11 Best Drugstore Foundations, According to Beauty Experts

Accurately named, this skin tint really does give a gorgeous glow. In Beauty Lab testing it earned a good score for evening skin, plus testers appreciated that it spreads easily and is hydrating. “This lightweight skin tint offers pretty good medium coverage and can be built up to full coverage,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. “The finish is natural with a little bit of glow. It did apply relatively smooth and evenly onto skin. Once blended, it evens out skin really well. It was long lasting and didn't break up on my skin throughout the day.”

Just note that one tester said, “while still super blendable, it does take a little more time to blend because of its runny, thin, texture.”

Prefer a powder foundation over liquid? This one is ideal for oily skin because it easily gets unwanted shine under control. It's formulated with bamboo to blur and mattifies without drying out the skin. "Its lightweight coverage that evens my skin tone and looks natural," a reviewer said. "Love this stuff!" Note that it only provides light coverage.

Swirled with Olay skincare technology, CoverGirl's base contains anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide and peptides. The rich liquid formula is proven to instantly even out skin tone and soften texture, according to Beauty Lab data evaluation. The hydrating formula has a hyaluronic complex, plus vitamin C to brighten. Keep in mind that some reviewers found the fragrance strong.

When you need full coverage that lasts—we're talking 24 hours—this is a must-have. Despite its lightweight feel, it covers dark spots, blemishes, scars, and hyperpigmentation. "This stuff stayed on, even after swimming!" a reviewer said. No makeup-setting mist required! Some reviewers said it can cling to dry patches, so be sure to moisturize first.

A moisturizing favorite, this light foundation claims to plump up dehydrated skin. It's not just those with dry skin who love it. "This is great on my sensitive skin and so lightweight that I don't even know it's there," said one reviewer. GH beauty editors also love this formula for its soft, "no-makeup" feel on skin. Note that it only provides sheer to light coverage.

This foundation is also formulated to serve as a concealer—and it does a great job at both tasks. "I've tried tons of different high value foundations and drugstore foundations but this beats them all," a reviewer said. As a twofer, it can camouflage eye circles, redness, and other imperfections, but that also means the formula is on the heavier side.

Wet n Wild offers a spatula attached to the cap with this formula that was made with selfies in mind. Whether you apply it with the spatula, your finger, or a brush, you're applying a foundation made to be especially photogenic. It was tested under seven different photo lighting conditions to ensure there's no flashback or white cast. Its light-diffusing complex helps skin looks flawless, and it has a matte finish. Note that some reviewers found the spatula applicator tricky to use.

This unique formula offers you the ability to customize your coverage with the number of drops you choose to use. "It makes my skin look flawless," said a reviewer who says they've been getting more compliments on her complexion since switching to this foundation. Delivering sheer to full coverage, it has a matte finish that looks natural. Reviewers appreciated its long wear and lightweight feel, but some found the dropper messy.

The name may not sound like a foundation, but this CoverGirl formula is exactly that—and then some. Our beauty editors were super-impressed by the buildable yet undetectable coverage, as well as the skincare-level ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and SPF. The lightweight, oil-free formula reduces the appearance of oily shine and it's safe for sensitive skin. However, some reviewers found its staying power mediocre.