powder foundation without talc

10 BEST DRUGSTORE SETTING POWDERS FOR EXTENDING YOUR MAKEUP ON A BUDGET

If you’re concerned about using powder and worried that your face might look cakey or lose its natural appearance, worry no more. The latest formulas provide a smoother feel than ever, with a lightweight finish that keeps your makeup in place without creating an overly strong impression. Some powders can absorb moisture and control oil for hours, making them particularly effective for oily skin. A list of 10 popular and user-friendly powder options for you to choose from. Keep reading!

WHAT DOES SETTING POWDER DO?

Setting powder plays a crucial role in the realm of makeup, serving multiple functions to enhance the longevity and overall appearance of one’s makeup application. Its primary purpose is to set and secure liquid or cream-based makeup products, such as foundation and concealer, in order to prevent them from smudging or transferring throughout the day. One of the key benefits of setting powder is its ability to control excess oil on the skin. Formulated with ingredients designed to absorb oil, setting powder helps to minimize shine, making it particularly advantageous for individuals with oily or combination skin.

WET N WILD PHOTO FOCUS LOOSE SETTING POWDER

We were thoroughly impressed by this powder, which rivaled many high-end powders in our lab tests. The weightless formula stood out, being one of the most finely-milled powders we’ve ever encountered. Its seamless application effortlessly sets makeup in place, controls shine, and delivers an airbrushed finish. Available in banana and deep shades catering to various skin tones, the translucent option is especially commendable for its colorlessness, making it suitable for all. At an affordable price point, this outstanding formula secures our top-ranking spot.

COTY AIRSPUN FACE POWDER

Since as far back as 1935, this loose powder has been a staple for women, and its vintage packaging pays homage to that rich history. Pioneering the concept of “baking” in makeup before it became a widely used term, this product remains timeless. Crafted with pigments blended with air, it imparts a featherweight feel upon application. Effectively controlling oily areas, it sets makeup flawlessly without the burden of a heavy or cakey finish. A noteworthy feature is its ability to leave foundation color unchanged when applied on top.

E.L.F. COSMETICS HALO GLOW SETTING POWDER

Ideal for those seeking a radiant complexion with controlled oil, this selection utilizes finely-milled synthetic sapphire particles to set the skin and enhance luminosity. These particles serve a dual purpose: firstly, they effectively blur lines, pores, and imperfections, creating a stunning soft-focus finish reminiscent of a filter. Secondly, a subtle luminosity adds freshness and a natural glow without an excessive or unnatural shimmer. A reliable option for individuals with dry skin or anyone desiring an extra touch of radiance.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP MATTIFYING POWDER

For those in search of a drugstore pressed formula, our top recommendation is this one. Its mess-free and portable pressed formula makes it convenient for on-the-go application, suitable for all skin types. Effectively mattifying shine without appearing chalky, it impressively maintains a lightweight feel. With an extensive range of shades, it caters to diverse skin tones. “As someone with oily-combination skin, this powder not only provides a matte finish but also effectively keeps shine at bay for hours.”

BLK/OPL FINISHING POWDER

In our lab tests, this loose powder showcased remarkable performance. Its impressive feature lies in its weightlessness on the skin, coupled with its exceptional ability to set makeup and control oily spots effectively. The powder contributes to a soft, skin-like, and natural finish for the complexion. While we believe the shades are most suitable for medium and dark skin tones, there is also one shade accommodating those with lighter skin tones. If you’ve been searching for a powder that feels completely undetectable on your skin, this one is definitely worth exploring.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT ME LOOSE FINISHING POWDER

An ideal complement to any foundation, this formula provides a sheer wash of color that seamlessly blends in. With an impressive range of shades, particularly for a drugstore product, our test revealed its excellent ability to set the skin without inducing a dry appearance. When applied with a large fluffy brush, it imparts a lightweight feel and achieves an airbrushed look. However, it’s important to note that excessive application may result in a slightly cakey appearance. Overall, we strongly endorse this formula, especially for those in search of a powder closely matching their skin tone.

MENTED COSMETICS SKIN SILK LOOSE SETTING POWDER

Earning high praise in our lab tests, this product stands out as an excellent choice for deep and dark skin tones, although there is a light shade suitable for those with light to medium skin tones. The two deeper shades offer a diverse range in both tone and depth, with the deepest shade surpassing the darkness of most loose powders available, making it an ideal selection for individuals with a dark complexion. Beyond the impressive shade range, we were equally impressed by its effective oil control without causing the skin to appear dry or cakey. While it may be a bit pricier compared to typical drugstore options, the investment is well justified, especially if you find a shade that suits you.

L’ORÉAL INFALLIBLE POWDER FOUNDATION

For those in search of a powder that enhances coverage in their makeup routine, this option is highly recommended. While technically classified as a foundation and suitable for standalone use, it can also be layered on top of liquid foundation to achieve even more coverage. With a broad spectrum of shades spanning from fair to dark, the powder allows for buildable coverage, offering a substantial finish. Notably, its waterproof feature makes it an excellent choice for summer or humid climates. “When aiming to set my concealer or foundation in place on top of a blemish, while also desiring additional coverage, this product is my go-to.”

ULTA BEAUTY COLLECTION HYALURONIC ACID SETTING POWDER

Enriched with hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant, Ulta’s in-house brand presents a velvety-smooth translucent setting powder. Specifically designed to effortlessly glide over dry patches and prevent settling into wrinkles and crevices, this formulation ensures a seamless application. A little product goes a long way, so exercise caution with application if you’re planning on being photographed to avoid any potential flashback. While offering no real coverage due to its translucent nature, the powder effectively locks in the work done by your foundation or concealer, providing a dewy finish without appearing greasy.

MIRABELLA PERFECTING LOOSE POWDER

Despite her involvement in the brand’s creative development and design consultations, Kyle wholeheartedly endorses Mirabella Perfecting Loose Powder. Describing it as an ultra-lightweight, translucent silica powder, she praises its ability to produce a luminous, airbrushed, high-definition effect that flawlessly blends into the skin and perfects pores. Kyle notes that the powder is enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as Vitamin A and E, along with anti-aging peptides. Additionally, the silica content effectively combats surface shine throughout the day. Notably, the versatile shade is designed to suit all skin tones. While it comes at a slightly higher price point, Kyle emphasizes the powder’s overall quality and benefits.

AIRSPUN LOOSE POWDER


In existence since 1935, this loose powder underwent a recent reformulation, eliminating talc from its ingredient list. Boasting a light consistency, fluffy texture, and a generously sized compact, this product offers a substantial amount for its $7 price tag. The universal translucent tone is designed to suit most skin tones, while those seeking an enhanced airbrushed effect can explore the translucent extra coverage option. It’s worth noting that due to its finely milled nature, the powder can be a bit messy. While it includes a puff, using a beauty blender or sponge-like applicator can provide extra control or allow for better product pressing into the skin.

CONCLUSION

Among the numerous options for affordable setting powders, there are standout products that have garnered the attention of users. As introduced above, these products have gained popularity and trust among many. We hope that, upon reading this article, you can choose a product that suits your skin.

18 BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS  

Skin tones and thin foundations have undoubtedly won over makeup enthusiasts’ hearts in recent years. Even if these complexion formulas are popular right now, we shouldn’t undervalue the importance of a good full-coverage foundation. A foundation that delivers more coverage may be preferable if you like to hide redness, hyperpigmentation, acne, or if a full-glam look better suits your aesthetic. If you’re on your way finding the best full coverage foundation, you are at the right place.

MAKEUP FOREVER HD FOUNDATION 

It can be challenging to wear makeup since you want to appear to have a matte, even complexion without having a thick layer of it on your face. However, it’s difficult to even notice that you’re wearing foundation thanks to this liquid formula’s subtle yet effective application. Even though it has modest coverage, you can build it up to achieve even greater blurring. Its non-comedogenic, sweatproof, waterproof, and vegan properties ensure that it won’t induce breakouts, and its coverage lasts for up to 24 hours. This foundation is ideal for people with oily skin, although normal skin types may find it a little too dry. 

L’ORÉAL INFALLIBLE FRESH WEAR FOUNDATION 

Because it softens wrinkles and gives skin a smooth finish that lasts all day, this L’Oréal foundation is often featured on lists of the best. Because of its oil absorbers, which include silica and perlite, it won’t transfer makeup or perspiration, so you won’t have to deal with makeup stains when doing laundry. According to reviews, it doesn’t require regular touch-ups and doesn’t settle into creases. 

DIOR FOREVER MATTE FOUNDATION 

Having a foundation that absorbs excess oil is helpful if you’re trying to regulate (and distract from) a greasy face. That’s what this smooth product accomplishes, plus more. Alongside skincare elements like iris, wild pansy, rose, and nasturtium extracts, it evens and mattifies your face, giving you visible pore tightening and smoothing effects in addition to coverage. It can be very expensive because it’s a high-end product, but without a doubt, this is the best full coverage foundation for oily skin. 

NARS SOFT MATTE LONG-LASTING FOUNDATION 

If you have oily skin, your objectives probably include hiding blemishes, reducing the visibility of pores, and avoiding an intense glare from your shiny face. This full-coverage product is meant to last up to 16 hours a day and doesn’t rub off on garments. Hyaluronic acid and microalgae are its main components; they work together to absorb extra sebum. 

BAREMINERALS BAREPRO PERFECTING POWDER FOUNDATION 

The velvety texture of this talc-free formula, which contains peony extract and sugarcane-derived squalene, not only absorbs oil but also works to smooth and even tone over time. It can be applied wet or dry, and it feels nice on your skin l and mess-free application makes it easier to apply than liquid formulas. However, compared to most foundations on the market, it’s pretty pricey. Powder foundations are great for controlling shine while leaving a breathable feel, which is especially nice in warmer months. 

KOSAS REVEALER FOUNDATION SPF 25 

There’s a strong probability that if you have oily skin, you’re also obsessed with making your pores look smaller and shining less. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalene are just a few of the many skin-improving elements in this industrious mix that not only smooth skin but also brighten, balance, moisturize, and firm it. Because of its oil-absorbing components, your coverage will remain intact in any humidity. However, this product should be used with caution if you have sensitive skin since it may irritate your skin or potentially create breakouts. 

COVERGIRL+OLAY SIMPLY AGELESS 3-IN-1 FOUNDATION 

This multitasking pro provides a youthful glow without being greasy while providing long-lasting coverage. In order to moisturize and improve tone, it contains a hyaluronic complex, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Although the shade range is much too little in comparison to most foundations, it is still a great foundation that performs exceptionally well on oily skin. 

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY-IN-PLACE FOUNDATION 

Writing a foundation guide would be nearly difficult without including a mention of Estée Lauder Double Wear. This well-known product consistently appears on lists for a reason. The company promotes a smooth, mattified finish and is buildable from medium to full coverage. This foundation is ideal for oily skin that requires a bit more control over shine. It resists water, perspiration, heat, and humidity while maintaining color accuracy and an airbrushed appearance. 

YSL ALL HOURS LUMINOUS MATTE FOUNDATION 

Beyond just evening out your skin tone, Yves Saint Laurent’s All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation does a little more. Thanks to a powerful combination of ingredients, this long-wearing foundation goes above and beyond to maintain the skin’s appearance and health. Even on oily skin, this feather-light formula gives a barely-there, second-skin feel while seamlessly covering blemishes. Hyaluronic acid is used in its 77% skincare-based recipe to provide all-day hydration and significantly smoother results. Its SPF 39 PA+++ rating provides additional protection from the sun. 

CHARLOTTE TILBURY CHARLOTTE’S BEAUTIFUL SKIN FOUNDATION 

When it comes to immaculate makeup, it’s difficult to surpass Charlotte Tilbury, and the company’s Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation is no different. This solution, which is fueled by moisturizing hyaluronic acid (a humectant that draws moisture into skin) and a brightening combination of chemicals derived from roses, not only makes skin seem better immediately but also becomes better over time. With medium to full coverage, it helps plump and smooth skin and is cruelty-free and vegan. 

ILLAMASQUA BEYOND FOUNDATION

The newest product in the brand’s Beyond complexion line, Illamasqua Beyond Foundation, was created to provide a dewy finish. Its formula never fades, so even with oily skin, it works wonders for maintaining your best-looking complexion for hours on end. It will make you glow. Vitamin E aids in maintaining a complexion that looks healthy, while hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin’s surface. It earns extra points for being cruelty-free and vegan.

TWO-FACED BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION

Too Faced’s Born This Way Foundation is another oil-friendly foundation that comes in a fantastic array of hues and provides medium-to-full, barely noticeable coverage that has earned its reputation. Beautiful, skin-loving components improve its silky, liquid formula: hyaluronic acid gives skin long-lasting hydration for a more youthful appearance, alpine rose brightens and encourages elasticity, and coconut water helps to replace skin’s moisture levels without overdoing it.

NO7 STAY PERFECT FOUNDATION

All day long, this medium coverage, soft foundation leaves the skin feeling light and breathable while providing a gorgeously balanced complexion. This composition is as long-lasting as its name implies, with up to 24 hours of super-staying strength; the brand even refers to it as “life-proof.” This product, which comes in 36 hues, is designed to blend perfectly into a variety of skin tones because of its medium-to-full-coverage formulation.

MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION

Trust us when we say Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation skillfully refines the face in one step as a cosmetic base. The powder foundation applies smoothly and settles into fine wrinkles without caking. It offers medium coverage, which minimizes the visibility of pores, blemishes, and skin imperfections. Although it claims to last up to eight hours, we would recommend a little more time. It also aids in absorbing extra oil to reduce shine without dehydrating the skin, leaving you feeling adequately hydrated throughout the day.

NYX TOTAL CONTROL PRO DROP FOUNDATION

Given that it’s the biggest bottle of liquid full coverage foundation on this list, NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation is not only an excellent choice when considering budget, but also a great value. Although you might assume that a drugstore foundation wouldn’t be as good as a high-end formula, our tester tells us it’s really good. The texture is incredibly smooth and shiny, without appearing greasy; rather, it exudes health. Its availability in a wide range of colors contributes to its amazing appearance, making it simple to get the ideal shade match.

IT COSMETICS CC+ CREAM OIL-FREE MATTE WITH SPF 40+

This CC cream is the perfect addition to your skincare, sun protection, and cosmetics regimens if you’re searching for a product. The pigmented fluid can be used as a mineral sunscreen, concealer, full-coverage matte foundation, skin-smoothing serum (hi, peptides, niacinamide, tea tree extract, and collagen), mattifying moisturizer (hyaluronic acid, charcoal, Canadian colloidal clay, and Moroccan lava clay), and skin-smoothing serum. Still, it can be challenging to choose a tone that is suitable.

CATRICE COSMETICS HD COVERAGE FOUNDATION

This full-coverage fluid has earned the reputation of being a go-to and being on par with more expensive options for a reason. It truly has everything an oily skin person could want—it is waterproof, sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and incredibly lightweight. The long-wear formula contains niacinamide to calm and smooth the complexion and helps users achieve a gorgeous matte finish that controls undesired shine. However, a lot of customers have complained about how dirty the dropper dispenser is, which is related to the packing.

CLINIQUE STAY-MATTE OIL-FREE FOUNDATION

For those of us who wear foundation throughout the summer and require it to manage oil, absorb shine, and withstand perspiration, this incredibly lightweight composition is ideal. Because of its buildable coverage and long-wearing matte finish, the majority of users adore this oil-free liquid foundation. Although sixteen hues is not a lot for a foundation, this formula is particularly unsatisfactory for tanned to deep skin tones.

FINAL TAKEAWAY 

A full-coverage foundation can help you reach your beauty objectives whether you’re working towards a special date, have an impending picture shoot months in advance, or just like a more impenetrable makeup finish. Naturally, not every full coverage foundation is made equal, and a lot of them can result in more caking than coverage. Make sure to review the contents and formula of each product before making a purchase to ensure that it suits both your needs and your budget.