TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.2*
Why it's great: With over 170 reviews, most readers are "pleasantly surprised" by this under-budget "luxury dupe." "The color is beautiful, [and] it applies flawlessly and evenly," says one user. "It's full coverage without the heavy, greasy, oily feel.... I've been wearing it for almost two weeks and haven't had [an] outbreak of any kind."
Another reviewer explains that this is one of the best drugstore foundations out there because "if you're a zombie in the morning and just need one all-around product where you just apply and go." Though a few fair-skinned reviewers complained about the color match, most agree this product is one of the best drugstore foundations on the market.
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.2*
Why it's great: With its smooth coverage and ability to withstand even the greasiest of skin, reviewers can't stop raving about the full coverage foundation. "It lasts all day without transferring all over the place or melting off," says one user. Another user says she keeps her makeup bag stocked with this drugstore foundation and has had perfect coverage every time she's used it. "It makes me cringe when I think of all money I've spent on department store brands," one reviewer says. "I don't have to check my face every hour to see if I have an oil slick anymore because this foundation has me covered [literally]."
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.4*
Why it's great: Readers call this "an absolute must for any woman over the age of 30." One reviewer says, "I recently saw a friend I hadn't seen for awhile and she asked if I had something done [to my face]! The only change was my foundation."
Other readers love this drugstore foundation simply because "it gives great, even coverage and blends in so well." Not to mention, it "gives off a pretty glow," making "skin look magical."
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: This full coverage drugstore foundation's long-lasting formula is one of the many reasons it was one of Total Beauty's 2014 Readers' Choice winners. "It literally lasts all day! It looks just as good at 6 a.m. as at 6 p.m.," one reader explains.
"ColorStay goes on smoothly (no flakes!) and covers imperfections well," another fan raves. "I don't even use primer, concealer or even powder anymore." Other users love the product's "top-notch oil control, the formula, the coverage, the color selections ... everything."
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.0*
Why it's great: While we love to stand out and shine, a "shiny" forehead is never ideal. Users say this full coverage drugstore foundation keeps your oil-prone skin at bay and works just as well as expensive brands. "I found you get a lot of product for your money, the packaging is easy to use, and the powder glides on very smoothly," one user says. Other readers love the wide range of colors that match any skin tone, and are thankful for a foundation that finally blends well. "I've always like powder foundation," says one reviewer. "It's so simple to put on quickly and provides good coverage, especially for oily skin girls like me."
When it comes to the best drugstore foundation, it really pays to find the perfect product for you. After all, not even the best eye makeup and lip products on Earth will make you look gorgeous if your skin looks blah. On the bright side, TotalBeauty.com reviewers have found that you don't have to spend a fortune to get flawless skin. In fact, there are plenty of drugstore foundation products that will give you just that. Here are some tips to find the best foundations for your skin — even when you can't sample them ahead of time.
1. For oily skin, try a powder foundation. The powder soaks up extra shine and oil, leaving you with a matte complexion.
2. For dry skin, use a hydrating liquid foundation that adds hydration to your skin as you apply coverage.
3. No matter what your skin type, look for a drugstore foundation with sunscreen. Even the best drugstore foundation can't hide years of sun damage. Great-looking skin starts with sun protection.
4. Hold the product up to your neck or the back of your hand at the front of a store window where you can see it in natural light for the best foundation match.
5. Keep your receipt. You may not be able to sample drugstore foundations before purchasing, but most drugstores have return policies that allow you to bring back the item for a refund if it doesn't work out.