15 Best Drugstore Foundations Of 2024, According To A Makeup Artist
Achieve spotless even-toned skin with skin-loving formulas that offer great coverage.
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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The best drugstore foundations are super affordable and offer great coverage too. These are available in a variety of shades to match different skin tones. These foundations cover skin imperfections like spots and redness to offer an even-toned base for layering your other makeup products. Like their high-end celebrity-endorsed counterparts, drugstore formulas are enriched with skin-nourishing ingredients that take care of your skin. In this article, we have listed some of the best statement-making drugstore foundation brands that offer excellent results that last all day. So, keep scrolling to check them out and pick your favorites!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Foundations That Don’t Look Cakey (For Every Skin Type)
1. Best Creamy Formula:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Makeup
If you follow YouTube makeup gurus, then you must have noticed the popularity of drugstore foundations over the high-end ones. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation is one of the best expertly crafted drugstore foundations. It is lightweight and has a smooth, creamy formula. It offers medium coverage and is available in 28 different shades to fit your skin tone perfectly.
When you apply this medium-coverage foundation on your skin, make sure you press it with your fingers and focus on areas that tend to become oily as the day passes by. If you want to know more about this celebrity-inspired cream foundation, take a look at this review and reviewer’s experience on YouTube.
Pros
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Demi-matte finish
- Lightweight
- Available in 28 shades
Cons
- May make your skin look dry
Pro Tip2. Best For Flawless Finish:Wet NWild Photo Focus Foundation
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation is one of the best matte foundations. It dries to give a velvety smooth finish to your skin and promises to provide you with a flawless complexion and photo-ready skin. It is available in a wide range of 20 shades that match all undertones and offers buildable coverage. You can check this YouTube video for a detailed review and the reviewer’s experience with this drugstore foundation.
Pros
- Brightens the complexion
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for oily skin
- Matches all undertones
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
- Thick formula
"The coverage of this product is amazing! It blends seamlessly and the matte finish holds up well during a busy day, even for my combination skin. The right shade match makes my skin look natural and enhances my skin texture. It's a good find at this budget."
Pro Tip[ Read – Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation Review ]
3. Best Fir Natural Finish:L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation
This foundation works wonders for oily, dry, and combination skin types. Its full-coverage formula blends evenly on your skin and does not cling onto its dry patches. It is free of oils and any kind of fragrance and does not clog your pores. Unlike any other full-coverage foundations, the L’Oreal True Match Foundation does not feel heavy on your skin and gives you a very natural finish. The range has 33 true-to-you shades that match warm, neutral, and cool undertones with ease and is perfect for mature skin. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review and this reviewer’s experience of this natural finish drugstore foundation.
Pros
- Full coverage
- Available in 33 shades to match all undertones
- Lightweight
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Free of artificial fragrances
Cons
- None
"The foundation is suitable for all seasons and goes on with a natural finish that attracts compliments. It holds up well throughout the day without irritation or oxidizing. It blends easily and offers buildable coverage that works on my minor skin issues."
Pro Tip4. Best For Cake-Free Coverage:Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation
This innovative formula works more as a hydrating serum than a foundation. It offers medium coverage and utterly poreless skin with a smooth finish. This flawless satin foundation contains fresh hyaluronic acid that provides cake-free and buildable coverage which covers blemishes and dark spots effortlessly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Medium coverage
- Covers blemishes and dark spots
- Moisturizes the skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
Cons
- Limited shades
"I like this foundation because it is long-lasting and has buildable coverage. I usually layer it with my moisturizer for a perfect match. Its consistency is great and I usually wear it every day as it makes my skin look glowing."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 265 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
5. COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation is a fabulous drugstore foundation infused with SPF 20 that protects you from the sun all day long. It leaves your skin fresh and vibrant with a naturally matte glow that stays on for hours. The bottle comes with a pump that makes it a hassle-free process to dispense and apply it on your face without any mess.
Pros
- Brightens the skin
- Matte finish
- Full coverage
- SPF 20
- Suitable for oily skin types
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Might cause breakouts
"This foundation works so well when I swim or a perform sweaty workout. It does not fade away or transfer. I like how it remains intact without a cakey appearance. A perfect addition to my makeup routine."
6. Best Beginners-Friendly:NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
Not a fan of liquid foundations? This powder foundation from NYX Professional Makeup will help you achieve a naturally flawless base with minimal effort. Even for a powder, it offers enough sheer coverage to conceal blemishes and redness. This anti-shine formula is excellent for beginners and available in a range of 30 shades. This powder is the best drugstore foundation for combination skin.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Does not clog pores
- Controls oil and prevents shine
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Average lasting power
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 648 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
7. Best Lightweighted Formula:L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation
The L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation is a high-definition, extended wear, and illuminating foundation that gives flawless looking skin with full coverage finish. It has a very lightweight formula, making it an ideal foundation for everyday use. It makes your skin look hydrated and is suitable for normal to dry skin types. You can easily apply this foundation to your skin with a makeup sponge. Definitely, the best addition to your makeup routine.
Pros
- Lasts throughout the day
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for daily use
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Strong synthetic fragrance
- Not suitable for oily skin type
"This foundation is my go-to for rainy weather because it is waterproof. I layer it with a shimmery concealer when I need a glamorous look but I wear it without any other makeup product for casual outings. It does not stick to or clog the large pores on my skin, which is why it is my go-to."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,299 reviews claiming its efficacy.
8. Best For All Skin Tones:Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation
Whether you are looking for a foundation that glides smoothly over your imperfections or disguises your dry patches and gives you a photo-ready look, the Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Foundation is here to suffice all your needs. It has a creamy formula that works more like a tinted moisturizer than a cream foundation. It comes in a range of 31 shades that perfectly match all skin tones from light to dark skin tones.
Pros
- Protects the skin from pollution
- Free from synthetic oils, dyes, and fragrances
- Moisturizes the skin
- Lasts all day
- Buildable coverage
- Convenient pump dispenser
Cons
- None
"This foundation is my staple makeup product that I carry along in my bag. It gives a medium coverage that suits my skin and lifestyle. It's lightweight for a natural look and blends smoothly. It doesn’t cake and has a lasting finish."
9. Best For Blemishes:Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup Foundation
When you have acne-prone skin, you need to be careful when wearing foundation. Neutrogena skin clearing Oil-Free Makeup Foundation is the only liquid foundation with Micro-Clear Technology that efficiently hides all your blemishes and prevents breakouts. Neutrogena has formulated this foundation to protect your skin and treat acne from the core while you are wearing it. The blemish-busting salicylic acid in it does not clog your pores and helps your skin breathe. This tried-and-tested foundation is developed by dermatologists and is oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Pros
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Offers breathable coverage
- Clinically tested
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Does not provide excellent coverage
10. Best Oil-Free Formula:e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
e.l.f Flawless Finish Foundation is has a lightweight and oil-free formula that blends naturally into your skin. This full-coverage drugstore foundation has a semi-matte finish that resists breakouts on oily skin. You can apply this foundation both with a makeup sponge and a brush. It is available in a wide range of shades that compliment all skin tones.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Available in a wide range of shades
- Inexpensive
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,990 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
11. Best Non-Comedogenic:Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
Looking for an all-in-one foundation that gives you breathable and buildable coverage with a satin finish? The ultimate solution is- Physicians Formula’s The Healthy Foundation which will satisfy all your requirements. This lightweight foundation hydrates your skin as it is infused with fresh hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, C, and E. This flawless satin foundation also has SPF 20, so you can step out of the house without worrying about sun damage.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Lightweight
- Satin finish
- SPF 20
- Free of harsh ingredients
- Suitable for sensitive skin type
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
12. Best Sweat-Proof Formula:COVERGIRL Outlast Active Foundation
COVERGIRL Outlast Active Foundation is a liquid foundation that comes in a squeeze tube. Its formula evens out your skin tone without becoming cakey. It is sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and humidity-resistant. It does not clog your pores and is very comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Pros
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- SPF 20
- Blends quickly
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Sweat-proof
- Transfer-proof
- Humidity-resistant
- Does not clog pores
- Cruelty-free.
Cons
- Not suitable for oily skin type
13. Best Powder-Based:Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Mattifying Powder Foundation
Do you want to try a different formula is light on your skin and gives you a matte finish? Then, Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation is ideal for you. It is a powder-based foundation that lasts all day. You can also do a quick touch-up with the sponge applicator and in-built mirror. It is formulated with bamboo to hide imperfections sustainably. This range comes in 6 shades that are suitable for fair skin tone to medium skin tones with cool undertones.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Non-comedogenic
- Comes with an in-built mirror
- Lasts all day
- Matte finish
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Insufficient coverage
14. Best For Brightening:Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation
Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation helps you achieve the impossible with its lightweight and breathable formula. Your skin is left with a luminous glow after its application. It diminishes uneven skin tone and blemishes. Your natural glow is revealed seamlessly with this brightening foundation that is available in 15 different shades.
Pros
- Lightweight
- SPF 18
- Imparts a radiant glow
- Medium to buildable coverage
- Blends easily
Cons
- Not suitable for mature skin
"This is my go-to makeup product. It has a lightweight feel and offers buildable coverage for a natural, dewy finish. The shade stays intact without changing, even in humid conditions. It does not settle into pores and is good for dry skin."
15. Best Overall:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is an award-winning, 24-hour wear foundation that delivers a flawless, natural, and matte finish for all skin types, both dry and oily skin types. This liquid foundation feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin, making you forget that you’re even wearing foundation. With no touch-ups needed, it unifies uneven skin tone and covers imperfections with buildable, medium-to-full coverage.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Matte finish
- Buildable coverage
- Water-resistant
- Waterproof
Cons
- Can be drying
Infographic: How To Choose Suitable Drugstore Foundations
Drugstore foundations are the best choice for those looking for affordable and easy-to-use foundation options. They offer good coverage over spots and blemishes without looking cakey. When buying drugstore foundations, there are a few things you should consider to find one that fits you best. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Foundations help in correcting skin imperfections and provide a base for consequent makeup products. Investing in drugstore foundations helps you nail the perfect makeup bases without blowing through your budget. The L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte is a great choice as it offers a long-lasting demi-matte finish, while the L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation provides full coverage which is ideal for everyday use. But if you are looking for a hydrating that covers blemishes effortlessly then try the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation. These foundations help improve uneven skin tone, and skin texture and conceal spots to provide a flawless look with enhanced features. They contain skin-friendly, dermatologist-tested ingredients that do not harm your hair. These are available in various shades to suit your skin tone. The drugstore foundations are lightweight, paraben-free, and easy to use. However, some products may not be suitable for your skin type, so it is better to do a patch test before using the products. Pick the best drugstore foundation from our list after closely going through the product reviews. Watch tutorials by renowned makeup artists and learn how to apply your foundation the right way to look gorgeous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drugstore foundation for 2024?
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Makeup is the best drugstore foundation in 2024.
What is the best drugstore matte foundation?
If you’re struggling with oily skin and looking for a matte foundation that makes it appear less oily, you can go for the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation or the e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation to give you the desired matte finish.
What drugstore foundation offers full coverage?
The best drugstore foundation with full coverage is the L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation.
Is drugstore foundation as good as high-end?
Yes. Several long-lasting drugstore foundations come with skin-benefitting formulas that offer long-lasting full coverage. They can be nearly as good as their high-end counterparts.
Should the foundation be lighter or darker than your skin?
If you are using only base makeup foundation, always match the foundation exactly to the shade of your skin. However, if you are using contours and bronzers also, you may go a shade deeper.
Should you put a foundation under your eyes?
Yes, use foundation under your eyes. However, a foundation may not be enough if you want to cover dark circles. Use a concealer to get full coverage.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, has a certification in makeup artistry and is forever looking out for good makeup products at affordable rates. She is a die hard fan of drugstore foundations and agrees that many brands have come up with unique formulations that are as good as high-end brands. She sifted through multiple user reviews to shortlist the best drugstore foundations for every skin type. These drugstore formulas are enriched with skin-nourishing ingredients that take care of your skin and, of course, offer great coverage!
Best Drugstore Oil-Free Foundations For Medium To Full CoverageBest-Selling Drugstore Full-Coverage FoundationsBest Recommended Drugstore Foundations For Dark Skin
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
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Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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