One of the hardest makeup items to find is a good foundation. Even harder to find is a good one at the drugstore. However, that’s not to say there aren’t great options to choose from — and we’ve included the best drugstore foundations.
Keywords like “lightweight” and “longwear” indicate a formula that wears all day without looking heavy, while a “satin-finish” is the most universally-flattering. And believe it or not, full-coverage foundations offer the most versatility, as you can use them more or less to build up to your desired effect.
Of course, you have to keep in mind your skin type, too. Whether you have dry skin or an oilier complexion, here we’ve compiled a list of the best drugstore foundations for a near-flawless finish.
Also Read: 8 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays For A 24/7 Look
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation SPF 25 ($16; ulta.com)
This full-coverage foundation is super-lightweight and oil-absorbent, leaving a second-skin satin finish that lasts all day without fading or transferring.
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Liquid Makeup ($15; walmart.com)
This liquid foundation not only offers buildable coverage that conceals blemishes, but it helps heal them as well. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains acne-fighting ingredients, including salicylic acid and retinyl palmitate.
Maybelline New York Age Rewind Radiant Firming Makeup ($10; walmart.com)
Some foundations tend to settle into wrinkles, but not this one. This anti-aging foundation has a radiant finish that blurs lines and leaves the skin looking glowy (not shiny) throughout the entire day. It also contains ingredients, such as caffeine and goji berry, to help even out tone and keep the skin supple.
Black Opal True Color Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 ($13; ulta.com)
Made specifically for darker skin tones, this silky-smooth cream glides over the skin and dries into a beautiful matte finish. It’s surprisingly lightweight and offers buildable coverage that can even double as a setting powder.
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation ($9; ulta.com)
If you have dry skin, this foundation is ideal for you. It’s hyper-hydrating, with ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E, blends easily, and gives skin a natural-looking glow.
Covergirl Full Spectrum Matte Ambition All Day Foundation ($9; walmart.com)
This matte foundation absorbs excess oil, leaving a soft-focus finish that lasts hours after application. The best part is that, unlike some other matte formulas, this product does not oxidize (aka turn orange after being applied to the face) or look cakey on the skin.
Iman Cosmetics Second to None Stick Foundation ($55; walmart.com)
This full-coverage, oil-free foundation stick is by far one of our favorites. The creamy formula blends beautifully into the skin, and you can use it as a spot concealer or allover for a near-flawless finish.
Also Read: 10 Best Drugstore Shampoos According To Stylists
Milani Cosmetics Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation ($12; ulta.com)
This creamy foundation dries down to a soft matte finish that covers blemishes and softens the look of lines. Also nice: It’s enriched with antioxidants, including green tea, vitamin E, and bamboo extract.
