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drugstore powders
Powder. Some of us are afraid of it, and some of us are just a teensy bit too attached to it.
I like to think I have a healthy relationship with powder these days. I still use it everyday, but I try to avoid going for a swim in it. And when it comes to the drugstore powders that I use, I have high expectations.
See, I want my powders to do their jobs in silence. They need to stand up to whatever my skin or the weather throws at them, but they need to remain invisible and not complain. In literal terms, I just want my powders to blend into my skin, avoid looking dry or powdery, and definitely refrain from caking and curdling by the end of the day.
While I have been more of a minimalist when it comes to most makeup products, I find that powder is just too specific to have just one. Depending on what type of look want, what products I’m using and how long I need my makeup to last, I will set with different powders. Here are a bunch of my favorite powders and what I use them for.
*UPDATED: New powders have been released since this post was originally published. In order to keep this info current and super helpful, I have changed some of my top drugstore powder picks to keep up with the times. I plan on updating consistently as new products are released!
THE QUICK VERSION
L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder
A great everyday, all-purpose powder. It provides a bit of coverage and comes in a great shade range considering that L’Oreal doesn’t really claim it provides much coverage. I use this on medium-coverage days when I want to have a flawless overall look without a ton of foundation.Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Powder also comes in a great shade range, though the coverage is lighter than the L’Oreal, IMO. The powder leaves a natural finish on the skin, and does a good job of disguising pores and blurring imperfections.Milani Prep + Set + Go Transparent Face Powder
This translucent powder is good for setting a full face of makeup lightly. When I apply a full face, I tend to go for matte formulas to keep everything in place, and that means my skin already looks rather dry. I dust translucent powder lightly over my entire face, and a bit under my eyes over my concealer.Physicians Formula Multi-Colored Pressed Powder
Physicians Formula makes excellent barely there powders. I use this as a finishing powder over pretty much any style of makeup. The color correcting tones add a bit more dimension back into your skin after foundation flattens you out.Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder
I haven’t used this powder foundation in a long time, but it was my go-to in high school when I struggled with acne. The formula is non-irritating and controls oil, and it provides some extra coverage. Plus, the product contains salicylic acid, which means it doesn’t clog your pores and helps heal existing breakouts.Essence Brighten Up Banana Powder
It is quite rare that I use a banana powder, but when I do, I find that this is one of the easiest options. The shade isn’t too yellow and the powder is very finely milled. I like that I can dust it over my concealer for some extra brightness without worrying that it will cake up or make me look like both the cake and the baker simultaneously.Catrice Prime & Fine Waterproof Mattifying Powder
Is it waterproof in the pouring rain? Maybe not. But I think this humble drugstore powder holds its own against my dripping sweat when I decide to work out in public and I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. Hey, I want to look like I have it all together, not like I’m bumping along on the strugglebus.L’Oreal Infallible Tinted Loose Setting Powder
If I’m being honest, I probably use loose powders wrong. I don’t bake. It’s too messy, takes too much time, and wastes too much product. Instead, I find that loose powders make for lovely finishing powders when applied lightly since they are so finely milled.Wet N Wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder
To apply a loose setting powder, I use a small, fluffy brush, such as the e.l.f. Highlighting Brush. This way the powder won’t fly everywhere because of too much fluffiness, but it will still apply a thin and airbrushed layer of powder to your skin.Covergirl Full Spectrum Matte Ambition All Day Powder Foundation
This new product from Covergirl is the only one on this list that is marketed as a foundation. I haven’t tried it yet, but I am intrigued. I have only ever tried lighter, foundation-like powders, so this will be a different experience. Reviews state that it gives a natural finish to the skin but still controls oil.That’s all for today!
If you liked this post, check out this one too >> *UPDATED 2020* Top 10 Best Concealers At The Drugstore! | Drugstore Concealer
If you found this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me in the comment section below, and don’t forget to share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- This post is not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchased all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
The Hourglass powders are so pretty but they are so expensive. I’m looking for good dupes. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
-Sun Mi
Hi Sun Mi! Trust me, I’m always on the lookout for great dupes too, because yes, the Hourglass powders are very expensive. I don’t have anything right now, but when I do, you will definitely hear about it in a super-excited post! Keep checking back, and thanks for reading! 🙂 xo
This is just what I was looking for. Summer is my favorite time of year. But I have trouble controlling my oily skin while still looking light and fresh. Great suggestions.
–Rain
The Elf cream eyeshadows last forever on my eyes and they are so cheap! I love them!- Rosalie
I love them too! Thanks for reading! 🙂 xo
Hello, I want to subscribe for see all the updates, where
can i do it please help.
Hello Clemmie, you can subscribe via the signup form in the sidebar. Also, you can also find a sign up button in the navigation bar. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Hi, I was wondering what you think about the Hourglass palette? It’s so expensive, do you think it is worth buying? I’ve heard mixed things. ??
Hi Maryann! Personally, I think it is worth it, but not everybody will feel that way. It’s not the most pigmented thing, so if you are looking for strong highlighters, then you’ll be disappointed. However, the powders do give off a beautiful sheen, so if you just want a subtle healthy glow, then these work beautifully for that. Hope this helps! 🙂 xo
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Milani Baked Blushes. I rarely use anything else, and I have almost all of them.
They are awesome blushes, I totally agree! Thanks for reading 🙂 xo
You probably didn’t intend this, but this post gave me an idea. People are super into capsule wardrobes these days, so why not a capsule makeup collection? Use a small group of makeup that’s not overwhelming, and change it seasonally? I’m going to do it!
Actually, I did! I created a free email course on the subject if you’re interested. Check it out here >> Capsule Beauty Challenge
Great suggestion, BTW, and thanks for reading 🙂 xo
I just want to say that I think the photos in this post are gorgeous! Amazing swatches and pretty flat lay. Good job — Pat
Why thank you, Pat! 🙂
Another awesome post!