Last updated on March 7th, 2019
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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 departments 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 out entire salary 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, or what kind of coverage your 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 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!
L’Oreal Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation // My favorite for days when I want to look a bit more glam, yet still fresh and natural. This is one of L’Oreal’s newer foundation releases, and it does not disappoint! I wear a light layer for medium coverage, but the formula does build well if you want more coverage. I love that this foundation is long wearing and holds up to my somewhat oily skin without being super dry and matte.
L’Oreal Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation >> |FAIR| |LIGHT| |MEDIUM| |TAN| |DEEP TAN| |DEEP|
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup // For those ladies who lean more on the dry side, L’Oreal’s OG foundation provides a bit (okay, a lot) more moisture and dewiness than the previous one. But that doesn’t mean it slides all over your face and melts into oblivion! It is still a solid foundation, as long as you have dry skin and you need this type of foundation. Dewy definitely doesn’t mean wimpy here.
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup >> |LIGHT| |TAN-DEEP|
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 snatched 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!
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundati0n +Concealer >> |PORCELAIN| |FAIR| |LIGHT| |MEDIUM| |MEDIUM-TAN| |TAN| |TAN-DEEP| |DEEP|
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint // This one is more like a tinted moisturizer than a foundation. Because not all of us enjoy wearing full coverage foundation every day. This stuff is very hydrating, but because it is so lightweight it doesn’t slide around or break up on my skin. On the contrary, I find that it melts in 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.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint >> |FAIR| |LIGHT-MEDIUM| |LIGHT-MEDUIM|
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Anti-Pollution Foundation // I feel like Revlon has been kind of forgotten lately, overshadowed by flashy releases from other brands. This foundation didn’t get a lot of attention, and I don’t know why because it’s pretty amazing! The foundation is formulated with anti-pollution and anti-blue-light technology, plus it includes antioxidants and is paraben and phthalate free. Whew.But regardless of all that good stuff, the product looks gorgeous on the skin, and provides a beautiful medium coverage. Not to mention, the shade range is awesome.
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Anti-Pollution Foundation >> |FAIR| |LIGHT| |MEDIUM| |TAN| |DEEP|
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Foundation // This one may be controversial because some people say it’s amazing, while others insist it is utter garbage. (Isn’t everything like that, tho?) 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 appearance. 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!
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Foundation >> [ULTA] [AMAZON]
L’Oreal Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick // Stick foundations are tricky in general, and it’s even worse at the drugstore. But the appeal of a non-messy, non-spillable foundation is irresistible to me, and I’m sure to many of you as well. I love this for everyday no-makeup-makeup. I just dab it only on the places where I need it and I keep it in my makeup bag for little touch-ups throughout the day. It builds well and is lightweight, which is what I like for midday pick-me-ups.
L’Oreal Infallible Longwear Shaping Stick >> |LIGHT-MEDIUM| |MEDIUM-DEEP|
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation // Wet N Wild has really stepped it up lately! This foundation is another full coverage option, and the selling point has to be the price. Drugstore foundation prices have been creeping upward, but Wet N Wild has stayed at a truly affordable price point while creating really quality products. Nothing wrong with that!
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation >> [AMAZON]
ELF Flawless Finish Foundation // Everything about this foundation screams “no frills.” The name and the packaging don’t exactly inspire, but the formula itself is awesome. I honestly think this is one of my new favorites. It feels lightweight on the skin, it looks good whether you apply just a touch where you need it, or if you build up the coverage. And it wins with the $6 price tag. Plus, it’s “Jeffree Star Approved,” and that’s important.
ELF Flawless Finish Foundation >> |FAIR| |FAIR-LIGHT| |LIGHT| |MEDIUM| |TAN| |TAN-DEEP| |DEEP|
Maybelline Superstay 24HR Foundation // Finishing off this list with an unassuming pick. I ignored this foundation in stores for the longest time, and I don’t know why. (Okay, actually I do know why, it’s because historically, Maybelline foundations weren’t the best for my skin.) This is a solid choice for a natural-to-matte foundation that lasts. 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 good for the better part of the day.
Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Foundation >> |FAIR| |LIGHT| |MEDIUM| |TAN| |TAN-DEEP| |DEEP|
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll definitely enjoy this one too >> Top 10 BEST Concealers Found at the Drugstore!
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
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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