15 Best Drugstore Powder Foundations In 2021 For All Skin Types
1. Best Non-Comedogenic: LOreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder – W4 Natural Beige
Do you want seamless, natural coverage? The LOreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder will do just the job! The lightweight powder formula is portable, compact, and delivers a non-cakey and non-greasy finish. Available in a range of true-to-you shades, the Natural Beige is suitable for cooler skin tones, but you can also choose from up to 34 unique true-to-skin shades. You can get an even complexion with this pure formula that does not contain any oils or fillers that may clog your pores. The resultant texture is a smooth and weightless finish in the form of microfine powder with a hint of pearl pigments to help enhance your makeup look. Pros
Lightweight formula Oil-free formula Non-comedogenic Contains pearl pigments
Cons
Contains parabens
2. Best Hypoallergenic: bareMinerals Barepro Performance Wear Powder Foundation – Sateen
The best-pressed foundation powder like the one bareMinerals offers a medium-to-full naturally matte coverage that lasts all day! The skin-improving formula clears your skin, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, controls shine, and gives you glowing skin. This breathable drugstore powder foundation is clinically proven to stay put, and you can bank on the formula that glides onto your skin effortlessly. Customize your coverage with this buildable foundation powder that is dermatologist-tested and formulated with 90% vitamins and minerals. Pros
12-hour wear Full-coverage Matte finish Contains 90% vitamins and minerals Breathable formula Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic Cruelty-free No parabens or fillers
Cons
Slightly expensive
3. Best For Full Coverage: NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation – Medium Beige
The ideal medium beige foundation that’s best suited for golden undertones comes to you in the form of the NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation. Get your hands on this matte powder foundation that gives you a natural-looking finish with minimal effort. This skin-flattering buildable formula offers a radiant finish and glow without falling flat. You can cherish a clear complexion as you choose from a range of 6 unique shades that complement all skin tones to find one that best suits your needs. The non-flakey powder does not look cakey as you flaunt this lightweight foundation that helps even your skin tone and cover up imperfections! Pros
Lightweight Full-coverage drugstore foundation Matte finish Available in 6 shades Non-cakey
Cons
Contains paraben
4. Best Long-Wearing: Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation – 320 Honey
This lasting powder foundation settles as a matte finish suitable for all skin types and stays put for up to 16 hours. A highly pigmented delight, it offers full coverage in the form of a creamy texture that is easily blendable. You can choose from a range of 12 unique and complexion-matching shades that complement your skin tone. This drugstore powder foundation glides onto your skin to give you an even complexion with a super-staying matte finish that’s bound to be every girl’s envy. Enriched with hydrogenated palm oil and moringa extracts, you can put on this powder foundation effortlessly to revel in the lightweight texture that feels extra soft on your skin! Pros
Long-staying formula Highly pigmented Suitable for all skin types Lightweight Available in 12 shades
Cons
May not be best suited for oily skin
5. Best For Pore Coverage: L’Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Powder Foundation – Light Ivory
If you wish to discover the best drugstore foundation that will give you an even finish, you can turn to the L’Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Powder Foundation. This skin-improving formula is 100% preservative-free and does not contain any talc or fragrances. You can dab the lightweight loose gentle mineral powder foundation to get sheer to medium coverage and a natural glow. Along with SPF 19, it also contains enriching ingredients like aloe leaf juice and kaolin that allow your skin to breathe as you protect it from the sun’s damaging rays. The reinvented makeup powder comes with an in-built professional foundation brush that makes application hassle-free as you go about your day. Available in up to 12 unique shades, you can control shine and reduce the appearance of pores all with this powder foundation. Pros
Suitable for all skin types Contains broad-spectrum SPF 19 Provides flawless coverage Conceals pores 100% free from preservatives, talc, and fragrances Safe for sensitive skin Contains skin improving minerals
Cons
The powder may be loose and slightly messy to apply.
6. Best For Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation – Natural Ivory
A clinically proven formula from Neutrogena, this miracle product offers you improved skin clarity, texture, and tone. You can trust the Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation to deliver unparalleled and breathable coverage. Suitable even for sensitive skin types, this loose powder foundation helps to reduce skin redness and contains naturally derived mineral colors that help improve overall skin health. Enriched with vitamins like A, C, and E, this fragrance-free makeup formula evens skin tone and provides a subtle, natural glow. Available in up to 8 skin-perfecting shades, you can get your hands on this lightweight foundation that is loaded with essential skin ingredients. Pros
Clinically proven formula Free from talc, fragrances, or dyes Contains vitamins Loaded with mineral pigments Available in 8 unique shades Lightweight coverage and texture Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May not work well for mature skin types
7. Best For All Skin Types: CoverGirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation – Classic Ivory
Are you trying to perfect that no-makeup look that will highlight your natural features? The CoverGirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation is here to help you with that! The lightweight 2-in-1 foundation works like a liquid foundation yet feels like powder. Let your skin indulge in this hypoallergenic and non-acnegenic formula that is tested for your skin’s maximum safety. Your skin will get a smooth and clean look without having to worry about clogged pores or an uneven skin tone. The dermatologist-tested foundation powder will leave you with skin that is silky and beautiful. Pros
Lightweight Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Suitable for all skin types Available in 6 shades Cruelty-free
Cons
Contains paraben
8. Best With SPF: PUR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation – Light Blush
If you have medium skin tone shades with pink undertones, this 4-in-1 pressed mineral powder foundation in the shade Light Blush will give you a rich coverage that your skin will love! Loaded with skincare ingredients like fresh mineral water, encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, and natural botanicals like shea butter and waltheria extract, this lightweight foundation is just right for a hassle-free application process. The brightening and smoothing formula along with ceramides help to condition your skin. Not only does this product serve as a foundation, but it can also be used as a concealer and finishing powder to give you a 60-second makeup miracle. Enriched with SPF 15, you can get skin that feels soft as it stays protected from the sun’s harmful effects. Tackle uneven skin tones, dark spots, fine lines, and dehydrated skin with this skin-perfecting powder! Pros
Contains vitamins and minerals Lightweight formula Provides smooth and even texture Contains SPF 15 Hassle-free application Non-chalky and hydrated finish Free from parabens, talc, petrolatum, gluten, SLS, and mineral oil Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
Slightly expensive
9. Best Oil-Free: Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill – Velvet
If you are on the lookout for a formula infused with natural ingredients that offer a range of skincare benefits, the Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base Mineral Foundation is a fantastic refill choice. The certified cruelty-free and vegan product contains no synthetic chemicals and is ideal for all skin types. It provides a sheer yet matte finish, glides like a dream, and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. The drugstore foundation powder comprises healthy ingredients like plankton extract, algae extract, and pomegranate extract, which are rich in antioxidants that will keep your skin feeling nourished. With an effective broad-spectrum SPF 20, this oil-free lightweight formula can be used as a powder and concealer, making it an ideal all-in-1 makeup solution that is a must-have in your vanity. Pros
SPF 20 All-in-1 makeup Oil-free Lightweight sheer-to-matte finish Cruelty-free Does not contain parabens, phthalates, GMOs, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils, or talc
Cons
Expensive
10. Best Anti-Aging: Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation – Warm 2 Buff
Do you find it challenging to navigate through limited foundation shades available in the market? You need not worry about that with the Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation that is available in up to 24 shades to suit deep, olive, warm, neutral, and cool skin tones. This powder foundation delivers a triple-milled flawless, blendable coverage all day long. Get photo-ready skin that is shine-free with this foundation formula enriched with ingredients like white tea, red tea, pomegranate, licorice root extracts, aloe vera, cucumber, vitamin C, and E. Your skin will thank you for providing it with these rich age-defying and skin-soothing ingredients. This foundation helps you achieve an even complexion and healthier skin with a blend of botanicals. Pros
Contains age-defying antioxidants Natural UV-protection minerals Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Soothing formula Vegan Free from gluten, paraben, talc, fragrances, and harsh ingredients
Cons
Slightly expensive
11. Best Breathable: Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation – Honey Light
Let your skin breathe with the Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation that helps you achieve sheer-to-full coverage with a semi-matte finish. Infused with sun-shielding ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this drugstore powder foundation allows for an even complexion free from talc and parabens. Instead, ingredients like vitamin A, E, C, and green tea extract combine to offer your skin antioxidant protection. The mineral components in this formula are non-occlusive, making this product suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Pros
Breathable formula Suitable for all skin types Contains antioxidants Talc-free No parabens Cruelty-free
Cons
Expensive
12. Best Natural: Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation – Bamboo
The Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation in the shade Bamboo provides a controlled yet buildable shine. The easily blendable foundation powder offers a smooth coverage to promote an even skin tone. If you want to add a lightweight, non-comedogenic foundation powder to your makeup kit, look no further! This formula is ideal for oily and combination skin by effectively absorbing any excess sebum without drying out your skin completely. This over-the-counter powder foundation is made with bamboo to help blur skin imperfections and is available in up to 6 shades to choose from. Pros
100% natural Buildable and blendable coverage Lightweight Non-comedogenic Available in 6 shades Dermatologist-tested Cruelty-free Does not contain parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, or synthetic fragrances
Cons
You may find that this foundation can feel slightly cakey after several hours.
13. Best Buildable Formula: e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation-Fair 120N
The e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation is a primer-infused formula that delivers an airbrushed finish. This buildable pressed powder foundation offers medium to full coverage. It is infused with crease-resistant, non-comedogenic ingredients and delivers an even skin tone. This long-wearing product is suitable for all skin types and tones. It is available in 30 shades and is free of talc, sulfates, and parabens. Pros
Non-comedogenic Suitable for all skin types Lightweight Easy to apply Available in 30 shades Long-lasting Talc-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Triclosan-free Triclocarban-free Hydroquinone-free
Cons None
14. Best Moisturizing: Milani Even Touch Foundation – Natural Tan
The long-lasting, professional-grade powder foundation from Milani offers all you need if you are looking for a rich cream-to-powder formula. The velvety-light and oil-free foundation glides onto your skin quickly to give you a full-color coverage similar to a liquid foundation. It is available in 9 unique shades and comes conveniently packed in a compact design. You can easily apply this powder foundation that looks and feels comfortable on your skin without ever stripping it of essential moisture. With ingredients like safflower seed oil and aloe leaf extracts, you can use this powder to set your makeup or to help retouch your look when you are on the go. Pros
Long-lasting Rich cream-to-powder foundation Lightweight Oil-free Available in 9 shades Contains moisturizing ingredients
Cons
May not be suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
15. Best Matte Finish: BLK/OPL True Color Ultra Matte Foundation Powder – Medium Deep
The BLK/OPL True Color Ultra Matte Foundation Powder is just what your skin needs if you are looking for a versatile wet to dry formula that allows buildable coverage. The matte finish is bound to leave your skin looking radiant around the clock. You can easily glide on this foundation powder for light to medium coverage, and it is suitable for all skin types. This product comes with an exclusive shade ID color-adjusting pigments that blend effortlessly for a true-to-shade match. Get your hands on this dual foundation formula that will also help you even out your skin tone and blur away any imperfections. Pros
Ultra-matte finish Wet-to-dry formula Buildable coverage Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Some may find it too powdery
Now that you’ve got an idea about all the over-the-counter best drugstore powder foundations that are available to you, you can make an informed buying decision that’s just a click away. You may want to consider a few things before you make a choice, and we’re here to help!
Tips For Choosing The Best Drugstore Powder Foundation
Skin types and concerns
Before you get your hands on the best drugstore powder foundation, you will want to consider what type of skin you have. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to choose an oil-free formula that is more suitable for sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, you’ll have to choose a hydrating formula that contains nourishing ingredients that are preferably natural, like avocado and shea butter, to give you lasting moisturization. No matter what your skin type is, each barrier is different and fights different concerns. You can look for products that will help you mature skin and tackle signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, or enlarged pores. Look for non-comedogenic products that contain anti-aging ingredients like collagen, vitamin E, and ceramides to give you a more radiant and youthful glow.
Shade
There is a specific shade that is designed just for you. Whether you have a light, medium, or deep skin tone, you can get that natural look by choosing a shade closest to your undertone. You can identify your skin tone by conducting a patch test on your wrist to find the shade that best suits your skin. Those with lighter skin tones can opt for pale shades with pink undertones. Those who have deeper tones can choose darker shades with olive undertones. You may also have cool or warm undertones based on how your skin reacts to the sun. Look for formulas that match your complexion the most to avoid looking like you put on too much product.
Coverage
You will also want to consider the type of coverage you need while looking for a drugstore powder foundation, as they can vary from one product to another. Ideally, powder foundations offer medium buildable coverage. They have a lightweight texture that glides on effortlessly to give you a natural finish. Opt for a powder foundation that will last longer and provide you with just the right amount of coverage to hide any scars and imperfections.
Benefits Of Using A Powder Foundation
Powder foundations offer a mattifying finish that lasts longer
It is suitable for oily skin types to control high-shine areas
They have a breathable and lightweight formula
Offer up to medium coverage that may be buildable
Ideal for daily use
Do not leave behind a sticky or greasy residue.
You may find that powder foundations are quicker and easier to apply.
The easily blendable powder allows for retouching whenever you may need it.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this article, Chaitra Krishnan, has a keen interest in makeup and loves writing about it. She suggests that powder foundations are a must-have for a flawless look. After thorough research of the product specifications and user feedback she has compiled this list of the best drugstore powder foundations for her readers. These are long-lasting, easy to blend, offer great coverage, and are perfect for everyday use. Is powder foundation better for mature skin? Powder foundation might not be the best option for mature skin as it can settle in wrinkles and fine lines and give you a cakey look. Does powder foundation help cover acne scars? No, powder foundations aren’t the best for covering acne. If you have a high-coverage powder, mix it with water and apply it to your acne spots to get some coverage. Can I use the powder foundation as a setting powder? Yes, you can use powder foundation as a setting powder to enhance your look’s longevity. What is the difference between pressed powder and powder foundation? A pressed powder contains only the powder whereas a powder foundation is a combination of powder and foundation. Can I use powder foundation every day? Yes, you can use powder foundation daily. Try a non-comedogenic formula that is easy to apply and remove. How do I prepare my face for powder foundation? • Clean your face thoroughly. • Apply a lightweight moisturizer. • Apply primer for the best makeup application. • Now add powder foundation to the skin.
