No makeup product is as essential as foundation. A good one has the ability to blur imperfections, create the appearance of an even complexion, serve as a base layer for other makeup products, and even operate as a moisturizer and sunscreen, too. And believe it or not, some of the best foundations offer all of the above and can easily be found right on the beauty aisle of your local drugstore.
Drugstore foundations are proof that you can achieve a flawless complexion without having to break the bank. But the affordable price point is only part of their appeal. When shopping for the best drugstore makeup on the market, you'll quickly notice that brands are offering a lot more than just coverage these days. Today's formulas contain everything from anti-aging ingredients to acne fighters. There are oil-free formulas with active ingredients like salicylic acid that are perfect for oily skin, and there are super moisturizing options packed with ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E for dry skin. These days, there's a drugstore foundation for every skin need.
But finding a great formula that works best for you is no easy feat. With hundreds of brands clamoring for your attention on the beauty aisle, it can be a challenge to determine which one will work best for your skin type. That's where we come in.
How We Found The Best Drugstore Foundations
Thanks to our data-driven, unbiased algorithm, we compiled a list of the top foundations that won't strain your budget, all with unique formulas that target a wide range of skin concerns and skin types. So, whether you have dry, combination, oily, or sensitive skin, this list has a pick for you. Scroll on for a definitive guide to the best drugstore foundations for a flawless base.
February 23, 2023
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation
Overall Score
4.45
10
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation
4.27
7491 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Drugstore Foundation
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This liquid foundation is formulated to leave behind a dewy, radiant finish that lasts all day. Buildable and easy to blend, NYX's Born to Glow foundation offers medium coverage that creates a smooth, even-toned, and glowy appearance on all skin types.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
According to Ulta, this foundation works for a range of skin types, including normal, oily, combination, or dry. Plus, it comes in 45 shades, so you're likely to find one that matches your skin tone well.
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Cruelty Free
Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Overall Score
4.5
09
Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
4.33
64642 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Foundation For Dry Skin
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
This foundation was created to match the skin's tone and smooth texture while providing medium coverage and a natural-looking luminous finish. Plus, it contains SPF 18 to protect skin from harmful UV rays. It's a major steal considering it clocks in under $10.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
This foundation contains vitamin E, an antioxidant oil known for its ability to moisturize and relieve dryness. Because of that, it works best for normal and dry skin types.
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Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation
Overall Score
4.5
08
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation
4.35
7206 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Skin-Improving Drugstore Foundation
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
Neutrogena describes its Healthy Skin foundation as "makeup fueled by skincare." But what does that mean, exactly? This foundation's antioxidant-rich formula takes over where your skincare leaves off by improving texture, tone, and luminosity over time, all while delivering full yet natural-looking coverage.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
This silky, lightweight formula boasts SPF 20 and is also non-greasy, making it suitable for a range of skin types.
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Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation
Overall Score
4.5
07
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation
4.41
8858 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Dewy Drugstore Foundation
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
Being camera ready at all times doesn't have to come at a high cost. Ringing up under $8, Wet n Wild's PhytoFocus foundation has a light-adjusting complex that blurs imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores for a smooth, dewy finish that lasts all day.
WHO IT'S FOR
While this super-moisturizing formula is suitable for all skin types, it's ideal for those with normal to dry skin.
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Cruelty Free
L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation
Overall Score
4.5
06
L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation
4.46
11882 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Serum Foundation
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
One reviewer put it best: "Looks like my skin but better with the perfect amount of coverage." So, if you're looking for lightweight coverage that seamlessly blends into your skin and won't cake or settle into lines, you're going to want this tinted serum in your beauty arsenal.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
L'Oreal's True Match Tinted Serum contains hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to increase hydration levels and help skin retain moisture. That's why this is a good option for those with dry and combination skin.
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Revlon ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation
Overall Score
4.55
05
Revlon ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation
4.49
22728 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
Revlon's Colorstay Longwear liquid foundation cares for your skin thanks to SPF 15 and skin-boosting vitamin E, which nourishes and protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Lightweight and breathable, Revlon created this foundation to control excess oil production and shine, all while providing you with 24-hour smooth and full coverage.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
This long-wearing foundation has an oil-free formula and contains salicylic acid, so those with oily and combination skin types can trust it won't clog pores or cause breakouts.
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Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-In-1 Liquid Foundation
Overall Score
4.6
04
Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-In-1 Liquid Foundation
4.45
44979 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
1
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Foundation For Mature Skin
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
Formulated with a hyaluronic acid complex and vitamin C, this liquid foundation delivers firming hydration that works to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles and leave skin looking radiant.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
This anti-aging foundation has a very hydrating formula, so it's especially beneficial for dry and combination skin types.
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Cruelty Free
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up To 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
Overall Score
4.7
03
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up To 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
4.48
23816 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Longwear Drugstore Foundation
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
With SPF 25 and 24-hour coverage, what's not to love about L'Oreal's 24-Hour Fresh Wear foundation? We'll give you three more things to love about it: it's sweat, water, and transfer resistant, so your makeup will last all day without the need for frequent touch-ups.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
With 40 shades to choose from, everyone should be able to find their perfect match. Though this liquid foundation is suitable for all skin types, it's a great option for oily skin types since it's made with three oil absorbers.
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E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation
Overall Score
4.9
02
E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation
4.23
31919 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Drugstore Foundation
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Buildable and blendable, this liquid foundation was made to seamlessly blend into the skin to achieve medium to full coverage while enriching it with ingredients like glycerin to soften and add moisture.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
If you have normal, oily, dry, or combination skin, this foundation should leave you with a semi-matte finish.
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Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Overall Score
4.95
01
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
4.48
112742 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Foundation Overall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
With a range of 40 shade options and an under-$10 price tag, it’s not hard to see why this foundation has become a cult favorite for drugstore shoppers. Maybelline's Fit Me Matte foundation is lightweight, breathable, and has a natural matte finish, so it easily absorbs oil, controls shine, and won’t clog pores.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Made with clay, this foundation is especially good for those with normal to oily skin types looking for medium coverage.
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