Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Ryan
For many people, finding the perfect foundation or concealer can seem like a daunting task. The makeup industry has grown in recent years, so the availability of what’s out there can seem overwhelming. But fortunately, finding the best drugstore foundation or concealer doesn’t have to seem like a chore, nor does it have to break the bank.
While there are many wonderful high-end options, there are just as many great drugstore options that work just as well at a fraction of the price of their high-end counterparts. In fact, now finding the best drugstore foundation or concealer can mean finding THE best foundation or concealer for all your needs. There are so many drugstore options available now that are super comparable, dupes even, for high-end products you find at Sephora or other higher-end retailers.
As the beauty industry continuously grows and evolves, drugstore brands have taken note and decided to do the same. There are many affordable brands that offer almost identical quality to pricier brands. Many companies have even stepped up their game when it comes to producing more ethical, cruelty-free products. Better yet, finding cruelty-free products doesn’t have to come with a higher price tag. Given the vast variety of choices, I wanted to share my personal favorites for the best drugstore foundations and concealers that are also high-quality and cruelty-free (hint: lots of pleasant surprises ahead).
Picks for Best Drugstore Foundation
L.A. Girl Pro-Matte Foundation
L.A. Girl’s Pro-Matte Foundation is a hidden gem that needs more exposure. Because this is a mattifying product, this powder foundation is great for those with oily to combination skin. The coverage is buildable but gives a flawless, airbrushed finish. Best of all, it doesn’t look cakey on the skin even after a long day. For a smaller brand, they have a pretty good range of shades and have recently expanded their range to include 10 more shades. At just a few dollars, you can’t beat the value for such a high-quality foundation.
Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation
Not only is Pacifica a cruelty-free brand, but they are also 100% vegan. With over 30 shades available, Alight Clean Foundation offers a product that goes on flawlessly, reduces the appearance of pores, and stays on almost all day. The best thing about the long-wearing foundation? It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the face. Also, it’s free of some of those harsher ingredients that are found in many other foundations, like drying alcohol or parabens. With hyaluronic acid and coconut water, this product is great for those with drier skin types.
e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation
Finding foundations that won’t irritate acne-prone skin can be a difficult task at times. However, e.l.f’s Acne Fighting Foundation saves the day for all the acne-prone skin types out there. At just a few dollars, this is one of the best-kept secrets you can find at the drugstore. It contains ingredients that help soothe and reduce acne, like salicylic acid and witch hazel. It’s one of the best products out there because it covers up any imperfections you’re looking to conceal while helping to reduce any future damage that can occur with acne (aka scarring!). One downside, however, is the limited color range that’s available.
L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
This buildable coverage foundation is sure to please just about anyone. You can build the coverage from medium to full coverage. It doesn’t go on heavy and is once again a great option for anyone who wears makeup for an extended period of time. The Infallible foundation has got to be the best drugstore foundation. This is a great option for dry skin but can also work well for combination skin. It’s also a wonderful product for those looking to get a more radiant, “glowy” finish.
Milani Conceal and Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation
This two-in-one product might possibly be the best drugstore foundation you can get your hands on. It’s thick, yet its creamy consistency is perfect to make the transition from concealer to a full-coverage foundation. One of my favorite things about this product is that it comes with a pump applicator, which can be hard to find sometimes (especially at the drugstore). The coverage is buildable, meaning you can apply some on any pesky blemishes or layer it on for a more dramatic look. Whichever way you wear it, you will definitely get more bang for your buck.
Picks for Best Drugstore Concealer
Physician’s Formula Conceal RX
Physician’s Formula really has some of the best face products out there. Their Conceal RX is a holy grail product in my book, as I’ve been using it for years. It goes on smooth and can cover any imperfection you’re looking to conceal. Its 12-hour long-wearing formula is perfect for anyone working long hours and especially those who may have more sensitive skin. Again, it’s free of many of the harsh ingredients that are often found in concealers. Like all of their products, it’s hypoallergenic. So users with sensitive skin, rejoice!
Wet’ N Wild Photo Focus Concealer
The Wet’ N Wild Photo Focus Concealer is another one of those drugstore products that will surely knock your socks off. For under $5, this amazing concealer gets compared to NARS Radiant Concealer and is a definite dupe for this high-end product at a huge fraction of the cost. However, the shade range for this product is pretty limited, so check out their color range to see if there is an available match for you.
NYX HD Photo Concealer
Another OG concealer product, this concealer doesn’t break the bank, does a phenomenal job at concealing, and has a better color range than some of the other drugstore options. It has buildable coverage that doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s great for concealing your under-eye area as well as any blemishes or redness you may have. It has a smooth application that doesn’t leave your face looking cakey, so overall it’s a major win!
e.l.f. 16hr Camo Concealer
This e.l.f concealer may sound heavy-duty, but it won’t settle into those fine lines or wrinkles. The name states its long-wearing power, and you can believe it stays true to that name. It has a large applicator, which is one of my favorite things about this concealer. So if you’re someone who is picky about applicators, this one is a sure winner. It is a matte product but goes on smooth and even looks flawless all day. It’s suitable for all skin types but works best on oily skin because of its matte finish.
Finding a foundation or concealer doesn’t need to be hard OR expensive. Why? Because using the best drugstore foundation or best drugstore concealer will do MORE than the job! These products are simply amazing values and reflect incredible advances in the makeup and beauty industries. Many of them are under $10, they are ALL cruelty-free and most of them are vegan, which is reason to feel good in more ways than one. What more could anyone ask for? And to top it all off, they are all easily accessible and almost always available at your local drugstore. The moral of the story: looking like a million bucks doesn’t have to cost a million bucks!
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Which foundation is best for natural look?
Cream Foundation: You can use a cream foundation if you want to look flawless and well-hydrated. Dry skin types benefit greatly from this kind of foundation. The texture of the cream foundation is thicker, and it provides excellent coverage.
Is it OK to buy drugstore makeup?
You can get the same look with drugstore makeup just as you can with higher-end items, and you can even discover many great dupes for your preferred luxury makeup at the drugstore.
Should foundation be lighter or darker than you?
Always choose a shade that is somewhat lighter than your skin when in doubt rather than one that is darker. By doing this, you can keep your body’s overall color from seeming darker than your complexion. When undecided about two tones that can appear too bright or too dark, it is the safest course to choose.
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Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
