9 Drugstore Foundations Makeup Artists Actually Love

Who: Jo Baker 

What: Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation ($8)

“It’s really rare to find a drugstore foundation that ticks all criteria boxes because the color range needs to be solid and the formula has to feel luxurious and look beautiful once applied. I was given Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Foundation to test (which has recently been reformulated), and after trying it out on models and myself, I’m really impressed. It goes on creamy, blends seamlessly, and unlike other long wear foundations, does not have that drying, tightening and itchy effect often associated with longwear foundations.  In fact, it has the opposite. The skin’s texture appears improved and it sits comfortably without irritation, making it my go-to drugstore foundation. Not only do you get a whole lot of bang for your buck, but when a model asks what foundation your using because she loves it, you know you have a winner!”

Who: Sarah Tanno

What: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation ($8) and Revlon Colorstay Foundation ($9.50)

“I love Maybelline Fit Me for a dewy and smooth skin. It’s super lightweight and has a great color selection. I also love it for a matte finish. It’s better for oily skin and longer wear; it feels light but has a nice coverage.

I also love Revlon Colorstay! Its a fantastic longwear product. I love to use when I’m doing makeup on a performer because you won’t even sweat through it. It stays nice, it’s supermatte and it has a nice color selection. If it’s too heavy for your taste,  just sheer it out with your favorite moisturizer.”

Who: Francesca Tolot

What: L’Oréal True Match Super Blendable Makeup ($10)

“I like L’Oréal Trumatch because it has a great selection of color, beautiful texture on the skin and good coverage.”

Who: Dillon Pena

What: Iman Second to None Stick Foundation ($15.50)

“I love the Iman Second to None Stick Foundation. The formula is buildable so you can sheer it out or have full coverage. For no makeup looks, I will use a bit of this foundation under the eye as a concealer and then spot conceal where needed. For a fuller coverage, you can take the foundation and apply directly to the face, buffing into skin with a foundation brush or damp sponge.  For a more sheer coverage, touch your foundation brush to the foundation stick and then use were coverage is need. For an under-eye concealer, I suggest getting this foundation one shade lighter than your face and using to help brighten and lift the under-eye. This foundation is super smooth and looks like skin, while also focusing on deeper skin tones which most drugstore foundations lack.”

Who: Mary Philips 

What: Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation ($15) and L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup ($10)

“I’ve always had a thing for Physicians Formula skin products. Beginning naturally from a long(long) time ago, its skin line specifically always stuck out to me. The brand was doing some very innovative things long before most drugstore makeup was (in terms of skin care products), and I have a lot of respect for that. If you have dry skin, I think their Nude Wear Touch Of Glow Foundation will be up your alley! It covers beautifully with medium coverage, and when you’re wearing it, it looks like you have nothing on. It blends like butter and I would recommend applying with a damp beauty blender sponge.

As far as color specificity, no one gets it more on the nose than L’Oréal’s True Match line in the drugstore aisle. They have color down to a science, and in order to have truly unbeatable makeup options in your kit or on your bathroom counter, you have to be able to customize your coloring; this allows you to do that. They have options for cool, warm and neutral tones. The foundation itself is absolutely beautiful and I love that it has a little bit of sunscreen in it. It provides excellent coverage and feels more lightweight than you would expect, which I also love, and if you have sensitive skin, this won’t be causing any irritation. This range is incredible.”

Who: Monika Blunder

What: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation ($8)

“Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless foundation is one of my favorite drugstore foundations.  The shade range is great, and it has a light to medium coverage with a really lightweight texture. The foundation applies smoothly over the skin and is perfect for everyday wear.”

Who: Daniel Chinchilla

What: Revlon ColorStay Foundation ($9.50)

“I recently discovered the Revlon ColorStay Foundation and I love it! It has great buildable coverage and lasts throughout the whole day. Its oil-controlling ingredients help it set to a beautiful matte finish on the skin and I love the variety of shades. I would recommend applying it with a damp beautyblender sponge for a more skin-like finish that is easy to achieve at home.”

Who: Collier Strong

What: L’Oréal True Match Super Blendable Makeup ($10)

“I love when a woman can get away with spending less money without forfeiting quality. So as far as foundations go L’Oréal’s True Match is a great product. The color range an formulation is superior to similarly priced brands. It’s a liquid foundation that gives light to medium coverage. They also have powders to match. Using these two products together should give you next to perfect-looking skin without breaking the bank.”

Who: Linda Gradin

What: Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy + Smooth Foundation ($9)

“One of my favorite drugstore foundations is Maybelline Fit Me Dewy Foundation. The finish is natural and glowy. It’s easy to apply and evens out the skin nicely. I always prefer working with a more translucent foundation and if I need more coverage, I lightly go over, using my finger tips, with a bit more foundation where needed. Usually when you have a good foundation, you won’t even need to use a concealer. I prefer using a dewy, lightweight foundation and work with natural highlights rather then using one that’s too heavy and leaves no natural glow at all. It gives you a more modern and often a younger feeling to your skin.”