This lightweight powder foundation offers buildable coverage and evens your skin tone to cover imperfections.
This oil-free mineral foundation uses minerals to give you a naturally radiant complexion.
There are many reasons why a powder foundation is a great staple to have in your makeup collection. If you have oily skin, powder foundations won’t leave any oily or sticky residue on your skin. Also, powder foundation is great to use if you have limited time to apply your makeup. Whatever the reason is, powder foundation has so many amazing benefits.
With so many different powder foundations on the market that claim to do different things, it can be challenging to know which to choose. So, we have gathered our top picks for the best powder foundations in the drugstore today. Our favorite being the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation.
What are the benefits of using a powder foundation?
Powder-based foundation and liquid-based foundation mostly do the same thing. But, powder-based foundation does have some benefits. One of the reasons people with naturally oily skin opt for powder foundation is because it doesn’t leave any sticky residue afterward. It usually does better at mattifying the skin so that no oil shines through.
Another huge reason why people enjoy powder foundation is that it is easier and faster to apply. Usually, powder foundations come with a sponge applicator included in the packaging. You can also use a good foundation brush if you have one.
Given their formula, powder foundations are typically easier the blend out on the face. With liquid foundations, you need some more time and precision to get that flawless look.
Since powder foundation is easy to apply and similar to a translucent or face powder, it is easier to use throughout the day. If you need to retouch your makeup a lot, powder foundation is great for that.
A helpful tip when applying a powder foundation is to damp your application sponge a little bit before using it. This will make your foundation blend easier and create a flawless finish!
1. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
This lightweight powder foundation offers buildable coverage and evens your skin tone to cover imperfections.
The NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat powder foundation provides a full coverage look that is wholly mattified. With the sponge applicator included, it is straightforward and quick to apply. So, this is great for beginners. The product, as well as all of NYX’s products, is PETA certified cruelty-free. One thing to mention about this product is that it has a lot of fallout. This means that there is excess powder that transfers to unwanted places like other parts of your face.
Pros:
- Full coverage
- Easy and quick application
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Lots of fallout
Where to buy it: Amazon | ULTA
2. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation
This oil-free mineral foundation uses minerals to give you a naturally radiant complexion.
The Neutrogena Mineral Sheers powder foundation is optimal for sensitive skin. Its lightweight formula is gentle on the skin while leaving a natural, bright finish. Its formula includes vitamins A, C, and E for skin health, and it provides a medium finish that is very buildable. It does a great job of diminishing any discoloration, redness, pores, and fine lines. This product does not come with an applicator brush or sponge, so you will have to purchase that separately. Unfortunately, their shade range isn’t as inclusive as the others on this list, as it has only has eight shades in total.
Pros:
- Good for sensitive skin
- Buildable
- Minimizes redness, pores, and fine lines
Cons:
- Does not come with an applicator
- The shade range is limited.
Where to buy it: Amazon
3. L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup
This foundation provides flawless natural coverage with the weightless feel and seamless blendability of a liquid foundation.
This line of powder foundations comes with a wide range of 30 shades. So, there is a pretty good chance you’ll find a shade that matches your skin almost perfectly. This foundation starts by being a light to medium coverage, but it is very buildable. Another great thing about this product is that it has SPF in it which protects against sun damage. But, you should apply a moisturizer to your skin before using this product. This product can be very drying, especially for people with already dry skin.
Pros:
- An inclusive range of shades
- Very buildable
- SPF included to prevent sun damage
Cons:
- Can dry out the skin
Where to buy it: Amazon | ULTA
4. Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder
This silky, smooth formula with skin-conditioning ingredients provides a radiant finish.
The Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying powder foundation is formulated to suit mature skin, but it can work great for any age. It gives you a flawless finish that is lightweight and breathable. Additionally, it lasts all day long, so you don’t have to reapply it throughout the day, which is excellent. Since it is made for mature skin, it is great for mattifying underneath your eyes without creasing or showing any wrinkles. However, the shade selection is not very inclusive. Also, the coverage isn’t very buildable. If you apply too much, this product can get somewhat cakey.
Pros:
- Made for mature skin
- Long-lasting
- Great for underneath the eyes
Cons:
- The shade selection is minimal
- Can get cakey if too much is applied
Where to buy it: Amazon
5. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder
This lightweight foundation mattifies and refines pores and leaves a natural, seamless finish.
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte, and Poreless powder foundation is a lifesaver for people with naturally oily skin. It provides a long-lasting finish that is matte and shine-free. It can minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores while still looking natural. Something that makes this product stand out is its wide range of shades to choose from. But, since this product is made for oily skin, it can be drying for people with naturally dry skin.
Pros:
- Great for oily skin
- Available in a wide range of shades
- Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores
Cons:
- Not great for people with already dry skin
Where to buy it: Amazon | ULTA
6. Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation
This foundation is highly blendable and can be used as both a setting powder and for quick touch-ups.
The Milani Even Touch powder foundation is a full coverage foundation that lasts all day long. It is highly blendable so that you can get a flawless finish. It does a great job of not settling into any fine lines or wrinkles, so it is great for mature skin. However, the sponge that comes with the product is not great. So, we recommend purchasing a separate sponge applicator to get the best results. Also, this product sadly does not come in a wide range of shades.
Pros:
- Highly blendable
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- The included sponge doesn’t work well.
- Not available in a wide range of shades
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
There are so many incredible benefits to using a powder foundation. It is easy and quick to apply, so it is optimal for beginners. Also, it is great for oily skin since powder foundations tend to give you a mattifying finish. The great thing about powder foundations is that there are so many to choose from at the drugstore. So, you don’t have to worry about draining your wallet. Notably, our favorite powder foundation at the drugstore is the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat powder foundation!
If you are looking for something besides a powder foundation, check out our article on the best drugstore foundations for one the meets your needs.
