11 Best Drugstore Setting Powders For A Perfect Finish
Use affordable, lightweight, and smudge-proof setting powder for a flawless finish.
Lorrie PearsonProfessional Makeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup & Personal Styling
Experience: 20 years
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application. Ms. Pe... more
Expertise: Makeup & Beauty
Experience: 3 years
Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Madhumati ChowdhuryCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 7 years
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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!
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Setting Powders
1. Top Choice: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.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to use
- Gives a sheer hint of color
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
2. Best Multipurpose: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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for oily skin types
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Fun Fact3. Best Drugstore Formula:Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder
Image: Revlon 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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Does not clog pores
- Buildable coverage
- Value for money
Cons
None
4. Best For Photoshoots:NYX Professional HD Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder
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.
Pros
- Evens out and smoothes skin texture
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Great for photoshoots
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
Pro Tip5. Best Lightweight:CoverGirl Clean Professional Loose Powder
Image: Covergir 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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Value for money
- Natural finish
Cons
None
6. Best Natural Finish: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.
Pros
- Non-cakey
- Smoothens the skin
- Does not oxidize
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
None
Pro Tip7. Best For Daily Wear:e.l.f Cosmetics High Definition Powder
Image: E.l.f. 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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Provides a radiant glow
- 100% cruelty-free and vegan
- Value for money
Cons
None
8. Best Long-Lasting:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Translucent Finishing Powder
Image: Flower Beauty 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.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Natural finish
- Does not clog pores
- Value for money
Cons
None
9. Best For Oily Skin:Rimmel London Match Perfection Silky Loose Face Powder
Image: Rimmel 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.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Lightweight
- Non-drying
- Softens skin
- Minimizes shine and oil
Cons
None
10. Best Cruelty-Free: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.
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
Image: Almay 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.
Pros
- Ideal for daily wear
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Long-wearing
Cons
None
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! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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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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