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.

Achieving The Perfect Eye Makeup with These 14 Best Under-Eye Primers

Do you ever wonder why your eye makeup never looks smooth? Before applying further layers of makeup, it is crucial to use a foundation base to even out your skin tone. Wrinkles, creases, milia, and dark circles around the eyes are particularly well-known flaws that need to be smoothed out. Therefore, one needs to get the top wrinkle-reducing under-eye primers. The appropriate under-eye primer can significantly contribute to the reduction of wrinkle appearance and the creation of youthful, radiant skin around the eyes. We have put together a list of the top under-eye primers for wrinkles to make it easier for you to choose the perfect products. Scroll down to see our suggestions.

Best Overall: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer

The Thank Me Later Eye Primer is a fast-drying, animal-free primer that makes your eyeshadow pop and keeps it safe all day. It has sebum-controlling powder to prevent overproduction of oil as well as pearl powder for fairer skin. It enhances the color of your eyeshadow and is a dependable alternative for all-day wear.

The product’s lightweight formula makes it a user favorite. It dries swiftly after quick absorption. Some individuals, however, may get pimples around their eyes. Additionally, it is claimed that eyeliner and eyeshadow do not last as long as a primer. 

Best Drug Store: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer. 

The flexible L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer can be used alone or in conjunction with the Age Perfect radiant serum foundation, creamy powder foundation, and Y5. This primer rapidly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores by diffusing them with a natural-looking, soft-focus finish and is infused with a soothing serum. The rose formula helps to promote radiant, healthy-looking skin and gradually enhances the skin’s appearance. The skin gets smoother, softer, and more radiant with regular usage, making it a need for anybody seeking a flawless base.

Numerous consumers have commended the primer’s capacity to minimize blemishes, blur fine lines and wrinkles, and create an excellent canvas for applying makeup. The primer does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin, according to some reviews. Unfortunately, some reviewers have also mentioned that the primer has an overpowering aroma, which can be intimidating. 

Best Value: Revlon Photoready Eye Primer

This Revlon under-eye primer has a built-in brush that makes the application quick and clean. Additionally, thanks to photo-chromatic pigments, the gel-based product radiates the under-eye area while preparing it for makeup, preventing your eyes from appearing drowsy and sad. The product’s thick nature fills in the creases and wrinkles around your eyes, making it simple for you to conceal these aging symptoms. Revlon Photoready Eye Primer is paraben-free, talc-free, fragrance-free and oil-free, suitable for those who are with sensitive skin.

Because it successfully mixes with every skin tone, customers adore this primer. They learn that it has a soft-focus finish and a smooth base. In any case, as was to be expected, it may be a little overpriced when taking into account the lack of any outstanding benefits. 

Best for Dark Circles: Milani Conceal and Perfect Under Eye Brightener

With just one application, Milani Conceal and Perfect beneath Eye Treatment lightens dark circles and hydrates the area beneath the eyes. A rested appearance is produced by the ultra-nourishing combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and caffeine, together with micro-fine pearls and color-correcting pigments. It is simple to use alone or under concealer thanks to the targeted cushion applicator. It is completely cruelty-free and vegan.

Some customers said it was too sheer and the applicator was sloppy and inefficient. Additionally, others have reported problems with the package leaking and wasting product. However, a few customers have praised the soft pink tint for brightening the under-eye region and for blending well with the skin, without creasing, or appearing cakey.

Best Soothing: Becca Anti-Fatigue Under-Eye Primer

For days when you’ve had little sleep, have spent a lot of time in front of screens, or are simply tired, BECCA’s balm-like under-eye primer is a blessing. Cucumber is the highlighted ingredient, which helps to calm the under-eye area, along with matcha extract and caffeine. Additionally, the product has peptides and vitamins that hydrate the skin and lessen eye bags and puffiness. Its velvety texture melts into the skin to condition the eye area and make makeup last longer.

Among its numerous advantages, this product’s cooling feeling and lovely aroma are favorites among customers. The product also benefits greatly from the botanical components. The product is considered to be more like an eye cream than a primer, which may turn off certain customers. 

Best Brightening: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer

The caffeine and peptides in this Smashbox under-eye primer rejuvenate the area under your eyes and lessen puffiness. It has a silky texture that calms the sensitive skin around the eyes. The item keeps makeup from building up in the delicate lines and creases around your eyes. It is advised to use this primer before concealer for easier application. 

This primer works well with all ages, especially mature skin. Many individuals adore its simple formulation. Along with being extremely moisturizing, it aids in reducing inflammation. However, a few buyers have expressed concern that the product would be overly smudgy. Some users believe that it is ineffective for them. 

Best Vegan: E.l.f Hydrating Under Eye Primer

This e.l.f. rejuvenating under-eye primer hydrates and brightens the under-eye area while serving as a base for concealer. The product’s peach hue makes it ideal for those who commonly have bags, redness, or dark circles under their eyes. It contains nourishing nutrients including shea butter, aloe vera, green tea, and ginkgo biloba extract to calm, soothe, and condition the skin. 

The primer is said to efficiently hydrate the skin and stop makeup from fading, according to users. Others, yet say that it takes a while for the cream to dry after applying it to the skin. 

Best Waterproof: Mary Kay Eye Primer

The Mary Kay Eye Primer is a product made to prepare your eyelids for applying eyeshadow. Its light, creamy texture helps to balance out and smooth out the skin on your eyelids, providing the ideal backdrop for your eyeshadow. Additionally, it aids in bringing out the color of your eyeshadow and keeps it from settling into wrinkles and fine lines. The Mary Kay Eye Primer has been ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for use around the eyes and is appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

This primer, according to reviewers, helped keep the eyeshadow in place for at least 4 hours. Some consumers, though, discovered that the primer did not totally stop their eyeshadow from creasing. 

Best Anti-Aging: Beverly Hills Youth Restore Miracle Effects Serum & Primer

This is the perfect primer because it fights all indications of aging and dries in just 4 minutes. The Beverly Hills primer has the advantages of Centella Asiatica, which boosts collagen production for supple, young skin. Included are ingredients like argan oil and licorice root extract, which reduce inflammation and function as a barrier against free radicals. The pore-minimizing face-perfecting primer tightens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizes their size, and offers a faultless base for makeup. 

Customers prefer this product’s natural ingredients and light recipe among its many advantages. Comparatively speaking to other primers, the item can also go a little further. Some clients might not enjoy the product because it is thought of as more of an eye cream than a primer. 

Best for Oily Eyelids: ILIA Natural Brightening Eye Primer

The natural ingredient-based, lightweight eyeshadow primer from ILIA is non-slip and weightless. This primer contains botanicals including rosehip oil, arnica, and jojoba, which absorb excess oil and give a durable grip. A combination of mineral pigments that highlight the eye area while also controlling excess oil ensures that colors stand out and the solution adheres to the skin.

Many consumers found that the primer efficiently provides an all-day grip and absorbs extra oil. However, some people say the smell is unpleasant and don’t particularly like it. Others describe negative symptoms including puffy eyes, itching, and discomfort in the vicinity of the eyes. 

Best Waterproof: Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer

For a flawless foundation for your eye makeup and to avoid creasing and smearing, use the full-coverage Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer. The multipurpose Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer provides an even foundation for eye makeup. It shields flaws, prolongs color wear, and reduces creases. The long-lasting, lightweight solution can be used alone to create a naked eye look or as a foundation for eye makeup to give eyes a beautiful finish.

Its dermatologist testing makes it a well-liked option among folks. Since the recipe is non-comedogenic, those with sensitive skin can use it. The primer is costly, though, as it is a luxury good.

Best Non-Comedogenic: Veil Cosmetics Sunset Light Primer Serum Mixing Base

This heavy-duty multipurpose primer, which also functions as an illuminating serum for lasting coverage, is the ideal choice for women who prefer to make things simple and quick. To fight aging, calm the skin, and hydrate it, its special recipe includes peptides, ubiquinone, antioxidants, cinnamon bark, sodium hyaluronate, and white water lily extract. It minimizes pores, minimizes wrinkles and fine lines, and prolongs the wear of makeup for all-day concealment. It can be used as a base for mixing, as a makeup base, or alone. With little effort, Veil’s weightless, breathable, and dermatologist-tested skin care products will help you enhance your natural radiance.

The eye primer’s capacity to brighten and moisturize has pleased a lot of clients. This can be used as an eye serum as well. Customers adore how long-lasting the makeup is on the skin. While this is going on, some customers are unhappy with the scent of the product, claiming that it is too overbearing for their liking. 

Best Gluten-Free: Catrice Liquid Camouflage Under Eye Primer

To reduce fine lines and wrinkles beneath the eyes, use the Catrice Liquid Camouflage beneath Eye Primer. Since it is formed of pure ingredients, its liquid and translucent consistency guarantees a flawless application. The delicate skin around the eyes is protected by the fragrance- and oil-free product.

This recipe is ideal for oily skin because it is oil- and perfume-free. It has a light feel and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It is also claimed that the application is transparent. Nevertheless, a lot of individuals might be worried about the product’s alcohol content because it can upset those who are allergic to it. 

Best Long-Lasting Results: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

This Urban Decay eyeshadow primer comes in a stylish tube package. With its polymer technology, eyeshadow and eyeliner can be applied with the ideal base that dries virtually invisible. The primer’s optical-blurring pigments and neutral tint even out flaws, while Dermaxyl reduces the appearance of wrinkles and kalpariane makes the skin more soft. It is offered in a convenient travel-size tube container.

Customers adore how well it boosts brightness while hydrating eyelids. Enthusiasts who are into skincare and makeup frequently choose it because it is paraben-free and cruelty-free. Nonetheless, this product might be too expensive for those on a budget. It was also claimed that the applicator was ineffective.

Anyone can benefit from using under-eye primers, but they are especially beneficial if you have problems with dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. They provide your concealer with a smooth surface to stick to and might extend its wear time throughout the day. Consider your unique issues and hunt for a formula that addresses them when selecting an under-eye primer. In general, an under-eye primer can be precisely what you need to achieve a perfect and long-lasting makeup look if you’re looking to brighten and smooth the skin beneath your eyes.