Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Drugstore Foundation

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation
L'Oreal Paris
True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation
Check Price
Wide Shade Range
Bottom Line

A classic drugstore foundation with plenty of shades to match your exact skin tone.

Pros

Features 45 shades in cool, neutral, and warm tones. Some include SPF 17. Blends easily and gives a natural finish with light to medium coverage.

Cons

Causes breakouts for some with sensitive skin.

Best Bang for the Buck
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Check Price
Flawless Application
Bottom Line

Well-known for its flawless application on all textures.

Pros

Comes in both a matte and a dewy version to complement all types. With 40 shades, most customers will find their perfect match. Designed to last all day without any need to reapply. Doesn't settle into wrinkles and fine lines. Provides full coverage.

Cons

Application without a brush or blender can be streaky.

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Milani
Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Check Price
Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A full-coverage foundation in a wide selection of colors from a brand that's known for quality yet affordable cruelty-free cosmetics.

Pros

Boasts a creamy consistency that's easy to apply with fingers or an applicator sponge. Concealer and foundation in 1 product that covers most skin imperfections. Available in 45 shades.

Cons

Some individuals with very light skin may find that even the lightest shades are too dark. Foundation may cake a bit in fine lines.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
Revlon
ColorStay Liquid Foundation
Check Price
Lasts All Day
Bottom Line

Long-lasting foundation that is ideal for oily skin and helps improve skin tone.

Pros

Comes in 39 shades in cool, neutral, and warm shades. Features SPF 15 and has medium coverage with a natural matte finish. Contains salicylic acid to help with oil and doesn't clog pores. Lasts all day.

Cons

Doesn't come with a pump. Not fully matte.

COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
COVERGIRL
TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
Check Price
Flawless Finish
Bottom Line

This soft, matte foundation that comes in a diverse range of shades is sure to leave your face feeling effortlessly flawless.

Pros

Matte formula is comfortable to wear and lasts up to 12 hours. Formulated to absorb excess oil and smooth the appearance of pores. 40 different shade options to choose from for your unique skin tone. Cruelty-free product.

Cons

Many feel this is a light to medium coverage product, instead of full coverage as advertised.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
63
Consumers
Consulted
28
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Drugstore foundation products are available from classic brands that have been around for decade as well as newer brands making affordable cosmetics. Most drugstore brands offer foundation formulas with light to medium coverage, but there are some available that can be built up to full coverage. Several brands offer a truly wide range of shades for nearly every skin tone. Matte formulations tend to be better for oily skin while dewy finishes are best for dry skin. Some drugstore foundation is also made especially for mature skin and focuses on improving skin’s texture and minimizing fine lines. Long-lasting formulas are also available that provide coverage all day long.