10 Best Drugstore Powder Foundation That Won’t Cost You a Bomb!
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Say goodbye to expensive high-end brands and hello to gorgeous, affordable drugstore powder foundations! I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.
If you, too, love to purchase your favorite makeup products from the nearest drugstore, then you need to see this!!!
We all have grown up buying different cosmetics and skin care products from drugstores because of their feasibility and accessibility. Maybe you won’t get those high-end brands in a drugstore. But the variety and the affordability of the charges they offer are simply unbelievable.
So, if this time your mind has fancied drugstore powder foundation, then this article is definitely for you.
See, babe, I totally understand that you do not want to spend a bomb on these powder foundations. And that’s why you are ready to ditch their top-of-the-line counterparts. Most of the drugstore powder foundations are legit dupes for these premium brands. So, you know you’ll get the best quality when selecting these cheap powder foundations because they work just like Gucci!
However, if the sheer variety of different foundation brands confuses you, worry not; I have got your back.
Your girl has tried and tested top drugstore foundation brands just for you so that you do not have to end up choosing the wrong foundation that does not cater to your requirements and expectations.
Before we jump to the list of best drugstore powder foundations, I would love to walk you through the basics of powder foundation so that you can make a smart choice.
Let’s get started!
10 Best Drugstore Powder Foundations You Must Definitely Try!
1. L’Oreal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation in A Powder
Best suited for – Acne-prone skin
I just LOVE L’Oreal products, and this one is pretty close to my heart!
Many celebrity MUA’s favorites, L’Oreal Infallible powder foundation offers round-the-clock coverage and a smooth finish with minimal effort. And you can easily get medium to full (YES FULL!) coverage with this amazing product.
You’ll get a naturally mattified look and blurred fine lines, and wrinkles, along with hiding any blemishes that you dislike.
But the best part about this powder foundation is really that it is absolutely heat-proof, humidity-proof, water-proof, and super long-lasting. What more can you ask for in those brutally harsh summer daze?
Not to forget, with this on hand, you can actually carry on with all your work for more than 12-15 hours without re-applying the foundation.
And babe, you are literally spoilt with choices when it comes to L’Oreal Infallible powder foundation, as you get to choose from a whopping 20 shades. And no, I am not kidding! With so many options to choose from, you can’t go wrong in selecting the right shade for your skin tone.
2. Maybelline New York Super Stay Powder Foundation
Best suited for – Normal to Oily skin
Ah! Raise your hands if you have used this beauty during your college days!
It’s like a staple makeup product for teenagers and college-goers. First of all, it is super affordable. Secondly, this insanely smooth powder foundation offers sheer to medium coverage (even though it says full) and gives you a flawless makeup base without looking too cakey.
And what I loved the most was its durability and feather-like feeling. This drugstore powder foundation is known for its last-long formula. You can literally attend all your lectures in the college and then enjoy the college festival without worrying about touch-ups.
The formulation significantly brings down sebum secretion, thereby offering you a mattified look.
3. Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation
Best suited for – Oily or Combination skin
Here comes another stunner from the world of powder foundations! Go for it if you are looking for a buttery smooth and matte makeup look.
This powder foundation can be blended so well onto your skin that you won’t even! And you can actually get medium to full coverage with this powder foundation.
I used it during those days when my face was covered with acne scars. And trust me, girl! This product is SOOOOO good at blurring out blemishes and pigmentations, I have seen nothing like it.
Another thing that I love about Burt’s powder foundation is its spectacular oil-control property. The powder foundation does not dry up your skin. But it controls excessive sebum secretion in a manner that your face does not get stripped of its natural oil but also doesn’t look like you took an oil bath.
And should I even talk about how light freakin’ weight it is and does not contain any irritants as it is formulated with only natural ingredients?
Not to mention, it is non-comedogenic, i.e., it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts!
But the only drawback is that this foundation comes only in 6 different shades and all for fair skin tones. 🙃
4. NYX Stay Matte Note Flat Powder Foundation
Best suited for – All skin types
Are you scared of your face looking flat or too dry because of the powder form of foundation? Want a cruelty-free option at your doorstep? Worry not, as NYX has got a solution for you!
This drugstore powder foundation offers a natural matte finish to your makeup, and you can easily customize the coverage as per your choice. But if you ask me, it will mostly give you medium-level coverage.
The formulation is beautiful enough to cover up most of the imperfections on your face, such as fine lines, open pores, appearing veins, acne blemishes, and so on.
The light weight of the product lets your skin breathe with ease. But that’s not even the best part! You will be stunned at the natural glow that this product offers to you. It won’t bother you with unnecessary sheen. But your skin will definitely look healthy and not pale.
5. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation
Best suited for – Sensitive skin
Neutrogena is my cult-fav skincare brand, and I loveeeee their skincare-infused makeup range as well.
Talking of their incredibly versatile powder foundation, I think it’ll always be my personal favorite, and you’ll love the “why’s.”
To begin with, it effortlessly covers imperfections, reduces the appearance of redness, provides sheer to medium buildable coverage and helps cover & actually evens out and enhances skin clarity, tone and texture.
And GUESS what? This drugstore powder foundation is fueled with the goodness of vitamins A, E and C. I mean, who does that?!!!
I have been using this product for many years now, and never for once has it disappointed me.
I am a fan of its gentle, insanely lightweight, and breathable formula that would surely stand against the test of time.
6. Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation Powder
Best suited for – Dry and mature skin
This is again another drugstore powder foundation that I have used several times and fallen in love with! And you know what’s the most interesting part? You can use this foundation for that wet or dry look! You’ll find very rare foundation powders that do that.
Just make sure you use your sponge applicator right, and you are sorted!
It offers that much-coveted radiant finish to your skin. So, if you are a fan of a dewy makeup look, babe, you are gonna LOVE this drugstore powder foundation.
The product is formulated keeping in mind the challenges of dry skin type. Its creamy and nourishing formula ensures that your skin does not look flaky and dry when you apply foundation. Also, ingredients like Active Nylon12 make it perfect for wrinkles and fine lines.
Not to forget, its shade range is phenomenal as well, with 24 hues made for multiple undertones. That’s a tough catch!
7. Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish cream-to-Powder foundation
Best suited for – All skin types
Let me tell you something, as someone who has tried numerous drugstore powder foundations in search of the holy grail, Milani cream-to-powder foundation hits the nail on the head!
First off, the light diffusing formula allows you to build full-coverage without it looking cakey or unnatural. Plus, It spoils you for choices as you can select any out of a whopping 22 shades. Brownie points for being vegan and cruelty-free! And let’s not forget the soft-matte finish, which gives me a camera-ready look every single time!
The product offers medium to full coverage and does justice to my acne scars, sun spots and uneven skin tone. This powder foundation is humidity-proof and keeps your makeup high and dry even when temperatures soar!
Also, I just love the fact that the Milani powder foundation lasts long enough (16 freakin’ hours!) and does not require frequent touch-ups. The formulation includes ingredients such as lily and bamboo extracts, green tea and vitamins A and E.
The Milani Cream to Powder Foundation is a win all around.
8. Covergirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation
Best suited for – All, especially acne-prone skin
Ah, my list of best drugstore powder foundations will remain incomplete if I don’t add this product to it!
This revolutionary drugstore powder foundation goes on light as air to help you achieve that perfectly smooth and flawless finish, making blemishes and oils practically invisible.
Coverage-wise, it’ll be medium but buildable, so you can achieve full coverage as well, only if you apply it the right way. But the star feature has to be the fact that it is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free!
9. Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation
Best suited for – Mature, aging skin.
So, this one is more like a premium drugstore powder foundation that I came across last year. I just loved the fact that the mineral-based formula of the product makes it absolutely safe for sensitive skin types. Also, it is perfect for those who already suffer from blackhead buildup issues.
This age-defying pressed powder is a powerhouse of skin health, crafted with natural ingredients like Pomegranate, White Tea, and Red Tea to help reduce the signs of free radical damage for smoother-looking skin. Plus, Sea Kelp helps you radiate your own inner light at any age.
Not only that, it is jam-packed with calm infusing ingredients such as cucumber and aloe vera, making the foundation quite soothing and nourishing for your skin. You won’t experience any kind of irritation or inflammation at all with this gem!
You can easily pick your perfect match from its 24 available foundation shades and get that much-deserving ageless radiance!
10. Black Opal Mineral Matte Cream Powder Foundation
Best suited for – Oily to Combination Skin
If you want a skin-like, natural finish from your powder foundation, then there’s no better choice than Black Opal. This award-winning powder foundation offers a dreamy, satin matte finish to your makeup. You can use the product for medium to full coverage.
This drugstore foundation powder is best for normal, oily and combination skin types. By controlling excessive sebum secretion, the powder foundation manages to create a natural, flawless look in no time.
Also, it is quite efficient in concealing your large pores, acne scars and sun spots.
Why is powder foundation better than liquid?
If you are looking for that “no makeup look” or want to let your skin “breathe” ‘coz you have oily, acne-prone skin type, then powder foundations would be your best friend. Powder foundations d not add to the heaviness of your face. Also, applying a powder foundation on your skin is easier as compared to a liquid foundation.
And most importantly, the powdery texture of the foundation prevents excessive sebum secretion, thereby giving you a mattified makeup look. Besides, they can cover the imperfections on your skin and,, at the same time, feel oh-so-light!
And no, they do not dry up your skin. There are different types of powder foundations available for different skin types. So, choose accordingly, and your skin will never look flaky.
Things to Look for While Buying Drugstore Powder Foundations!
1. Ingredients
Always, I repeat, always check the ingredients before buying anything that you would apply to your skin. To get that flawless finish, you must be aware of the formulation of the foundation. Look for ingredients that are compatible with your skin type. And also, watch out for ingredients that you are allergic to.
2. Skin type
Know your skin type (oily, normal, dry, combination or sensitive). Also, you can go into details such as mature skin type and acne-prone skin type. Consider the level of moisture in your skin, and then go on to purchase the right powder foundation.
3. Color match
You need to choose the right shade of powder foundation that matches your skin tone. Anything more or less, and you will end up looking like a complete mess!
Tips and Tricks on Making the Most Out of Your Favorite Drugstore Powder Foundations
Here are some fool-proof tips and tricks so that your powder foundation offers the best coverage to you!
1. Do not skip your primer.
No matter how long-lasting your powder foundation is, never ditch your primer. Apply a primer to get that smooth base on which you can easily apply the powder foundation. This not only adds to the longevity of your makeup but also offers better coverage.
2. Use a foundation brush over the sponge applicator.
I always prefer a foundation brush over a sponge applicator when applying powder foundation. The brush can help you blend in the powdery texture of the foundation quite effortlessly.
3. Avoid using fingers
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use your fingers to apply and blend powder foundations onto your skin. We, girls, are habitual in applying liquid foundations with our fingers. But doing this can prove to be a complete makeup disaster when you are using powder foundation.
4. Leverage your favorite bronzer to amp up the look.
Always use a bronzer with a powder foundation to avoid that flat, pale look. You can, of course, adjust the intensity of the bronzer depending on the occasion.
5. The right blush adds definition to your makeup.
You can go for a neutral blush to add depth to your makeup. Neutral blushes add that natural makeup look when used alongside powder foundations.
6. Carry the powder foundation always, just in case!
I know all the products that I have mentioned above are long-lasting. But I would still suggest you carry your favorite powder foundation in your purse all the time. Because you never know when LIFE will happen!
Is powder foundation good for everyday use?
Powder foundation is a great choice for everyday use! It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and also covers all the blemishes and signs of aging. Not only that, but they also work well with other types of makeup like concealer or blush, so you can create the exact makeup look you’re going for!
Is Powder Foundation Better For Mature Skin?
Powder foundation is great for mature skin as it doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, providing a smoother finish. Plus, it’s easier to apply and provides buildable coverage without looking cakey or heavy.
What Is The Difference Between Compact Powder And Foundation Powder?
The main difference between compact powder and foundation powder is in the coverage. Compact powder usually provides sheer coverage, while foundation powder can offer a medium to full coverage finish. And since powder foundations contain more pigment, they can help even out skin tone and create a much smoother complexion, as compared to compact powders.
Another contrast would be that foundation powder is often formulated with ingredients that help nourish the skin, while compact powders don’t typically provide any skincare benefits.
What is the best skin type for powder foundations?
If you’re someone with oily or combination skin, powder foundation is going to be your bestie! It’ll help control any excess oil and give you a nice matte finish. However, there are still so many options for dry and sensitive skin types, that it won’t be a problem.
Do you use powder foundation as it is?
Of course, powder foundations can be used as is, but it is generally recommended to prep your skin beforehand by moisturizing and applying a primer to help the powder adhere better and last longer. In fact, some people also prefer to use a makeup brush or sponge applicator that comes along to apply the product for a more even and controlled application.
Final Thoughts on Best Drugstore Powder Foundation
No matter how many premium powder foundation brands I get to use in life, I will still have a special place in my heart for these drugstore brands. I mean, they are so effective, and that too, at reasonable prices. And super accessible as well!
Next time you feel confused as to which drugstore powder foundation brand to go for, refer to this article and all your doubts will vanish in thin air.
So, it’s wrap-up time today!
See ya’ll super soon….
Toodles!
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