Favorite Drugstore Foundations

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Choosing the right drugstore foundation can be a game-changer for your makeup routine, offering a flawless finish without breaking the bank. Unlocking the secret to a flawless complexion shouldn’t require a hefty price tag. When it comes to drugstore foundations, affordability meets excellence in beauty. 

Maybelline, e.l.f, Wet’n’Wild, L’Oréal Paris, Revlon—these are just a few brands with standout products for anybody watching their budget. With these tips you don’t have to compromise on quality when shopping for makeup at the drugstore. I’ve tested so many foundations of all prices and drugstore brands truly offer some great makeup products.

Here you will find my favorite affordable drugstore foundations for different skin types, coverage and budgets. I have included tips and tricks to help you navigating the aisles, ensuring you not only find the perfect match for your skin but also discover the holy grail among the most recommended drugstore foundation brands. 

Say goodbye to compromise and hello to a radiant, budget-friendly glow with the best products you can find at your local drugstore!

Tips when choosing a foundation

Choosing the ideal drugstore foundation is a personalized journey that hinges on a few key considerations. Firstly, understanding your skin type is paramount. Whether your skin tends to be oily, dry, or a combination of both, selecting a foundation that caters to these specific needs ensures a harmonious blend. 

Undertones also play a crucial role—identifying whether your undertones are warm, cool, or neutral helps in finding a foundation that seamlessly complements your natural skin tone. 

It’s important to know what finish flatters your skin the most. Whether you lean towards a matte, dewy, or satin finish, the drugstore aisles offer a variety of options. Always conduct a shade test on your jawline to guarantee a perfect match. 

Remember, the perfect drugstore foundation is not just about coverage but about finding a formulation that enhances your unique beauty, making your skin the canvas.

Here are some tips to consider when selecting a drugstore foundation:

1. Know Your Skin Type: Foundations are formulated for different skin types, so it’s crucial to know whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin. Look for foundations that cater to your specific needs. Prone to breakouts and have acne-prone skin? Prefer oil-free formulas.
2. Undertone Match: Determine your skin’s undertone—whether it’s warm, cool, or neutral. This will help you choose a foundation that complements your natural skin tone.
3. Texture and Finish: Consider the finish you prefer—matte, dewy, or satin. Also, think about the texture of the foundation, such as liquid, powder, or cream, based on your application preference and skin type.
4. Shade Testing: Drugstores often have testers or return policies that allow you to try the product and return it if it doesn’t suit your skin. Always test the foundation on your jawline to ensure a seamless match.
5. SPF Content: Some drugstore foundations include SPF, providing added sun protection. If you’re looking for everyday wear, this can be a convenient feature.

The right foundation will melt into your skin and will not look like a mask. Different formulas offer varying levels of coverage, so read the packaging and know the store’s return policy before choosing.

​Best drugstore foundations

Now, let’s explore some of the most recommended drugstore foundation brands:

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a popular drugstore choice, offering a variety of shades and catering to different skin types. Very natural-looking coverage.
2. Maybelline Super Stay 24H Skin Tint + Vitamin C  is my personal favorite when looking for a natural, radiant finish while resisting sweat, humidity and fading. It is more of a serum foundation thanks to its skincare benefits.
3. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation is known for its extensive shade range and adaptability to various skin tones. Despite its lightweight feel, it provides hours of wear.
4. Revlon ColorStay Foundation is renowned for its long-lasting formula, available for both normal/dry and combination/oily skin types.
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is a lightweight and hydrating option with hyaluronic acid, perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin. This is a sheer foundation that is more of a tinted moisturizer.
6. CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Foundation offers a buildable, matte finish that is non-drying and is available in a range of shades.
7. E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation is not only affordable but also provides a smooth and natural-looking finish.
8. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation: Praised for its camera-ready finish and budget-friendly price. For me, it’s a great NARS dupe and has luminous, buildable coverage that belongs to a high-end foundation. You can choose the Dewy or the Matte finish.
9. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder: This powder foundation is a great option for combination and oily skins that want fuller coverage. I would avoid this formulation though for dry skin types.
10. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir is a good choice for those who prefer a sheer foundation with skincare benefits, as it contains ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera.
11. Milani Glow Hydrating Skin Tint: this luminous skin tint is super hydrating and provides sheer coverage, perfect for anybody who wants a healthy glow without feeling like they are wearing makeup.

Always keep in mind that everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different formulations and shades will help you find the drugstore foundation that suits your individual preferences and needs.

The best drugstore foundations not only enhance the appearance of your skin while maintaining its health and radiance throughout the day, but also are affordable. Shop my top picks below.

What are the best full coverage drugstore foundations?

Full-coverage foundations provide a flawless finish that conceals imperfections and even out skin tone. Here are my favorite full-coverage drugstore foundations:

1. Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation: Maybelline’s SuperStay line is known for its long-lasting formulas, and the Full Coverage Foundation lives up to its name, offering a high level of coverage without feeling heavy.
2. L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear More Than Concealer: L’Oréal’s Infallible line includes a Full Wear More Than Concealer foundation that provides full coverage and can also double as a concealer for targeted coverage.
3. Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Foundation: The ColorStay range from Revlon includes a Full Cover Foundation known for its 24-hour wear and full coverage, catering to different skin types.
4. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation: Milani’s Conceal + Perfect Foundation is a versatile option, combining foundation and concealer for full coverage that lasts throughout the day.
5. NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation: NYX’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation is a matte formula with impressive coverage, suitable for those looking for a long-wearing full-coverage option.
6. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Matte: Wet n Wild’s Photo Focus Foundation in Matte is praised for its full coverage and its ability to create a camera-ready finish without the high-end price tag.

Best ways to apply foundation

For the most natural look, here are my recommended ways to apply foundation:

• use a damp sponge, so it absorbs less product. use a stippling motion.
• apply with a synthetic foundation brush
• clean fingers

More makeup tips

• Best Serum Foundations For Radiant and Dewy Skin
• The Best Foundations For TV
• Best Natural Eye Makeup Tips for Brown Eyes
• Best Makeup, Skin and Hair Products With Hyaluronic Acid 

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