When it comes to foundation, we might all differ in what we may consider to be our “holy grail”, due to having different skin types, colours, concerns, and foundation-finish preferences. That being said, one thing pretty much everyone can agree on in terms of the foundation is we all want it to look as much like skin as possible. Bonus points if it’s affordable. The drugstore has plenty of foundations that do the trick just as well as some high-end foundations. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve done the research for you!
Dare we say if the price wasn’t even an aspect, you may even prefer a foundation from this list as opposed to shopping high-end anyway…
These drugstore foundations are general crowd-pleasers and are a great place to start if you’re looking for a good foundation at a fair price point.
Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Liquid Foundation
If you’re looking for a foundation that also provides a healthy dose of skincare, look no further. Revlon released its Illuminance Skin-Caring Liquid Foundation infused with 5% Squalane and Hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping the skin). The foundation applies beautifully, leaving a natural light-to-medium coverage skin-like finish and comes in 28 shades to choose from. Hot tip: If you’re in between shades, mix a couple together!
L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum
Although it may be labelled as a tinted serum, it covers like a foundation! L’Oreal’s True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum provides a luminous finish that looks just like skin. So, if you get your perfect match, no one should even be able to detect that you’re even wearing makeup! Its 1% Hyaluronic acid works to hydrate and smooth the skin – who doesn’t love a little skin care in their makeup?
Wet N’ Wild Photo Focus Foundation Dewy
This weightless foundation provides a skin-like finish and buildable medium to full coverage. It’s a no-fuss, well-performing foundation retailing for under $7! If you’re on the normal to dry skin side, we think you’ll love the Dewy finish, but if your skin runs more oily, its Matte finish just might be perfect for you!
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation
If you’re looking for a full-coverage foundation, Milani has you covered with its Conceal + Perfect 2-in1 Foundation! This foundation has a thick, creamy finish, yet it doesn’t appear cakey. As said in its name, you can even skip the concealer with this one!
L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation
L’Oreal’s True Match Super Blendable Foundation is a drugstore classic. People love it for its easy application, buildable coverage, natural finish, and skincare properties! And let’s not forget the drugstore price tag. Some even favour it over high-end options!
Maybelline New York – Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation
An oldie but a goodie. Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation has been a tried and true drugstore foundation favourite. Even as new foundations continue to pop up with new and advanced formulas, this one remains to stay a strong crowd favourite. It’s great for those with oily skin, leaving a matte and flawless finish – instantly blurring pores and hiding blemishes, all while looking seamless.
e.l.f. Flawless Lightweight Satin Foundation
Is it just us, or has e.l.f. Cosmetics been absolutely popping off lately?! From its Halo Glow Liquid Filter to its Flawless Lightweight Satin Foundation, we can’t get enough! This lightweight foundation includes Glycerin, which helps hydrate the skin, providing a natural satin (semi-matte) finish without being drying. It’s available in 40 shades and provides medium to full coverage, leaving your skin looking flawless, as stated in the name.
CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation
Wave goodbye to your late middle school/early high school flashbacks of a CoverGirl foundation that shall not be named and hello to its Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation! It’s a light-coverage, hydrating foundation that leaves a super natural and dewy finish on the skin – and it’s super affordable. We only wish the shade range was better.
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‘Tis the season to add a little moisture and shimmer to your look, whether you’re compensating for the lack of vitamin D or simply sprucing up. We believe you can keep it fresh and glowing all year long with the right lifestyle and products!
You don’t need to break the bank to live out all of your makeup fantasies!
Most of our favourite budget-friendly makeup lines below can be picked up at your local drugstore (how convenient!).
In the words of Lil’ Kim — keep that “lip gloss poppin’” ladies!
Wet n Wild
Instagram/ @wetnwildbeauty
We love Wet n Wild for many reasons – especially for their Megaglo highlight products, which comes in the form of sticks, powders, bars, palettes and powders with their average highlighter product around $6. We love all of their makeup products for the quality and price points, ranging from approximately $4 – $12. Look like a dewy angel on a budget!
Nyx
Instagram/ @nyxcosmetics_canada
Nyx is like that reliable friend you can always count on to lift your self-confidence and not suck you/your wallet dry. Too good to be true? Not with Nyx, consistently providing great cosmetics for urban life on a budget. Their foundation ranges from $11-20 and their mascara from $10-12. Nyx is a great one-stop makeup shop for top-notch beauty products to feed all of your alter egos.
Pacifica
Instagram/ @pacificabeauty
This brand speaks to our eco-friendly soul – they are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They are also very conscious of their ingredients so you don’t have to worry about potentially harmful substances. The brand carries many great beauty products, including an awesome line of perfumes made with natural, essential oils for a very affordable price of $22 a pop. Their foundations and face products range from $12-18, their eye products from $11-20 and their lip wear from $5-10.
You can also get free samples if your order is over $25 and free shipping over $50!
Morphe
Instagram/ @morphebrushes
Morphe is our go-to brand for amazing palettes and brushes that are budget-friendly (so we can do the things we love while owning a multitude of looks). Their palettes are to die for; face palettes range from $27-38 and their eyeshadow palettes on average range from $20-30. Their foundation brushes range from $7-20. Having fun with a variety of different colours and shades is more than possible on a budget with Morphe (bless).
Marcelle
Instagram/@marcellecosmetics
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested – this brand is excellent for sensitive skin types. Their products will give you a classy finish with comfortable wear. If you have sensitive skin and don’t like to spend a fortune on makeup while keeping quality high — Marcelle is for you! Their BB creams are $22.99, lipsticks are all $12.95 and mascaras from $9.95 – 12.95 (we love their mascara as they are hypoallergenic without compromising quality)
Maybelline
Instagram/@maybelline
Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline.
Maybelline’s tagline remains true as ever with products enhancing women’s natural beauty from as long as our generation can remember. Fun fact: they founded in New York City in 1915.
Many makeup enthusiasts prefer their products over high end, particularly their Superstay foundation providing 24-hour protection for only $14.99. Their mascara is around the $10.99 price point and their eyeliners around $12.99. Let Maybelline be your little beauty secret for flawless enhancement and a full wallet aka live your best, beautiful and vibrant life!
Featured image: Instagram/@marcellecosmetics