11 Best Expert-Approved Drugstore Setting Powders Of 2024
Use affordable, lightweight, and smudge-proof setting powder for a flawless finish.
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. Pearson received her esthetics license from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics where she taught skincare and makeup.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
Experience: 3 yearsEsha 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 that makeup is nothing less than art.
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Experience: 3 yearsKrati 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 of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati 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 the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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 For A Perfect Finish
1. Top Choice:Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
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 oils all day long, smoothes out your skin’s texture, and helps achieve a shine-free finish. Here’s the best part: it comes in 8 different shades for a wide range of skin tones. Reviewers recommend this affordable setting powder as your best bet to keep your foundation in place and shine at bay. Know more about a tester’s experience of using 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
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 weightless formula is available for an array of skin tones. It is also a perfect choice for ethically conscious makeup lovers, as it is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for oily skin types
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This setting powder applies smoothly and maintains a fresh look throughout the day. It does not settle on my forehead creases or enhance my fine lines. I usually do minimal makeup and this is apt for me. It reduces oiliness and provides a subtle glow that stays for a long time."
Fun Fact3. 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 and velvety 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. The lightweight product can effortlessly be added to your daily makeup routine. To understand the nuances of this powder in a detailed manner, you can check out this review by a makeup enthusiast. Learn more about a tester’s experience of using this product in this video.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Does not clog pores
- Buildable coverage
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"I like this powder because it is long-lasting. It also controls oiliness without drying my skin. It blends seamlessly even when I layer it with a setting spray during heavy makeup. It gives full coverage without any creases or cakiness."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 790 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
| Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder Top Choice | Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Translucent Setting Powder Best Multipurpose | Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder Best Drugstore Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | NormalColor | AllColor | NormalColor |
| Dimensions | 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.5 inches | - | 1.97 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches |
| Weight | 2.93 Ounces | - | 2.4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,852 | 13 | 790 |
| Price | $7.77 | $14.5 | $9.61 |
4. Best For Photoshoots:NYX Professional HD Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder
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! One swipe of this and you won’t require any additional coverage. 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. Reviews on online forums attest that this setting powder gives you an airbrushed, matte finish. The product is bound to become your favorite setting powder once you give it a try, so go ahead and add it to your cart now!
Pros
- Evens out and smoothes skin texture
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Great for photoshoots
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,954 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
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. The product is ideal for everyday use and will have you covered in a humid climate as well. At its low price point, this setting powder for sensitive skin is a great alternative to Laura Mercier’s setting powder. It comes in three shades that are suitable for all, from dark to fair skin individuals.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Value for money
- Natural finish
- No animal testing
Cons
- None
"I have been using this loose powder for quite some time now. It smooths my skin and reduces any unevenness that occurs when I apply different makeup products. I apply it with a brush to keep my makeup from smudging anywhere."
6. Best Natural Finish:Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder
Review
Get a subtle, natural coverage that lasts all day with the Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder. It reduces oiliness, excess shine, and the appearance of fine lines and creases. The product requires minimal effort to achieve a flawless finish. The colorless formula in a finely milled, silky texture sets your makeup seamlessly and helps create an invisible layer that appears natural on the skin. Reviewers recommend this smooth-setting powder as the perfect choice for using 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
"This setting powder stays on my skin from early morning till late at night. It gives a nice softness upon application and reduces oiliness throughout the day. It reduces redness and does not feel heavy, even when I do dramatic makeup. I also use it as a light color corrector when needed."
Pro Tip7. 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 tinted shades. Its lightweight feel and durability has been praised by several reviewers. Ethically conscious consumers can also opt for this product as it is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Provides a radiant glow
- 100% cruelty-free and vegan
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This setting powder sits lightly on my skin and offers a natural finish. It controls oiliness in my skin and does not require touch-ups. I like how smooth it makes the skin when paired with a hydrating setting spray."
8. Best Long-Lasting:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Translucent Finishing Powder
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
"This finishing powder is ideal for my skin. It gives a natural finish without creating a cakey appearance. I love how it offers an all-day matte finish and controls shine without disrupting the other makeup products. I usually use it for days when I do heavy makeup."
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.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Lightweight
- Non-drying
- Softens skin
- Minimizes shine and oil
Cons
- None
"This Rimmel powder controls shine without leaving my skin looking parched. I like the soft blur finish it provides while maintaining a hint of glow. It does not settle into a cakey appearance if overused. I recommend using a light and fluffy brush offer for a flawless finish."
10. Best Cruelty-Free:Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Finishing Powder
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. This celebrity-endorsed powder works flawlessly to complement every skin tone, from lighter to deeper skin tones. Its ultrafine, silky consistency also 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
- No animal testing
Cons
- None
"This matte finish powder sets my liquid foundation and gives a smooth finish. It does not settle on my premature fine lines or wrinkles, which is the reason I use it for everyday looks. Its universal shade is perfect for my skin tone as well. Moreover, it does not leave any powdery residue."
11. Best For A Radiant Glow:Almay Smart Shade Loose Finishing Powder
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 versatile shades which are ideal for deep and light skin tones alike. The shades include light, light/medium, and medium that can suit majority of individuals. 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
"This powder gives me a natural finish. It blends seamlessly on my skin and does not settle into the fine lines and premature creases on the forehead. It has buildable coverage but it does not cake, even during humid days. It is a valuable addition to my makeup routine."
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
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 an expertly-crafted 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 offer exceptional results by providing a great finish and minimizing 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 and conduct a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
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.
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.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.