugstores.
- They’re convenient: Having the best compact foundation handy makes for easy touch-ups throughout the day.
The best foundation powder drugstore products like the super-smooth L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder and the ultra-breathable Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation are just some of the best drugstore makeup foundations you’ll find.
Which best drugstore powders are you adding to your makeup collection? Let us know in the comments!
L’Oréal Paris Infallible is my go to powder foundation, great list.