The 12 Best Drugstore Foundations of 2023

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a foundation to see amazing results. The best drugstore foundations give you the coverage, finish, and shade you’re looking for, all at a wallet-friendly price. But with so many different formulas on the market, it can be hard to figure out which is best for your skin.

“The type of foundation you should buy, whether it's a liquid, powder, cream, or any other form, depends on a few factors: skin type, coverage preference, finish, and skin application preference,” says Jennah Youssef, professional makeup artist.

We compared dozens of formulas to find the best drugstore foundations, considering factors like coverage, finish (like matte or dewy), shade range, and SPF. We also consulted Youssef for expert tips on what to look for when shopping for foundation at the drugstore.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Drugstore Foundation:

NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Foundation at Amazon

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Best Budget Drugstore Foundation:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation at Amazon

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Best Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundation:

Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Foundation at Amazon

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Best Drugstore Foundation for Dry Skin:

L'Oréal Paris True Match Tinted Serum at Amazon

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Best Drugstore Foundation for Oily Skin:

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Foundation at Amazon

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Best Drugstore Foundation for Mature Skin:

Maybelline New York Perfector 4-In-1 Makeup at Amazon

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Best Cream Drugstore Foundation:

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation at Amazon

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Best Powder Drugstore Foundation:

Maybelline Super Stay Powder-Foundation at Amazon

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Best Lightweight Drugstore Foundation:

Covergirl Clean Fresh Foundation at Amazon

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Best Matte Drugstore Foundation:

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation with Clay at Amazon

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NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation

Amazon

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What Stands Out

This is a buildable foundation with a dewy finish that’s comparable to high-end formulas.

What Could Be Improved

The foundation doesn’t contain any SPF.

If you’ve ever wanted a luminous foundation that feels lightweight, is buildable from a medium- to full-coverage finish, and won’t produce excess face oil, meet the NYX Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation. Though jojoba oil is a key ingredient, the formula won’t clog pores or cause more oil production. You can toss the term “cakey” in the trash, too; this buildable formula starts out as medium coverage but can be built up to a full-coverage finish that still looks natural. It’s vegan, suitable for all skin types, and comes in an impressive 45-shade range. Need we say more?

Price at time of publish: $10

Shades: 45 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: N/A

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation

Ulta

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What Stands Out

It’s one of the most affordable foundations on our list, and the satin finish is ideal for those who are torn between matte and dewy.

What Could Be Improved

It’s not as long-lasting as some other drugstore foundations.

This pick from E.l.f. has a Goldilocks finish that sits comfortably between matte and dewy. The formula’s satin finish has a mild luminosity and isn’t overly glowy, making it ideal for people who want their foundation to look natural. The lightweight formula is oil-free and enriched with glycerin to soothe and moisturize skin, however it might not be as long-lasting as other options. This drugstore foundation comes in 40 different shades, and at such a budget-friendly price, you’ll probably end up buying it on repeat.

Price at time of publish: $6

Shades: 40 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Satin | SPF: N/A

Amazon

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What Stands Out

This formula provides full coverage, making it ideal for people who want to cover blemishes and dark spots.

What Could Be Improved

It’s only available in a matte finish.

This drugstore foundation from Revlon has major staying power with transfer-proof, full coverage that lasts all day and feels comfortable on the skin. Anyone with oily or combination skin can wear this foundation confidently knowing it’s completely oil-free and will help control shine over the course of the day. Since it’s a full-coverage foundation, you can blend less product onto the skin for a flawless look without having to build it up with several coats. Another perk of this foundation is that the newest formula has an SPF of 35, although we still recommend pairing it with a face sunscreen for added protection.

Price at time of publish: $16

Shades: 15 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 35

L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

Ulta

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What Stands Out

This is a hydrating foundation that feels barely there.

What Could Be Improved

The shade range isn’t as inclusive as we’d like.

If you have dry skin, then a hydrating foundation with a dewy finish is your best bet. This serum-style formula from L'Oréal Paris is a great choice because it’s a lightweight formula that leaves your skin glowing and hydrated. The part-makeup, part-skincare product contains hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into your skin, which can help it appear smooth, hydrated, and plump. Plus, this drugstore foundation serum works well on all skin types, including sensitive. The only downside is that it only comes in 14 shades, but each is designed to suit a range of skin tones.

Price at time of publish: $20

Shades: 14 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: N/A

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Ulta

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What Stands Out

The matte finish of this drugstore foundation is ideal for diminishing shine.

What Could Be Improved

It’s slightly below the SPF 30 that most dermatologists recommend.

For 24-hour wear that won’t fade, transfer, or smudge on oily skin, look no further than this foundation from L'Oréal Paris. The breathable, lightweight formula is non-comedogenic (aka it won’t clog your pores or cause excess oil production) and dries down matte. This drugstore foundation comes in an impressive range of shades with 40 colors, and it also has an SPF of 25 (though this is slightly below what most dermatologists recommend).

Price at time of publish: $16

Shades: 40 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Matte | SPF: 25

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

Ulta

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What Stands Out

It’s a multitasking formula that targets fine lines and wrinkles.

What Could Be Improved

It provides lighter coverage (more like a BB cream) and only comes in eight shades.

If you have mature skin, then Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Perfector should be on your radar. This multitasking foundation combines primer, concealer, foundation, and highlighter into one brightening formula that feels light on the skin and looks radiant post-blending. It contains antioxidants like goji berry and caffeine that help with reducing fine lines and wrinkles and hyaluronic acid and collagen to plump skin for a hydrated and smooth finish.

Price at time of publish: $13

Shades: 8 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: N/A

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Foundation

Target

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What Stands Out

This pick feels like a moisturizer but offers the coverage of a foundation.

What Could Be Improved

We wish this formula offered sun protection.

This foundation from Revlon provides a natural, long-lasting finish with a slightly dewy sheen. It contains several soothing ingredients like vitamin E (for protecting against environmental pollutants) and green tea (for easing inflammation). This formula since it goes on like a moisturizer and covers like a foundation, blending seamlessly with a brush or makeup sponge. The only thing missing is SPF, so be sure to wear sunscreen underneath this pick.

Price at time of publish: $11

Shades: 31 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: N/A

Maybelline Super Stay 24-Hour Hybrid Powder-Foundation

Ulta

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What Stands Out

It’s a mattifying foundation that controls shine and offers buildable, medium-to-full coverage.

What Could Be Improved

The powder may be hard to blend in.

Contrary to popular belief, a powder foundation can provide more than sheer coverage, and this one from Maybelline offers medium to full coverage that can make dark spots, acne, and redness disappear while controlling shine. The mattifying formula is a great option for anyone with oily or combination skin types who aren’t interested in liquid formulas. The compact comes with a sponge applicator that can be used for a full-coverage finish, but you can blend it in with a brush, too. It’s also worth noting that the brand upgraded this foundation, so it’s an improved formula that lasts longer and comes in a few more shades than it used to (though we still wish the range was more inclusive).

Price at time of publish: $15

Shades: 16 | Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Matte | SPF: N/A

Covergirl

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What Stands Out

This lightweight formula offers sheer coverage and contains skin-soothing ingredients.

What Could Be Improved

There aren’t many shades available for darker skin tones.

Coconut milk and aloe vera are the tag-teaming duo of this hydrating and lightweight foundation from Covergirl. It’s ideal for those looking for sheer coverage, though you still have the option to build it up to a medium coverage foundation. Even though the formula is quite light, it still can blur blemishes and even skin tone without the thickness of a full-coverage foundation. The only downside is that it’s only available in 14 shades, and only a handful are suitable for darker skin tones.

Price at time of publish: $14

Shades: 14 | Coverage: Sheer to medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: 30

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What Stands Out

This foundation is long-lasting and provides a shine-free finish that’s ideal for those with oily skin.

What Could Be Improved

The formula may cling to dry patches, so those with combination skin should consider another option.

This matte foundation from Maybelline is available in 40 different shades, each with buildable coverage that will give you that flawless base for the rest of your makeup routine. It’s designed to stay put for up to 12 hours, keeping oil and shine out of sight and out of mind. If you’re heading out for several hours, this foundation is a solid pick that will last all day (and look incredible in photographs). Just note that this drugstore foundation may cling to dry patches, so it’s not ideal for those with combination skin (such as an oily T-zone and dry cheeks).

Price at time of publish: $9

Shades: 40 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Matte | SPF: N/A

Ulta

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What Stands Out

This medium-coverage liquid foundation leaves behind a radiant finish on your skin.

What Could Be Improved

The built-in plastic applicator may be awkward to use.

This foundation’s claim to fame? A light-diffusing complex that prevents white-cast flashback in photos, making it a go-to for special events and everyday errands alike. It provides just the right amount of glow that still keeps your skin looking like skin. This dewy liquid foundation comes with a plastic applicator built into the cap, but it’s more like a spatula so you’ll still need to blend with a brush or sponge.

Price at time of publish: $7

Shades: 20 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: N/A

4.2

Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin

Target

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What Stands Out

It’s a long-lasting foundation that looks flawless for hours on end—no touch-ups required.

What Could Be Improved

The dewy version for normal/dry skin doesn’t come in as many shades.

When you need your makeup to last all day and night, a long-wearing foundation is your best bet. This one from Revlon is waterproof and transfer-resistant, so it can stay on your skin through heat and humidity. It can last for a full 24 hours, according to the brand, and it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin (especially great for people who prefer to build their foundation up to full coverage). The best part is that this drugstore foundation is available in two versions catered to specific skin types. This one has a matte finish for those with combination/oily skin, but there’s also a dewy finish for those with normal/dry skin. The latter formula has an SPF of 20 and only comes in 24 shades (for comparison, the matte version comes in 43 shades).

Price at time of publish: $16

Shades: 43 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Matte | SPF: 15

Final Verdict

Our top pick is NYX Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation for its inclusive shade range, buildable coverage, and non-comedogenic formula. If you prefer a matte finish, we recommend the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation because it helps eliminate shine on oily skin.

How to Shop for Drugstore Foundations Like a Pro

Type

The best foundations are available in many forms, and the most common are liquid, cream, and powder. There are two key considerations to determine which type is best for you: what skin type you have and what will feel most comfortable on your skin. Those with dry skin should lean towards liquid and cream foundations, while those with oily skin may want to use a powder formula for soaking up unwanted oil.

Shades

While some brands have done a great job at expanding their shade ranges to be more inclusive, many beauty brands still need to follow suit. Before picking up a foundation at the drugstore, take a peek at the available shade range to get a good idea of what you think will blend well with your skin tone. If you’re unsure, picking up multiple shades is also a smart approach since you can always try them out and return the ones that aren’t a good fit. Sometimes, you may have to mix one or two shades to get your ideal match.

One thing to note is that many liquid foundations oxidize after fully drying down, which sometimes deepens the shade of the foundation. Therefore, when testing out drugstore foundation shades, wear them in different lighting settings for a few hours to decide what makes you feel and look your best.

Coverage

“When choosing the right coverage, I always like to start with preference,” says professional makeup artist Jennah Youssef. “I always ask, ‘If you were to have freckles, would you like to have your freckles peek through or fully covered?’ If you have blemishes that won’t get covered easily with a sheer foundation, then a fuller coverage foundation may be best.”

Drugstore foundations come in three levels of coverage: light, medium, and full. For a natural look, lightweight coverage is ideal. Medium coverage is a great middle-ground that can usually be sheered out for a lighter look or built up for fuller coverage, while full-coverage foundation will give you the best results if you’re trying to cover blemishes or hyperpigmentation.

Skin Type

Ultimately, your skin type will influence the foundation finish you choose—matte, dewy, or satin (somewhere in between). Whether you have dry, normal, combination, or oily skin, there is a drugstore foundation out there for you.

Matte foundations will minimize shine and pores and are great for those with oily skin types. However, they can sometimes settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and those with drier skin may notice patchiness.
Dewy foundations provide a glowy look that’s suitable for those with dry skin. But keep in mind that they may accentuate blemishes and enlarged pores and can feel cakey on oily skin.
Satin foundations sit somewhere in the middle of matte and dewy—the finish is not quite as “wet” looking as a dewy finish but isn’t as shine-free as a matte finish.

Anyone with normal to combination skin can really go either way in terms of a matte or dewy finish. Dewy foundations can also be mattified with a setting powder but may not stay mattified for nearly as long as an actual matte foundation would.

Questions You Might Ask

What’s the best way to apply foundation?

Depending on the formula, brushes and sponges are typically the best way to apply foundation. “During my 12 years in the beauty industry, I found that liquid or cream products are best applied with a duo fiber brush or a beauty sponge (damp),” Youssef says. “When applying a powder foundation, a fluffy powder brush is best to help distribute the product evenly.”

How do you find the right foundation shade at the drugstore?

Even though there are some tips for finding the right foundation shade (such as knowing your undertone), shopping for makeup at a drugstore can be tricky because you can’t swatch the products on your skin. That’s why Youssef recommends checking out the brand’s website to see if they have any online tools to help you out. “What is so amazing is that most brands now have ‘virtual shade match’ finders, which have helped tremendously,” she says. “If you have another foundation and want to find the drugstore version of that shade, I will do the same thing.”

Can drugstore foundations last all day?

Yes, drugstore foundations can absolutely last all day. To ensure your makeup’s longevity, consider wearing a drugstore primer underneath and applying a setting spray to lock it in place.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Allison Faccenda, a lifestyle, pop culture, and commerce writer with experience in video content creation. She was previously a market writer at BuzzFeed and produced short-form video content for their various social platforms. To write this article, she spent hours researching the best drugstore foundations and spoke with Jennah Youssef, a professional makeup artist.