The 9 Best Drugstore Foundations of 2025, Tried and Tested by Byrdie Editors
Finding a flawless foundation that matches your skin tone, offers great coverage, and doesn’t break the bank can feel like striking gold. Luckily, 2025 has brought us an incredible lineup of affordable drugstore foundations that deliver professional-level results — all approved by Byrdie editors who know beauty best.
Whether you want a full-coverage drugstore foundation for a glam night out, or a lightweight matte foundation for daily wear, this year’s top picks have you covered — literally!
Let’s dive into the 9 best drugstore foundations of 2025 that prove beauty doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Best for: Oily to normal skin
Still reigning supreme in 2025, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless remains a cult favorite. Its lightweight texture offers medium-to-full coverage while blurring pores and controlling shine — all under $10!
Why we love it:
-
Smooth, natural matte finish
-
Wide shade range (40+ options)
-
Long-lasting and breathable formula
Pro tip: Apply with a damp beauty sponge for a skin-like finish.
LSI Keywords: budget-friendly matte foundation, best Maybelline foundation
2. L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
Best for: Long days and humid climates
This full-coverage drugstore foundation is a life-saver for those who want makeup that lasts from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. The breathable formula resists sweat and humidity while offering impressive coverage.
Why we love it:
-
24-hour wear without cakiness
-
Lightweight texture
-
Natural satin-matte finish
Price: Around $13
Long-tail Keyword Example: long-lasting drugstore foundation for oily skin
3. e.l.f. Camo CC Cream Foundation
Best for: Everyday wear & hydration
A multi-tasker at heart, the e.l.f. Camo CC Cream delivers skincare benefits with its infusion of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. It’s a budget beauty gem that gives you a radiant finish while improving your skin over time.
Why we love it:
-
SPF 30 protection
-
Skin-care infused formula
-
Great coverage with a natural glow
Perfect for: Dry or combination skin types
4. NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
Best for: Full coverage with a matte finish
This foundation proves that affordable foundations can perform just as well as luxury ones. It’s a full-coverage matte foundation that stays put all day — no touch-ups needed.
Why we love it:
-
Full coverage that feels light
-
Waterproof and transfer-resistant
-
Available in 45 shades
Editor’s Note: It’s ideal for events or nights when you need makeup that won’t budge.
5. Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation
Best for: A dewy, natural finish
For those who prefer a no-makeup makeup look, this lightweight, affordable foundation gives your skin a radiant glow without clogging pores. It’s enriched with coconut milk and aloe extract, making it perfect for dry skin.
Why we love it:
-
Dewy, luminous finish
-
Lightweight and breathable
-
Vegan and cruelty-free
LSI Keywords: sheer drugstore foundation, natural dewy finish foundation
6. Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup
Best for: Combination to oily skin
A timeless favorite among makeup artists, Revlon ColorStay continues to impress with its oil-free, transfer-resistant formula. It delivers matte coverage that lasts up to 24 hours — ideal for long workdays.
Why we love it:
-
Long-lasting coverage
-
Controls oil and shine
-
Smooth matte finish
Best for: Hot, humid days or special occasions
7. Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25HR Breathable Foundation
Best for: Light, everyday wear
If you love the idea of long-lasting makeup that still feels like skin, Rimmel’s breathable formula hits the sweet spot. It’s budget-friendly, blendable, and won’t clog your pores.
Why we love it:
-
25-hour wear time
-
Comfortable, breathable texture
-
Lightweight yet buildable coverage
LSI Keywords: breathable foundation, lightweight foundation for daily wear
8. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer
Best for: Full coverage glam
Milani’s 2-in-1 foundation doubles as a concealer, giving you full coverage without feeling heavy. It covers redness, blemishes, and dark spots seamlessly — perfect for photography or special occasions.
Why we love it:
-
Full coverage with radiant finish
-
Rich, creamy texture
-
Great for all skin types
Long-tail Keyword Example: full coverage affordable foundation for acne-prone skin
9. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation (New Dewy Formula)
Best for: Camera-ready looks
Wet n Wild revamped its classic Photo Focus foundation with a hydrating, dewy finish. It’s ideal for achieving that healthy, Instagram-worthy glow without flashback in photos.
Why we love it:
-
Dewy, luminous finish
-
No white cast under flash
-
Vegan and cruelty-free
Price: Under $8 — a true steal!
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Drugstore Foundation
When choosing your perfect affordable foundation, keep these in mind:
✅ Know your skin type — Oily skin thrives with matte finishes; dry skin loves dewy or hydrating formulas.
✅ Test in natural light — Drugstore lighting can be deceiving; check how the shade looks outdoors.
✅ Prep your skin — A smooth base (primer + moisturizer) helps your foundation last longer.
✅ Use the right tools — Sponges for a natural look, brushes for more coverage.
Why Drugstore Foundations Are Taking Over 2025
With brands investing more in innovative, skin-loving formulas, today’s drugstore foundations rival luxury ones in both performance and feel. You can get beauty under budget without sacrificing coverage, shade range, or finish.
Affordable doesn’t mean average anymore — it means smart, stylish, and skin-friendly.
Final Thoughts
The best drugstore foundations of 2025 prove you don’t need to splurge to look flawless. From matte to dewy finishes, full coverage to sheer radiance, these products redefine what affordable beauty can do.
💄 Your perfect foundation match is waiting — and it won’t cost a fortune.
💋 Ready to Elevate Your Look?
Explore our latest beauty essentials and affordable makeup collection today!
Suggested Internal Links:
-
Explore our latest makeup collection
-
Shop affordable beauty essentials
-
Read: Top Skincare Tips for Glowing Skin Year-Round
Suggested External Links: