Selecting the perfect foundation can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. What shade will match best, especially when ordering online? Is liquid foundation the right choice for me instead of powder? What about SPF? Seriously, where do I begin?!
All of these questions are valid — believe me. As someone who loves trying new makeup brands (and someone who’s a sucker for pretty packaging), I’ve been wanting to dig into the makeup minefield of liquids to powders and drugstore to high-end for quite some time.
In this edition: the very best full-coverage liquid foundations after two years of consistent testing.
RELATED: Best makeup primers we reviewed
Whether you’re seeking out top-rated foundations specially designed for mature skin or others to help hydrate your dry skin, this guide is for you.
Naturally, I tested dozens of foundations to put together a comprehensive list of the best ones worth your money. No more sifting through shades or spending big bucks, only to discover your new foundation only lasts for two hours and becomes cake-y.
“A full-coverage foundation has more pigment in it, therefore fully masking blemishes or marks on the skin, and evening out all discoloration, whether it’s due to the person’s veins, hyperpigmentation or rosacea and redness,” Natalie Dresher, bridal and special event makeup artist, told the New York Post, in explaining what makes a full-coverage foundation actually full coverage.
“I believe an ideal foundation should last on the skin for 12 hours perfectly for the typical, nonprofessional consumer,” Dresher added. “This means that it will last for a full work day, for a night out or a typical day of being out and about.”
Sephora
Price: $$
Lady Gaga may be performing “Poker Face” on stage, but she sure knows how to dish out a foundation to help you achieve your most flawless face yet. And, because the formulation was “Born This Way,” it’s surely worth the “Applause.” OK, enough Gaga puns.
The HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation with Fermented Arnica isn’t only my most-used foundation as of late but it’s the one that has received the most compliments when worn (and that’s how you know a standout foundation from the pack, TBH). It never creases, is featured in a generous shade range and even helps to reduce redness — something I noticed immediately.
It’s also hypoallergenic, so not only is this long-wearing foundation one that’ll flatter any skin tone but it’s apt for sensitive skin. It’s easy to apply to your face and blend with a brush, and it’s simply too good not to try at least once. In short, add it to your cart and thank me later.
Sephora
Price: $$$
Ranked as the best foundation for dry skin overall in our review, the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation is lightweight (yet still full-coverage, depending on how much you’d like to apply) and — the best part — never looks cake-y or flake-y. It has one of the most elegant finishes I’ve tried in a foundation, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid in its ingredient list (aka, the dermatologist-approved superstar that just keeps on giving).
When I want something that’s easy to blend but gives me a subtle glow, this is the usual suspect I reach for — especially during the daytime. This foundation also makes my skin appear smoother whenever worn, a bonus if you want to help reduce the appearance of pores.
For more to shop, check out our Charlotte Tilbury review — featuring an interview with Miss CT herself.
Sephora
Price: $$
Truth be told, I could make a TED Talk advocating how much I love Anastasia Beverly Hills (well, actually, my full brand review is pretty much that). The brand continues to hit it out of the park — and not just with its top-rated Brow Wiz ($25). Though, that’s one I swear by, too.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is fairly priced compared to other formulations tested and, while the appearance of fine lines isn’t completely mitigated as I may like, it’s one of the best for balancing the skin. Most importantly, it never irritates my skin and has been my go-to before consistently trying out brands for two years; this exact foundation was my go-to in high school, there for me through prom days and the cap-throwing graduation ceremony.
Better yet, its shade range is quite generous, the bottle looks spectacular on your makeup vanity and it lasts pretty much all day, though sometimes I have to use a pressed powder if I tend to get oily. Overall, it’s a gentle, trusty formulation worth adding to your shopping cart, along with the A30 Pro Domed Kabuki Brush ($24) — probably my favorite tool ever.
Ulta Beauty
Price: $$
What’s great about the Tarte Face Tape Foundation is how natural and smooth your skin will look after, which is especially great for anyone with bumpy or acne-prone skin. If my skin happens to have an acne-flare up or blemish, I resort to this particular formulation.
Part of the reason why it performs beautifully on the skin is likely its patented Tape Technology that “helps smooth texture and blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles,” per the brand. I totally agree with its claim, and it also is great at wicking off sweat or moisture when worn in hot temperatures.
Though it has a heavier and stickier feel, it’ll do the job of helping to make your skin feel like it’s not bumpy, hiding the blemish you have with flying colors. With a wide shade range — oh, and its top-rated Shape Tape Concealer ($31) following suit — you’ll be reaching for this quite often.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
I can’t be the only one whose mom dragged them to the Macy’s counter when they were little (specifically, the Lancôme counter) for their usual stock-up. When I started wearing pressed powder and some eyeshadow, I eventually enjoyed my somewhat-regular mall trips, and then saw how its array of face products swayed more toward clients with mature skin.
Though I’m in my early 20s, I can see why the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is a favorite among those in their 40s to 60s. It’s versatile, serves as a wonderful base for the rest of your makeup and includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and cover lines and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 27, resulting in a silky natural glow that is especially suited toward those with duller or less plump skin.
Ulta Beauty
Price: $$
When I used to watch makeup tutorials on YouTube (the “beauty guru era of 2012,” as I like to call it), Smashbox was always presented as a top brand for camera-flashing moments and long-day wear. That still holds true, but there’s something about its Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation that helps to absorb more oil than other foundations tested.
To set the record straight, I don’t have completely oily skin. I do, however, tend to get oily throughout the day at times, and this foundation didn’t budge. Insightfully, it flaked a bit on where my skin is ultra-dry, making me tangibly notice how much better it performed on the oilier parts of my face.
It’s another foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, but I found it to stay on for more than eight hours without smearing or sweating off. Its inclusion of antioxidants also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors. With a chic bottle and trusty formula, it’s worth a shot, especially if you have oily skin.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
Chances are, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation is one that would come out of the mouth of any makeup artist you talk to (I’d confidently bet money on this) when on the subject of wedding day foundations. It’s a standout for sure, though pricier than most. But, it’s worth every penny.
What impressed me the most? It’s not as thick as other full-coverage foundations tested, but it’s ability to balance out my skin tone upon first application gives it that wow-factor. Of course, it’s buildable, but that’s up to personal preference. It gives your skin the ideal no-makeup makeup look that you’ve been seeing all over social media, too.
What’s more, its shade range is pretty expansive, the foundation is oil-free and offers that your-skin-but-better look. You’ll be speechless during your first pass of this beauty gem, and wanting to continue repurchasing its one-of-a-kind formula.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
I’m not going to lie, matte makeup isn’t really my jam. I don’t love shiny foundations either, but a formulation that offers a well-balanced, slightly radiant finish is more my speed. However, the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation didn’t make my fair skin look washed out. Instead, it felt like I was balancing my skin tone while treating my face to an array of benefits.
Because it contains both hyaluronic and SPF 30 in its formulation, this skincare buff was over-the-moon (in fact, SPF 30 is what dermatologists recommend using). It’s quite the spend — the most expensive on this list — but if you really want a wealth of benefits, it’s worth the buy.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it has a near-weightless feel that made it stand out from the rest of foundations during the testing process. It’s more lightweight, so keep that in mind, but an alluring option nonetheless.
Sephora
Price: $$
True story: I met the one and only Mario Dedivanovic (the man, the myth and the legend behind the MAKEUP BY MARIO brand) to celebrate the launch of his SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation and, as soon as I tried it for the first time, I loved how plump and hydrated my skin looked.
Its quality and ability to blend exceptionally well makes me believe it should be on-par with those priced around $50 to $60 (though, I’m absolutely not complaining). It’s a staple for anyone seeking an effective full-coverage look without wanting to feel heavy. It also lasts for the entire work day.
With vegetal squalene, it helps moisturize the skin — making it a top option for combination or dry skin types, especially. Though it isn’t the best at keeping your skin oil-free as the day progresses, its formulation is worth the hype (and, the pump is one of the most ergonomic I’ve used).
Sephora
Price: $$$$
The PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Foundation is just as riveting as the brand’s array of beyond-gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and is one of the best brands I’ve tested for full-glam looks. In short, you’ll want to do a major shopping spree before your next date night or formal occasion.
Not only is its packaging second to none — even the box it comes in! — but its ability to serve as the longest-lasting foundation I tested is exemplary. Specifically, it consistently upheld from 5:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., coming in clutch on my commute to work, the eight-hour work day and for events happening in the nighttime.
It’s the ultimate splurge, too. It’s closest in formulation to the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation, but a bit more lightweight and longer-lasting.
Sephora
Price: $$
Queen RiRi has more to show than her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance. Her brand, Fenty Beauty, has one of the most coveted foundations in the industry with its Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.
TLDR: you won’t find a more generous shade range (and this goes for most of the brand’s products) that not only lasts for the entire day but also offers the most subtle of matte finishes. This is wonderful for my preferences, as I don’t love a full-matte look. It’s great for any skin type, too, as it never flaked on me but never seemed to make my skin feel oily as the day progressed.
It’s formulation doesn’t lean lightweight or heavy; it’s the perfect Goldilocks foundation. Perhaps this is why it has a grandeur appeal to the masses (and one I’ll continue to recommend indefinitely).
Sephora
Price: $$$
Shop the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 if you’re looking for a bit more skin protection than your typical run-of-the-mill foundation. Though the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation includes the dermatologist-recommended SPF count of 30, your makeup should never replace applying a facial sunscreen and this one, in particular, had a noticeably elegant finish following my skincare. It’s also much more affordable than YSL’s formulation.
While I didn’t find it to be completely long-lasting (or should I say, as long-lasting as I would have liked), it’s true-to-full-coverage, easy-to-blend design makes it one I continue to reach for. It also helps to correct your undertone, helping to make my skin appear less red.
Sephora
Price: $$
The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is one I find in every pro’s toolkit, simply because it has a unique ability to cover your skin’s imperfections on a “thicker” level, helping to produce more full-glam looks with ease, as opposed to more buildable formulas that take a few passes.
Listen, I used this foundation in all temperatures (including 90-degree days in Arizona) and it didn’t leave my skin. Generous shade range aside, its hyaluronic acid-infused, hydrating formulation is fairly priced compared to others tested, and also wonderful to travel with.
Sephora
Price: $$$
Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with her Airbrush Flawless Foundation. To be totally candid, it’s the heaviest foundation I tested, so it may not be for everyone, but it’s the one I reach to if I’m taking plenty of photos that day — whether it’s a headshot, a family party or any other paparazzi-filled event (and by paparazzi, we mean the BFF who knows how to get all the angles in record time).
Not only does it last for an impressively long amount (more than eight hours!) but it feels weightless on the skin, even though it has a heavier consistency. I don’t know what magic Queen Charlotte put in this formulation, but it’s a surefire standout — and one worth the try.
Victoria Giardina
My skin is sensitive and partially dry though it can have its oily moments, so it took me exactly two years of testing (aka, ransacking Sephora and Ulta Beauty for the best on the market) to test each one consistently. Here’s an overview of what I looked for while applying:
For a closer look, I have some drier spots around my nose, on my chin and above my eyebrows. But, even if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, our roundup of the best foundations can still be helpful.
That said, we have you covered — literally. If you’re looking for lighter coverage, check out our roundup of the best tinted moisturizers, along with the best makeup primers and best setting sprays we reviewed to prep and finish off your look.
“I personally use a brush using downward strokes to not disturb any vellus hairs on the face and then I personally like to blend in any rough ‘edges’ or ‘lines’ with a damp sponge,” Dresher explains. “Damp sponges do thin out the product so I wouldn’t use a sponge directly under the eyes or on any areas where coverage is desired.”
For specific options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best foundation brushes. We also included an easy-to-read table highlighting the top picks in this review at a glance.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
The art of perfecting a base makeup routine is ultra-personal, and it takes trial and error to discover the right complexion products to suite your skin. There’s no need to shell out the big bucks for a high-quality skin perfecter, because these best drugstore foundations have got you covered. Our team of editors tested a range of budget-friendly foundations from top makeup brands that compliment different needs and preferences, including skin care-infused formulas, matte to dewy finishes, and textures for every skin type or concern.
Drugstore foundations cost dozens of dollars less than their luxury counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on quality ingredients or coverage. New formulas and innovations, like serum formulas or smoothing filter-like foundations, offer similar or better results that won’t break the bank. If you think about it, selecting a foundation is adjacent to curating your skin care routine, since the product will be sitting on your skin all day long, so it’s important to choose a formula that supplements your skin type for the most flattering wear and finish.
Staple drugstore foundation brands such as Maybelline New York, L’Oréal Paris, Covergirl, and even ultra-affordable beauty brands like E.l.f. offer foundations that include skin-loving ingredients like SPF, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing vitamins C and E. Drugstores offer a range of foundation textures too, from powder, liquid, cream, and everything in between. There are specially formulated options that cater to different skin types, such as mattifying drugstore foundations for oily skin and extra hydrating options for dry skin. You can also shop clean and vegan formulas for sensitive skin types and acne-prone skin, semi-matte finishes for combination skin, and blurring foundations that improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s no secret that trying out a new foundation can be a hit or a miss, which is why affordable drugstore foundations are a safe bet. A prestige foundation could run you upwards of $50, which can add up as your skin tone or texture changes with the seasons. Plus, there’s nothing more frustrating than taking a pricey product home and discovering that it doesn’t agree with your skin type, looks cakey past the point of return, or causes a skin reaction that leads you back to the makeup aisle to buy even more cover up. While foundation can be a high-stakes purchase, a drugstore price point is reliably low-risk. Luckily, we’ve discovered nine affordable formulations that knock this makeup bag essential out of the ballpark.
To hunt down the best foundations at the drugstore, multiple WWD Shop editors put dozens of budget foundations to the test. We sleuthed through our favorite beauty supply destinations and evaluated different formulations across the most prominent and affordable cosmetic brands. We also conducted thorough research on the best complexion makeup ingredients, as well as robust shade ranges and undertones to give kudos to the most inclusive drugstore foundations that serve different skin types, coverage levels, and flawless finishes.
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Related:
Best Drugstore Mascaras
Best Amazon Beauty Products
Selecting a go-to foundation is all dependent on your preferred finish, coverage, and, of course, your skin type. Drugstore foundations come in a wide range of options, which is why our testers crowned top three options that offer different results, rather than a single winner. Here are our trialed champs:
Best Drugstore Foundation for Combination Skin
If you’re looking for a medium coverage foundation that gives a healthy radiance finish, go with L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum Foundation. The difference between a traditional foundation and a serum foundation is the skin care-infused benefits of active ingredients, along with a much lighter feel. This product’s natural glow isn’t just for show, because it contains 1 percent hyaluronic acid, which aids in hydration and supple skin elasticity over time. It’s also blended with luminous mineral pigments that brighten the complexion and seamlessly melt into the skin.
Editor testing and review notes: “Serum foundations always excite me because they nourish the skin while providing coverage at the same time, and I was especially interested in this one for its inclusion of hyaluronic acid. I’ve always been a fan of the L’Oréal Paris True Match complexion line and this is officially my top dog. I love how easily it blends into the skin with a buffing brush and provides natural, buildable, and effective coverage. The formula is not runny like other serum foundations — it has a typical foundation consistency, and the dropper applicator makes dispensing product simple and sanitary (and a little fun). The hyaluronic acid in this foundation does not go unnoticed, as it feels hydrating without overdoing it on the dew-factor, and results in an ideal skin-like sheen.” — Commerce Writer & Producer Olivia Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.39
Courtesy of Target
$13.39
$19.99
33% off
$19.99
$14.99
Best Dewy Drugstore Foundation
The glass skin TikTok trend has attracted over 2.8 billion beauty lovers looking for a super smooth complexion that practically gleams, and Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation is your best drugstore bet for achieving the blurred and glossy effect. Dry skin types will love how it marries lightweight coverage, SPF, and lasting skin quenching in one step. This foundation’s comfortable feel — attributed to added benefits of vitamin E, which soothes skin irritation like psoriasis, eczema, and general dehydration — will leave you looking fresh and dewy on the daily.
Editor testing and review notes: “This foundation is aptly named, because dewy, smooth skin is exactly what you’ll get. Maybelline’s Dewy + Smooth formulation of the Fit Me foundation range is great for those with dry skin because it immediately feels hydrating upon application. It has a natural finish and light coverage, which I enjoy since it allows my freckles to shine through while still evening out my complexion. It’s very thin on the skin, so it feels lightweight all day. It’s important to note that it does leave a wet-to-the-touch feeling upon initial application, so make sure to wait for it to fully set before applying products on top (otherwise brushes or sponges may displace the product). Those with oily skin should definitely skip this product, but if your skin type is combination or dry and you’re looking for a your-skin-but-better foundation, give this a try.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.58
$7.58
$9.99
24% off
$9.99
$9.99
Related: Best Vitamin E Oils
Best Drugstore Foundation for Mature Skin
This all-in-on foundation is great for mature skin or those who prefer their foundation to knock off steps in their skin care routine. The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector performs similarly to a tinted moisturizer, with sheer coverage, SPF 20, and a lightweight feel. Its star feature is retinol, which is a tried-and-true skin care ingredient that increases skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of dark spots, calms inflammation, and prevents clogged pores. The formula also includes nourishing antioxidants, vitamins, and titanium dioxide to revitalize the skin under the makeup and provide a radiant, natural finish.
Editor testing and review notes: “Of all the foundations I tested, this Neutrogena option had the richest texture. Those with oily skin types may not love this factor, but anyone who’s trying to ward off wrinkles and fine lines (or just plain old dry skin) know that the more moisture, the better. Unlike other liquid and cream foundations I tried, this balmy cream blended into my skin like an expensive face moisturizer — that just so happens to provide medium coverage and SPF 20. It has a tendency to transfer, so I’d suggest a light dust of setting powder or a spritz of setting spray after you apply it.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.99
$13.99
$20.59
32% off
$19.99
Best Drugstore Foundation for Acne
Colourpop’s Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Hydrating Foundation is similar to a serum foundation but boasts a higher color payoff. It has a hydrating formula base of coconut water that’s doubled-down with hyaluronic acid and a fruit complex that works to quench the skin and blur fine lines. Those with acne-prone skin get the green light with this product, not only for its buildable, natural-looking coverage that’ll camouflage blemishes, but also because it’s dermatologist-tested and contains 100 percent vegan and clean ingredients.
Editor testing and review notes: “This is the first complexion product I’ve tried from Colourpop and it’s an instant winner in my book. The Pretty Fresh foundation feels incredibly hydrating on the skin and has a wet, thin formula that blends effortlessly atop moisturizer and primer. It provides a satin to dewy finish (depending on my moisturizer base) that’s super lightweight — it feels better than a tinted moisturizer. The coverage of this foundation is light to medium, which allows for plenty of layering control without the risk of getting cakey. The brand was smart to add a pump to its packaging, since the foundation has a runny consistency.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $16
Courtesy of Colourpop
$16
$16
$16
Best Drugstore Liquid Foundation
Over the years, E.l.f. has become a powerhouse drugstore brand that offers affordable options for everything from makeup brushes to lip gloss and face primer. E.l.f. is no stranger to high-quality complexion products, with viral hits like the Halo Glow Liquid filter and Hydrating Camo Concealer, and this foundation is no exception. The E.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation is outstanding, not only for its buildable medium coverage and versatile semi-matte finish, but also for its extensive shade range that allows you plenty of options to find your perfect match. The formula is suitable for all skin types, with hydrating glycerin and clean, vegan ingredients, but it stood out to us as one of the best drugstore foundations for oily skin in particular.
Editor testing and review notes: “I was floored by the E.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation, considering its unbeatable price point. It pumps out to a thicker consistency, which feels creamy, hydrating, and cooling as you blend it out. I applied the foundation with clean fingertips as well as a buffing brush during testing, and both techniques resulted in a very natural, non-streaky, and comfortable semi-matte finish. This foundation provides a nice medium coverage that’s buildable and doesn’t leave the skin dry and cakey throughout the day. This formula would likely suit the range of skin types, though I’d recommend that those with combination and oily skin powder their T zone or use a mattifying primer to ward off unwanted shine. Capping at just $6, this is a hidden gem at the drugstore and worth the try — regardless if you’re on a tight beauty budget.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $5.66
Courtesy of Target
$5.66
$6
6% off
$6
$6
Best Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundation
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible foundation collection is a TikTok favorite, with over 209 million views and searches on the app. The range offers a wildly popular powder foundation, but we’re most impressed by the liquid formulation. The Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation provides reliable and buildable full-coverage with impressive longwear power that lasts up to 24 hours. It’s one of the best drugstore foundations for oily skin, as the formula contains three oil absorbers to resist water, sweat, and transferring. It also includes SPF 25 and comes in 40 shade options, so you’re guaranteed to find your match.
Editor testing and review notes: “This foundation is the best drugstore matte foundation I tested. At first, I noticed that the product was thinner than I’m used to, but after applying it with a fluffy brush, the foundation blended perfectly and felt lightweight while concealing my blemishes and redness. I love that it has SPF 25, which boosts my daily sun protection. The only caveat is that a little goes a long way, which I learned from experience (the first time I applied too much and my face looked cakey).” — Style Commerce Editor Nikki Chwatt
Price upon publish date of this article: $12.94
Courtesy of Target
$16.99
$12.94
$16.99
24% off
$20.49
Best Cream Drugstore Foundation
Covergirl + Olay’s Simply Ageless Wrinkle Defying Foundation has been on drugstore shelves for over a decade. Cream foundations have a tendency to apply thick and cakey, with little return on moisture, color match, and blendability. This one gets it right, because the formula is swirled with a silky and moisturizing hyaluronic complex, along with vitamin C to improve skin brightness, texture, and overall hydration. The “Ageless” component comes from its blurring finish that doesn’t settle into fine lines, along with a healthy dose of SPF 28 to protect the skin from sun damage.
Editor testing and review notes: “Skin care-infused foundations typically come with $50-plus price tags, so I’ll admit that I approached this under $20 foundation thinking it could fall short on the nourishment department. But the cream texture and even coverage of this formula left me impressed — it’s dense, but easy to blend and work into my complexion. What starts out as a dewy feel dries down to a skin-mimicking texture I full-on forgot I was wearing during the day. The only con to this compact has to do with shade matching; it took me three different options to find one that aligned with my skin tone. (Pro tip for those with fair skin: Order an extra shade in a warm, deep tone, and this also makes a fabulous cream bronzer).” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.15
Courtesy of CVS
$13.15
$13.99
6% off
$14.69
$17.99
In order to select the best drugstore foundations, our WWD Shop editors conducted extensive research across the beauty market, along with our own comprehensive editor-approved product testing. We tested new product releases, TikTok-viral formulations, and prominent foundations that have been customer favorites for decades. We also sifted through and compared hundreds of customer review quotes to roundup superlative foundations available at the most common drugstores. We tested many drugstore foundations, including the below:
Over 20+ foundation formulations were tested among five WWD editors for this best drugstore foundation shopping guide. These drugstore foundations were put to the test for a duration of eight to 18 hours per day across a three-week testing period in order to determine the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, these foundations were already purchased by testers and used daily for months before our official review process began. We assessed key factors of the drugstore foundations throughout our testing, including skin finish, coverage, application experience, wear time, comfortability, packaging, and whether or not the foundations caused breakouts or irritation.
We also made sure to compare shade ranges, special formulations, like serum or skin care-infused foundations, and overall texture. The drugstore foundations included in this article were tested across a variety of skin types, skin tones, climates, and functions, so you can feel confident about your next drugstore foundation purchase.
Below are the criteria our panel of testers considered while trying out drugstore foundation formulas:
WWD Shop editor Claire Sullivan swatches drugstore foundations in our New York City office.
WWD/ Adam MansurogluSince 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting makeup products, like drugstore foundations, that make a meaningful difference in your beauty routine.
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a New York City resident, she’s garnered a love for handbags, shoes, and garments as well as beauty and skincare products that will keep her skin protected during the changing seasons. As a result, she has tested many drugstore beauty products, including drugstore foundations, to see which ones work agree for her beauty goals, and which may work better for others with different needs.
Tara Larson is the editorial assistant at Footwear News. She mainly covers trending news from celebrity style to new footwear launches and collaborations as well as exclusive interviews. She attends events like red carpets and premieres on behalf of the brand and creates social media content for FN’s Instagram and TikTok accounts. Prior to joining Footwear News, she interned for Esquire and worked as an editorial apprentice for Traditional Home. She earned a B.S. in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. Larson regularly wears drugstore foundation, so she has a keen eye when it comes to choosing the best formulas.
Olivia Cigliano is the Commerce Writer and Producer at WWD and Footwear News. She is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle writer, riding the pulse of trends and digital culture. Her previous bylines can be found on CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. When she’s not writing shopping content at WWD and FN, she can be found searching for a holy grail in a Brooklyn thrift store, surveilling newsstands for fashion magazines, or scrolling TikTok to discover top-rated beauty products like drugstore foundation to incorporate into her base makeup routine.
Want more information on spa aqua peel machine, EMSCULPT 6D laser esthetician supplies, Newest maxlipo red light machine? Feel free to contact us.