Drugstore Powder Foundations 2024 that are Lightweight and Perfect Coverage
Last updated: January 2024
The use of foundation can be traced back to ancient Greeks and Romans when having a fair complexion or pale skin is a sign of having status.
In the Renaissance era, they have been using white lead or chalk to cover their faces and turn it white which results in disfigurement, lethal poisoning, and death.
In the 17th Century in England when the plague occurred, a lot of women switched to make-up that is much darker to cover their unhealthy pale appearance which has been caused by staying too much inside to keep away from the plague.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, having pale skin was a trend again and only changed when Max Factor brought in pancake makeup in 1914.
From that moment on, the formula for making foundations has changed and a variety of shades has begun to grow which is perfect to match any skin tones made with ingredients that are much healthier for the skin.
In the modern day, the foundation is now commonly used on a day-to-day basis and can also be worn by a man too.
Which Is Better Powder Or Liquid Foundation?
Powder vs. Liquid Foundation: Which is the Best for You? - Best Drugstore Powder Foundations
You will never find a person that has perfect skin, even the richest, most influential persons seek help from professionals regarding what products are best to use with their skin.
It is the same for choosing the right foundation as it is the base of all the make-up that we will be putting on our faces and having a wrong choice of foundation might lead to a flaky make-up look and no one wants that.
Foundations even out the complexion of our skin to achieve the right colors needed for contouring our whole face, not only that, but it also hides away imperfections such as eye bags, blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, etc.
However, with a lot of products in the market, how do we choose the perfect foundation? Should we use a Liquid Foundation or a Powder Foundation? Which is the best?
The answer is the type of skin we have.
If you have oily skin, it is best to use powder foundation as it mattifies the skin and controls the shine without making the look cakey,
As for those who have dry skin, it is recommended to use a liquid foundation as it adds extra moisture to the face that eliminates a splotchy look.
It is best to consult professionals regarding what skin type you have in order to pick the best foundation for your face.
Related: Cheaper Drugstore Makeup Dupes that Work as Good as Luxury Brands
Best Drugstore Powder Foundations for Dry Skin, Oily Skin, Mature Skin
| Best Drugstore Powder Foundations for Dry Skin, Oily Skin, Mature Skin | Why Do We Like It? |
Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Covergirl Simply Clean Powder Foundation | Hypoallergenic and Cruelty-Free | $8.49 |
| E.L.F Camo Powder Foundation | Wide Variety of Shades | $11.00 |
| NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation | Vegan Formula | $6.90 |
| Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation | Full-day Duration | $4.13 |
| Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation | Natural Finish | $11.29 |
| Milani Even Touch Foundation | Creamy Formula | $14.95 |
| Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation | Photo-perfect Foundation | $20.16 |
| L’Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder | Sweatproof | $12.99 |
| Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation Powder | Luminous Finish | $14.00 |
| Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation | Breathable Foundation | $47.50 |
1. Covergirl Simply Clean Powder Foundation
Covergirl Simply Clean Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
The first drugstore powder foundation on our list is the Covergirl Simply Clean Powder Foundation!
The coverage is comparable to a liquid foundation as it gives out a very flawless and smooth texture once properly blended out to the skin.
It is hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free that won’t definitely irritate the skin. The packaging comes with a mirror and a sponge that will help you in retouching your makeup in the middle of the day.
Looking for a perfect foundation to cover your blemishes, under your eyes, and uneven skin tone? Then this foundation is a must for you!
Perfect for skin type: Sensitive Skin and Acne-prone skin
Get yours now
Recommended: Next Best Makeup Brand to Chanel
2. E.L.F Camo Powder Foundation
E.L.F Camo Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
The next best drugstore foundation on our list is the E.L.F Camo Powder Foundation which has the largest variety of shades consisting of 30 shades from dark to fair skin tones.
The formula this foundation has can be compared to an airbrush finish that is also very lightweight and does not clog pores.
It has also been incorporated with a primer that helps the foundation avoid being cakey and attain medium-to-full coverage and a semi-matte finish once blended.
The foundation can also be used as a finishing powder after all other make-up products have been applied.
Perfect for skin type: Suitable for all skin types
Get this for
Learn more: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dupes that Have Been Making Waves
3. NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation
NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
Check out this NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation that is really popular due to its vegan formula!
The buildable coverage of this foundation hides away skin imperfections such as acne blemishes, freckles, and dark spots but still leaves a radiant glow with a natural matte finish.
It is very lightweight on the skin and blends well on bronzers and blushes as it stays put and does not get flaky over time.
Most people can compare its formula to MAC and Tarte which are both very expensive, once they have switched, they are very satisfied with the formula.
Perfect for skin type: Oily Skin
Get it at
4. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation
Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
If you are looking for a powder foundation that is made to last throughout the day, then this Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation is perfect for you!
Maybelline is a brand known for affordable but quality products that have been in the market for years and ever since they formulated this powder foundation, it has been a game changer.
This specific foundation comes in 12 different shades that will totally match everyone’s skin tone.
On a busy day, touching up your looks might take up some time so it is best to invest in a foundation that will last throughout the day that is both highly pigmented and lightweight.
Comparable to the coverage of a liquid foundation, this Maybelline Super Stay manages shine due to oil and gives out a matte finish once appropriately blended.
Perfect for skin type: Combination and Oily Skin
Get this amazing foundation for
5. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
Check out this Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Loose Powder Foundation that is formulated with antioxidants that keep the skin protected.
The coverage ranges from sheer to medium coverage that is ideal to be used on a daily basis especially if you are going to a class in a university or having a meeting at work.
This Powder Foundation is also very light on the skin and does not clog up the pores especially in the summer season when the heat is very evident.
The formula is also fragrance-free and has a natural finish, perfect for no make-up make-up look.
Ideal for skin type: Sensitive Skin
Get it now
Also Read: Creme De La Mer Dupes to Give You A Softer, Smoother Glowing Skin
6. Milani Even Touch Foundation
Milani Even Touch Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
This Milani Even Touch Foundation is an oil-free powder foundation that is deemed long-lasting and can is used by make-up professionals due to its very creamy formula when applied.
Once it slips on the skin, it will give you a light velvety feeling but a nice full coverage which is very similar to liquid foundation.
It comes in 9 varieties of shades and very nice packaging with a mirror that can be carried in the smallest bag you have.
The formula consists of aloe leaf extracts and seed oil from safflower that does not strip out the moisture on the surface of the skin.
Perfect for skin type: Dry Skin
Get this for
7. Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation
Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
The next foundation we have on this list is the Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation which is available in 24 shades from cool tones, up to deep, neutral, and warm.
If you are looking for photo-perfect make-up, this foundation will really give you a nice base as it is shine-free and has a flawless triple-milled finish.
It is formulated with all sorts of moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, white tea, licorice root extracts, red tea, cucumber, and pomegranate as well as vitamins C and E that helps in age-defying.
Since botanical ingredients are used, it also soothes the skin and makes it healthier which gives out a fairer and more balanced complexion.
It is also vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.
Perfect for skin type: Suitable for all skin types
Get this for
8. L’Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
L’Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder - Drugstore Powder Foundations
The next drugstore foundation on our list is this L’Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder which is great for keeping your make-up on all day.
Just like a liquid foundation, the formula is created to mattify the skin without it being cakey or splotchy once applied.
Not only does it come with a sponge, but it also has a compartment for it that is very convenient if you do not have enough space in your bag.
For medium coverage, you can use the sponge dry to evenly apply the foundation to your skin while in much fuller coverage, you will have to dampen the sponge before putting the foundation on your skin.
This foundation is also sweatproof, waterproof, and heatproof which is great for the summer and you can choose from 20 different shades!
Perfect for skin type: Acne Prone and Oily Skin
Get this for
9. Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation Powder
Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation Powder - Drugstore Powder Foundations
Check out this Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation Powder that comes in 20 different shades!
Ulta is a go-to store for those who are looking for quality make-up at a very affordable price, not only do they sell other drugstore brands but they also launch their products.
If you are looking for a foundation with a luminous finish, then this is the one you are looking for!
Formulated to be used on dry or wet skin, this foundation gives out a very nice coverage that can easily be blended into the skin as well as with other make-up.
Not only that, its smooth and soft finish is because of granulometric silica which is a thickening agent that is both absorbent and pigmented making the texture creamy and moisturizing.
One of its other components is the Nylon 12 which aids in minimizing skin imperfections such as discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Perfect for skin type: Suitable for all skin types
Get this for
10. Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation - Drugstore Powder Foundations
The last powder foundation on our list is this Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation!
It is a breathable foundation that is incorporated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are both great for shielding the skin from the sun.
The formula also contains vitamins A, C, and E and is mixed with antioxidants such as green tea extracts.
Most beauticians have advised using this specific powder foundation since it is lightweight and versatile on the skin.
Perfect for skin type: Suitable for all skin types
Get this for
Is It Safe to Buy Cheap Drugstore Foundation?
Absolutely yes! Although drugstore foundations are cheap, they undergo a lot of processing and certifications to ensure that every ingredient used for the formulation of the products is safe for the skin.
Most make-up professionals are using these drugstore foundations for their clients as it has already been proven and tested by a lot of customers.
Personally speaking, we all know the struggle of finding the perfect product for our skin and with the help of the internet, we can go online and read reviews regarding the drugstore products we are thinking to buy.
At the end of the day, we can always consult professionals to seek better opinions on what foundation is best for us.
Read More: