How we selected the foundations

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It’s no secret that purchasing foundations is difficult no matter if it’s your first time ever or you’re simply shopping for a new brand or formula. Every brand’s formula is different, and color matching can be a nightmare, especially when shopping online. However, if a foundation is truly up to snuff, its brand will make shopping for it as easy as possible.

Because of this, we took to the Internet to find the very best foundations based on a number of factors so that you can shop with confidence. We’ve examined overall ratings, written customer reviews, any celebrity endorsements the products have received, their prices, and more. With foundations, we also had to consider how long they last, as well as how well they blend with concealers and other makeup products. Naturally, their coverage was also important to us because buyers need to know if their foundation will be full-coverage or light in its application.  Ultimately, our search for the best foundations was full and wide in scope, and there is undoubtedly one for everybody in the batch that we gathered.

The Best Drugstore Foundations In 2022

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Before you go blindly shopping for the perfect foundation, make sure you know your must-haves and your deal breakers. Do you prefer a dewy or a matte finish? Would you rather use a powder formula or a liquid formula? Do you want the product to include special treatments for acne or fine lines? Are certain ingredients a no-go?

How we selected the foundations

Katerina Morozova/Shutterstock

It’s no secret that purchasing foundations is difficult no matter if it’s your first time ever or you’re simply shopping for a new brand or formula. Every brand’s formula is different, and color matching can be a nightmare, especially when shopping online. However, if a foundation is truly up to snuff, its brand will make shopping for it as easy as possible.

Because of this, we took to the Internet to find the very best foundations based on a number of factors so that you can shop with confidence. We’ve examined overall ratings, written customer reviews, any celebrity endorsements the products have received, their prices, and more. With foundations, we also had to consider how long they last, as well as how well they blend with concealers and other makeup products. Naturally, their coverage was also important to us because buyers need to know if their foundation will be full-coverage or light in its application.  Ultimately, our search for the best foundations was full and wide in scope, and there is undoubtedly one for everybody in the batch that we gathered.

Because of this, we took to the Internet to find the very best foundations based on a number of factors so that you can shop with confidence. We’ve examined overall ratings, written customer reviews, any celebrity endorsements the products have received, their prices, and more. With foundations, we also had to consider how long they last, as well as how well they blend with concealers and other makeup products. Naturally, their coverage was also important to us because buyers need to know if their foundation will be full-coverage or light in its application. 

Ultimately, our search for the best foundations was full and wide in scope, and there is undoubtedly one for everybody in the batch that we gathered.

Best overall liquid foundations

If you’re looking for longer-lasting coverage, consider L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation. This product offers a radiant finish with 24-hour medium coverage, all in an air-light texture. It also has an SPF 15 rating and works well for normal-to-dry skin that needs a little hydration boost. Keep in mind, however, that the color range for this product is less inclusive.

Best overall powder foundations

For another high-quality product that offers a little more shade variety, consider the bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation. This lightweight foundation offers buildable coverage and is made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which offer sun protection of SPF 15.

Best drugstore foundation for normal to oily skin

Best drugstore foundation for normal to dry skin

Best drugstore foundation for combination skin

Best full coverage drugstore foundation

When NYX says they offer a wide range of shades, they mean it. This foundation comes in 44 shades. Just keep in mind that a waterproof foundation will be more difficult to remove at the end of the day, so you may need to invest in a makeup-removing cleanser, micellar water, or makeup wipes to accompany this product.

Best drugstore foundation for a product like Glossier

Best lightweight drugstore foundation

Best drugstore foundations with sunscreen

Best drugstore foundation for perfect selfies

Note that some reviewers recommend using a moisturizing primer underneath this foundation if your skin is dry, in order to prevent the foundation from sticking to dry patches.

Best drugstore foundation for aging skin

Best drugstore powder foundation for acne

Purchase the bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation at Walmart for $32.99.

Best liquid foundation for acne

Best drugstore foundation for when you don’t know your shade

This product is even more interesting because it comes out of the bottle white. As you brush it into your skin, the formula should tint to fit your skin tone and undertone. Talk about high-tech makeup! The icing on the cake? This foundation has SPF 15 broad-spectrum sun protection.