One of the biggest misconceptions regarding beauty products is that the bigger the price tag, the better the results. The drugstore wants a word with whoever spread that vicious lie. Coverage comes in many forms, but we can’t deny the security of a foundation that disguises our blemishes without making the skin look too cakey or unnatural.
Although a lot of our favorite formulas tend to cost at least $20, there’s also a slew of budget-friendly options that are just as useful. We do wish some of these had a wider shade range, but hopefully, that’ll change now that inclusivity is finally becoming a vital part of the beauty industry. Check out our favorites ahead.
Originally posted on StyleCaster.
NYX Total Control Drop Foundation
The glass dropper allows you to closely customize exactly how much coverage you want, from sheer to full and everything in between. It's available in 30 shades.
NYX Total Control Drop Foundation, $9.79 at Amazon
Almay Best Blend Forever Makeup
This SPF-infused formula doubles as a moisturizer, offering lightweight, buildable coverage.
Almay Best Blend Forever Makeup, $12.99 at Amazon
Black Opal EvenTrue Flawless Liquid Foundation
An oil-free and fragrance-free range created with darker skin tones in mind.
Black Opal EvenTrue Flawless Liquid Foundation, $13.21 at Amazon
Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Full-Coverage Liquid Makeup
This 98.9 percent natural formula is made with meadowfoam seed oil, which is known for its moisturizing benefits.
Burt's Bees Goodness Glows full-coverage liquid makeup, $27.18 at Amazon
Col Lab Meet Your Matte Velvet Foundation
Get medium to full coverage atop shiny skin with this matte-finish formula.
Col Lab Meet Your Matte Velvet Foundation, $14.99 at Amazon
CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation
Vitamins, antioxidants and sun protection collide to bring you one of the most hydrating foundations out today.
CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation, $8.49 at Amazon
Wet n Wild MegaCushion Foundation
Tap the cushion once for sheer coverage or press down on the airtight compact again to build even more.
Wet n Wild MegaCushion Foundation, $8.99 at Amazon
E.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
A matte-finish formula for covering oily skin and brightening your complexion.
E.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation, $5.99 at Amazon
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Glow Matte Foundation
This demi-matte formula promises more than 24 hours of coverage and lightweight wear.
L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Glow matte foundation, $8.24 at Amazon
Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, this SPF-infused formula is a must-try for anyone with sensitive skin.
Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy + Smooth Foundation, $5.94 at Amazon
Models Own Foundation Stick
This easy-to-use stick also doubles as a primer, so you don't have to worry about creating a smooth base beforehand.
Foundation Stick, $13.83 at Models Own
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
The oil-free foundation is infused with hyaluronic acid so you don't have to worry about staying moisturized underneath.
Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint, $14.44 at Neutrogena
No7 Stay Perfect Foundation
Although this foundation is meant for medium to full coverage, the transfer-proof formula doesn't feel too heavy or cakey.
No7 Stay Perfect Foundation, $15.99 at Target
Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation
This one's infused with an exclusive brightening complex, hyaluronic acid for moisture and plenty of vitamins. What more could you want from a light-coverage formula?
The Healthy Foundation, $14.95 at Physician's Formula
Revlon ColorStay Foundation
Made specifically for oily or combination skin, this 24-hour-wear foundation promises to leave behind a shine-free finish.
Revlon ColorStay foundation, $11.43 at Rite Aid
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25HR Breathable Foundation
This lightweight, light-coverage foundation promises to stay put for up to a whopping 25 hours.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25HR Breathable Foundation, $7.99 at CVS
Sephora Collection 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation
Available in 37 shades and free of parabens, Sephora's house foundation disguises blemishes for 10 hours and is buildable.
Sephora Collection 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation, $20 at Sephora
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation
Although this vegan formula is available in an impressive number of shades, you can also mix different colors to find your perfect match.
Coverage Foundation, $6.90 at The Ordinary
Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Foundation
This foundation underwent testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to ensure that it actually delivers filter-friendly coverage.
PhotoFocus Foundation, $5.99 at Wet n Wild
Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation
The built-in blender makes this silky formula a dream to apply on the skin.
Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation, $13.49 at Amazon
Leave a Comment