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Best Drugstore Powder Foundation: Flawless Powder Makeup on a Budget for All Skin Types

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We’re sure many women will agree: a little makeup goes a long way. Adding a dash of blush or a swipe of lipstick or a coat of mascara has the potential to turn a crappy day around. Makeup makes many of us feel more self-confident, therefore encouraging self-love! You deserve only the best foundation and makeup whether it’s drugstore or boutique, so here’s our top picks for the best drugstore powder foundation to give you that pick-me-up on any type of day…

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Any makeup professional will tell you that one of the most important things to focus on with makeup is having a good base. Finding the perfect shade of foundation, blending it well, and even using the proper type of foundation for your skin type are all important to consider.

There are many foundations in the market, varying in shade, formulation, and type.

Today we’ll be talking about one type of foundation: powder foundation. We’ll also be checking out good drugstore powder foundation options.

Table of Contents

Best Drugstore Foundation for Your Skin - Ellis James Designs

Powder foundations are perhaps the most versatile make-up products. They have a wide array of varieties to suit all kinds of skin tones, types, and preferences.

Consequently, choosing one for yourself can be a tedious task.

Don’t worry, we’ll try to make your life easier by reviewing some of the top drugstore powder foundation makeup.

Best Drugstore Powder Foundation Reviews

We’ve rounded up the powder foundations we liked best for five basic skin types, all with the widest range of choices to suit different skin tones.

Let’s go check out what might be the best one that will suit you.

What is the best drugstore powder foundation?

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Best Drugstore Powder Foundation for Mature Skin

COVERGIRL Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder

COVERGIRL Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder, Creamy Natural, 0.44 Fl Oz (packaging may vary)
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Foundation Highlights

  • Great coverage
  • Doesn’t clog pores
  • Rigorously tested
  • Cruelty-free
  • Great for dark circles
  • Ideal for use if you’re above 40
  • Should be used with Age-Defying powder for best results
  • The package hinge is feeble and tends to break off

Foundation Features

Starting off our list of top drugstore powder foundation picks is this one by COVERGIRL.

COVERGIRL is a reputable company. They became popular and widely acclaimed throughout the world from its modest roots in Maryland, USA.

The Advanced Radiance Series is one of their most popular creations and we’ll tell you why.

Keeping all their products animal cruelty-free, the Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder is designed for mature skin, and has the following to offer:

  • Coverage: The COVERGIRL foundation is perfect for you if you’re looking for an everyday go-to drugstore powder foundation. This does its job and helps you fight signs of aging as well. The silky smooth powder is formulated to give you a natural, matte finish. That means it will cover everything from spots to fine lines, without looking unnatural or overbearing. Also, it will stay on all day, so you don’t have to worry about looking worn-out or chalky towards the end of your day.
  • Versatility: This foundation comes in many shades that will suit a wide range of skin tones. From light to deep skin shades, you can choose from the hues that fit your complexion, or enhance your skin tone in the best way possible. Similarly, if your skin is prone to infections or redness and itchiness, this powder is the one for you. It works great with sensitive skin and can be easily removed, so it won’t be clogging your pores. This means maximum coverage without causing you to deal with breakouts.
  • Special Features: This face powder is a great foundation for mature, aged skin. It has skin conditioning attributes on top of the extra smooth formula. This helps it fit perfectly into fine lines and wrinkles without standing out or looking evident. In addition, its Age-defying Advanced Radiance formula makes sure your skin looks younger and more supple. With consistent use, this face powder can help your skin fight aging in the mildest and natural way.
COVERGIRL Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder, Creamy Natural, 0.44 Fl Oz (packaging may vary)
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Best Powder Foundation With Sunscreen

PÜR Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation

PÜR Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15, Blush Medium, 0.28 Ounce.
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Foundation Highlights

  • Suitable for vegans
  • Free from parabens
  • Multipurpose
  • Free from gluten
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gives a shiny finish
  • Can cause aging signs to appear

Foundation Features

PUR is another well-known USA-based brand. It boasts providing highly-effective skin perfecting solutions, visible from as soon as 60 days of use.

PUR has a wide range of skincare and makeup products. Also, they take pride in their eco-friendly and against animal testing policy for all the makeup in their range.

This makeup foundation has a lot to offer, including:

  • Coverage: If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a drugstore powder foundation with SPF, this mineral drugstore powder foundation with SPF is the best choice for you. This powder foundation from PUR is enriched with essential minerals to give you flawless coverage while protecting you against the adverse effects of sun exposure. Simply apply an even layer of the powder foundation in circular motions to get a natural, even coverage throughout the day.
  • Versatility: You can use this face powder for multiple makeup purposes. It works as a spot remover when applied with a concealer brush. This foundation gives flawless coverage if you use a dense brush. For a matte finish, put it on with a light powder brush. It’s one powder in your bag, and you’re ready to go. The PUR face powder comes in 11 different shades, so you can find one to match your skin tone. Not only do these shades vary in tone from dark to light, but deal with undertones like gold and olive. This way, you can find the perfect match for yourself easily.
  • Special Features: The best part about this face powder is its impeccable sun protection. It’s formulated with an SPF 15 sunscreen ability, to keep away the harmful effects of UV rays while retaining essential vitamins when you’re out in the sun. Especially if you’re prone to sun exposure-related skin ailments, and are struggling to find a powder which won’t look flaky over sunscreen, this is a two-in-one convenient face powder foundation for you.
PÜR Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15, Blush Medium, 0.28 Ounce.
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Best Drugstore Powder Foundation For Oily Skin

Maybelline Fit Me Matte Pressed Powder

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder, Classic Ivory 0.29 Ounce
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Foundation Highlights

  • Long-lasting
  • Pore-minimizing
  • Tested for allergies
  • Sets all types of makeup beautifully
  • Natural-looking finish
  • Affordable
  • Doesn’t last if applied over sunscreen
  • Not suitable for application over fine lines

Foundation Features

Does this brand really need an introduction?

Maybelline New York is known all around the world for its extensive and effective range in makeup and skincare products. Their foundations and base powders are game-changers in the makeup industry.

So how does this foundation help oily skin?

The things you’d expect from this Maybelline powder foundation include:

  • Coverage: This face powder from Maybelline New York will save you having to blot all day long. Its expertly-created formula minimizes pores and reduces the production and appearance of oil on your skin for several hours. This means your makeup will stay matte and intact throughout the day. In addition, the powder works to minimize the appearance of big pores, so it’s our pick for the best drugstore powder foundation for large pores. It helps your skin look even-toned and perfect without looking chalky or shiny.
  • Versatility: Maybelline New York is known for its “Fit Me” line of drugstore -priced makeup. As the name suggests, they have a range wide enough to fit all kinds of skin tones. From ivory and porcelain, to sand, mocha, and espresso, the wide array of shades matches with different skin tones and undertones as well.
  • Special Features: The Maybelline Fit Me powder has a finishing formula designed to work as the perfect final touch for your makeup routine. It ensures your skin looks shine-free and creates a matte finish throughout the day. This face powder also has permanent oil control abilities. It helps reduce skin’s unnecessary oil production. With regular use, you can get naturally oil-free skin.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder, Classic Ivory 0.29 Ounce
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Best Drugstore Powder Foundation for Dry Skin

L’Oreal Paris Hydra Perfecte Loose Face Powder

L'Oreal Paris Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Face Powder, Minimizes Pores & Perfects Skin, Sets Makeup, Long-lasting & Lightweight, with Moisturizers to Nourish & Protect Skin, Medium, 0.5 fl. oz.
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Foundation Highlights

  • Easily diffuses into the skin
  • Lightweight
  • Good coverage
  • Nourishes and hydrates
  • Puff included for application
  • Heavy Fragrance
  • Causes breakouts for sensitive skin

Foundation Features

L’Oreal Paris is another all-inclusive makeup and cosmetics brand. It sports a wide range of well-acclaimed products which they claim to refine continuously according to consumer demand. Their everyday foundation is among their best-selling foundations to date.

Here are some basic features that make this best drugstore powder foundation for dry skin one of their best makeup:

  • Coverage: Dry and parched skin types require the utmost care when it comes to choosing moisturizing makeup foundations. If you’re facing the same problem, then the face powder by L’Oreal Paris is just the drugstore foundation for dry skin for you. This loose powder settles in, leaving a silken finish. This hydrates your skin while giving you maximum coverage for your day ahead. In addition, this hydrating face powder has a long-lasting formula. This way, it won’t wear off or look patchy at the end of your day. This also works well against pores and blemishes, so your skin will have a perfect matte finish throughout the day.
  • Versatility: This loose setting powder performs well in bringing your makeup look together. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, it eliminates the need for concealers and spot removers for users who don’t have a severe requirement The L’Oreal hydrating powder range has something for everyone. The powder comes in three shades namely: translucent, light, and medium. While each of these can be used according to skin tones, you can use them to your preference as well. For instance, if you like your setting powder to be barely evident, the translucent shade is great for you.
  • Special Features: As the name suggests, this drugstore face powder helps dry skin stay hydrated and fresh throughout the day. It’s infused with special moisturizing ingredients that nourish your skin and protect it from external adverse effects. Not only does it keep your skin healthy and supple in the long run, but it also makes your makeup look smooth and on-point every day.
L'Oreal Paris Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Face Powder, Minimizes Pores & Perfects Skin, Sets Makeup, Long-lasting & Lightweight, with Moisturizers to Nourish & Protect Skin, Medium, 0.5 fl. oz.
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Best Drugstore Mineral Powder Foundation for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation 20, Natural Ivory 20, .19 Oz.
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Foundation Highlights

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Enriched with Vitamin A, C, and E
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • No artificial dyes
  • Not very effective on pores
  • Not suitable for oily skin

Foundation Features

Neutrogena is a cosmetics company formulated under the celebrated name Johnson & Johnson group of consumer companies. It provides beauty and skincare solutions in over 70 countries worldwide.

Let’s check out the details of Neutrogena’s mineral drugstore foundation face powder to get better insight.

As expected of the brand, here are what this best drugstore mineral foundation powder has to offer:

  • Coverage: If your sensitive skin gets frequent breakouts or redness due to base makeup, finding a face powder for everyday use must be difficult. Fortunately, this Sheer Face Powder by Neutrogena is just the powder foundation for you. It ensures a long-lasting, flawless finish. Created with a light, loose powder formula, it settles smoothly into your skin without making it look too pale or overbearing. Sensitive skin also tends to come with certain issues, such as spots and blemishes. The loose, versatile formula fits with this skin type perfectly to help you look and feel your best.
  • Versatility: The Neutrogena mineral foundation comes in eight different shades ranging from light to medium and dark. You can find a shade that matches you well within its versatile range. The shade assortment deals with undertones and mixed shades as well. If you think you can’t find your exact skin tone shade anywhere, here’s where you should look next.
  • Special Features: This powder foundation boasts to be completely safe for sensitive skin. What’s more, it’s created with a mineral formula that not only gives proper coverage but works to improve skin clarity, tone, and texture. In addition, the natural minerals work to calm the skin in order to reduce redness and itchiness. This is also a great option for best drugstore powder for acne prone skin!
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation 20, Natural Ivory 20, .19 Oz.
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Best Drugstore Powder Foundation for Full Coverage

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation

Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation Makeup , 220 NATURAL BEIGE
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Foundation Highlights:

  • Lightweight
  • Matte
  • All skin types
  • Color-matching pigments
  • High Coverage
  • Packaging design is a bit inconvenient
  • Cannot be used alone

Foundation Features

Our pick for best drugstore foundation that provides full coverage!

Maybelline is a popular favorite, and for good reason. Their wide range of products has something for almost everyone. Their newest powder foundation is no different.

If you’re searching for a good coverage powder foundation, this is the choice for you.

As expected of the brand, here are what the powder foundation has to offer:

  • Coverage: This full-coverage powder makeup has a matte finish with long-lasting wear. It has all-day staying power that lasts for up to 16 hours. Definitely a worthy pick for full coverage best drugstore foundation!
  • Versatility: The Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation comes in 12 shades, so there’s something to choose from no matter how light or deep your skin tone is. Easily blendable with pigments that adapt to your skin tone.
  • Special Features” Full coverage of a liquid foundation but with the lightness and ease of a powder foundation. Easy to reapply whenever you need to touch up, but with its longevity you may not even need to! This is the best drugstore full coverage powder foundation option!
Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation Makeup , 220 NATURAL BEIGE
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Ultimate Drugstore Powder Foundation

Now that you’ve been through the details and features for all our favorite face powders, it’s time to choose one for the title of best drugstore powder foundation.

Although we’ve classified each of our choices according to its target of effectiveness, there’s one that works great for all kinds of skin tones and types.

Obviously, the Fit Me face powder by Maybelline New York is the best of the lot. Oily skin is perhaps the most difficult to deal with, and because this one does a great job at that, it’s good to go for normal skin as well. It reduces shine and gives a perfect, flawless matte finish throughout the day. It’s one of the top picks for best powder foundation for oily skin drugstore makeup lovers choose when purchasing an affordable drugstore foundation!

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder, Classic Ivory 0.29 Ounce
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It’s also lightweight and breathable enough to work as a great touch up for your everyday makeup routine.

It comes in lots of shades and hues for you to choose from. In addition, if you’re on a budget, this powder foundation is light on your pocket as well.

Overall, we think it’s the ideal solution to carry along in your purse daily!

Best Drugstore Powder Foundation Options: Budget Brands That Work!

Here’s a recap of our top picks for these affordable, budget-friendly drugstore powder foundations:

Choose any one of these best drugstore face powder picks and you’re all set, without breaking the bank!

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More from the blog

Check out our drugstore makeup series:

What do you think of our picks? Share with us your own list of best drugstore powder foundations for your skin!

By Ellis James

We design luxuriously glamorous bags, organizers and life essentials for you. At Ellis James Designs, it’s all about YOU. Your bag, Your way. Our exclusive designs are timeless, indulgent and most importantly inspired by you. What will be your first Ellis James Design?

14 comments

  2. Drugstore makeup is usually so underestimated. Thank you so much for this post, it is super informative, I twisted it 🙂
    Lots of love ♥ January Girl

  3. Thanks for your rec, Tanya! We’re sure the other ones would serve you well, too!

  4. Hi! Thanks for the picks. I use maybelline fit me right now and it is beautiful. But also would like to try another ones 🙂

  7. Glad the foundation worked for you! And yes, feel free to try any other recommendation from the list!

  9. Oooh! I haven’t tried powder foundation before. I’ve been interested because it might have better coverage than the light liquids without feeling heavy. I haven’t heard of Pur before but the packaging is cute. Thanks for sharing these picks!

    Nancy ✨

  10. I love powder foundations in summer especially, I’m not sure if we have many of these ones here though x

  11. I’ve had the PÜR Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation and I liked it. The color matched well to my skin. I like your other recommendations too. I will have to try one of them the next time I need foundation.

  12. I do love a good powder foundation sometimes when I’m in the mood for a more matte face!

    -Ashley

  13. The availability of products for different skin types is definitely improving!

  14. These are great products! I’m glad that drugstore markets has options for those with different skin!

    Eena ☼ cabin twenty-four

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