8 Drugstore Foundations That Make the Ultimate Dupes for Expensive Options

With all the shopping options available to us, it’s easy to forget that the drugstore is still the most convenient place to pick up new makeup. Thankfully, drugstore chains are always stepping up their game and nowadays, you can find a variety of affordable foundations at the drugstore that rival their expensive prestige counterparts. 

With different options, including oil-free, transfer-resistant and matte coverage, there’s no doubt that there’s a foundation at the drugstore to suit every skin need. Whether it’s time to restock your makeup bag or you simply want to try something new, read on as we share eight of the best drugstore foundations that rival your luxury favorites. 

The Best Drugstore Foundations From L’Oréal Paris

1. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight

If you’re not a fan of foundation because it feels heavy and cakey, you simply have not found the right one yet. For those occasions when you want something light but don’t want to sacrifice coverage, reach for the Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight. 

This breathable foundation has a light texture and a long-lasting, natural finish that gives luxury foundations a run for their money. The foundation is upgraded with SPF 25 and buildable coverage to complement the waterproof, transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant formula that lasts all day long.

2. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder

For the days when you want ultra long-wearing coverage and not a single imperfection to show, reach for the Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. This powder foundation is a TikTok phenomenon that wears comfortably and weightlessly while leaving the skin with a natural, matte finish. 

The blurring technology makes for easy blending and it glides onto the skin to conceal dark spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars and any other blemishes that you may want to hide. If you need any more convincing, powder foundation is super versatile and you can reach for this to set your liquid foundation for added coverage or layer it on top of concealer to cover dark circles.

3. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation

Luxury foundations are filled with buzzy ingredients and impressive skin care benefits so if you want a drugstore option with both, you have to try the Age Perfect Makeup 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation. This balm foundation (a creamy compact foundation ) is infused with a firming serum to smooth lines, conceal imperfections, even skin tone and firm skin over time. The balm consistency melts into the skin for a comfortable finish and the light to medium, buildable coverage suits a full face of glam or a no-makeup makeup look.

4. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Finding foundation in your perfect shade and undertone is no easy feat. True Match Super Blendable Makeup comes in more than 40 shades, all conveniently broken down by their undertone — warm, neutral and cool. Makeup critics and foundation enthusiasts alike flock to this foundation for its sizable shade range and stick around for the non-cakey, comfortable finish. Not to mention, the fragrance-free and oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types and is packed with vitamins for a healthy, radiant slip that won’t clog pores.

5. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50

If you’re looking for a hydrating foundation that won’t settle into fine lines, the best drugstore find is  Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50. Formulated with mature skin in mind, this vitamin-packed, lightweight foundation gives natural, radiant coverage that lasts all day long. The SPF 50 in the formula offers added sun protection and while you’ll still need to wear sunscreen, it never hurts to double up on sun protection.

 

6. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

If you welcome dewy, radiant skin with open arms, then you’ll love the Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation. Not only does this foundation give the skin a gorgeous, radiant finish but it also has a hydrating formula that stays put for 24 hours. With medium coverage, this dry skin-friendly foundation effortlessly glides onto the skin and keeps your complexion looking smooth and natural for all-day wear without looking greasy. 

7. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

If you’re looking for a liquid, matte foundation with a lightweight finish, look no further than the  Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. This demi-matte (in other words, matte but not drying matte) foundation has an oil-free formula, long-lasting, medium coverage and a light, airy texture. This means your skin won’t look cakey after a few hours and oily skin types can count on this foundation to manage oils, minimize shine and last all day.

8. L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

For an upgraded take on a traditional foundation with sheer, natural coverage, try True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. This ultra-light tinted serum is a foundation alternative for those who prefer a mega lightweight coverage. The formulation includes hyaluronic acid for a makeup and skin care hybrid that gives skin a smooth and hydrated finish with continued use. Thanks to luminous pearl pigments and sheer coverage, a light layer makes skin look instantly radiant and healthy, rivaling a post-facial glow.

3 Tips for Applying Foundation

Regardless of how much your foundation costs or what brand you picked up, you’ll want to follow a few skin prep and application tips for the best makeup look. Below, discover a few of these tips to make the most of your foundation.

1. Start With Hydrating Skin Care

Any good foundation application will start with hydrating skin care that adds moisture and nourishment to the skin. If your makeup goals involve a dewy, glass-like complexion, add a concentrated serum like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to your regimen (after cleansing and before moisturizer). This serum will plump and hydrate dry skin for a visibly bouncy complexion.

Follow up with a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen like L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, to protect your skin from the sun’s dangerous UV rays and to create a non-greasy, matte finish to your complexion before applying your foundation. 

2. Don’t Skip Primer

Pair your foundation with a skin-smoothing primer like L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer to extend the longevity of your makeup. Using primers like the ones from the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab collection offers skin care benefits and makeup priming abilities for the best foundation base possible.

3. Finish With a Setting Spray or Setting Powder 

Lock in your entire look with a few swipes of a setting powder across your face or spritzes of a setting spray likeL’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray. This setting spray helps extend the life of your makeup so it looks as fresh as when first applied. Spray a light layer of setting spray across your face in an “X” and “T” motion for even coverage.

Next: 3 Tips for Applying Concealer for Dry Skin

Photographer: Stephanie Price, Photo Assistant: Thomas Miller, Digi Tech: Sergio Colon, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Makeup Artist: Kelly Bellevue, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Rika Watanabe, Wardrobe Assistant: Fausti, Model: Anastasia Offutt