9 Best Makeup Artist-Recommended Drugstore Full-Coverage Foundations

If you are looking for foundations at affordable prices, checking some of the best drugstore full-coverage foundations out there will help. They can give you all the benefits of an expensive foundation at a lesser price. Some of the top-notch drugstore foundations will give you a wide range of shades, the ability to blend well with a natural-looking finish. What’s more, some of them may benefit your skin in the long run. Save yourself time and energy and pop down to your local drugstore. Here are our top drugstore foundations to give you a flawless look on a budget.

9 Best Recommended Drugstore Full-Coverage Foundations

1. Best Overall:Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Matte Finish

4.4

Image: Revlon

BUY ON AMAZON | $10.99

Revlon Colorstay foundation is dermatologist-developed to reduce blemishes and dark spots. The matte-finish formula gives full coverage and suits medium and combination skin. With SPF-15, it gives you 24-hour protection from sun damage. The creamy formula reduces pigmentation and keeps your skin hydrated. With continuous use, it gives your skin tone a brighter finish. This matte finish foundation is available in 43 shades to suit all skin tones. Check this video featuring a reviewer’s experience of using the foundation and learn more about this affordable beauty product!

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 15,761 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

2. Best Budget:Maybelline New York Super Stay Active Wear Foundation

4.2

Now 14% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.98

The celebrity-endorsed Maybelline New York activewear foundation is a full-coverage foundation that gives your skin a seamless finish and is a favorite of many celebrity makeup artists. Its long-lasting formula is highly pigmented to give buildable coverage. This oil-free foundation prevents pimples and pore-clogging and makes your skin blemish-free. The lightweight, buildable formula conceals your skin’s imperfections for a flawless look. Take a look at this video that details a tester’s experience of using the product. It will help you receive more information on this high-coverage, dermatologist-tested foundation.

Pro Tip

The best way to ensure complete coverage is to dab foundation on each side of your nose, forehead, and chin and then blend it outwards. Build it up until you achieve the desired coverage.

3. Best Hydrating Formula:Phoera Coverage Foundation

4.2

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

If you need a foundation for flawless coverage, check out the Phoera liquid foundation. It is designed to cover uneven blemishes on your skin. The creamy formula reduces pigmentation and keeps your skin hydrated. It contains moisturizing and whitening components to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. With regular use, it gives your skin tone a brighter finish. Whether you need a foundation for dry skin or sensitive skin types, this natural formula suits all skin types. As stated by multiple reviewers, it also promises long-lasting results, another reason for you to try this product pronto!

4. Best Lightweight:Nyx Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation

4.2

Now 8% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.74

This foundation has a lightweight formula to give you an improved skin tone. It imparts buildable coverage and blends smoothly into your skin. This foundation for long wear delivers a matte coverage that can take you through the entire day and is a favorite of many celebrity makeup artists. With just the right amount of drop from the pump, this makeup product gives you full coverage for a fine skin tone. The natural formula hides your scars and blemishes and imparts a stunning finish to your skin. This video features a tester’s experience of using the foundation. It offers a more detailed explanation of the product.

Quick Tip

Ears are often overlooked during the makeup application process. Apply foundation over them and blend them with the rest of the face, especially if you have red lobes.

5. Best Dermatologist-Tested Formula:Dermablend Professional Cover Creme

4.4

Image: Dermablend Professional Cover Creme

BUY ON AMAZON | $6736

Dermablend Professional Foundation is a liquid-based formula that imparts medium to full coverage. The gentle formula helps conceal all your skin imperfections for a flawless look. It is transfer-resistant and lends your skin a natural finish that is non-cakey and is a must-have in your makeup routine. This hydrating foundation is formulated with SPF-30 to protect your skin from sun damage and all-day hydration. The dermatologist-tested and created formula prevents clogging of pores to make your skin radiant. Furthermore, it is also tested for allergens, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Did You Know?

Dermablend was founded by a physician, Dr. Craig Roberts, in 1981. He was displeased with skin care limitations that hindered his treatment of his patients. So, he partnered with his makeup artist wife to create dermatology standard products.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 620 reviews claiming its efficacy.

6. Best Sun Protection:e.l.f. Foundation

4.3

Now 33% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $4

Drugstore makeup bargains such as the e.l.f foundation are must-haves for your cosmetics bag. This foundation has a liquid-based formula that blends seamlessly into your skin to hide blemishes and redness for an even finish. With SPF-15, it gives you 24-hour protection from sun damage. The acne-fighting foundation is formulated with salicylic acid and witch hazel to keep your skin healthy, smooth, and gives a radiant finish. It also contains camphor, tea tree oil, and aloe vera gel for continuous hydration to the skin. The oil-free formula helps to correct uneven skin tone and add instant brightness. This foundation for acne-prone skin is available in a range of six shades to suit different skin tones. Not to mention, it is vegan and free from animal testing as well. It is a favorite of many makeup artists around the world.

7. Best Long-Lasting:Frankie Rose Cosmetics Foundation

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $49.95

This foundation from Frankie Rose Cosmetics is designed to give you flawless-looking skin. The sweat-proof formula gives you 24-hour wear without fading. It also controls sebum and prevents your skin from breaking out. The medium to full coverage formula is buildable and offers a smooth finish. This flawless satin foundation for all skin types covers all skin imperfections and gives a velvety finish. It is also not tested on animals, ensuring a guilt-free experience.

8. Best Breathable:Covergirl Outlast Extreme Wear 3-In-1 Foundation

4.2

Now 40% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.99

If you need a foundation for a photo-ready look, try the expertly crafted Covergirl Outlast Extreme Foundation. It has a 3-in-1 formula that imparts full coverage, blends seamlessly, and covers all skin imperfections.The highly pigmented formula is buildable and provides medium to full coverage. This foundation also reduces your pore size to give your skin a smooth finish and is a favorite of many makeup artists. Many reviews indicate that the natural formula feels light on your skin and gives it a shine-free look. This foundation is breathable and contains SPF-18 to protect your skin from free radical damage.

9. Best Waterproof:DC Dermacol Make-Up Cover

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.49

If you need a foundation for sensitive skin, check out the statement-making DC Dermacol Make-Up Cover Foundation. The waterproof formula of this high-end foundation contains SPF-15 to protect your skin from sun damage. The foundation helps in concealing all the imperfections of your skin along with unclogging enlarged pores. The pigmented formula controls sebum to give your skin an even tone and is also a favorite of many makeup artists.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Full Coverage Drugstore Foundation

Remember these tips before buying a full coverage drugstore foundation.

1. Skin Type:  Choose the formula that works best for your skin. If you have dry skin, then choose a liquid-based foundation with a creamy texture. Go for labels such as “non-comedogenic,” oil-control,” or “water-based” if you need a foundation for oily skin type. A foundation for combination skin should be oil-free yet hydrating. Opt for a liquid, lightweight foundation in such a case. If you need a foundation for mature skin, serum-based options will work the best.

2. Skin Tone: Do not just pick any shade without considering the tone of your skin. With a variety of shades available, choose the shade that is closest to or matches your skin tone.

3. Pigmentation: Choose a formula that is pigmented. Better the pigmentation, the better your imperfections will be covered. You can choose between matte, semi-matte, or dewy finish foundation, depending on your personal style.

4. Budget: While choosing a foundation, always choose good drugstore foundation brands. A branded product may be a little expensive, but it will give promising results on your skin.

Infographic: Tips For Applying Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundations

Achieving flawless full coverage with drugstore foundations doesn’t have to be a challenge. These tips and tricks will help you master the art of application for a perfect finish without breaking the bank. From prepping your skin to blending techniques, here are a few pointers to elevate your makeup game. Check out the infographic below to learn more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you use a full-coverage foundation?

Use a full-coverage foundation to make your skin even-toned and hide scars, pimples, and dark spots.

Do I need concealer when I use a full-coverage foundation?

No, but you can add a concealer if you still require more coverage after applying the foundation.

What is a good full-coverage foundation for pale skin?

The Maybelline New York Super Stay Active Wear foundation in fair ivory is a good full-coverage foundation for pale skin. It is highly buildable, does not feel heavy, and conceals your skin imperfections, offering a blemish-free look.

Should your full-coverage foundation be darker or lighter?

A full-coverage foundation should be lighter as you use a dark shade contour or bronzers that even the skin tone.

How often should I use full-coverage liquid foundation?

Liquid foundation can be used for daily coverage only once, as multiple applications can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Is it better to use a brush or a sponge when applying full coverage foundation?

Sponge is better than a brush as it helps provide a flawless finish.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

We have compiled this list of the best drugstore full-coverage foundations after conducting extensive research and reviewing the products available on the market. Foundations come in different consistencies and provide different levels of coverage. Since it is easy to get confused, we thoroughly checked user reviews and feedback to pick only the best product for you. We shortlisted the products considering their formula, staying power, coverage, and buildability.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Cha Cha WoskaCertified Makeup Artist

 

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.

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Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

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.

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Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor

Srijani 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.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati 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.

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