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 beauty editors we know that there's a common misconception that higher price points equal better quality. Whilst that might be the case for some products, it's not the same when it comes to purse-friendly make-up.
Don't believe us? 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.
The beauty team were more than happy to get their hands on these affordable foundations to test them 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.
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.
Beauty Contributor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best drugstore foundations
The best drugstore foundations to buy now
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. 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."
4. 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.
5. 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."
6. 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.
