As with most things in life, the key to makeup success is a good foundation. Whether you are looking for a light coverage product to even out your skin tone or a medium-high coverage foundation to tackle blemishes and minimize pores, foundation is a great product to prep your skin for any makeup look! We’ll cover some of the best drugstore foundations, and find something for everyone.
When looking for your best fit, it is important to find a great shade match and align your foundation’s formula with your skin type; however, with thousands of foundation options ranging anywhere from $5 to $250, it can be hard to know what to buy.
With so many great formulas for foundation, you no longer have to limit your search to the high-end beauty brands found in department stores and beauty retailers. Great makeup can be found in drugstores across the country for a fraction of the price! If you’re looking for more than just foundation, check out these awesome drugstore bronzers and seamless drugstore concealers for a full face of drugstore beauty.
Before you read about the best drugstore foundations, be sure to check out our article about making sure your foundation sticks. It’ll help you narrow your search!
Top picks for Drugstore Foundation
To help you in your search for the perfect skin fit, we have compiled a list of top picks from drugstores that won’t break the bank!
#1 Maybelline Fit Me – Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
This liquid formula, cult-favorite promises to smooth and even skin tone and texture leaving you with a natural, matte finish!
Here’s what to know:
· This medium coverage foundation comes in 40 shades to fit most every skin tone (even olive skin tones!).
· It works best for normal to oily skin types.
· The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
What to look out for:
· This product is fast-drying, so work quickly when applying to avoid clumps and streaks!
· Some users have noticed that the product oxidizes and slightly changes color after applying. To prevent this, be sure to test out multiple shades to ensure you find the perfect one!
#2 Cover Girl Clean Fresh Skin Milk
With CoverGirl, you can score a skin-focused formula that promises a dewy, natural finish suitable for all skin!
Here’s what to know:
· It’s vegan! No animals were harmed in the making of this product.
· Because of its lightweight and light coverage formula, you can use it as just a skin enhancer, or layer it for a more full coverage look!
· This product goes a step further than most makeup and includes skin-healthy ingredients that nourish the skin while you wear.
What to look out for:
· This foundation only comes in 14 shades, so it might not cater to everyone.
· Due to the dewy nature of the finish, some users have reported that the foundation streaks throughout the day and doesn’t stay put on the skin.
#3 L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation
L’Oreal’s True Match Foundation has been a drugstore staple for years and years. With the promise of catering to ALL skin types, it’s no wonder this product has stood the test of time!
Here’s what to know:
· True Match comes in 45 different shades, making it one of the most diverse drugstore foundations on the market.
· The medium coverage formula is “super-blendable” and provides a seamless transition from your skin.
· With SPF 17, True Match offers sun protection in addition to skin smoothness!
What to look out for:
· Because of the bottle-top packaging, product can sometimes build up around the cap and prevent full closure. Users have found that spillage is common if the top is not kept clean and product-free.
· The ingredient list includes wheat germ, so those with a topical gluten sensitivity should avoid!
#4 L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
L’Oréal offers a full day of a fresh face, and with added SPF, this foundation allows you to carry your look from morning until night.
Here’s what to know:
· This is a unique long-wear yet lightweight formula that offers buildable coverage for an all-day look!
· With 40 shades to choose from, you will almost definitely find one that works for you.
· Oxidization is a common concern with face makeup, but the 24 Hour Fresh Wear claims to remain the same color every hour of the day.
What to look out for:
· Some users have reported that their moisturizers and sunscreens are not compatible with this product and cause pilling. For best results, be sure to test it out with your skincare products before a full day’s wear.
· This foundation contains fragrance, so if your skin leans more on the sensitive side, this might not be the product for you.
#5 Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
This Milani product works double-time as a foundation and a concealer, cutting your skin makeup time in half!
Here’s what to know:
· Milani offers 45 shades of skin perfection!
· This high-coverage, long-wear formula ensures that no blemish, dark circle, or unwanted texture sees the light of day.
· Conceal + Perfect is water-proof making it ideal for makeup users who want coverage lasting through any activity!
What to look out for:
· Due to the heaviness of the formula, Conceal + Perfect can look a bit cakey if not blended correctly.
· This product will give your skin a very uniform look. If you usually use concealer to create definition and highlight certain parts of your face, this might not be the product for you.
#6 L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
If liquids aren’t for you, #4 on our list comes in powder form! Suited best for oily, acne-prone skin, this powder foundation promises similar benefits with a more mattifying finish.
Here’s what to know:
· The Infallible Powder has perhaps the quickest application of all the foundations on this list. One swipe and you’re off — no blending needed!
· L’Oréal managed to water-proof a powder which is a cosmetic feat if you ask me.
· The small and transportable nature of the packaging means this is a great product to carry around for midday touch-ups.
What to look out for:
· With only half the shade range of its liquid counterpart, this powder foundation might be tougher to match.
· Because of its powder formula, this product cannot deliver on as natural a finish as some liquid formulas.
· If your makeup routine consists of multiple skin products, this might not be the best foundation for you as blending liquids over a powder is difficult.
#7 Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
Revlon’s contribution to the drugstore foundation conversation is this long-wear foundation. Promising 24 hours of staying power and buildable coverage, this foundation is an option for all!
Here’s what to know:
· ColorStay’s 44 shade offerings cover most skin tones.
· This foundation was made with dry skin in mind and promises a natural finish with added sun protection.
What to look out for:
· As with most high coverage foundations, there is potential for cakiness. Good skin prep and application should negate this issue!
· An increasingly common complaint among users is that the product builds up around the pump and makes accessing the product more difficult. Be sure to clean the bottle after every use to avoid this.
#8 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Neutrogena offers this your-skin-but-better tint, perfect for dry or mature skin. This product hydrates and evens without the heaviness of a traditional foundation!
Here’s what to know:
· Neutrogena prioritizes care of the skin above all! The ingredients in this skin tint were selected to promote long-term skin health in addition to giving you a natural glow.
· Because of the lightweight nature of the product, concerns of clumping and caking can be forgotten.
· As Hydro Boost is a tint and not a foundation, shade matches do not need to be an exact match and can blend into more skin tones than expected!
What to look out for:
· With only 10 shades to choose from, it is possible that you will not find a shade that works for your skin tone.
· This product is not formulated to completely dry down, so additional makeup is best kept to a minimum to avoid streaking.
#9 NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation
NYX is a common name in drugstore beauty and is known for their colorful eye and lip products. They round out their product offering with this skin foundation good for all-day, matte skin!
Here’s what to know:
· 45 shades are available for buyers to choose from!
· This full coverage foundation is specifically formulated to control shine throughout the day with oil-blocking technology
· NYX claims that this product is suitable for all skin types and is great for any lifestyle!
What to look out for:
· While Can’t Stop Won’t Stop is touted as a buildable foundation, most users agree that one layer is best to avoid a heavy-looking finish.
· While there are a lot of shades offered, buyers with darker complexions have said that there is not enough variety to encompass all darker tones.
#10 Almay Skin Perfecting Healthy Biome Makeup
Almay is one of the few drugstore beauty companies that formulates exclusively for sensitive skin! You can have this hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested foundation after just a quick trip down to your local drugstore.
Here’s what to know:
· This Skin Perfecting Foundation is made to work on your skin while you wear. With skin barrier-positive ingredients, you can nourish and hydrate while sporting a natural finish!
· The added SPF 25 is one of the highest on the market providing ample protection from the sun.
· The lightweight formula allows users to customize their coverage!
What to look out for:
· The product contains vitamin E oil which has been known to cause breakouts! It’s best practice to know which beauty ingredients your skin likes.
· Almay does not formulate any of their products with fragrance, and some users report that the natural smell of this foundation is not the most pleasant.
· With only 4 shades to choose from, this product is not accessible and only caters to a very small amount of buyers
Foundations for Specific Skin Types
If you already know what your skin needs from a foundation, use this list to see what’s best for each category!
Best Drugstore Matte Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me – Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
This liquid formula, cult-favorite promises to smooth and even skin tone and texture leaving you with a natural, matte finish! Not only is this the best drugstore foundation, but it’s also a great foundation for red skin.
Here’s what to know:
· This medium coverage foundation comes in 40 shades to fit most every skin tone.
· It works best for normal to oily skin types.
· The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
What to look out for:
· This product is fast-drying, so work quickly when applying to avoid clumps and streaks!
· Some users have noticed that the product oxidizes and slightly changes color after applying. To prevent this, be sure to test out multiple shades to ensure you find the perfect one!
Best Drugstore Foundation for Fair Skin
L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation
L’Oreal’s True Match Foundation has been a drugstore staple for years and years. With the promise of catering to ALL skin types, it’s no wonder this product has stood the test of time!
Here’s what to know:
· True Match comes in 45 different shades, making it one of the most diverse drugstore foundations on the market.
· The medium coverage formula is “super-blendable” and provides a seamless transition from your skin.
· With SPF 17, True Match offers sun protection in addition to skin smoothness!
What to look out for:
· Because of the bottle-top packaging, product can sometimes build up around the cap and prevent full closure. Users have found that spillage is common if the top is not kept clean and product-free.
· The ingredient list includes wheat germ, so those with a topical gluten sensitivity should avoid!
Best Drugstore Foundation for Oily Skin
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation
NYX is a common name in drugstore beauty and is known for their colorful eye and lip products. They round out their product offering with this skin foundation good for all-day, matte skin!
Here’s what to know:
· 45 shades are available for buyers to choose from!
· This full coverage foundation is specifically formulated to control shine throughout the day with oil-blocking technology
· NYX claims that this product is suitable for all skin types and is great for any lifestyle!
What to look out for:
· While Can’t Stop Won’t Stop is touted as a buildable foundation, most users agree that one layer is best to avoid a heavy-looking finish.
· While there are a lot of shades offered, buyers with darker complexions have said that there is not enough variety to encompass all darker tones.
Best Drugstore Foundation for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Neutrogena offers this your-skin-but-better tint, perfect for dry or mature skin. This product hydrates and evens without the heaviness of a traditional foundation!
Here’s what to know:
· Neutrogena prioritizes care of the skin above all! The ingredients in this skin tint were selected to promote long-term skin health in addition to giving you a natural glow.
· Because of the light-weight nature of the product, concerns of clumping and caking can be forgotten.
· As Hydro Boost is a tint and not a foundation, shade matches do not need to be an exact match and can blend into more skin tones than expected!
What to look out for:
· With only 10 shades to choose from, it is possible that you will not find a shade that works for your skin tone.
· This product is not formulated to completely dry down, so additional makeup is best kept to a minimum to avoid streaking.
Best Drugstore Full Coverage Foundation
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
This Milani product works double-time as a foundation and a concealer, cutting your skin makeup time in half!
Here’s what to know:
· Milani offers 45 shades of skin perfection!
· This high-coverage, long-wear formula ensures that no blemish, dark circle, or unwanted texture sees the light of day.
· Conceal + Perfect is water-proof making it ideal for makeup users who want coverage lasting through any activity!
What to look out for:
· Due to the heaviness of the formula, Conceal + Perfect can look a bit cakey if not blended correctly.
· This product will give your skin a very uniform look. If you usually use concealer to create definition and highlight certain parts of your face, this might not be the product for you.
Best Drugstore Foundation For Aging and Mature Skin
CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation
Formulated specifically for mature skin, this CoverGirl and Olay collaboration promises to defy gravity itself and diminish wrinkles!
Here’s what to know:
- With both SPF and skin-healthy formulation, Simply Ageless has double the anti-aging power!
- Most mature skin products tend to be very light coverage, but CoverGirl and Olay give mature makeup lovers the opportunity to wear bold and pigmented looks.
What to look out for:
- Some users feel that the additional anti-aging ingredients gave the product a greasy feel and minimized its staying power.
- This foundation only comes in 11 (very light) shades. Only a very limited number of buyers will be able to comfortably wear this.
Best Drugstore Powder Foundation
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
If liquids aren’t for you, The L’Oreal 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder is right for you! Suited best for oily, acne-prone skin, this powder foundation promises similar benefits with a more mattifying finish.
Here’s what to know:
· The Infallible Powder has perhaps the quickest application of all the foundations on this list. One swipe and you’re off — no blending needed!
· L’Oréal managed to water-proof a powder which is a cosmetic feat if you ask me.
· The small and transportable nature of the packaging means this is a great product to carry around for midday touch-ups.
What to look out for:
· With only half the shade range of its liquid counterpart, this powder foundation might be tougher to match.
· Because of its powder formula, this product cannot deliver on as natural a finish as some liquid formulas.
· If your makeup routine consists of multiple skin products, this might not be the best foundation for you as blending liquids over a powder is difficult.
Best Drugstore Liquid Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me – Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
This liquid formula, cult-favorite promises to smooth and even skin tone and texture leaving you with a natural, matte finish!
Here’s what to know:
· This medium coverage foundation comes in 40 shades to fit most every skin tone.
· It works best for normal to oily skin types.
· The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
What to look out for:
· This product is fast-drying, so work quickly when applying to avoid clumps and streaks!
· Some users have noticed that the product oxidizes and slightly changes color after applying. To prevent this, be sure to test out multiple shades to ensure you find the perfect one!
What Are The Best Drugstores For Foundation
In most populated areas of North America, there is ample access to drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Each of these stores have some sort of customer loyalty program that awards their shoppers with coupons or money off various products.
For the best deals, I recommend checking the weekly savings guides that larger companies like CVS and Walgreens put out. These can help you determine what products yield the highest savings and might help you decide which drugstore foundations are worth it for you to try!
If price isn’t your main selling point, Walgreen and CVS also tend to have the widest selections of beauty products. This will allow you to compare foundations side-by side and shade match more effectively.
If you feel you need a professional’s assistance in selecting a product but don’t want to pay name-brand prices, Ulta carries a lot of drugstore beauty brands and has the knowledge to help (AND they have a killer rewards program to help you save while you spend)!
Finding the right drugstore shouldn’t be a huge concern! There are versatile and well-formulated products everywhere, you just have to find them.
Is Drugstore Foundation Worth It?
Most of the time with high-end and high-priced foundations, you are paying for the name more than the product. These days, the more affordable option doesn’t necessarily mean a sacrifice in quality!
Drugstore foundations are great for everyday use if you can find one that aligns with your skin type, tone, and concerns. With such a wide variety on the market, you would be hard-pressed NOT to find something that works with your routine.
Makeup users and professionals agree that lots of drugstore beauty products are good and highly versatile! Because there are likely not any working beauty professionals in drugstores, finding the right product takes a bit more work on the buyer’s end. It’s a process of trial and error but knowing what you’re looking for aids in the search.
If you are looking for products outside of what is found at larger beauty retailers or you’re simply trying to save money on products you use every day, drugstores offer a unique opportunity for shoppers. And who knows, you might just find your perfect match!
Simone is a graduate of Georgetown University and a skincare enthusiast. Her favorite skincare product is currently COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. In addition to her passion for cosmetics, Simone loves to spend time outdoors.