Whether foundation is a fundamental part of your daily beauty routine or you save it for special occasions, finding the right formula can be daunting. In fact, according to surveys of our readers over the years, many of you tend to stick to the same brand once you find that perfect match. We don't blame you. However, a great foundation doesn't have to break the bank. If you haven't perused a drugstore beauty aisle in a while, we're here to tell you that the options for foundation are better than ever. Expect high-quality, long-lasting formulas that rival their prestige counterparts, and save a few bucks for that Erewhon smoothie. (Who doesn't love a good high-low moment?) Here, the best drugstore foundation for every skin type and concern, so you can get flawless skin for less than $20.
Find the Best Drugstore Foundation for Your Skin
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Infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and aloe, this hydrating foundation is lightweight and has a natural, radiant finish that won't settle into fine lines, which is something that often happens to those with dry skin. It comes in 30 shades and also provides a big benefit in the sun protection department with SPF 50.
BUY ON AMAZON - $18
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $18
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Keep shine at bay with this oil-free, medium-coverage foundation that uses clay to sop up excess oil and give skin a matte finish without clogging pores. In fact, it makes pores look so much smaller. Plus, the foundation lasts for up to 12 hours, so your skin can not only survive a full work day, happy hour and beyond, but also thrive.
BUY ON AMAZON - $11
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $11
3 / 9
Aging skin tends to be drier (the result of less estrogen) with fine lines and wrinkles settling in, so a hydrating foundation with skin-care actives is the best bet. This buildable formula merges the best of CoverGirl makeup with Olay's beloved skin care to keep skin hydrated (hyaluronic acid) and give it a more even tone (vitamin C). Over time, the vitamin C provides a firming benefit, too, helping to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
BUY ON AMAZON - $11.50
BUY ON TARGET - $15
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Though some drugstore foundations have larger shade ranges than this one, which has 36, they don't always hit the mark when it comes to shades for deeper skin tones. This formula takes three different undertones into account, providing a match for just about everyone. We love the way it feels and looks on the skin too: lightweight and breathable with a medium-coverage, satin finish.
BUY ON AMAZON - $8
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $8
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When you need your makeup to last (even in high humidity), grab this 24-hour foundation that won't budge (the color stays true, too). It's matte but not drying, waterproof, transfer-resistant, and free of oil and fragrance. Plus, it gives skin a nice moisture boost and contains a bit of SPF. If that weren't enough, there's also another version for combination and oily skin types.
BUY ON AMAZON - $16
BUY ON TARGET - $12.50
6 / 9
Full-coverage foundation with a doe-foot applicator? Sign us up! This demi-matte, oil-free formula comes in an impressive 50 shades and can act as both concealer or foundation, depending on what your skin needs. At just $12, you could even get a lighter shade for concealing and a slightly darker one for foundation.
BUY ON AMAZON - $12
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $12
7 / 9
A cult-classic foundation that doesn't disappoint when it comes to coverage, this super pigmented formula camouflages everything you want it to with ease. But, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin, which is key. It's also long-wearing (up to 24 hours) and waterproof, and has a shine-controlling, matte finish.
BUY ON AMAZON - $15
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $15
8 / 9
Skin tints are all the rage and perfect for the person who doesn't need or want the coverage of a traditional liquid foundation. This serum-infused formula feels like a second skin, has a natural, slightly dewy finish and comes in 14 flexible shades. And, you won't believe it's also SPF 40. Most foundation products that add sun protection stick to SPF 25 and 15.
BUY ON VERSED - $20
BUY ON TARGET - $20
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It can be tough to find the perfect foundation when you have skin sensitivities and worry about irritation, breakouts and more. But, worry no more: This serum-like, fragrance-free formula color-corrects redness to encourage a more even skin tone, while also keeping the skin barrier happy.
BUY NOW - $12
