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These affordable picks truly impressed us.

A collage of drugstore foundations we recommend on a beige background, including the Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

In This Article

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Its no secret that makeup prices are rising quickly.

Regardingfoundationsspecifically, plenty of formulas at the drugstore truly rival more expensive offerings.

Focus your search on brands that have extensive shade ranges and good coverage and finish options.

The Byrdie Team Tests Drugstore Foundation

PHOTO: Ulta

From radiant liquid formulas tomatte powdersand more, here are the ones that impressed us the most.

We loved how we were able to build it up without it looking too heavy or cakey.

If youre looking for a foundation with super-buildable coverage, this one is absolutely worth checking out.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

PHOTO: Ulta

An additional layer allowed us to achieve full coverage that completely blurred the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.

To avoid this, we suggest exfoliating and moisturizing prior to software.

Overall, we were very impressed by this foundation.

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

PHOTO: Milani Cosmetics.

This foundation is a great choice for anyone who prefers afull-coverage formula.

We think all skin types can wear this pick so long as you prep and set it accordingly.

Its also oil-free, making it a nice option for acne-prone and oily skin types.

Before and After wearing Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

Best Powder Formula

e.l.f.

The liquid formula melted into the skin with ease and felt lightweight and comfortable to wear.

It did transfer a bit during our transfer test, though we think asetting powderwould help to minimize this.

A person using a brush to apply Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer to their cheeks.

Its not drying nor is it oily, making it a nice option regardless of your skin pop in.

During testing, we were incredibly impressed by how stunning the formula looked on the skin.

Instead, we recommend applying it with a syntheticfoundation brushor your fingertips to maximize the coverage.

Close-up of a hand applying Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer to the back of another hand.

It can also be applied on top of foundation for a hint of additional coverage and a glowy finish.

If you have dry skin, applying this formula all over can add a healthy-looking glow to your complexion.

Harris adds that blending the foundation down your neck is key to ensuring you have a seamless finish.

Before and After wearing Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

Choose three shades of foundation that could potentially match those areas.

A small swatch near the jawline usually works best to determine whether it is the right match.

He explains that youll know youve got the right match when the foundation seems to disappear on your skin.

A person using a brush to apply Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer to their cheeks.

Alyssa has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Close-up of a hand applying Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer to the back of another hand.

Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin SPF 20

PHOTO: Amazon

Before and After wearing Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin SPF 20

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

Close-up of a person’s hand applying Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin to the back of their other hand.

Before and After wearing Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin SPF 20

Close-up of a person’s hand applying Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin to the back of their other hand.

e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

PHOTO: e.l.f.

Before and After wearing e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

e.l.f Camo Foundation Powder

Before and After wearing e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

e.l.f Camo Foundation Powder

Almay Make Myself Clear Clear Complexion Makeup

PHOTO: Amazon

Photos of person’s face before and after using Almay Make Myself Clear Clear Complexion Makeup

PHOTO: Byrdie

Hand holding a bottle of Almay Make Myself Clear Clear Complexion Makeup with foundation on the back of the hand

Photos of person’s face before and after using Almay Make Myself Clear Clear Complexion Makeup

Hand holding a bottle of Almay Make Myself Clear Clear Complexion Makeup with foundation on the back of the hand

Black Radiance Color Perfect Oil-Free Liquid

PHOTO: Courtesy of Walgreens

Before and After wearing Black Radiance Color Perfect Oil-Free Liquid

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Makeup

Before and After wearing Black Radiance Color Perfect Oil-Free Liquid

Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Makeup

Black Opal Mineral Matte Crème Foundation

PHOTO: Amazon

A person a pplies BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 to their chin.

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

Close-up of the BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 compact in a person’s hands.

Close-up of a person putting the BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 on their hand.

A person a pplies BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 to their chin.

Close-up of the BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 compact in a person’s hands.

Close-up of a person putting the BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Mineral Matte Crème Powder Foundation SPF 15 on their hand.

Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation

PHOTO: Ulta

Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation

Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation

Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

PHOTO: Ulta

Before and After wearing Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim

Close-up of a person’s hands holding the Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

Close-up of a peron applying Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup to the side of their hand.

Before and After wearing Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

Close-up of a person’s hands holding the Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup

Close-up of a peron applying Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup to the side of their hand.