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Best Drugstore Translucent Powders

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
L'Oréal Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Powder
L'Oréal
Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Powder
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Perfects & Moisturizes
Bottom Line

Hydrates, looks natural, and minimizes imperfections; does it all without looking heavy or pale.

Pros

Has light-deflecting ingredients that blur lines, pores, and other imperfections. Contains moisturizers for smooth application. Only a small amount is needed. Feels lightweight and doesn't look cakey. Does a great job setting liquid foundation and cream products.

Cons

Has a light scent that may not please everyone. Can be messy if you use the puff that comes with it. A kabuki brush works better.

Best Bang for the Buck
CoverGirl Clean Professional Loose Finishing Powder
CoverGirl
Clean Professional Loose Finishing Powder
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Translucent Shade Range
Bottom Line

Despite a few quirks, likely to become your go-to favorite if you like a little bit of sheer color and a very low price point.

Pros

This popular loose powder has been a top seller for decades. It delivers a soft, translucent finish with just a hint of sheer color. Available in several translucent shades, so you'll never get a chalky finish. Only takes a little powder to set the whole face.

Cons

Some users find the scent too strong. Slightly messy to apply. Has some fine shiny particles that won't appeal to all wearers.

Revlon ColorStay Pressed Finishing Powder
Revlon
ColorStay Pressed Finishing Powder
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Oil-absorbing
Bottom Line

Revlon fans love that this also comes in a translucent shade. It blends well and works for most who try it.

Pros

Provides a lightweight, matte finish that feels nice on the face and doesn't have any sheen. The pressed formula is easy to apply with no mess. Does a good job absorbing oil and preventing shine. Oil-free formula that's ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types.

Cons

Looks chalky or too light on some complexions. Doesn't last as long as other powders; 16-hour wear is questionable.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
Coty
Airspun Loose Face Powder
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The Test of Time
Bottom Line

Comes in 2 translucent options and has gained a loyal customer base from decades of consistent wear.

Pros

Produces a soft finish that absorbs oil and locks other makeup products in place. Brand has longevity; many wearers remember their mothers or grandmothers wearing it. Affordable, but you get a lot of product for the price.

Cons

Some reports of breakouts. Can be drying. Has a strongly perfumed scent. Messy.

Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
Hourglass
Veil Translucent Setting Powder
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This truly translucent powder works well for a wide range of skin types and tones.

Pros

Prevents oily skin from looking too shiny while keeping dry skin looking dewy and hydrated. Powder feels lightweight and is truly translucent. Great for setting: holds makeup in place all day without settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Powder doesn't attach itself to dry patches on your skin. Cruelty-free.

Cons

The sheer finish looks quite sparkly in natural light, a turnoff for some.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Jennifer Manfrin
Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Updated March 2024

When it comes to setting liquid or cream makeup or blotting oil from your skin, face powder is a product that many makeup lovers can’t do without. But powders with pigment can be too heavy, and they can change the color of your foundation and concealer. To set makeup in place and keep shine under control without affecting the shade of your liquid and cream products, translucent powders do the trick. These colorless, or lightly tinted, face powders are meant to set your makeup, not add coverage. Most drugstore brands offer translucent powders in both pressed and loose formulas as well as different finishes that range from matte to a slight sheen. Loose powders give a lighter look, while pressed powders are ideal for on-the-go touchups.

Our Top Picks
L'Oréal
Best of the Best
L'Oréal
Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Powder
Bottom Line
Hydrates, looks natural, and minimizes imperfections; does it all without looking heavy or pale.
Shop Now
CoverGirl
Best Bang for the Buck
CoverGirl
Clean Professional Loose Finishing Powder
Bottom Line
Despite a few quirks, likely to become your go-to favorite if you like a little bit of sheer color and a very low price point.
Shop Now
Revlon
Top Pick
Revlon
ColorStay Pressed Finishing Powder
Bottom Line
Revlon fans love that this also comes in a translucent shade. It blends well and works for most who try it.
Shop Now
Coty
Top Pick
Coty
Airspun Loose Face Powder
Bottom Line
Comes in 2 translucent options and has gained a loyal customer base from decades of consistent wear.
Shop Now
Hourglass
Top Pick
Hourglass
Veil Translucent Setting Powder
Bottom Line
This truly translucent powder works well for a wide range of skin types and tones.
Shop Now
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