Looking for a new foundation but don’t want the high-end price tag? Are you a foundation connoisseur like myself who just likes to try out new products but don’t want to break the bank? I’ve tried many a foundation… I’m not sure where my obsession came from because I’m not even a heavy makeup wearer but I think it has something to do with my mom telling me I never needed it growing up (I didn’t, thanks mom for saving me the humiliation of 2000s cake-up everyone sported in high school à la 2007).
Back when there were no YouTube videos to learn tips, tricks, or even what products were halfway decent… hell, products WEREN’T halfway decent back then. Drugstore products have really stepped up their game in recent years and some of them even surpass high-end brands, so why spend the money? I’ve rounded up the top 5 drugstore foundations that will give you a flawless look for a reasonable price so you buy the shoes you’ve been eyeing, too.😉
- L’oreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50; $15.99
I discovered this foundation by accident, really. One of those drugstore impulse purchases. You gotta admit the descriptives are on point with this marketing.. age perfect.. radiant.. serum.. sign me up! Oh and SPF 50? Done deal. Granted, you should always wear sunscreen under your foundation but a little extra never hurt anyone. Anyway, this foundation wears flawlessly. It doesn’t crease or cake and will give you a glowing skin-like finish. This is easily my go-to drugstore foundation and #1 on my list although I’m pretty certain at one point all of the foundations on this list have been my #1 at some point. - Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24 Hour with SPF 25; $14.99
This foundation is so good that I did an entire YouTube video dedicated to it. Go on, check it out and see for yourself. Honestly this one is also a strong contender for my all-time favorite drugstore foundation. It wears flawlessly all day long, so if you need staying power I highly recommend this one. Typically I judge my favorites by one rule: I ask myself, would I wear this on a first date? 100%. The great thing about this one is the coverage is super buildable, so if you want medium coverage for a soft skin-like finish you can achieve that, but you can also cover any problem areas you need by adding a little more product without compromising your look. - Loreal True Match with SPF 17; $10.99
Ah, an oldie but a goodie. The entire True Match line is *chef’s kiss* and really is a staple in the drugstore makeup world. My only qualm with this one is it doesn’t have a foundation pump! WHY! *shakes fist in the air* However if you’re willing to look past that single packaging fail this product truly is superior… and it comes in every shade imaginable so you’re certain to find one that’s perfect for you. Also the price is right so pick up a winter shade and a summer shade while you’re at it. - Maybelline Fit Me with SPF 18; $6
Another staple sans foundation pump. However Maybelline just re-released this product in a nifty squeezy tube so bonus points for the cool packaging idea that’s also great for travel! It comes in both a matte finish and dewy finish formula.. both which I have tried and both are phenomenal, but personally I prefer a dewy finish to my foundations. Maybelline Fit Me is another tried and true drugstore line you really can’t go wrong with, all of the products are phenomenal! - Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation; $4.99
This product took be by surprise… $5? Believe it. Wet n Wild really nailed it with the photo focus line (even the concealer and setting powder are 100% at a price that can’t be beat, pick them up immediately). Wet n Wild really came up from the trenches, they amped up the quality of their products significantly without compromising price for the consumer (have you tried the bite sized eyeshadow palettes for $3?!). It also comes in a matte finish and dewy finish. If you’re interested I also did a review/wear test on the dewy finish here.
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