As someone who has spent years evaluating beauty products across all price points, I’m excited to share my in-depth assessment of the Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup in Natural Beige. This compact powder has become a staple in many makeup bags, and for good reason. At just 0.3 oz and boasting an affordable price point, this product promises to deliver a natural-looking finish while setting makeup and smoothing imperfections. But does it live up to these claims? Let’s dive into this comprehensive review to find out.
Product Overview
Maybelline’s Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup is part of the brand’s popular Fit Me line, designed to match a wide range of skin tones while providing buildable coverage. The Natural Beige shade (typically labeled as 220) is intended for light to medium skin tones with neutral undertones. Packaged in a sleek compact with a mirror and applicator puff, this powder is designed to be portable and convenient for on-the-go touch-ups.
Performance Analysis
Coverage and Finish
The Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder offers light to medium coverage that can be built up depending on your application technique. When applied with a light hand using a fluffy brush, it provides a natural finish that enhances the skin without appearing heavy or mask-like. Many users report that it effectively blurs imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores, particularly in the T-zone area.
One standout quality is its ability to set foundation without creating a cakey appearance—a common issue with many pressed powders. The “smooth” aspect of the product name is accurate; it does create a more refined surface texture that photographs well and looks polished in person.
The finish leans toward the natural side rather than being completely matte, which is ideal for those who want to control shine without looking flat or dry. Some users with combination skin noted that it provides a slight luminosity that makes the skin look healthy rather than dull.
Longevity and Wear
The staying power of this powder is generally good for its price point. Most users report that it lasts around 4-5 hours before needing a touch-up, which is standard for drugstore pressed powders. Those with oilier skin may need to blot and reapply after a few hours, particularly in hot or humid conditions.
What’s impressive is how the powder wears throughout the day—it tends to fade evenly rather than becoming patchy or settling into fine lines. Multiple reviewers mentioned that even after a full day of wear, the powder didn’t emphasize texture or create that dreaded “cracked” appearance that can happen with lower-quality products.
Shade Accuracy
The shade accuracy of the Natural Beige (220) is perhaps the most controversial aspect of this product based on customer feedback. There appears to be some inconsistency in the color matching across different production batches or between online purchases versus in-store purchases.
Many users who had previously purchased this shade in physical stores reported that the same shade ordered online appeared significantly lighter. Some even speculated that there might be counterfeit products in circulation. Others noted a discrepancy between the powder shade and the corresponding shade in the Fit Me liquid foundation, with the powder being noticeably lighter.
This inconsistency is something to be aware of—if you’re new to this product, it might be safer to purchase in-store where you can verify the shade before buying.
Skin Compatibility
The Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder works particularly well for normal to combination skin types. Those with dry skin had mixed experiences—some found it didn’t exacerbate dryness when applied lightly, while others felt it emphasized dry patches.
For oily skin types, this formulation helps control shine without being overly drying. It’s worth noting that Maybelline also offers a Matte + Poreless version in the same Fit Me line, which might be better suited for very oily skin types.
Sensitive skin users generally reported positive experiences, with minimal irritation or breakouts. The powder doesn’t have a strong fragrance, which is beneficial for those who are sensitive to scented products.
Application Tips
Based on user experiences, here are some application recommendations to get the most out of this powder:
- For a natural finish: Use a large, fluffy brush and apply in light, sweeping motions, finishing in the direction of facial hair for the most seamless blend.
- For more coverage: Use the included puff applicator with a gentle pressing motion.
- To prevent cakiness: Use sparingly over foundation, focusing primarily on the T-zone or areas that tend to get shiny.
- For longevity: Some users recommend misting the powder’s surface with alcohol occasionally to maintain its performance (this also serves as a sanitizing measure).
- As a foundation alternative: For those who prefer lighter coverage, this powder can be used alone over concealer for a natural, no-makeup makeup look.
Value Proposition
At its price point (typically under $10), the Maybelline Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder offers exceptional value compared to higher-end alternatives. The compact contains 0.3 oz of product, which typically lasts several months with regular use. Many longtime users reported repurchasing this product multiple times, indicating strong satisfaction with its performance-to-price ratio.
The included mirror and puff applicator add to its value, making it functional for on-the-go use without requiring additional tools. The sturdy packaging also received praise for holding up well during travel, though some users noted that the compact design could be improved—specifically, the placement of the mirror under the powder compartment makes simultaneous application and viewing difficult.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point with good performance
- Natural-looking finish that enhances skin without looking heavy
- Effectively blurs imperfections and minimizes pores
- Works well over foundation or alone
- Doesn’t cause irritation for most sensitive skin users
- Compact includes a mirror and applicator
- Long-lasting product (many users report a single compact lasting months)
- Versatile application options (can be applied with brush or puff)
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons:
- Potential shade inconsistency issues, particularly with online purchases
- May appear lighter on skin than expected based on packaging
- Not ideal for very dry skin types
- Requires touch-ups after 4-5 hours for oily skin
- Compact design could be improved for easier application
- Some users reported receiving broken products (though this appears to be a shipping issue rather than a product flaw)
Comparison to Similar Products
When compared to other drugstore pressed powders, the Maybelline Fit Me Set + Smooth holds its own quite well. It offers comparable or better performance than other options in the same price range, such as L’Oreal True Match powder or Rimmel Stay Matte.
The Fit Me powder provides a more skin-like finish than many competitors that can leave a flat, overly matte appearance. Its blurring effect on pores and imperfections is also superior to many similarly priced alternatives.
Compared to high-end options like MAC Studio Fix Powder or Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, the Maybelline option obviously lacks some refinement in texture and longevity. However, many users who have tried both drugstore and luxury options consider this to be an excellent dupe that performs at 80-90% of the level of products costing three to four times as much.
Who Should Consider This Product?
This powder is particularly well-suited for:
- Budget-conscious makeup users who want good quality without the high price tag
- Those with normal to combination skin seeking a natural-looking finish
- People who prefer light to medium coverage that can be built up as needed
- Makeup minimalists who want a simple, all-in-one face product
- Those who need a reliable option for touch-ups throughout the day
- Beginners who are still developing their makeup application skills
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
This may not be the best choice for:
- Those with very dry skin (the Fit Me Dewy + Smooth foundation might be better)
- People seeking full coverage (a cream or stick foundation would provide more opacity)
- Those with very oily skin who need extreme oil control (the Matte + Poreless version would be better suited)
- Users who need extremely long wear without touch-ups
- Those who prioritize precise shade matching for their exact undertone
Special Uses
Interestingly, some users have found creative alternative uses for this product:
- Root touch-up: At least one reviewer mentioned using the lighter shades to temporarily cover gray roots between hair coloring sessions.
- Contouring: Because the shade range can run light, some users purchase a shade darker than their skin tone to use as a subtle contour powder.
- Setting under-eye concealer: The finely milled texture makes it suitable for setting concealer without creasing.
- Primer for eyeshadow: Some users apply it on eyelids as a base for powder eyeshadows.
Packaging and Design
The Fit Me powder comes in a classic black compact with a clear window that displays the shade. While functional, the design has some limitations:
- The compartmentalized design places the mirror underneath the powder section, making it impossible to see in the mirror while applying the product
- The included puff sits directly on top of the powder, which some users find unhygienic
- The closure mechanism is secure enough for travel but not overly difficult to open
A few users mentioned receiving products with broken hinges or cracked powder, though these appear to be isolated incidents related to shipping rather than systematic design flaws.
Sustainability Considerations
From a sustainability perspective, the Fit Me powder has room for improvement. The packaging is primarily plastic, and Maybelline has not yet transitioned this line to include recycled materials or refillable options. For environmentally conscious consumers, this might be a consideration when evaluating the overall value proposition.
Long-term Use Experience
Many loyal users report having used this product for years—some even decades—which speaks volumes about its consistent performance. Long-term users often mention that they’ve tried higher-end alternatives but keep returning to this reliable standby.
One particularly telling comment from a longtime user: “This had been my go-to powder for years. I don’t have time for foundation, but this powder gives me great coverage and is easy to apply.”
Concluding Thoughts
The Maybelline New York Fit Me Set + Smooth Powder Makeup in Natural Beige represents one of the best values in the drugstore makeup category. Despite some minor issues with shade consistency and packaging design, it delivers reliable performance that satisfies the needs of most everyday makeup wearers.
Its versatility is perhaps its greatest strength—it can function as a setting powder, a light foundation, or even a touch-up product throughout the day. The natural finish strikes that difficult balance between controlling shine and maintaining a skin-like appearance.
For anyone seeking an affordable, dependable face powder that performs well beyond its price point, the Maybelline Fit Me Set + Smooth is well worth adding to your makeup collection. Just be mindful of the potential shade variations when ordering online, and when possible, verify your shade match in-store before purchasing.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Performance: 4/5 – Performs exceptionally well for its price point, with minor issues in longevity for oily skin types.
Value: 5/5 – Outstanding price-to-performance ratio that outperforms many more expensive alternatives.
Shade Range: 3.5/5 – Good variety of options, but inconsistency issues between batches and potential mismatch with corresponding liquid foundation shades.
Packaging: 4/5 – Functional and travel-friendly, though the mirror placement could be improved.
Skin Benefits: 4.5/5 – Non-irritating for most users, with good pore-blurring properties and a skin-enhancing finish.
This reliable performer has earned its place as a makeup bag staple for good reason, offering professional-looking results without the professional price tag.
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