Best Drugstore Foundations and Reviews

LA Girl Pro Coverage HD Foundation in Sand

Price: $8.99, 0.95 oz (ulta.com)

Number of Shades Offered: 16

Overall Rating:  PRO.coverage high-definition long wear illuminating liquid foundation is ideal for a flawless looking, full coverage finish. Lightweight formula is comfortable for all day wear (lagirlusa.com).  I dedicated an entire blog post review to this foundation which you can find here.  The plastic packaging is sturdy and travel friendly, yet chic with the hygienic pump.  The foundation gives buildable medium to full coverage, blurs imperfections, and gives a natural, satin finish.  I like applying this foundation best with my Crown Round Contour Brush for ultra full coverage or with a Pur Cosmetics Beauty Sponge for a more dewy finish.  Without powder, the foundation has a wear time of about 5-6 hours.  However, if you bake with a powder, it will last all day.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation in Golden Caramel

Price: $7.99, 1 oz (ulta.com)

Number of Shades Offered: 32

Overall Rating:  While some foundations can exaggerate pores and oily skin, only Maybelline’s pore-minimizing foundation contains their genius blurring micro-powders that erase pores and absorb oil for a naturally matte and poreless-looking finish (ulta.com).  I don’t love the glass packaging, but I have never had any issues while traveling.  I have packed this on almost every single tropical vacation and have always been impressed with its performance.  This kept oil at bay, stood up to the heat and humidity, and photographs beautifully.  It gives a flawless matte finish, but is not at all flat or drying.  This also happened to be the foundation I wore for my wedding photos 😉

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation in Caramel

Price: $5.99, 1 oz (wetnwildbeauty.com)

Number of Shades Offered: 20

Overall Rating: Our new high-performing, skin-perfecting foundation underwent major road testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready makeup every time. Specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin #nofilter perfection (wetnwildbeauty.com).   I have been loving this foundation ever since receiving it in my recent Wet n Wild Haul (blogpost here).  It comes in a standard glass bottle, but includes a spatula that helps with rationing and scooping out the liquid, preventing a mess from overpouring.  I love that the wide shade selection includes a description of the undertones.  The coverage is medium, but buildable.  I’ve applied this with my EcoTools Beauty Sponge and a flat-top kabuki brush, and both gives a beautifully matte finish.  I’ve put this foundation to the test during my trip to Arizona and this stood up to the 110+ degrees desert heat.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation in Warm Beige

Price: $12.99, 1 oz (ulta.com)

Number of Shades Offered: 12

Overall Rating: L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation has an air-light texture with a demi-matte finish. This super gliding mattifying formula has a high water content for maximum comfort that lasts (ulta.com).  I dig the sleek, travel friendly squeeze-tube packaging.  The formula feels very lightweight on, yet provides full coverage, and gives a true matte finish.  You would particularly love this foundation if you have oily skin.  If you have dry skin, I recommend exfoliating and moisturizing before application as it can cling to dry patches.  I am not sure about the 24 hour claims, but this a long-lasting foundation.  I can apply this in the morning and it still looks good when I go to take it off at night.  

Milani Conceal and Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer in Sand

Price: $10, 1 oz (milanicosmetics.com)

Number of Shades Offered: 19

Overall Rating:  Combat under eye circles, redness and other skin imperfections with this full coverage, water-resistant foundation plus concealer in one. A no mess, no drip pump dispenses just the right amount of fluid needed to achieve a flawless look and works around the clock to keep skin looking naturally perfect (milanicosmetics.com). This foundation comes in a glass bottle, but includes a hygienic pump.  It gives gives buildable medium to full coverage, blurs pores, and gives a gorgeous satin finish.  I’ve applied this with a damp beauty sponge and flat top kabuki brush, and both give a flawless finish.  In terms of longevity, I can get a full 8 hours wear.

I love all these drugstore foundations just as much, if not more than high-end ones I’ve tried.  These all further prove that you can find amazing formulas at affordable prices ? Have you tried any of these foundations?  What are your favorite drugstore foundation recommendations?

XO,

Mary Dee

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