The 5 Best Drugstore Translucent Powders Under $8

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Updated February 5, 2019

Looking for the best drugstore translucent powder? Look no further! I’ve got 5 options for you plus a bonus. All are affordable and perform well for all skin types.

Translucent powder is a staple in my makeup collection. I use it every day I wear makeup. Whether I’m buffing a pressed powder on my face, or baking my concealer with a loose powder, setting my makeup is crucial for my skin type and the humid climate I live in. Luckily, you do not have to break the bank to get a high-performing translucent powder. Today, I’m going to share the 5 best drugstore translucent powders under $8, and a bonus affordable option!

I guarantee you will love any on this list!

Best Drugstore Translucent Powder – The Top 5

1. Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder // I am not kidding when I say this is my holy grail powder. This beats my Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. This isn’t technically a translucent powder, as it comes in a shade range. But it certainly performs like one. Get one that is close to your skin tone and it’ll be just fine. I have mine in “Fair-Light”. I just love this powder, though! It is blurring and never ever looks dry!

2. E.L.F. High Definition Loose Face Powder // This powder is an OG! If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve seen this featured on my blog before multiple times. It’s a winner! I do not prefer to “bake” with this powder anymore, but it’s a great all-around setting powder for everywhere on the face. I love to use a big fluffy brush and dust it everywhere.

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder // This is, by far, my favorite drugstore pressed powder. if you have oily skin, you will love this. Even if you don’t, this will work for you if you prefer a pressed powder. It does not look chalky, but it definitely keeps the face matte and set.

4. Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder // This is an oldie but a goodie. The packaging and smell is a bit grandma-like, but the powder is so beautiful. Finely milled, soft, and doesn’t ever get cakey or dry.

5. NYX High Definition Finishing Powder // This is my favorite pressed HD powder. I prefer to swirl a big brush around in this and lightly dust on the face.

Bonus: RCMA No Color Powder // This translucent setting powder retails for $12, so it’s a bonus online-only option for you. Over $8, but this was totally worth mentioning! You can’t find this in stores, but it is worth every penny! You also get the most bang for your buck with this product, as it is 3 oz.!

My favorite ways to use translucent powders:

“Bake” my makeup. I dip my damp makeup sponge into a large amount of powder and I pack it onto my under eye area. You want an excessive and obscene amount of powder on your sponge. You then let the powder sit on the area, or “bake” as we fancy makeup people call it. Let it “bake” for a few minutes and then dust the excess off with a fluffy brush. You are then left with a smooth and crease-free finish.

Set with a damp sponge. This is similar to baking, but instead of packing on a lot of powder, I take small amounts of the powder and stamp it onto the skin, all over the face. With baking, I usually only do that under my eyes, but I will set my entire face with a damp sponge if I’m using a lighter amount of powder. This method really helps lock and load your makeup. It will keep the skin looking more matte, and help with the longevitiy of wear.

Set with a light dusting. This is the most common. I take a big fluffy brush and swirl it around in the powder and dust it all over the face. Sometimes I’ll take a smaller brush and precisely set with it under my eyes. This gives a very light and even finish to the makeup. Great especially if you have dry skin and you want to avoid looking powdery.