9 Drugstore Foundations That Rival High-End Formulas

Best Overall

L'Oréal Paris Fresh Wear Foundation

View on Ulta $14 at Amazon $17 at Ulta

Drugstore foundations have come a long way in recent years in terms of their formulas and shade ranges, and this one is a prime example of an option that truly rivals high-end and luxury offerings. Available in 40 shades (a massive range compared to most drugstore options) that are nicely dispersed across skin tones and undertones, the liquid consistency is lightweight, buildable, and budge-proof. 

One light layer adds a veil of medium coverage, while an additional layer can be applied to achieve a more full-coverage look with a natural finish. We loved how we were able to build it up without it looking too heavy or cakey. The formula also contains SPF 25 which is an added bonus, and it’s resistant to sweat, water, and transfer. When we tested it, we did a transfer test where we gently patted an oil-blotting sheet on the skin to see if any oil or foundation came off—and we were incredibly impressed that nothing transferred onto the paper. 

Although we’re currently long-term testing where we’re further evaluating for wear-time, we’re confident that this is a nice long-wearing option thanks to the sweat- and transfer-resistant formula, as well as our editors’ positive experiences wearing it all day long in the past. 

Who It’s For

Because of the natural finish and the fact that this formula isn’t too oily or too dry, we think it’s an excellent choice for all skin types. If you’re looking for a foundation with super-buildable coverage, this one is absolutely worth checking out. 

Coverage: Medium to full | Shades: 40 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Full-Coverage

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1

$11 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $11 at Target

With a unique mousse-like consistency and incredible buildability, this affordable foundation quickly became a favorite during testing. With one layer, we were able to blend out the formula seamlessly using a brush or a sponge to yield medium coverage that nicely concealed redness. An additional layer allowed us to achieve full coverage that completely blurred the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. We love that it sets down to a natural matte finish that doesn’t look dry or luminous—it’s perfectly in the middle. The mousse-y texture is quite easy to blend, although it is slightly thick and can look heavy if you have dry patches on your skin. To avoid this, we suggest exfoliating and moisturizing prior to application. It’s also worth noting that it can look a bit greasy on oily skin throughout the day, so we recommend setting it in place with powder if you tend to get oily in your T-zone. 

Overall, we were very impressed by this foundation. It provides excellent buildable coverage, has a beautiful, natural-looking finish, and comes in 45 shades that range from fair to dark in a variety of undertones.  

Who It’s For

This foundation is a great choice for anyone who prefers a full-coverage formula. Although it can look a bit greasy throughout the day, it’s oil-free, making it a fitting option for those with oily or acne-prone skin types who want to avoid pore-clogging oils. We think all skin types can wear this pick so long as you prep and set it accordingly. 

Coverage: Full | Number of shades: 45 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Read Full Review: Milani's Conceal + Perfect Foundation Is Great for All-Day Glam

Best Long-Wearing

Revlon ColorStay Makeup

$13 at Amazon $13 at Target $13 at Walmart

Although we’re further testing all of the foundations on this list to get even more insights on wear time over the course of a few months, our initial impressions on the wear of this foundation are absolutely positive. Between tons of online reviews touting its wear time, the sweat-resistant and oil-free formula, and the fact that it didn’t transfer at all during our transfer test at the lab, we’re confident that you’ll get a full day’s wear out of this foundation. 

In addition to the budge-proof formula, we loved how buildable it was and how skin-like it looks once it sets down. We were able to get semi-full coverage when layering it up a bit, though it’s nice that just one layer offers medium coverage that lets the skin peek through a bit. The finish is natural with just a hint of glow, and the formula contains hyaluronic acid which helps to keep the skin hydrated. 

While there are 24 shades in the range—a decent number compared to other drugstore options—we wish more shades were available for dark skin tones. 

Who It’s For

Although the brand recommends it for balanced and dry skin types, we think this foundation is suitable for all skin types since it’s not too matte or too glowy. It’s also oil-free, making it a nice option for acne-prone and oily skin types. If you’re looking for a buildable formula that has good lasting power, we recommend giving this one a go. 

Coverage: Medium to full | Shades: 24 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Powder Formula

e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

$6 at Amazon $11 at Ulta $8 at Target

It can be tricky to find powder foundations that offer coverage while not looking cakey—especially at the drugstore—but this one checks the boxes. Offered in 30 shades with a variety of depths and undertones, this pick works to blur the skin texture, even the tone, and temper shine. 

During testing, we were impressed by how quickly and easily we were able to apply an even layer to our skin using the sponge included in the packaging. The formula is buildable, so you can apply more to provide more coverage where needed, but we liked that one layer offered medium coverage that maintained a matte, skin-like finish. We were also impressed that even after building it up a bit, it still felt totally breathable and weightless on the skin. Plus, in addition to using it as a foundation, it can also be used as a setting powder to control shine or add additional coverage on top of liquid foundation. 

Who It’s For

This powder formula is suitable for all skin types per the brand, though we think it could be a bit too matte and drying if you have extra dry skin. It’s a nice option for anyone who likes to avoid talc in their makeup because talc can be irritating for those with sensitive skin.

Coverage: Buildable | Finish: Satin | Shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup

$2 at Ulta View on Almay.com

If you have acne-prone skin, chances are you’re cautious about the skincare and makeup products you use so you don’t trigger breakouts. Not only is this foundation formulated without some potentially irritating ingredients, like synthetic fragrances and formaldehydes, but it’s also formulated with ingredients that can treat acne, like salicylic acid and prebiotics. 

In addition to loving the ingredients in this formula, we were also truly impressed by how it applied and how it looked on our skin. It offers medium coverage that blurs redness and blemishes without looking cakey or accentuating texture, and the natural matte finish looks extremely skin-like. The liquid formula melted into the skin with ease and felt lightweight and comfortable to wear. We were also impressed that it held up well during our transfer test—only a tiny bit of foundation was visible on the blotting sheet after pressing it against the skin. 

The one thing we would change about this foundation is the shade range because it’s limited, especially for deep and dark skin tones.

Who It’s For

This is a fantastic choice for those who deal with breakouts and post-acne marks because of the acne-fighting salicylic acid in the formula and the nice coverage it provides, but we also think it’s great for sensitive skin too thanks to the fragrance-free formula. 

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 16 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Liquid for Dark Skin Tones

Black Radiance Color Perfect Oil-Free Liquid

$7 at Amazon $6 at Target $7 at Walgreens

While the beauty industry is getting better at shade inclusivity when it comes to foundation offerings, there’s still more work to be done. Those with deep and dark skin tones often do not have a variety of shades to choose from, which is why brands like Black Radiance are so important. Not only does the shade range of this foundation offer nearly two dozen options for people with deep and dark skin tones in a variety of undertones, but the formula is excellent too. 

The liquid consistency is creamy and easy to blend, and we loved how just one pump provided an even layer of full coverage on the skin. It’s not too dewy or too matte, it has a beautiful natural finish with a lightweight, comfortable, and hydrating feel. It did transfer a bit during our transfer test, though we think setting it with a powder would help to minimize this. But because of the natural finish, hydrating feel on the skin, and oil-free formula, it’s suitable for all skin types. 

Who It’s For

If you have deep or dark skin and you’ve struggled to find a foundation at the drugstore that matches your skin tone, we highly recommend checking out this affordable pick from Black Radiance. It has buildable coverage and we think it would work beautifully on dry skin, oily skin, and everything in between. 

Coverage: Full | Shades: 23 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Powder for Dark Skin Tones

BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation

$15 at Amazon $15 at Ulta $13 at Target

Available in 12 shades in deep and dark shades with warm, cool, and neutral undertones, this cream-to-powder formula works to blur the skin while maintaining a skin-like finish. The texture feels like a hard-pressed cream as you apply it, before setting down to a velvety powder finish. It offers medium coverage that can be built up slightly to conceal unevenness in your complexion, and we loved how weight and undetectable it felt on the skin even after applying a second layer. 

We appreciate that it comes with a sponge applicator, though we found it to be too thin and flimsy to apply the product effectively. We recommend applying this formula with a denser sponge or synthetic face brush to get the most evenly distributed coverage. In addition to the shade range and unique, weightless formula, we also like that it contains SPF 15 for a bit of added sun protection.  

Who It’s For

This foundation is ideal for people with deep or dark skin tones who crave a weightless texture that offers buildable, but not cakey coverage. It’s not drying nor is it oily, making it a nice option regardless of your skin type. 

Coverage: Medium | Shades: 12 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Lightweight

Flower Beauty Serum Foundation

$15 at Amazon $17 at Ulta $14 at Walmart

Foundations of the past were often thick and heavy on the skin, but thankfully, there are now tons of lightweight options—at the drugstore and on the luxury market—that offer coverage without the cakiness. This one from Flower Beauty is fantastic because it has a liquidy, serum-like texture that feels utterly weightless while delivering buildable, natural-looking coverage. During testing, we were incredibly impressed by how stunning the formula looked on the skin. One layer offered light coverage that subtly evened out our skin, while an additional layer helped to cover blemishes and discoloration. Once set down, it had a radiant (but not greasy) finish that allowed some of our natural skin to peek through, making it a beautiful option for daily wear. 

While we absolutely loved how weightless this formula felt on the skin, we found that applying it with a sponge wasn’t ideal because the dampened sponge seemed to soak up a lot of the liquid texture. Instead, we recommend applying it with a synthetic foundation brush or your fingertips to maximize the coverage. 

Who It’s For

If you’re sensitive to the feeling of heavy foundation sitting on your skin and you’re looking for a lightweight product that offers natural-looking coverage, this is the one for you. Though the shade range isn’t super extensive in terms of the number of shades available, the range is nicely dispersed among fair to dark skin tones, meaning most people will be able to find a shade that works for them. We also think this formula is suitable for all skin types, though those with oily skin will likely want to set it with powder.  

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Radiant/dewy | Shades: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for No-Makeup Makeup

Maybelline New York Perfector 4-In-1 Makeup

$14 at Ulta $11 at Target $12 at Walmart

So technically, this product isn’t a foundation. It’s not going to give you much coverage or the capability to conceal redness or blemishes but hear us out. Available in eight flexible shades, it promises to be a ​​primer, concealer, highlighter, and BB cream all in one. It works to give the skin a sheer veil of luminous color, and we were really impressed with it during testing—especially for those who crave a super sheer, glowy look.  

While we didn’t like the sponge-tip applicator because it made the formula apply streaky, once blended out with our fingertips or a brush, it looked even and beautiful on the skin. It’s incredibly lightweight and can be applied to bare skin as an all-over wash of color, or on the high points of the face to highlight. It can also be applied on top of foundation for a hint of additional coverage and a glowy finish. Because it doesn’t fully set down, it is a bit tacky to the touch, though it’s not overly sticky and this tackiness thankfully doesn’t lead to a super-greasy finish. 

Who It’s For

Whether you’re someone who prefers a no-makeup makeup look or you’re simply on the hunt for an affordable, multi-purpose illuminator and foundation to add to your collection, we think this is one worth checking out. If you have dry skin, applying this formula all over can add a healthy-looking glow to your complexion. If you have oily skin, applying it in your T-zone could lead to some excess shine, so we recommend using it as a highlighter on specific places you want to draw attention to.  

Coverage: Light | Shades: 8 | Finish: Luminous | Cruelty-Free: No