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The Best Drugstore Foundations of 2024
By Carly Cochrane - 2 years ago | Updated
It’s time to throw away the preconceived ideas about drugstore foundations and delve deep into all that they have to offer.
We know that it sometimes pays to be a foundation elitist, especially if you want to lay down a flawless and undetectable base. And we know that drugstore foundation may give you unwelcomed high school flashbacks (Dream Matte Mousse, we’re looking at you). But, when we say drugstore foundation has come a long way over the years, we mean they’re seriously giving high-end, luxury formulas a run for their money.
With brands now serving up inclusive shade ranges and ingredient-led formulas, all with the same budget-friendly price, you’d be a fool to give them the cold shoulder.
So, allow us to reintroduce you to the best drugstore foundations that will give you so much more bang for your buck.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation
$15.20 $16.00 (5% off)You can thank Tik Tok for bringing this one to our attention. Although the Infallible Freshwear Powder is currently having its viral moment, this counterpart will forever be in the limelight.
Developed with innovative oxygen technology for light, comfortable and streak-resistant wear, this full-coverage liquid foundation smooths, blurs and perfects skin.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation
Looking for a foundation that doesn’t slip or slide? Rimmel has created a formula that goes the extra mile – or shall we say, hour.
This long-lasting foundation provides a 25-hour wear, so that you can take your makeup looks from the office to dinner and drinks with no touch-ups required.
Maybelline Superstay Active Wear Full Coverage 30 Hour Long-Lasting Liquid Foundation
$17.22Another all-day foundation we strongly recommend adding to your collection is the Superstay 30h Liquid Foundation from Maybelline.
If you love full-coverage and high-glam looks, this is your match made in heaven. The high-pigment color and semi-matte finish mask every blemish, imperfection and dark spot, leaving you with seamless skin that lasts all day.
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte & Poreless Foundation
$12.90Maybelline are the top dogs of the drugstore, so it’s no surprise that they have two cult-favorite foundations amongst our lineup.
The Fit Me! Matte & Poreless is arguably the best drugstore foundation for oily skin types. The giveaway is in the name! It keeps skin matte, not flat, controls shine throughout the day and reduces the looks of pores.
Milani Screen Queen Foundation
$10.78 $21.54 (50% off)Did you know that studying, 9-5 office jobs and even scrolling on TikTok can take a toll on your skin? It's time to break up with blue light. Milani's Screen Queen Foundation ensures that you stay looking glam as you rack up the screen time by protecting skin from digital damage, including dullness, discolouration and hyperpigmentation.
Lottie London Medium Coverage Matte Foundation
$9.60Lottie London is the brand that lets you indulge in quality, ingredient-led formulas for a wallet-friendly price. Their Medium Coverage Matte Foundation has been expertly crafted to help you achieve a flawless full coverage that's also kind to skin. Non-greasy, never cakey and always lightweight, this vitamin C-enriched foundation is your fast pass to a glowing complexion.
Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation
$15.50 $19.40 (21% off)If liquid foundations aren’t really your thing, then allow us to introduce you to this powder formula from Max Factor.
Packed with all the same qualities as a regular foundation, it smooths, corrects and enhances the appearance of skin. It arrives in a nifty compact, which is also super handy for when you’re on-the-go.
The Ordinary Serum Foundation
$7.50 $8.00 (7% off)If you like the look of this one then you need to be speedy when it comes to adding it to your basket - it's one of The Ordinary's fastest and best-selling formulas. Color pigments are suspended in the signature 'spreadability system' to create a lightweight colour serum that smooths and perfects skin. Hydrating, natural-looking and boasting a semi-matte finish that lasts all day long, it's the perfect foundation for dry skin types.
L.A. Girl Pro.Coverage HD Long Wear Illuminating Liquid Foundation
$17.22Meet the foundation that hustles as hard as you do. Lightweight, waterproof and packed full of pigment, this foundation works around the clock to provide a coverage and color that keeps up with your day-to-day lifestyle.
Milani Conceal & Perfect 2 In 1 Foundation & Concealer
$19.38Who doesn’t love a makeup multi-tasker? Milani come through with an affordable formula that’s one part foundation, one part concealer, so that you can hide dark circles, blemishes and redness with ease.
Rumor has it that this foundation can withstand the Grammys, Coachella sets and red carpets, making it a must-have for your glam bag.
Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Matte Finish Second Skin Foundation
$30.18Meet the foundation throwing major shade - in a good way. The Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Matte Finish Second Skin Foundation arrives in over 30 shades, from light to medium to deep and dark. Finally, you can find your true match, without having to break the bank. Oh, and you can expect long-wearing, full coverage and a picture-perfect soft matte finish, too!
With so many impressive foundations now available at the drugstore, you needn’t spend your rent money on an expensive formula. Flaunt a flawless complexion, all whilst continuing to save those all-important pennies. Check out more of our favorite foundations with our guide to The Best Foundations for Oily Skin.
Written by Carly Cochrane
As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing.
