15 Best Drugstore Foundations that Guarantee Complete Coverage
Updated on Feb 06, 2024
Almost all of us have grown up rummaging through the makeup products displayed in the local stores. They were our first foray into the world of makeup. The best drugstore foundations have some of the best products that are affordable as well as highly effective. A foundation works the best when it blends perfectly into your skin without being cakey or greasy. We want a foundation that will give a natural, flawless complexion while covering our skin blemishes. But unfortunately, not all foundations have these qualities.
While selecting a drugstore foundation, look for a formula that matches the texture of your skin. The foundation should make the skin smoother without highlighting the imperfections. It should look natural and not too heavy. Depending on the look you are opting for, the perfect foundation for you might be different from mine. Based on our first hand experience, we have curated a list of the best drugstore foundations that are suitable for all skin types and skin tones. They are of different coverages and different finishes to ensure you look your best all the time.
It’s an absolute no-no when your foundation looks cakey. To make it easier for our makeup aficionados, our contributor Maya Adivi, a certified makeup artist, shares a two ways to make the foundation look like a second skin.
Step 1: First, make sure to moisturize your skin well. Glycerin-based moisturizers do a great job of preparing the skin for foundation and ensuring it looks more glowy and hydrated.
Step 2: Second, apply a very thin layer of foundation, and use a damp sponge to blend it out into a very thin, sheer layer. By prepping well and using very small amounts of foundation, you can ensure a natural look.
Our top picks
15 Best Drugstore Foundations
This oil-free liquid foundation is a go-to for oily skin when you want something super buildable on a budget. e.l.f.'s Flawless Finish foundation blends your pores without clogging them, giving you a subtle, dewy glow. This lightweight foundation brightens your skin and improves uneven tone and texture, leaving you with a smooth, semi-matte complexion. The glycerin present hydrates and keeps your skin soft. Another quality that we really liked about this foundation is the way its shades match with their skin tones. Without any toxins and 100% cruelty-free, it is the ultimate skin perfecting foundation. This drugstore foundation can get you an excellent medium-to-full coverage that lasts all day long.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Semi-matte finish
- Lightweight
- Even out tone and texture
- Good shade match
Cons
- It might settle into fine lines and dry patches on dry skin
2
Best for radiant finish
Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation
With a promise to last up to 30 hours without any touch-ups, this liquid foundation by Maybelline has a matte finish that will give your skin a flawless and shine-free look. Maybelline’s full coverage drugstore foundation is oil free, water-resistant and sweat-resistant. Without clogging the pores and preventing breakouts, the foundation glides on smoothly for a lightweight and even complexion. Perfect for acne-prone skin, this seamless matte foundation is available in over 20 shades, suitable for every skin tone.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Matte finish
- Lightweight
- Up to 30 hours of wear
- oil-free
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
3
Best pocker-friendly
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Liquid Foundation
One of the most affordable drugstore foundations for full coverage is the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Liquid Foundation. The foundation is oil-free with a matte-finish that won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. It is designed to conceal blemishes and imperfections to give you a natural, flawless look. The foundation is free from harmful chemicals and vegan-friendly. It is formulated with a light adjusting complex formula that doesn’t reflect light, making it perfect for photographs in different lighting conditions. It comes with a spatula applicator that makes it somewhat hard and messy to apply with.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Oil free
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
- Leaves no white cast
Cons
- Not many shade variations
4
Best for high-coverage
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
The drugstore foundation from Milani is one part foundation and one part concealer. It is a multitasking product you can use either as a full coverage foundation or if not, then as a concealer. The high-coverage, water-resistant formula evens out skin tone and hyperpigmentation, covers acne, combats redness and dark circles. Its oil-free, lush creamy texture blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a natural looking satin-matte finish. Compared to other lightweight products, this has a heavier consistency that can be blended with a foundation brush or beauty blender to get a silky smooth finish. For an impeccable and flawless complexion, choose from an exclusive range of 45 shades and find the best one that matches your skin tone.
Pros
- Full coverage
- Water-resistant
- Oil-free
- Long-lasting
- A variety of shades
Cons
- Thick consistency
5
Best matte finish
PHOERA Foundation,Flawless Soft Matte Liquid Foundation
Originally designed to cover uneven blemishes, redness, acne and skin imperfections, the PHOERA foundation easily blends into all types of skin to give a flawless look all day long. The soft matte liquid foundation reduces pigmentation and keeps the skin hydrated. Formulated with a creamy, lightweight texture, it moisturizes and brightens skin. The full coverage foundation controls oil and reduces shine, leaving your skin with a clean, matte look. Available in 10 shades, this waterproof foundation doesn’t feel greasy or settles into the pores, letting your skin breathe.
Pros
- Oil free
- Hydrating
- Creamy texture
- Waterproof
- Matte finish
Cons
- Thick consistency
6
Best moisturizing
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Powder Foundation
Handmade in Italy, this foundation is crafted from pressed powders to create a demi-matte, flawless finish. Infused with antioxidants like centella asiatica and white tea extracts, this weightless formula soothes and hydrates your skin. The light and airy backed powder foundation color-corrects your skin, improves uneven complexions, and covers fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a no-fuss coverage. Available in 9 perfect shades for medium skin with neutral undertones, the nourishing foundation offers medium, buildable coverage.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Weightless
- Buildable, medium coverage
- Hydrating
- Demi-matte finish
Cons
- It is a bit sheer
7
Best hydrating
COVERGIRL, Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation
The COVERGIRL clean fresh skin milk foundation has the goodness of coconut milk and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated along with giving you a super-dewy, luminous finish. For those who want a dewy, sheer coverage, this drugstore foundation is perfect as its light formula will blur your blemishes and give you an even skin tone without looking cakey. This nourishing liquid foundation can be built-up to a medium coverage with a natural finish that lasts all day long. Available in 14 shades, the foundation will give you a moisturizing, glowy complexion without looking oily or shiny.
Pros
- Sheer to medium coverage
- Dewy finish
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Super hydrating
Cons
- Not many shade options for darker skin
8
Best dermatologist tested
Dermablend Cover Crème Full Coverage Foundation
The Dermablend cover creme foundation is a liquid-based formula that provides moisturizing coverage without being cakey. It imparts a medium-to-full coverage that conceals all skin imperfections, leaving you with a flawless look. This foundation is infused with broad spectrum SPF 30 that protects your skin from the harmful UV rays. The hydrating formula helps strengthen and repair skin barriers, and prevents the clogging of pores. It is transfer-resistant and lasts up to 16 hours. Available in 21 shades for fair to deep skin tones, it lends a natural finish to your skin.
Pros
- Non-cakey
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Thick consistency
9
Best for oily skin
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder Foundation with Concealer & Finishing Powder
Powder foundation is more preferable for oily skin as they can absorb and control the excess oil. This powder foundation by PUR has 4 benefits in 1 product. Apart from being a foundation, it also acts as a concealer, setting powder, and SPF. Made from Vitamin E and shea butter, it conditions and moisturizes your skin, reducing pores, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tones. Infused with retinol, the foundation also acts as an anti-aging agent, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This lightweight, natural finish foundation has a medium, buildable coverage and comes in 26 shades.
Pros
- For oily skin
- Lightweight
- Medium coverage
- Anti-aging skincare
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Does not come with an applicator
10
Best non-comedogenic
Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation
Infused with Vitamin C, E, and B5, Bourjois liquid foundation erases imperfections and boosts skin radiance. Vitamin C fights signs of fatigue, Vitamin E works as an antioxidant, and Vitamin B5 tones the skin. The added hyaluronic acid provides hydration to your skin all day long. This medium-coverage foundation has a melting texture that blends seamlessly into the skin, giving it a relaxed, natural glow. Lasting up to 16 hours, it gives your skin a natural-looking radiance. The non-comedogenic formula covers and blurs your skin blemish without clogging the pores, preventing the formation of new blemishes. It is available in 12 shades suitable for all skin tones.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Anti-aging formula
- Hydrating
- Medium coverage
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- It might feel a bit dry
11
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Foundation
An affordable all-in-one drugstore foundation, Revlon’s photoready candid natural finish foundation gives you a medium-to-complete coverage with a natural, lightweight finish. The formula is oil-free and sweat-resistant, making it suitable for oily skin. You can either opt for a light coverage or go full glam with a medium-to-full coverage with this super buildable foundation that has a smooth and creamy texture. It won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a perfect skin-like coverage. This multifunctional foundation is formulated with an anti-blue light technology that improves skin tone and imperfections by using light-reflecting pigments and microspheres. Available in 31 different shades, it is the best drugstore foundation for full coverage and a flawless, airbrushed finish.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Sweat-resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Smooth and creamy texture
Cons
- The deep shade range does not have many options
12
Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation
True skin hydrating foundation by Catrice is among the drugstore’s best foundations due to its no-makeup makeup finish. Its ultra-lightweight texture simply melts into the skin, covering and concealing all the imperfections. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and watermelon seed oil, this foundation helps your skin retain moisture and restore elasticity while providing a natural, real-skin finish. It is a long wearing foundation that doesn’t end up looking cakey or textured. Available in 20 shades, this medium-coverage, buildable foundation is super hydrating and moisturizes your skin, leaving it glowy and healthy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Medium-coverage
Cons
- It might feel a little bit dry
13
Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define Foundation
Designed to conceal and design, this liquid foundation forms a soft and smooth base that does not settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches. This multi-purpose, do-it-all foundation has a creamy, buildable texture that gives a demi-matte finish, letting your natural complexion shine through. The full coverage formula is super lightweight and oil-free that conceals blemishes and evens out skin tone without looking shiny or patchy. Available in an impressive range of 50 shades, this is among the best drugstore foundations for full coverage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Demi-matte finish
- Creamy texture
Cons
- The coverage can be better
14
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation Makeup
Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder Foundation lets you have a weightless, long wearing coverage with a semi-matte finish. Packed with green tea and vitamins C and E, it gives you skin antioxidant protection. This drugstore foundation is powered by skin-protecting triple-milled minerals, making it suitable for all types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. It offers a flexible, buildable coverage, perfecting and blurring imperfections, leaving you with a radiant finish without any dryness, cakiness, or flashback. This pressed powder foundation is available in 26 shades that match with every skin tone.
Pros
- Contains antioxidants
- Talc-free
- Cruelty-free
- Breathable formula
- Lightweight
- Semi-matte finish
Cons
- Inaccurate shades
15
Mushroom Head Air Cushion CC Cream - BB Cream Face Makeup Foundation
This CC cream foundation has a clear and moist texture that effectively covers and conceals all blemishes, creating a flawless look. Infused with a variety of natural ingredients such as centella asiatica extract, tremella extract, and vitamin E, it reduces acne, spots, and fine lines, nourishing and moisturizing the skin. The foundation cream creates a full coverage, brightening skin tone. It comes with a mushroom head sponge applicator for easy application and blending. Available in 5 shades, the long-lasting, oil-control foundation has a 24 hour concealer effect.
Pros
- Non-messy
- Oil-free
- Skin-friendly
- Full coverage
- Long lasting
Cons
- Only 5 shades are available
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Foundation?
Choosing the best drugstore foundation can be tricky. Keep the following considerations in mind while buying a drugstore foundation:
- Skin type: The performance of your foundation will mainly depend upon your skin type. Not all foundations are made for every skin type. If a foundation which is very popular with everyone did not work for you, it might be because it was not made for your skin type. Always choose a foundation based on your skin type for the best results.
- Coverage: Coverage is how light or heavy a foundation will sit on your skin. Light coverage will enhance and subtly even out your skin tone. Full coverage will go all the way covering all your skin imperfections, transforming your complexion. You can always choose which coverage you
- Shade: The shade also plays a vital role in how well your foundation will work for you. Always select a foundation based on your skin’s undertones. Warm shades look peachy and golden, cool shades look pinkish-blue, and neutrals remain in between.
- Finish: Once everything has seamlessly blended, how your foundation appears to be is its finish. Drugstore foundations have matte, semi-matte, natural, dewy, satin, radiant, and luminous finishes. If you have super oily skin, go for matte finish that will absorb the excess oil. For dry skin, dewy glow is the perfect finish. The natural or satin finishes work best for all skin types as they lend a more natural look.
- Customer review: Always read customer reviews when buying products online. Reviews are more important in makeup products as the products will directly affect our skin and health. Going through the customer reviews will give you an idea how a foundation will work for you.
Conclusion
It is never easy to determine just how good a foundation will look and feel on your skin. It depends upon its coverage, finish, and shade. A good foundation will elevate your complexion, giving you a radiant, flawless look.While choosing the right foundation, you need to use the perfect ingredients to suit your skintype. As per our contributor Maya Adivi, it's a misconception that natural ingredients are better for foundations. She adds, “Ideally, a foundation should contain mineral-derived pigments like iron oxides and titanium dioxide. If you are shopping for natural products, look for plant-based oils like jojoba and avocado oil, along with silica to impart a silky finish.” From covering all your skin imperfections to brightening up your skin, it will cater to all your beauty needs. It should create a perfect canvas for all the other makeup products to follow. Besides being a flawless base for your skin, the best drugstore foundation is also pocket-friendly and affordable.
Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog
FAQ's
Should the foundation be lighter or darker?
The foundation should be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone as it works as a base for the other makeup products. When you are finished with applying all the layers of makeup products, you tend to get a little darker shade than the one you started with.
Are drugstore foundations suitable for all skin types?
It is always advisable to buy makeup products according to your skin type. Whether you are buying from drugstores or high-end products, those meant for your particular skin type will work for you.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
A sublime drugstore foundation often makes the learning foundation of a makeup beginner. To help beginners get their hands on the right product, our makeup expert Sayantani commenced her search for the best drugstore foundations out there. Employing her experience as a beauty writer, she meticulously tested the coverage these products offer. Then, she looked for parameters such as blendability, buildability, finish, and moisturization properties to rank the products. Her reviews mirror customers’ as well as her personal experience with the products, to give you a clear picture.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
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Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
