Not long ago, finding a reliable foundation often meant spending a pretty penny — especially if you wanted one that didn’t streak, cake or flake.
Those times are behind us. Nowadays, you can discover outstanding foundation formulas at your local drugstore for a tiny fraction of the price of prestige brands sold at beauty counters.
Here’s a little insider tip: many professional makeup artists actually favor drugstore foundations. We asked several of them to name their top picks, and the choices below are their recommendations.
Note: All prices accurate as of June 29, 2020.
L’Oreal True Match LUMI foundation
Cost: $10.99 at Target
Best for: A flexible, everyday foundation
Why makeup artists like it: This formula offers medium coverage but can easily be sheered out for a lighter finish, said Michaeline Becker, a Los Angeles-based hair and makeup pro.
Becker also appreciates that LUMI truly delivers on its luminous promise: it imparts a natural, glowing sheen. “I love the satin finish of this formulation,” she noted. “It goes on smoothly and has a soft hand.”
It also comes in a pump bottle, which helps avoid accidental contamination — a practical bonus.
Cruelty free? No
L’Oreal Infallible 24-hour Fresh Wear Foundation
Cost: $11.99 at Target
Best for: Long shifts and marathon days
Why makeup artists like it: This drugstore option contains a trio of oil-absorbing ingredients that prevent sweat, water and other elements from breaking down your makeup. You can still look fresh at day’s end, even after a hectic schedule.
“I prefer a full-coverage, matte, long-wear foundation,” said Tiffany Ascensio, a beauty blogger in Kansas City. She counts this one among her go-to heavy-duty, long-lasting foundations.
Cruelty free? No
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Cost: $5.39 at Target
Best for: Light, natural coverage
Why makeup artists like it: Kristen Bazet, a New Orleans-based writer and editor for Beauty for Us, finds that this delivers even, dewy coverage without feeling greasy.
“It’s a great stand-in for Glossier’s Skin Tint,” she said. “Just a touch thicker.”
When her skin needs a little extra control, Bazet dusts on Maybelline’s Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Powder for a finish she calls “flawless.” Because it’s so affordable, she keeps one at home and one in her car.
“It’s honestly one of my most trusted products,” she added.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Cost: $7.99 at CVS
Best for: Oily complexions
Why makeup artists like it: “It’s often called ‘the perfect dupe’ for several high-end foundations,” said Kryz Uy, a lifestyle, style and travel blogger based in the Philippines.
Uy explained that the Fit Me line has long been a cult favorite, and the Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is particularly beloved for its oil-control and smooth matte finish. It’s a solid pick for those with oily or acne-prone skin, and the shade range is impressively broad.
Cruelty free? No
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Cost: $9.99 at Walgreens
Best for: Full-coverage needs
Why makeup artists like it: Milani is a cruelty-free brand that’s widely loved and very affordable, according to Niamh Jordan, creator of Kind Beauty Buys.
“Their pro-coverage liquid foundation gives full coverage while staying lightweight with a creamy texture,” she said. It’s buildable enough to double as a concealer, which is a handy two-in-one solution.
This foundation is especially praised for its selection of deeper shades, making it a strong option for melanin-rich skin tones. The line includes multiple undertone choices, and Truffle ranks as the deepest offering.
Cruelty free? Yes
Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup Foundation
Cost: $10.59 at Walgreens
Best for: Acne-prone skin
Why makeup artists like it: Neutrogena developed this formula with oily, breakout-prone skin in mind. It contains salicylic acid to help prevent blemishes and is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone complexions, Uy noted.
Uy appreciates the lighter coverage, which blends naturally and works well for everyday looks. It also includes SPF 20 and is hypoallergenic — both nice added benefits.
Cruelty free? No
Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus Foundation
Cost: Starts at $4.98 at Walmart
Best for: Photo-ready finishes and selfies
Why makeup artists like it: Designed to perform well under various lighting without causing flash-back, this foundation is a selfie-friendly pick, said Margina Dennis, a New York makeup artist.
It delivers buildable medium coverage and is available in multiple formats — stick, matte liquid and dewy liquid — each offered in around 20 shades. The shade distribution isn’t identical across finishes, but overall the range covers a fair spectrum of tones.
Cruelty free? Yes
Article rewritten by Lila Carter for Savinly.
For more budget-friendly beauty picks, check out our guide to the best drugstore lipstick.
