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10. Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder
Natural skincare brand Burt’s Bees hit the jackpot once again with one of the best drugstore powder foundations on the market. The mattifying powder compact works great for oily skin. It absorbs excess oil without drying out the skin for a naturally radiant glow. The dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, gentle, natural formula is great for all skin types, including mature skin.
Pros: Natural ingredients, cruelty-free, oil-absorbing, buildable coverage
Cons: Limited shade range
Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation, $16.99 at Beauty Unlimited
9. Maybelline Dream Cushion
While it might look like your standard compact powder foundation, the Dream Cushion is actually a liquid foundation. The formula has SPF 40 for sun protection and provides light but buildable coverage. Its portable size makes it great for touch-ups on the go.
Pros: Sun protection, compact size
Cons: Limited shade range, hard to control product with the applicator
Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation, $13 at Priceline
8. Covergirl TruBlend
For ladies with oily skin, matte foundation is a MUST to avoid looking shiny and greasy. Covergirl TruBlend has the perfect formula for a soft, flawless finish. TruBlend comes in over 40 shades and even has a dewy/satin finish available in the same product line.
Pros: Wide shade range, easy pump applicator
Cons: No sun protection, light coverage only
Covergirl TruBlend Matte Made Foundation, $11.97 at Priceline
7. Revlon Colorstay
The Colorstay foundation comes in two formulas: an ultra-hydrating one for normal and dry skin, and an oil-control matte one for oily/combination skin. Both products boast 35+ shades, medium coverage, and a natural finish for up to 24 hours. They also have SPF 15-20, but you may still want to layer actual sunscreen underneath.
Pros: Sun protection, wide shade range, easy pump applicator
Cons: Doesn’t build up to full coverage
Revlon Colorstay Foundation, $34.95 at Target
6. Neutrogena Healthy Skin
You can’t go wrong with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid. The broad spectrum SPF 20 foundation counts celebrities and models (like Kendall Jenner) among its fans. You only need to use a little bit to get a whole lot of coverage. Best for sheer coverage, Neutrogena leaves your skin glowing and naturally luminous.
Pros: Great for dry skin, sun protection
Cons: Sheer to medium coverage only, rubs off easily
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup, $32 on Amazon
5. Wet ‘N’ Wild PhotoFocus
To hide those pimples, freckles, and other imperfections, what you’ll need is full coverage drugstore foundation like the Wet ‘n’ Wild PhotoFocus Stick Foundation. The stick applicator is every lazy girl’s dream – it’s portable, easy, and no-fuss. Plus, the formula is vegan cruelty-free! Wet ‘n’ Wild’s Photo Focus line is tested under different lighting conditions to give you the perfect selfie-ready foundation without weird residue or ugly shine.
Pros: Decent shade range, easy stick applicator, vegan, cruelty-free
Cons: May not oxidise well with some skin types/undertones
Wet ‘N’ Wild PhotoFocus Stick Foundation, $12 on MakeupNet
4. E.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation
It’s a vicious cycle: makeup can cause acne, but you try to hide the acne with makeup. Break the cycle with e.l.f.’s Acne-Fighting Foundation, great for acne-prone skin. It provides full coverage while treating your blemishes and preventing further breakouts down the line. The formula boasts powerful pimple-busting ingredients like salicylic acid, aloe, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
Pros: Acne-fighting formula, vegan, cruelty-free
Cons: Limited shade range, not good for dark or pale skin
e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation, $16 on e.l.f. Cosmetics
3. Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
With a whopping 45 shades, Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop is a good drugstore foundation for people who have a hard time finding their colour. The 24-hour full coverage long wear formula comes in a matte finish, but it’s still surprisingly light and breathable. The formula is transfer-proof, water-proof, and smudge-proof – for all skin types.
Pros: Wide shade range, transfer and water-proof
Cons: May be too dry for dry skin
NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop 24-Hour Foundation, $29.95 at Priceline
2. L’Oreal True Match
True Match is available in over 40 different shades, allowing you to get the closest match to your true colour and undertone. The super blendable lightweight formula just melts into your skin, providing long-lasting flawless coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. Being oil and fragrance-free, L’Oreal True Match is great for sensitive skin.
Pros: Wide shade range, easy pump applicator
Cons: May not oxidise well on some skin types
L’Oreal True Match Foundation, $24.99 at Chemist Warehouse
1. Maybelline Fit Me
Maybelline Fit Me is, hands down, the best cheap foundation for all skin types. Choose from over 40 shades in both the Matte + Poreless line and Dewy + Smooth formula. You’ll get a smooth, airbrushed look and long-lasting all-day coverage without it drying your skin or clogging your pores.
Pros: Wide shade range, non-drying formula
Cons: Hard to get the product out of the bottle, builds to medium coverage only
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless, $21.95 a Adore Beauty
Conclusion
Good makeup doesn’t have to break the bank, and these 10 drugstore foundations are proof of that! Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, mature skin, or acne-prone skin – and no matter what colour you are – there’s an affordable, accessible foundation for you.
