If spending a tonne of money on make-up isn't your thing (and who could blame you?) do not worry, because on the market right now are some of the best drugstore foundations we've ever tried. These days more affordable make-up formulas are so good that they can rival their pricier designer counterparts. Spending around £10 is more than enough to bag yourself the best foundation.
“As a makeup artist there have been inconsistencies with drugstore foundations in the past, mainly due to the pigment quality and very limited colour ranges, but these days things are definitely improving for the better and there are some amazing options out there,” says makeup artist Lisa Caldognetto. “There are so many fantastic affordable foundations now that the choice can be quite overwhelming, but some brands that do it really well are E.l.f. Cosmetics, L'Oréal Paris, and Bourjois. It’s really just about trying different ones to find something that you like.”
And the Marie Claire beauty team couldn’t agree more—who were more than happy to get their hands on some affordable foundations to test out. They paid close attention to what was being promised and whether the formulas delivered. No empty promises here, please. For more information, we've got a whole guide on how we test the products that make it into our articles.
Still not convinced? Well, you've clearly not tried some of our favourite drugstore foundations that have made it onto our list. Products like Maybelline Fit Me Foundation and L'Oreal Infallible Foundation are incredible formulas that will give you happy and glowy complexions, without going too much into your disposable income.
So, keep on scrolling to see which foundations came out on top, and for more inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to the best foundation for acne-prone skin, the best foundation for dry skin, the best foundation for combination skin and even the best tinted moisturisers.
The best drugstore foundations to buy now
1. Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation
Infused with skin-brightening vitamins C, E and B5, this high-street foundation offers so much more than just coverage—it hydrates, smooths and brightens even the most tired looking of complexions. If you don’t like an ultra-glowy finish then you might want to skip this, but if radiant, dewy skin is your bag then you can’t go wrong with this.
Mica Ricketts, Beauty Contributor says: “I was over the moon when Bourjois returned to the UK last year as this is one of my favourite foundations of all time—and I’m including luxury bases in that claim. As someone who basically always looks like they haven’t had enough sleep, I love the way that it adds life and luminosity to my dull skin, and it doesn’t compromise on coverage either.”
2. L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation
Historically, drugstore foundations have been lacking in the shade range department, but L'Oréal Paris have turned that preconception on its head with a 48 shade offering for their beloved True Match Liquid Foundation. Both editors and makeup artists swear by this foundation, thanks to its skin-like finish, its impressive pigment that caters to an array of undertones, and the fact that it's enriched with hyaluronic acid so it feels incredibly comfortable to wear all day.
Mica says: “Hands down, this is my most repurchased drugstore foundation ever and I have been using it for the best part of 15 years. In fact, it was one of the foundations that I used on my wedding day thanks to how reliable it is. Not only does it match my skin tone perfectly, it covers blemishes, dark circles, evens skin tone, and never ever looks cakey or heavy. In fact, if I’m ever complimented on my skin then it’s likely that this will be the foundation I’m wearing.”
3. E.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Foundation
This is E.l.f.’s first foundation launch in 7 years and it was really worth the wait. An impressively long-lasting foundation with a buildable medium coverage, it glides onto skin beautifully imparting a soft satin finish with the most subtle sheen. Plus, it’s packed with a hydrating hibiscus complex alongside berry extracts to ensure that it never looks cloying or heavy on the skin.
Mica says: “For special occasions or evenings out I tend to opt for more high-end foundations that I feel pack a bit more punch when it comes to longevity. However, this new foundation from E.l.f. Cosmetics really holds its own in terms of staying power, coverage and an expensive-looking finish. My skin looks velvety, satin-smooth, and radiant when I wear this—I genuinely can’t believe it costs just £8.”
4. Maybelline Fit Me! Matte and Poreless Foundation
Now available in 35 shades, this matte formula contains micropowders that keep shine at bay and absorb excess oils, so it's a great match for oily types who find they get greasy throughout the day. This isn't just one of the best drugstore foundations, the beauty team believe this is one of the best foundations for oily skin, because of the lovely matte effect it has on the skin.
Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "I'm not a foundation person. I like my skin to look like mine and prefer to lean into its blemishes and so-called 'imperfections'. So the idea of this matte, relatively coverage scared me. However, after trying it for well over a month, I'm pleased to say that I actually really, really like it. It keeps my skin's natural glow but simultaneously helps take down its oiliness. It also lasts an impressively long time, meaning I've been leaning on it for evening events when I want a fuller coverage that doesn't require any upkeep."
5. L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation
The L'Oréal Paris Infallible make-up range was built to last, no matter what your life throws at it. And this full coverage foundation is one of the best long-wearing that we've come across. It's waterproof and transfer-resistant, perfect for busy on-the-go people. Plus, it's been developed to feel weightless on the skin, which we can say from testing is exactly what it felt like.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I'm not a full-coverage gal in my everyday, but there are times when my skins calls for it. Whether that's an event or perhaps a week when my hormonal spots have decided to stick around a little longer. It those times that I reach for this. It's exactly what I need. I do recommend that those with oilier T-Zones pair this with a pressed powder for extra longevity."
6. e.l.f cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation
e.l.f.'s Flawless Finish formula is a go-to for beauty junkies on a budget all over the world. It's super buildable, meaning you can get excellent coverage when you need it and a lighter finish on the days you want something more toned down. Either way, you'll have a super healthy-looking and smooth complexion.
Katie says: "I was so impressed by this formula. I loved that despite the name 'Flawless Finish' you could still see my natural skin when I wore it."
7. Sleek Makeup Lifeproof Foundation
This is the best high street foundation for darker skin tones thanks to the brand's 24-strong shade range. The medium-to-full coverage formula is equally worth shouting about because of its longevity powers. It's reliable and works wonders at blurring imperfections. As it's oil-free, it is also a good choice for those with greasy tendencies.
Beauty Contributor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best drugstore foundations
8. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation
Rimmel is so often the high street brand most of us turn to when we're after affordable make-up. And this foundation is exactly why. It has a hydrating formula that blends seamlessly into skin. It offers medium coverage, however you can definitely build up the coverage for a more flawless finish if you want.
Grace Lindsay, Beauty Contributor says: "This is one of my favourite foundations of all time. The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation is affordable, easy to apply, matches my skin tone perfectly and has a natural finish that is ideal for everyday wear."
9. No7 Stay Perfect Foundation
Looking for a drugstore foundation that will last all day? Say hello to No7's Stay Perfect Foundation - a super lightweight base that blends seamlessly and offers medium coverage. The brand claims that it can withstand activity, humidity and rain. A bold claim, but we're quite partial to a No7 foundation here at Marie Claire, because its products always deliver.
Grace says: "I swear by this foundation for a long-lasting, natural finish that doesn't slide or crease on my oily skin. So much so, that I've tested whilst on a run, in the autumnal British rain and I even wore in on holiday. It has never let me down."
Found one that suits you? We know that times are tough at the moment, so we hope we've helped you save some money this month.
