Beauty need not be expensive. That’s one lesson to learn today as we bring you the 10 most affordable foundations for keeping flawless on a budget. While it’s alright to splurge once in a while, skincare and makeup need not be pricey. Some drugstore brands deliver excellent quality that can rival some mid-tier to high end products. Here are some of the most affordable foundations that you can get at the drugstore that can provide impressive coverage and color.
1. Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation
This ultra-affordable yet effective foundation from CoverGirl is powered by a vitamin-infused formula with a special antioxidant and vitamin complex. This enables it to give hydration while going on smoothly and provide buildable coverage. Its special antioxidant and vitamin complex is paired with SPF 20 to protect the skin against damage from the sun. Its oil-free, lightweight formula provides a gorgeous, luminous glow. Shop at Ulta.
Star rating: 3.9 of 5 stars
Recommendation rating: 76%
Promising review: “Why did I wait so long?! I could’ve saved so much money if I just bought this a while ago. I’ve seen YouTubers raving about this, but I tend to go for high end foundations. I have to say this performs better than any high end foundation that I have! Run to get this…you will not be disappointed! Never again will I pay $50-65 for a bottle of foundation.” Karly from Ohio
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2. Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation
Maybelline is one of our favorite drugstore brands because it truly delivers on its promise. This liquid foundation comes in a unique compact with a sponge applicator that you press into cushion to apply. It gives you a fresh-faced look for any occasion and is great for daily use. It provides complete luminous coverage with its buildable medium to full coverage. Shop at Walgreens.
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Promising review: “I cannot say enough nice things about this foundation! Being as though I have some skin issues, (dryness, hyper pigmentation, and pitted acne scars) I’ve tried almost every foundation there is to try. From drugstore foundations to high end products. I can honestly say that this is the FIRST foundation I’ve stuck with. It’s so easy to apply, it blends beautifully, has a nice medium coverage, and gives me a nice healthy glow that lasts all day. It’s also very travel friendly because it’s a compact foundation.” Cass
3. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation
If you’re going for cleaner, organic beauty products, try Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation, which offers buildable and blendable coverage for an even skin tone. It has a lightweight and non-comedogenic formula that suits oily or combination skin. Designed with bamboo to blur out imperfections, this mattifying powder foundation is created without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances. Comes in six gorgeous shades for perfect coverage. This product is cruelty-free. Shop at Ulta.
Star rating: 4.2 of 5 stars
Recommendation rating: 81%
Promising review: “I love this! I’ve had a hard time finding a mattifying powder that stays on all day and doesn’t get wiped away by my greasy forehead. This seems to be doing the trick! It blends really nicely into skin tone when I put it on and does a nice amount of coverage without being heavy. It lasts all day with a finishing powder. I’m a really big fan!” Megan G. from Tacoma, WA
4. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup
This drugstore favorite is powered by the brand’s patented Precise Match color technology that matches the skin’s tone and undertone. It features an ultra-pure formula that is free of oils, fragrances, and pore-clogging fillers. It features the antioxidant powers of vitamins A and C, wheat germ and grape fruit extract that together nourishes and protects the skin. Speaking of protection, this foundation has SPF 17 to protect against the sun’s rays. Shop at Walgreens.
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Promising review: “This is literally the first foundation I’ve had that actually matches my skin color. I always have such problems with other foundations because they’re too orange on my skin even if I buy their lightest shades. This foundation isn’t though and it made me so excited when I put it on and it was my first true foundation match ever.” Courtni
5. Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation
Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty brand delivers with its promise of providing coverage and luminosity at the same time. Its weightless formula makes you feel like you’re not wearing any foundation at all, but provides enough coverage to conceal imperfections and uneven skin tone. Comes in 12 skin-perfecting shades. Shop at Ulta.
Star rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Recommendation rating: 73%
Promising review: “I heard such good things about this foundation from some younger and some older beauty YouTubers. I am in the over 40 age group and I know that foundation that works on younger skin, doesn’t always translate well on older skin. Well, this foundation looks absolutely beautiful on older skin. The rave reviews are real. My husband tells me I look beautiful when I wear this foundation. He has no clue what I’m wearing, so his compliments really matter to me. In fact, recently when I have worn some of my usual foundations, I can see how those make me look like I’m visibly wearing makeup, and I haven’t gotten the compliments. The Flower foundation looks more natural.” Kate from Chicago
6. Covergirl Trublend Liquid Makeup
Some foundations come in a limited number of shades. But women’s skin tone is diverse and not all brands can address the need for a more varied range of shades. Covergirl achieves this by providing as much as 21 shades across three color categories (light, medium, and deep) in its shade palette. It features perfect blend technology that provides perfect coverage every time. Shop at Target.
Star rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Promising review: “This foundation is amazing. It goes on light and smooth and doesn’t feel like you have makeup on. It is the perfect blend with my skin to be so I don’t worry about leaving lines. I love this foundation.” Kelly
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7. Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
We can’t stop, won’t stop loving this foundation from NYX, which offers lightweight, waterproof, and pigmented coverage for women who like to work hard, play hard, and look good in the process. This foundation comes in a creamy liquid formula in a range of matte tones that stays on for up to 24 hours. Shop at Walgreens.
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Promising review: “This foundation literally cant stop and won’t stop. For a drugstore makeup it can compare with its high end competitors. Amazing consistency that’s not too runny, it applies every well. Not too thick. My shade did oxidize a little changing the colour but nothing drastic. The foundation lasted hours.” Devonnie
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8. Revlon ColorStay Makeup For Normal/Dry Skin
With Revlon ColorStay, you can be prepared to face literally whatever life has to throw you. This foundation is “life-proof,” so you can wear it to any occasion. It provides buildable to full coverage to provide a beautiful, natural finish for up to 24 hour wear. It contains hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated over time and SPF 20 to protect against sun damage. Shop at Ulta.
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Recommendation rating: 86%
Promising review: “If you find your skin more on the drier side then try this product. Coming from someone’s skin who can crack any second with the wrong foundation, this product is amazing! I’ve been using the same foundation for 10+ years and it never has failed me!” Robin from Texas
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9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Liquid Makeup Tint
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gel offering is the holy grail across the world and the same hyaluronic acid you find in the gel is now in this liquid makeup tint that moisturizes while providing coverage. It features an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that moisturizes and plumps the skin. The same water-gel formula in the Hydro Boost gel can be found in this makeup tint that goes on smoothly for a gorgeous natural finish. Shop at Walgreens.
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Promising review: “I have been struggling with extremely dry skin and acne and every foundation that I have used has left my face looking dry and flaky by the end of the day. I was searching for makeup that would hydrate my skin throughout the day when I came across this product. I bought it and the results were amazing! My skin looked hydrated throughout the day and my skin no longer felt tight like it used to.” Regan
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10. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation
Who needs Instagram filters when you have this foundation to keep your skin looking flawless? This foundation from Wet n Wild offers buildable coverage with colors matched for all undertones and a matte, second-skin finish. It is designed with a matte, light-adjusting complex that gives perfect coverage every time. Shop at Walgreens.
More beauty picks await you in The Teelie Blog archive, which stories we’ve provided for you in the links below. For daily inspiration on makeup and beauty, make sure to bookmark our blog.
Spring Skincare and Makeup: Recommendations from Allure’s March 2019 Beauty Box
10 Most Whimsical Nail Polish Colors for Spring
5 Benefits of Castor Oil for Your Skin and Hair + Our Recommendations!
Pucker Up for the 10 Best Lip Masks and Lip Balms in the Market Today
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