Best Drugstore Foundations

As beauty writers and editors, it’s our firm belief to be equal opportunity product enthusiasts and we take our task to introduce you to the very best of what we see on the market seriously. On the other hand, our standards are high when it comes to foundation, as this one product can lay the groundwork for all other makeup. As much as we love a good #nomakeup day, our skin doesn’t always allow for it. And while it’d be nice to bathe ourselves in Giorgio Armani’s $64 Luminous Silk formulation, we don’t have to. Throw away your preconceived notions about drugstore base makeup because it’s getting better by the day. Allow us to introduce tried-and-true (MUA recommended!) favorites, 2017 Best of Beauty inductees and more. Cheers to a shopping guide that won’t break the bank.

Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation, $13

This formula leaves skin glowy, and hydrated thanks to Vitamin E. "It's a creamy formula that leaves your skin looking like skin, but better. The finish is dewy, radiant, and hydrated. It offers sheer to medium coverage, and it wears well. It's a good friend to have in your makeup bag" says makeup artist Tamah, who works with Liv Tyler and Alexa Chung

Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + Care Cream SPF 30, $14

This so-called Super CC works to color correct and cover at once. "I love that it's vegan and that it protects from the sun," says Azra Red, who works with Sita Abellan and Zola Jesus.

Revlon Colorstay Makeup For Combo/Oily Skin, $13

Revlon’s Colorstay is a drugstore hero. "The new packaging includes a pump applicator, and the long-lasting, matte formula has SPF. It’s specifically created for combination-to-oily skin, so it absorbs and controls excess shine," makeup artist Nicole Walmsley, who works with Inbar Lavi and Jenna Elfman, says. Plus, there are 35, inclusive shades.

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup, $10

This foundation boasts patented color technology to give you the best possible match. "The blendability is amazing, and the range of colors is pretty impressive. I also like the fact that this foundation is oil-free, which makes it perfect for sensitive or troublesome skin. Using it with a damp sponge helps get a beautiful sheer finish with great coverage," explais makeup artist Robert Greene, who works with Ashley Olsen and Tinashe.

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation, $6

For a glowy, light-medium foundation, we love this Maybelline classic. "I love dewy skin, and this foundation has a perfect texture for it,” says makeup artist [Morgane Martini] (http://ift.tt/1QtW4DX). “It has a good amount of coverage, but it looks really natural and light. I like to apply it with my hands. I work it on the skin like I apply cream, and then I dab on more with my fingers to build coverage," says Martini, who works with stars including Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint, $12

So technically, this is a slight cheat as it’s a tint and not a foundation, but that’s part of why we love it. This Best of Beauty award winner is a hyaluronic acid-infused gel that keeps skin hydrated all day so you never wind up with those patches of dried-out, settled-in makeup.

Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation, $17

Courtesy of brand

Burt’s Bees only launched makeup this year, and they did it so well they won a Best of Beauty award! Testers praised this powder formula for its oil-controlling abilities that work without flattening the complexion or eliminating natural radiance.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation, $6

Welcome to 2017: Wet n Wild tested this formula under seven different lighting conditions with top smartphone models to essentially selfie-proof their product. We’re not complaining. The resulting, super-affordable foundation leaves a matte finish that looks flawless in pics.

E.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation, $6

Most of us prefer some coverage when battling a breakout — the problem lies in finding coverage that won't further congest our skin. E.l.f.'s Acne-Fighting formula provides the perfect solution — you get the coverage you want, plus a powerful combo of clarifying ingredients including salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and aloe.

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