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If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m obsessive about makeup. From luxury French foundations to ultra-chic eyeliners, I am constantly seeking out the coolest new formulas to hit the market. But just because I like expensive brands doesn’t mean that I discount the drugstore when searching for my next product. In fact, quite the opposite. I know from my own experience that a high price tag does not immediately guarantee a better formula—and celebrity makeup artists, who have gone so far as to give me a shopping list of drugstore buys that rival designer splurges, would back me up on that. Unbeknownst to many, foundation falls within this category.
According to celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard, it’s not price nor fancy brand name that separates a good foundation from a great one—it’s wearability, finish, and shade range. “Does it crease? Does it settle into fine lines and wrinkles? Does it feel lightweight, like a second skin, or does it feel heavy, like you’re wearing a lot of makeup?” He asks out loud. “That’s what matters to me.”
After testing more than 20 drugstore foundations over the past two years (and wearing solely drugstore formulas for a week straight), I found the 10 formulas that didn’t make me miss my designer bottles a bit. Below, the foundations that deliver everything from glowy skin to matte finishes, 30-hour wear, a touch of sun protection, and more, all for less than $17.
The Best Drugstore Foundations of 2026, at a Glance
Best Overall: Maybelline Plump & Glow Foundation
Maybelline
Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation
Pros: Offers a healthy radiance, hydrates the skin, plumps wrinkles, minimizes appearance of pores
Cons: Could stand to have a wider shade range
Skin type: All | Shades: 24 | Finish: Radiant | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
I had a hard time discerning which drugstore foundation topped them all in 2026 (budget-friendly formulas have come such a long way in recent years), but Maybelline’s Plump & Glow Foundation ultimately stole the show. Full of skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which help to hydrate the skin and minimize the appearance of pores, this foundation doesn’t just feel good on your skin—it looks even better. “The Plump + Glow is one of those formulas that defies the rule,” says Spickard. “It has a high pigment load and real coverage, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” he explains. “You get that demi-luminous finish without it looking greasy or overdone. It wears like skin, which for me is the whole goal.”
Editor review: “This is, by and large, the best under-$20 foundation I’ve ever tried. I’ve tested $40+ foundations that streak, dehydrate, and crease more than this stuff—it’s that good. The first word that comes to mind when I want to describe my skin with this foundation is ‘healthy’ because of how plump, radiant, and smooth my skin looks, all without feeling any sort of weight on the surface. I’ll be reaching for this one more than my pricey picks, I fear.” –Alyssa Brascia, Who What Wear associate beauty editor
Brascia before and after applying the Maybelline Plump & Glow Foundation
Best Glowy: L’Oréal Infallible 32H Fresh Wear Foundation
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible 32H Fresh Wear Foundation
Pros: Ultra-lightweight texture, healthy finish, includes SPF, sweat- and transfer-resistant
Cons: May be too full-coverage for those who prefer sheerer formulas
Skin type: All | Shades: 40 | Finish: Natural radiance | Key ingredients: Octinoxate, titanium dioxide
Now, I didn’t select this L’Oréal foundation as the best glowy pick on the market because it has the craziest, shiniest finish. I chose this one because it offered my skin an ultra-soft, dreamy finish with a very healthy radiance, which reminded me of my favorite natural-glowy foundation with a much steeper price tag. (Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, to be precise.) This longwearing formula works on all skin types (yes, even acne-prone, dry, and mature) and stays put for up to 32 hours, offering a plump-skin glow all the while. While it is a full coverage foundation, a little goes a long way, so you can use a smaller amount to get a sheerer finish. It was a close run between this foundation and the Maybelline Plump & Glow, but you truly can’t go wrong with either.
Customer review: “This foundation is fantastic for long wear! It provides great coverage while still looking natural and fresh on the skin. It holds up beautifully throughout the day without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy, and I love that it includes SPF 25 for added protection. The finish is smooth and comfortable, even after hours of wear. Amazing performance for the price—definitely a go-to foundation!”
Brascia before and after applying the L’Oréal Infallible 32H Fresh Wear Foundation
Best Matte: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Pros: Fragrance-free, blurred results, featherlight texture, 12-hour wear
Cons: May be too dehydrating on dry skin types
Skin type: Normal to oily | Shades: 40 | Finish: Natural matte | Key ingredients: Silica, glycerin
Whether you’re looking for something that gives you trendy “cloud skin” or you’re simply looking to curb excess shine, you’ve come to the right place. Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte Foundation is a longtime editor and MUA favorite thanks to its flexible formula, relatively larger shade range, and pore-smoothing results that can last up to 12 hours of wear. Though the words “matte” and “longwear” can make a formula sound clunky, I was surprised to discover just how featherlight it was on my skin, how easily it blended with a brush or finger, and how literally it smoothed my pores. My skin looked perfect, and I don’t use this word lightly.
Customer review: “This foundation is the one! I’ve been wearing Fit Me for years, I’ve tried so many different brands and I will keep coming back to this. It’s buildable, goes on smooth, and lasts long.”
Brascia before and after applying the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Best Serum: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
Neutrogena
Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation, Light 02
Pros: Extremely lightweight, skincare-packed, sheer yet buildable coverage
Cons: Though the shades are flexible, we wish there were more
Skin type: Sensitive, dry, combination | Shades: 15 | Finish: Dewy | Key ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5
As someone with sensitive skin, I know firsthand how hard it is to find a foundation that won’t dry out your barrier or inspire angry red splotches after a few hours of wear. However, Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation was one of the few that not only gave my complexion a gorgeous glow, but effectively camouflaged my rosacea-induced redness and offered long-lasting, even coverage. Because it’s a serum, this formula is more moisturizing than most (thanks to a healthy dose of pro-vitamin B5) and feels like next to nothing on the skin—a vital asset to those with touchy or dry barriers. However, you don’t need to have sensitive skin to reap the benefits of this foundation, as it’s great for no-makeup makeup lovers, beginners, and foundation-haters alike.
Customer review: “I have facial dermatitis and very sensitive skin, and every foundation I’ve tried—even higher-end brands—irritate my skin. This is the only so far I’ve been able to wear comfortably without reacting. […] The formula feels lightweight and it blends easily for natural, even coverage without looking cakey. It also doesn’t cling to dry patches the way many foundations do when my skin is irritated. Also if you need more coverage, you can always layer on more. If you struggle with sensitive skin or dermatitis, this has been a really great option for me!”
Best Full Coverage: Milani Conceal and Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation and Concealer
Milani
Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer
Pros: Flawless finish, evens dark circles and uneven complexions, water- and sweat-resistant
Cons: May cling to dry spots if you have dermatitis, could have more shades
Skin type: Normal to dry, mature | Shades: 24 | Finish: Natural matte | Key ingredients: Mica, glycerin, silica
“For something more matte and full coverage, the Milani Conceal and Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation and Concealer is my go-to from the drugstore,” says Spickard. “It delivers medium-to-full coverage with a natural matte finish. It’s not going to feel as lightweight as the Maybelline Plump + Glow, but for people who want that matte, full coverage look without it feeling heavy on the skin, this is the one,” he adds. WWW beauty director, Erin Jahns, would have to agree with the makeup artist’s rave review. “This drugstore foundation is my first pick when it comes to an impeccable and affordable option that will quite literally make your face look flawless in two seconds flat,” she praises. “It’s one part concealer and one part foundation and helps curb the voracious appetite of dark circles, redness, and other skin saboteurs we try to diminish.”
Editor review: “Wow, I required such little product to get a really smooth, non-streaky, full-coverage base. It’s beyond easy to build up coverage if you need to, though I doubt the occasion would ever arise with how pigmented this formula is. I appreciate the pump dispenser, which makes application easy, non-wasteful, and clean. You need so little product to get the clean, full-coverage, yet non-chalky results you want. This tube will last me a long time—great value.” –Brascia
Brascia before and after applying the Milani Conceal and Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation and Concealer
Best Stick: Sheglam Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation
Sheglam
Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation Stick
Pros: Lightweight texture, buttery blend, smooths skin
Cons: May be too full-coverage for those who prefer natural looks
Skin type: All | Shades: 36 | Finish: Natural-matte | Key ingredients: Silica, bergamot fruit oil, anise oil
I was pleasantly surprised by the formula, flexibility, and finish of this foundation stick when I was introduced to it last year. With just a few swipes, you can achieve a full-coverage face that hides dark circles, redness, hyperpigmentation, and more, all while feeling weightless on the skin. It blends like butter with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge, and it plays surprisingly well with every concealer, bronzer, and contour I’ve layered on top.
Customer review: “I’m so impressed by this foundation. It is lightweight, yet gives nice coverage that is buildable. It’s easy to apply, blends well, and has a sort of soft, powdery finish.”
Brascia wearing the Sheglam Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation
Best Blurring: E.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Soft Glam Satin Foundation
Pros: Hydrating formula, lightweight texture, lower-priced than most, long-lasting
Cons: May not control secretion enough for oily types
Skin type: Dry | Shades: 36 | Finish: Satin | Key ingredients: 1% hibiscus complex, pomegranate, blueberry, and goji berry extracts
I was thoroughly impressed by E.l.f. Cosmetics’ Soft Glam foundation. Not just because I, admittedly, went in with low expectations (satin finishes don’t tend to love my irritable, occasionally flaky skin), but because I audibly gasped after I blended in the first stroke and watched as my pores and lines melted away. Better yet, it kept my skin even, glowy, and healthy-looking throughout a 14-hour work day on Met Gala Monday. Thanks to its skincare-infused formula, this cream foundation struck the perfect balance between coverage and hydration, making it a great choice for everyday wear. Plus, it’s only $9.
Customer review: “Soooooo in love upon first use. Makeup looked flawless and wore really beautiful through out the day. Lasted through the Texas heat, eating and all day wear. Will be repurchasing.”
Brascia before and after applying the E.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation
Best for Mature Skin: Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint
MAYBELLINE
Super Stay Skin Tint
Pros: Won’t settle into fine lines, lightweight, brightening, long-wearing
Cons: Though flexible, we wish this formula came in more shades
Skin type: All | Shades: 18 | Finish: Soft matte | Key ingredients: Vitamin C derivative
Spickard sung endless praises for this featherlight formula for many reasons: it’s skin-forward, infused with a brightening vitamin C derivative, breathable, yet incredibly long-wearing, the works. It’s because of these hydrating, luminous properties that he chose it as his top drugstore pick for skin with fine lines and wrinkles. “With mature skin, you want to bring back hydration, even the skintone, and make it look juicy and luminous,” he explains. “What’s great here is that the skin tint locks in and doesn’t move around,” he adds, which commonly happens in emollient foundations on skin with slight creases—things can settle and accentuate, rather than smooth. “That doesn’t happen with the Maybelline Skin Tint,” he adds.
Tester review: “Glowy, stunning, beautiful! This foundation really smoothed my texture, added luminosity, and felt like nothing on my skin. It played well with my other products, and I’m obsessed how long-wearing this formula is. It’ll be a staple come hot summer days, for sure.” –Brascia
Brascia before and after applying the Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint
Best with SPF: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation
Pros: Seamless blend, healthy glow, protects skin with SPF
Cons: Dump-out packaging is messy
Skin type: Normal to dry | Shades: 35 | Finish: Natural | Key ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, antioxidants, SPF 30
I often rely on my Clinique Even Better Clinical foundation for an SPF-infused option, but I might make the switch to this sunscreen-protected pick from Neutrogena this summer. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by how undetectable this hydrating foundation both looked and felt on my skin. The formula is enriched with skin-loving pro-vitamin B5, much like its serum foundation sister (hi, Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum), and it instantly blurs the appearance of fine lines, texture, redness, and more. However, I have a gripe with its dump-out dispenser, which can deposit far too much formula if you don’t apply very carefully. It ends up wasting more product than I’d like, which will make me need to rebuy soon. With a different applicator, this formula would be perfect.
Tester review: “I’m loving how this foundation blends flawlessly into my skin and feels incredibly lightweight all day — it never feels heavy or cakey. The natural, radiant finish gives my complexion a fresh, healthy look while evening out tone and smoothing imperfections.”
Brascia before and after applying the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation
Best Longwear: Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation
Maybelline
Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation
Pros: Hydrating, healthy finish, long-wearing, sweat- and water-resistant
Cons: Hard to get out of bottle, can be wasteful
Skin type: All | Shades: 24 | Finish: Satin | Key ingredients: Amino acids, titanium dioxide, silica
If you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time (or, well, 30 hours), I’d point you in the direction of this Super Stay derivative from Maybelline. As part of the brand’s long-wear collection, it’s no surprise that this formula has some gas in the tank—but I was not expecting to see more than a day’s worth of longevity being possible in a foundation. Alas, this satin formula (or what the brand calls “lumi-matte”) can stay in place for over a day while offering a dimensional finish, medium-to-full coverage, and feeling weightless on the skin. However, I’m taking points away for the same dump-out foundation bottle as Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Foundation, which ends up being messy and wasteful if not poured very carefully.
Tester review: “I have literally purchased every foundation there is at Sephora and Ulta over the last 3 months. […] I thought I would try this and I am absolutely blown away! It looks stunning on my 57-year-old combo skin. It wears all day and it feels like I have nothing on. […] I just can’t rave about this enough. I hope they never discontinue it.”
Brascia before and after applying the Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation
What to Look For in Drugstore Foundation
- Shade and undertone range: Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli recommends first seeing whether or not your foundation of choice comes in “various undertones, shade ranges, and finishes—whether cool, warm or neutral .” Having the correct color match makes all the difference.
- Finish: Spickard also advises taking the foundation’s finish into consideration when making your final selection. “Are you going for matte? Natural and skinlike? Or something more radiant and dewy glowy?” he asks. “Finish impacts how the foundation wears and feels just as much as the formula itself.”
- Extra benefits: Nowadays, foundations—yes, even those at the drugstore!—should do so much more for you than simply cover up imperfections. Many will come with additional benefits like SPF (take the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation, for example), extra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid (hi, Maybelline Plump & Glow), and brightening elements like Vitamin C (looking at you, Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint). Identifying what your skin could use more of on a day-to-day basis will help with this process.
How We Chose
We chose the best drugstore foundations by testing budget-friendly formulas over several years, though Who What Wear associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia upped the ante by wearing only drugstore formulas over a weeklong (or seven-day) period. She evaluated how each performed during her NYC commutes, on long work days, and how the formulas interacted with other products. From there, she eliminated the foundations that weren’t up for the task and categorized the rest for you, here.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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