11 Best Drugstore Setting Powders For A Perfect Finish

Use affordable, lightweight, and smudge-proof setting powder for a flawless finish.

Reviewed by Lorrie Pearson, Professional Makeup Artist
Written by Esha Saxena
Edited by Krati Darak, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Madhumati Chowdhury  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Professional makeup artists rely on many tips and tricks to increase the longevity of your makeup look. Besides using setting sprays, another product that they rely on is a setting powder. Even you can use the best drugstore setting powders that won’t let your makeup smudge or smear.

A makeup setting powder should be a staple product in your makeup vanity. Whether you want to mattify your dewy makeup look or get the perfect finishing touch, using a setting powder will keep your makeup in place. Keep reading to explore our top picks of the best setting powders and make your best pick!

Top PicksCheck Price
Top Choice:Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Multipurpose:Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Translucent Setting Powder
Price on Amazon
Best Drugstore Formula:Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best For Photoshoots:NYX Professional HD Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Lightweight:CoverGirl Clean Professional Loose Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Natural Finish:Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder
Price on Amazon
Best For Daily Wear:e.l.f Cosmetics High Definition Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Long-Lasting:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Translucent Finishing Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Cruelty-Free:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Finishing Powder
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart

11 Best Drugstore Setting Powders

1. Top Choice:Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

4.5
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder Image: Maybelline New York
Review

This loose setting powder from Maybelline’s Fit Me range provides the perfect finishing touch to your makeup base. Its mineral-based formula controls shine all day long and smoothes out your skin’s texture. Here’s the best part: it comes in 8 different shades for a wide range of skin tones. This affordable setting powder is your best bet to keep your foundation in place and shine at bay. Know more about this product in this video.

Skin Type: NormalColor: 15 Light | Product Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 2.93 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-wearing
  • Easy to use
  • Gives a sheer hint of color
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $3.42

2. Best Multipurpose:Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Translucent Setting Powder

4.5
Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Translucent Setting Powder Image: Wet N Wild

Review

The Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Setting Powder has been titled the ‘jack of all trades’ by the brand because of its multipurpose use. This translucent setting powder ideal for flash photography sets your makeup, absorbs excess oil, offers a matte finish, and can be used to bake. The lightweight formula is available in multiple skin tones.

Skin Type: AllColor: White

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Suitable for oily skin types
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

None

protip_icon Fun Fact
Finishing, setting, loose, HD, and pressed are all different yet used for a similar purpose, achieving a classy makeup finish.

Price at the time of publication: $14.5

3. Best Drugstore Formula:Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder

Review

Revlon is one of the most innovative drugstore brands, and so is this formula. The pressed setting powder helps create a flawless finish that lasts up to 16 hours while minimizing shine and providing a radiant glow to your skin. The best thing about this setting powder for combination skin is its jet-milled, silky texture that goes smoothly over makeup or even on your bare skin. This budget-friendly setting powder with anti-shine properties is available in 4 shades. To understand the nuances of this powder in a detailed manner, you can check out this review by a makeup enthusiast. Learn more about this product in this video.

Skin Type: NormalColor: 810 Fair | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Oil-free
  • Does not clog pores
  • Buildable coverage
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 7,907 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Price at the time of publication: $8.07

4. Best For Photoshoots:NYX Professional HD Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder

4.2
7 Best Makeup Setting Powders Available In India Image: Nyx Professional Makeup
Review

Stay Insta-ready with this translucent powder from NYX Cosmetics. This setting powder for a flawless complexion is often compared to some of the high-end brands because it is that good! It contains 100% pure silica minerals that give you that impeccable photo-ready look. If you want something that seals your foundation in place, this waterproof setting powder is the way to go.

Skin Type: AllColor: Translucent | Product Dimensions: 1 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 1.52 Ounces

Pros

  • Evens out and smoothes skin texture
  • Lightweight
  • Long-wearing
  • Great for photoshoots
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Prepping your skin before applying makeup is always the best option. So, do not skip cleansing and moisturizing your ready-to-get-makeup skin.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 12,316 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Price at the time of publication: $8.44

5. Best Lightweight:CoverGirl Clean Professional Loose Powder

Review

Even Meghan Markle’s makeup artist swears by this mattifying setting powder from CoverGirl. Its translucent, lightweight formula gives you a fresh, natural look. You don’t have to worry about oiliness or shine as it uses clean Noxzema ingredients that are good for your skin. At its low price point, this setting powder for sensitive skin is a great alternative to Laura Mercier’s setting powder. It comes in 3 shades.

Skin Type: NormalColor: 110 - Translucent Light | Product Dimensions: 3.63 x 1.67 x 4.75 inches | Weight: 0.7 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long-wearing
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Value for money
  • Natural finish

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $4.39

6. Best Natural Finish:Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder

4.1
Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder Image: Kokie

Review

Get a subtle, natural finish that lasts all day with the Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder. It reduces oiliness, excess shine, and the appearance of fine lines and creases. The colorless formula in a finely milled, silky texture sets your makeup seamlessly. This smooth-setting powder is perfect for use under the eyes and the face. It offers sheer coverage and is suitable for all skin types.

Skin Type: AllColor: Natural Translucent | Product Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.84 inches | Weight: 0.18 Ounces.

Pros

  • Non-cakey
  • Smoothens the skin
  • Does not oxidize
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Avoid applying too much setting powder on the face, creating a cakey look.

Price at the time of publication: $8

7. Best For Daily Wear:e.l.f Cosmetics High Definition Powder

Review

This versatile loose natural finish setting powder from e.l.f cosmetics creates a flawless, soft-focus effect on your skin. It works incredibly well to mask fine lines and imperfections. If you’re looking for a setting powder with color-correcting properties for daily wear, give this one a try. It comes in 3 shades.

Skin Type: NormalColor: Soft Luminance | Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 6.71 x 8.99 inches | Weight: 0.28 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long-wearing
  • Provides a radiant glow
  • 100% cruelty-free and vegan
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $6.0

8. Best Long-Lasting:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Translucent Finishing Powder

4
Review

Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty will win your heart with this powder formula. It provides an optical blurring effect and minimizes shine and the appearance of pores. Moreover, its packaging is stunning. If you love a natural, soft look, this finishing powder is your best bet.

Color: White

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to use
  • Natural finish
  • Does not clog pores
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $10.84

9. Best For Oily Skin:Rimmel London Match Perfection Silky Loose Face Powder

Review

This cult-favorite translucent powder from Rimmel will leave your face looking smooth and flawless. It has a finely-milled, silky texture that feels extremely light and soft on your skin. If you are someone with oily or combination skin, this powder is a must-try. You get way more than what you’ve paid for with this inexpensive setting powder for touch-ups throughout the day.

Color: Transparent | Product Dimensions: 2.72 x 2.72 x 1.26 inches | Weight: 0.35 Ounces

Pros

  • Easy to blend
  • Lightweight
  • Non-drying
  • Softens skin
  • Minimizes shine and oil

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $8.44

10. Best Cruelty-Free:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Finishing Powder

4
Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Finishing Powder Image: Flower Beauty

Review

Looking for a finishing powder that sets your makeup and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and fine wrinkles? Use the Flower Beauty’s Miracle Matte Universal Finishing Powder. It works flawlessly to complement every skin tone, and the ultrafine, silky consistency offers a soft-focus effect for a seamless look. You can also use this multipurpose setting powder alone to get a natural glow on the face.

Skin Type: NormalColor: MM2 | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches | Weight: 2.47 Ounces

Pros

  • Alcohol-free
  • Allergen-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Matte-finish
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

11. Best For A Radiant Glow:Almay Smart Shade Loose Finishing Powder

4.6

Review

Almay’s Smart Shade Loose Finishing Powder provides a flawless, natural finish to any makeup look. If you want skin that looks healthy with a lasting radiant glow, you need to try this airbrushed finish setting powder. It comes in three shades: light, light/medium, and medium. This fragrance-free setting powder is also a great pick for photos as you will not have that dreaded flashback in photos.

Skin Type: NormalColor: 100 Light | Product Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.75 x 1.69 inches | Weight: 0.8 Ounces

Pros

  • Ideal for daily wear
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to blend
  • Long-wearing

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $7.92

Infographic: A Brief Buying Guide On Drugstore Setting Powders

Setting powders are essential after every makeup session. You would not want your makeup to appear cakey, faded, or extremely oily. A setting powder absorbs excess oil and makes sure that your makeup stays in place for a long time. Choosing the right one might be taxing if you are not sure what to look for. The infographic below offers a brief buying guide on setting powders. Scroll through!

A Brief Buying Guide On Drugstore Setting Powders (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Makeup enhances your overall look. But with the humidity, skin type, and outside pollution, your makeup might not sit for a long time. So, you need a setting powder to bind your wet products in order to make it last longer. “Use a powder puff with a ribbon when applying loose powder. This gives your hand control of both application and placement. Then use your powder brush to buff. You’ll love the results,” advices Lorrie Pearson, a makeup artist. The setting powders listed in our article provide a great finish and minimize the shine. The Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder offers an even skin texture, while the Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Translucent Setting Powder gives a matte finish. If you are looking for a natural finish, the Rimmel London Match Perfection Silky Loose Face Powder can surely be your go-to option! However, stay away from powders that turn the skin greasy.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Esha Saxena is a makeup and beauty enthusiast who loves trying out different makeup products. She knows how essential it is to keep your makeup intact as you go through the bustles of daily life. And so, she has researched many setting powders, studied their user reviews, and compiled this list of best setting powders that are easily available in your neighborhood drugstore. These shortlisted setting powders give you the perfect finishing touch without burning a massive hole in your piggy bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is finishing powder the same as setting powder?

Setting powder keeps your makeup in place and controls shine. Finishing powder blurs skin imperfections and makes your makeup look seamless.

Is setting spray and setting powder the same?

A setting spray helps the makeup to stay in place and provides a softer appearance. A setting powder also absorbs excess oil from the face.

Do you put setting powder on before or after the foundation?

Setting powder is applied after applying the foundation. It sets and holds the base makeup in place.

Do you apply blush before or after setting powder?

Apply your blush after setting your makeup with a setting powder.

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