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drugstore foundations
drugstore foundations
What on earth are the best foundations you can buy at the drugstore? –Probably the most requested post for every beauty blogger ever!
And for good reason. Out of all the makeup products, foundation is the stuff we go through the fastest. On top of that, foundation often doesn’t come cheap. High-end foundations from Sephora or department stores often start in the high-$30 range, and the sky really is the limit when it comes to prices.
We always want to know how we can save a bit of money. Just because we love makeup, doesn’t mean we want to spend our entire salaries on the basics. (Holiday eyeshadow palettes …maybe.) These are the best of the best foundations you can find at almost any drugstore. There’s something in here for everybody. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, and no matter what kind of coverage you want, the drugstore has you covered.
I’ve listed these foundations in no particular order, so be sure to skim through the entire post for the full spectrum of drugstore foundation favorites!
*UPDATED: New foundations have been released since this post was originally published. In order to keep this info current and super helpful, I have changed some of my top drugstore foundation picks to keep up with the times. I plan on updating consistently as new products are released!
Table Of Contents
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- Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid
- Catrice HD Liquid Foundation
- L’Oreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
- ColourPop Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer
- Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Dewy Foundation
- Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
- Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Foundation
- L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
- Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Stick Foundation
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup
- HONORABLE MENTION: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
THE QUICK VERSION
ANCHOR drugstore foundations
Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid
This one may be controversial because some people say it’s amazing, while others insist it is just terrible. (Isn’t everything like that, though?) I personally love the look this provides. It gives me a beautiful finish that looks full-coverage flawless, but still has that natural skin-like texture. The only caveat is that it tends to break down faster than other foundations, at least on me. For that reason, I often wear it for photo-ops when I want my skin looking impeccable for a short period of time. It wins that game by miles! | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Catrice HD Liquid Foundation
If you’re constantly toeing the line between coverage and heaviness but aren’t finding the balance you want, then liquidy-liquid foundation formulas are what you need. This highly pigmented yet thin liquid can be built up on the skin without feeling too heavy and uncomfortable. It’s also a great multitasker. Mix a drop or two with your moisturizer for some light skin-evening on casual makeup days. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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L’Oreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
L’Oreal states that this foundation is formulated for sensitive and “mature” skin. Which to me, just means it contains skin-caring ingredients and promises not to settle into pores and lines. The formula feels lightweight and moisturizing, not like a heavy foundation. The texture leans toward the liquid side, so it is best applied with a brush. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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ColourPop Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer
Okay, this one is a tinted moisturizer and not a true foundation. Not all of us enjoy wearing full coverage foundation every day! This stuff is incredibly hydrating, though because it is so lightweight, it doesn’t slide around or break up on my skin. On the contrary, I find that it melts into and “becomes one” with my skin so beautifully, it looks like I’m not wearing any foundation at all. And yet I look 10x better. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Dewy Foundation
My favorite for days when I want to look a bit more glam, yet still fresh and natural. This formula wasn’t released with the same fanfare as the original Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Foundation and is often overlooked. I wear a light layer of the cool, gel-like formula for light-to-medium coverage. The formula does build well if you want more coverage. I wouldn’t call this foundation exceptionally long wearing, but I do find that it fades rather gracefully. You won’t have to worry about going from flawless to train wreck without ample warning. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
It wouldn’t be a Top 10 list without mentioning this gem! Milani created a foundation that combines foundation and concealer into one mega-product, hence the 2-in-1 name. I don’t know the science behind that, but I do know that the product provides unmatched coverage that latches on to my skin and doesn’t let go. When I need to look doll-like and immortal for a loooong time, this is what I wear. Plus, it works on so many different skin types, I even got my mom into it! | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Foundation
Dewy skin may be in vogue, but if your skin is on the oily side and you need a matte foundation, Revlon ColorStay Full Cover is a great option. It provides the oil control that you need without being overly paint-like. The moussy formula dries down to a buildable matte finish for full coverage, or optional lighter coverage when applied with a dampened sponge. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
Here we have another unassuming pick. I ignored this foundation in stores for the longest time. As my skin has gotten older and drier, I’ve started venturing into the world of dewy foundations. This formula is a nice introduction to dewiness. It’s not too much. Does it last a full 24 hours? I don’t know, I haven’t worn it for that long. But it does keep my skin looking fresh for the better part of the day. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Stick Foundation
Now that the stick foundation trend has passed, this is the one I still come back to again and again. Stick foundations are the way to go for travel, (whenever that starts again,) but they are also super handy to keep around at home. This Wet N Wild stick is creamy, easy to blend, is affordably priced, and is perfect for touch-ups. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup
This probably the oldest and most frequently ignored drugstore foundation on this list. We all know it’s there, but most of us have never tried it because it’s just so boring. If you have sensitive skin and want a non-irritating foundation with light-to-medium coverage, this may be a good option for you. You can get past the boring-ness, I believe in you. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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HONORABLE MENTION: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
Before I discovered Milani Conceal + Perfect, I used this all the time. It was my holy grail foundation back when my skin was an oily disaster. I find the coverage to be a tad lighter than the Milani foundation, but it controls oil very well. If oil control paired with full coverage is what you need, then this is a great option. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll definitely enjoy this one too >> Top 10 BEST Concealers Found at the Drugstore!
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Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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