No matter your budget or makeup preferences, a good base is essential for achieving a flawless look. If you're looking to save time while achieving a perfect complexion, drugstore powder foundations are just the ticket.
From full-coverage options that blur imperfections to sheer formulas that provide a subtle touch of color, there are many different types of drugstore powder foundations on the market - but which ones deliver the best results?
Here we will review eight of the best drugstore powder foundations available today, ensuring you can have a perfect look without breaking the bank.
Enjoy exploring our world of beauty!
How We Choose the Best Drugstore Powder Foundations for You
Choosing the best drugstore powder foundation for your needs can be a daunting task - there are hundreds of brands and formulas to choose from, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
That's why we took the time to read through hundreds of reviews on Amazon to determine the top eight drugstore foundations that deliver great results at an affordable price.
But our criteria didn't stop there - we also took into account several other factors while selecting our top picks.
When evaluating drugstore powder foundations, we looked at factors such as coverage (ranging from sheer to full), long-lasting wear, finish (matte or radiant), ease of application, ingredient list/ingredient quality, cost/value ratio, and customer feedback.
We then narrowed our search down based on these criteria to determine which foundations rose above the rest in terms of performance and overall value for customers.
All the products included in this roundup have received rave reviews from users across all skin types, so no matter what you're looking for in a foundation, there's something here that will suit your needs perfectly.
Why We Love It
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation is a lightweight loose powder makeup designed to help achieve an even, flawless finish and enhance skin clarity, tone, and texture.
Formulated with naturally derived minerals for non-irritating coverage, this foundation also contains Vitamins A, C, & E to nourish oily skin while remaining breathable and light.
Suitable for all skin types, this foundation helps keep you looking like your most beautiful self while honoring your natural beauty.
Makeup artists swear by it as a purposeful yet subtle way to give your face an effortless look.
What You Should Know
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation Powder in Natural Ivory 20 is the perfect choice for anyone searching for a lightweight face foundation.
The sheer to medium buildable coverage helps reduce the appearance of redness while also helping to cover and minimize any imperfections on the oily skin.
As it is designed for all skin types, this flat powder foundation provides gentle coverage that won't irritate sensitive skin.
The natural-looking shades are designed to blend in with all complexions and will leave you with a flawlessly even complexion.
Why We Love It
Maybelline Super Stay Foundation is a full-coverage foundation powder that offers effortless wear with a matte finish. It is better than any liquid foundation.
It provides you with up to 16 hours of superior, long-lasting wear and has been specially formulated with high pigments that create an intense full, coverage look.
With an extensive shade range, it's easy to find the perfect color for your skin tone. This product is a must-have for any makeup bag, as you can trust it for a flawless look that will last throughout the day.
What You Should Know
Maybelline Super Stay Foundation provides everything you need to look your best and create any look.
From sheer to full camouflages, with liquid, stick, and cushion formulas to give precise application, plus a range of concealers that help to cover any imperfections, so skin can appear even-toned and smooth.
With its face primers, contour, highlighter, and pressed powder foundation, you can hone your canvas exactly to your liking.
Plus, eye shadow, brow pencils, and eyeliners help complete every eye look; enhance them with showstopping matte lipsticks or keep lips bearably natural with lip balms.
Maybelline wants you to be able to create any look desired without compromising on quality.
Why We Love It
If flawless yet natural-looking skin is what you're after, Physicians Formula mineral mattifying powder foundation powder is the perfect solution. This foundation is great for all skin types, as it is talc- and paraben-free and dermatologist approved.
It provides smooth, buildable coverage that repairs imperfections while delivering a soft satin finish. Plus, its air-cushion blender sponge will ensure an impeccable application to your face while providing sun protection at the same time.
In addition to being gentle on your skin with minimal irritation or breakouts, this cruelty-free product enhances the look of your overall complexion without having to cake on layer after layer of foundation.
What You Should Know
Physician's Formula is the perfect solution for your sensitive skin care needs.
Packing a punch with primers, highlighters, bronzers, mineral powders, and more, their full line of makeup offers a foundation for any makeover.
All products are specifically formulated free from irritants and harsh additives to ensure a gentle touch on your skin.
Be sure to check out their wide variety of offerings like mascaras, lipsticks, concealers, eyeliners, eyeshadow palettes, BB creams, and more - all designed with even the most delicate skin in mind.
Why We Love It
COVERGIRL Powder Foundation helps you achieve an enviable complexion with a two-in-one blend of coverage and softness. It is the pressed powder foundation and not flat powder foundation.
Combining the best of both worlds, this powder foundation gives you the richness of a liquid with the lightweight feel of a powder while simultaneously diminishing any imperfections for a smooth and natural finish.
WORRY FREE, too: Unlike other foundations, COVERGIRL's non-acnegenic formula is guaranteed not to clog your pores, so you can wear it confidently, knowing it won't cause any breakouts.
What You Should Know
CoverGirl's Powder Foundation is designed to create a natural-looking, blemish-free complexion for all skin types.
Lightweight and non-comedogenic, its dermatologically-tested hypoallergenic formula won't irritate the skin. Cruelty-Free International has verified that CoverGirl products are never tested on animals.
With six shades available, it's easy to find the perfect match that enhances your unique complexion. Achieve beautiful, smooth coverage while still looking like you're wearing nothing at all.
NYX Professional Makeup Foundation
Best Matte Foundation for Combination Skin
Why We Love It
NYX Professional Makeup Foundation Matte Powder is the perfect solution for creating a flawless matte makeup look.
This lightweight, buildable coverage foundation evens skin tone and covers imperfections, leaving you with a gorgeous finish.
It can be easily applied with a powder brush for light coverage or with the included sponge for fuller coverage if desired, and there's the option to dampen the sponge even further for the fullest coverage possible.
You'll get a sophisticated yet natural look that requires minimal effort - plus, who doesn't love an easy way to look fabulous?
What You Should Know
NYX Professional Makeup offers a complete line of face products for achieving a flawless finish.
Whether you need blush, bronzer, foundation, concealer, powder, or setting spray, the options are plentiful.
But what's even better is knowing that all of these high-quality products come from an entirely PETA-certified cruelty-free company--no animals were harmed in the making of these cosmetics.
This means makeup lovers can find their perfect match without worrying about any sketchy ingredients or animal testing involved. So why not try out some NYX products and make every look shiny?
Why We Love It
Burts Bees Foundation Matte Foundation Makeup is the perfect choice for medium to tan skin tones with warm undertones.
It features Bamboo essence, which provides a blurring effect on all imperfections and blends effortlessly into the skin, delivering a smoother and even looks that's still natural.
In addition, it helps to absorb oil without drying out your mature skin and facial oils, allowing you to go through your day feeling refreshed and looking beautiful. A fantastic makeup product overall.
What You Should Know
The included a sponge applicator and mirror to make application easy, so you can look your best in no time. This foundation has been formulated with 100% natural origin ingredients and is designed to give your skin shine control for an effortless look.
It comes in 6 lightweight mattifying shades to match a variety of skin tones, from oily to combination skin types.
Burt’s Bees Natural Powder Foundation is also dermatologist-tested and free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, and silicones — never tested on animals, either.
With coverage that builds gradually for an effortlessly beautiful look, this powder makeup should definitely be your next purchase.
Why We Love It
Black Opal Foundation has superb coverage, leaving users with light to medium coverage and an ultra-matte finish for a picture-perfect complexion.
From the start, this foundation helps even the skin tone and mask blemishes, giving your face a fresh glow every single time you use it.
This foundation provides a natural look so you won't feel overly made up or caked on.
Definitely worth a try if you are looking for something that will deliver long-lasting results.
What You Should Know
Black Opal Foundation is an amazing product to add to your makeup bag. It features a dual formula that can be used as sheer coverage or buildable opacity, depending on the look you're going for.
When applied, it glides smoothly over the skin, and color-adjusting pigments within the makeup make it easy to find true-to-shade matches.
This foundation looks great when completed, resulting in beautiful skin tones from dark to fair. Highly recommended for anyone looking for variety in their beauty routine.
Why We Love It
L'Oreal Paris Powder Foundation is an ideal product for those who are looking for a long-lasting matte finish.
With full coverage, blurring effects, and weightless texture, this foundation feels breathable while still providing up to 24 hours of wear.
One of the best parts of this powder foundation is that it remains non-comedogenic, waterproof, and sweatproof- perfect for summer days when you don't have to worry about transferring your makeup onto clothes.
The heatproof technology allows users to be able to feel comfortable and look natural every time application happens.
What You Should Know
For those looking for long-lasting color and full-coverage makeup, L'Oreal Paris Foundation from the Infallible Collection is a great choice.
It has been used by pros in the past, with its expert definition and formulas that actually stay put through the day.
Create your perfect look with their wide variety of products, ranging from pressed powder foundations and concealers to highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, and lipsticks.
Make sure you feel you are worth it with L'Oreal's comprehensive selection of cosmetics.
Best Drugstore Powder Foundations - Buying Guide
Finding the right powder foundation for your skin type and needs can be a daunting task.
With so many brands, different formulas, coverage levels, shades, and price points available on drugstore shelves, it's hard to know where to start.
In this buying guide, we'll cover all of the key factors to consider when choosing a drugstore camo powder foundation so that you can find one that fits your unique needs.
Skin Types and Formulas
The first step in finding the perfect powder foundation is understanding your skin type and identifying a formula that works best with it.
If you have oily or combination skin, look for oil-absorbing powders which help control shine throughout the day.
For dry skin, opt for a hydrating option that won't further dry out your complexion. And if you have sensitive skin, look for mineral-based foundations as they tend to be less irritating on delicate complexions.
Coverage Levels
Most drugstore powders come in either sheer or medium coverage formulas. Sheer coverage is great for lightly blurring minor imperfections while still giving a natural look and feel.
Medium coverage provides more pigmented products that are better suited for covering up blemishes or discolorations without looking too heavy or cakey.
Shades
When it comes to finding the right shade of powder foundation at the drugstore, always test several shades before making a purchase, as colors can vary considerably between different brands and formulas.
For an exact match to your natural skin tone, consider "color matching" tools available on some brand websites, which allow you to compare their range of shades against existing foundations in your collection (or those from other brands).
This allows you to select an appropriate color without having to physically swatch them all in-store.
Price Points
Drugstores offer a wide range of price points when it comes to powder foundations ranging from budget-friendly options all the way up to luxury brands.
Consider what features are most important and how much you're willing to spend before selecting one specific product over another, as there may be drastic differences in quality between cheaper and more expensive formulas even within the same brand lineup.
Oil-Free vs. Non-Oil-Free
When looking for a drugstore powder foundation, it's important to pay attention to the type of formula you are purchasing.
Oftentimes, cheaper brands will use oil-based ingredients, while more expensive brands will use non-oil-based ones.
Oil-free options are generally better for those with oily, combination or acne-prone skin, as they won't clog pores or cause breakouts.
However, some people prefer the luminous finish and skin hydration provided by an oil-based product, in which case, there is nothing wrong with opting for one if it fits your needs and preferences.
Cruelty-Free
Many drugstore foundations are not cruelty-free since they may be tested on animals during production and development.
If this is something that is important to you, then look out for products labeled "cruelty-free," as these have been certified not to test on animals at any stage in the process.
Additional Benefits
Some powder foundations also offer additional benefits beyond their primary purpose of providing coverage and evenness to the complexion.
Look out for formulas that contain SPF protection; antioxidants such as vitamin C or green tea extract; or hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help keep skin soft and supple all day long.
Bonus Formulas
In addition to classic powder foundations, there are several other unique varieties available at drugstores, including tinted moisturizers, BB creams, CC creams, and loose mineral powders.
Each of these provides a slightly different level of coverage, but all can help enhance your complexion in their own way, so it's worth experimenting with different formulas until you find the one that works best for you.
Best Drugstore Powder Foundation - FAQs
Finding the perfect powder foundation from the drugstore can be a daunting task, as there are so many options available. From sheer to medium coverage formulas, oil-free or non-oil-based ingredients, and a wide range of price points – it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
To help you find your ideal product, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing a good powder foundation for your skin type.
How can I choose the right shade of powder foundation?
The best way to choose the right shade of drugstore powder foundation is to test several shades before making a purchase.
Some brand websites offer "color matching" tools that allow you to compare their range of shades against existing foundations in your collection (or those from other brands) for an exact match.
Additionally, consider what features are important when selecting one product over another, as there can be drastic differences in quality depending on the price point.
Moreover, make sure to pay attention to whether a formula is oil-free or non-oil based and have an understanding of your skin type prior. This will help you find the perfect powder foundation that meets all your needs and preferences.
Are drugstore foundations good quality?
Yes. Many drugstore powder foundations provide excellent quality, are long-lasting, and can even contain additional benefits such as SPF protection, antioxidants, or hydrating ingredients.
However, it is important to consider the price you’re willing to spend before selecting one specific product over another, as there may be drastic differences in quality between different price points.
Also, keep an eye out for cruelty-free labeling, as this will ensure the product is not tested on animals during production and development.
Are drugstore foundations cruelty-free?
Not all drugstore foundations are cruelty-free, as some may be tested on animals during production and development. Therefore, it is important to look out for products labeled as “cruelty-free” when shopping in the drugstore.
This will ensure that you can purchase a powder foundation with peace of mind that it has been certified not to test on animals at any stage in the process powder foundations are available at drugstores, so you should have no problem finding one that suits your needs and preferences perfectly.
What coverage level should I get for my skin type?
The coverage level of a drugstore powder foundation depends on your skin type and the appearance you’re looking to achieve, so it can vary from person to person.
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, try a medium-to-full coverage formula for maximum control and oil absorption. For those wanting a more natural and sheer finish, try a lighter coverage.
You may also want to consider whether the formula is oil-free or non-oil based, as this can affect how long it lasts and how comfortable it feels on your skin. Ultimately, finding the perfect powder foundation for you comes down to trial and error – so take your time shopping around and experimenting with different products until you find the perfect match.
Are there any additional benefits to using a powder foundation from a drug store?
Drugstore powder foundations can offer a variety of additional benefits than some higher-end products, such as SPF protection, antioxidants, or hydrating ingredients.
These extra features are often found in drugstore powder foundations and can be a great way to get more bang for your buck. Additionally, many brands will offer various shades and finishes, such as matte or dewy, to provide you with the perfect look for any occasion.
Moreover, drugstore foundations are often more affordable than higher-end products, allowing you to save money while still achieving a beautiful look.
What are the differences between BB creams, CC creams, and regular powder foundations from a drug store?
BB creams, CC creams, and regular powder foundations all serve different purposes and offer different benefits.
BB creams are usually lighter in coverage with a more natural finish and are often formulated to provide additional skincare benefits such as hydration or SPF protection.
CC creams are usually slightly heavier in coverage than BB creams and can often provide more coverage or color-correcting benefits.
Regular powder foundations, on the other hand, are typically heavier in coverage with a matte finish and are designed to provide full coverage for your complexion.
Should I consider getting a mineral-based formula if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, if you have sensitive skin, then you should consider getting a mineral-based powder foundation from a drugstore.
Mineral-based powders are often more gentle on the skin and provide natural coverage with fewer potentially irritating ingredients.
Best Drugstore Powder Foundation for You
When it comes to finding the best drugstore powder foundation for your skin type, there are many factors to consider.
From coverage levels and oil-free formulas to SPF protection and mineral-based ingredients – each of these will affect the overall look you achieve.
To ensure that you find a cruel product when shopping in the drugstore, be sure to look out for labeling on products indicating they have not been tested on animals during production or development.
Make sure to try the products that we reviewed in this article.
