You’ve spent at least 30 minutes, if not an hour, putting concealer, blush, eye shadow, highlighter, and bronzer on your face. While leaving your vanity without setting powder isn’t technically a tragedy, it’s certainly not in your makeup’s best interests. Setting powder is the go-to solution for ensuring that your makeup stays put and doesn’t slide when the midday oil slick comes. Not to mention that it’s a must-have for any beauty photo session to battle the glare of bright lights. Setting powders have become one of the most flexible and hardworking cosmetic tools, thanks to the abundance of non-caked-on options. We asked makeup artists to weigh in on their favorite drugstore powders, whether you’re new to setting powders or searching for a great price on one that lives up to its package claims. Here are their top recommendations.

1. Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation

Sheika Daley, the makeup artist behind Zendaya’s pink Valentino ad and Jodie Turner-Met Smith’s Gala debut, uses this formula on all of her clients. “It’s fantastic for setting foundation since it’s full-coverage and gives any look that velvety finish,” she explains. Daley praises this powder’s “extreme versatility,” noting that it can be applied wet (with a moist sponge) or dry (with a big fluffy brush), depending on coverage requirements.

2. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Powder

Another great drugstore powder. This powder creates radiant skin that appears and feels soft and natural. It’s never heavy or cakey. “It’s like a second skin for me,” says Leah London, a makeup artist who works with Iskra Lawrence and Maddy Zeigler. She also stated that she only uses a soft, fluffy brush to apply finishing powder to the T-zone, nose, and chin. This results in a lighter, more natural look that isn’t thick or matte.

3. CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder

Lydia Sellers, beauty artist for Meghan Markle and The Bachelorette’s Becca Kufrin, recommends CoverGirl’s Professional Loose Powder. “I love this as a substitute for one of my favorite high-end loose powders from Laura Mercier,” she says. “I love loose powder because it goes on light and fluffy and gives you more control over your application. I like this powder since it is fine-milled, silky, and buildable.”

4. Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder

one of the best drugstore powders you can go for. Revlon is one of the most inventive drugstore brands, and this recipe is no exception. The powder assists in creating a flawless finish that lasts up to 16 hours while eliminating shine and giving your skin a bright glow. The best part is its jet-milled, silky texture, which goes on effortlessly over makeup or even on bare skin. This pressed powder comes in four different shades.

5. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

There’s a reason one of these Charlotte Tilbury fan favorites is sold every minute: Sweet almond oil and rose wax hydrate the skin, while pearlescent pigments provide radiance. The airbrushed finish softens lines and blemishes for a soft-focus finish that lasts all day. Cnarik Aloyan, a makeup artist, swears by it and calls it her all-time favorite. “It’s also nice to keep in your luggage for quick touch-ups,” she explains.

6. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Setting Powder

Rihanna clearly knows a thing or two about being camera-ready because the pore-blurring, the mattifying effect is worthy of the early-aughts digital-camera days—or even the brightest Lumee Lights. Furthermore, in typical Fenty fashion, the brand provides a broad spectrum of pigments to pick from (eight is a lot for this type of product—some brands only provide two), ensuring it mixes nicely with all skin tones.

7. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting drugstore Powder

Some individuals avoid translucent powder for fear of looking blotchy or ghostly, but Laura Mercier’s loose drugstore powder will convince even the most skeptics with its weightless feel and smooth finish. In fact, Moor loves it, saying, “I’ve tried numerous others and always go back to this cornerstone in my makeup box.”

8. Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

“This product sets makeup without disturbing the foundation beneath,” says makeup artist Clarissa Luna, whose clients include Camila Cabello and Jane Krakowski. “It makes any foundation recipe stay longer and look more matte. This is your best bet if you have oily skin or need to reduce shine this summer.” We like that it comes in eight different shades and is less expensive than a Venti Frappe.

9. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

“I like this pressed powder since it’s lightweight yet provides good coverage,” Sellers adds. “It’s small, which makes it simple to transport — stashed in my touch-up bag or purse — and you can build this without feeling caked on. It also works effectively to reduce shine on most skin types, from oily to combination.”

10. Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder

The Kokie Cosmetics Setting Powder provides a delicate, natural finish that lasts all day. This drugstore powder helps to minimize oiliness, shine, and the appearance of fine lines and creases. The colorless formula with a finely milled, silky texture flawlessly sets your makeup. This powder is ideal for usage around the eyes and on the face. This is one of those drugstore powders that provide sheer coverage and are appropriate for all skin types.

Conclusion

Makeup improves your whole appearance. But, according to humidity, skin type, and outside pollution, your makeup may not last long. As a result, you’ll need a setting powder to bond your wet products and make them stay longer. “When applying loose powder, use a powder puff with a ribbon. This provides you with complete control over application and positioning. Then buff with your powder brush. “You’ll love the effects,” says makeup artist Lorrie Pearson. The drugstore powders described in this post give a nice finish while also reducing shine. But avoid powders that make the skin greasy. If you liked this article, you may also want to read our blog on bleaching black hair. You will find it highly informative.