Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
These affordable picks truly impressed us.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alyssa has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
PHOTO: e.l.f.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Courtesy of Walgreens
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Ulta
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Ulta
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim