Updated August 13, 2021
On the quest to find the best drugstore foundation? I’m sharing 8 fabulous full coverage drugstore foundation options!
One thing I really love about makeup is the amazing items I can find at the drugstore. While I do not discriminate towards any type of makeup, y’all know I am always on a mission to find amazing drugstore makeup. After all, there are so many amazing drugstore brands! Who doesn’t love finding cheap things that are amazing?! The best drugstore foundation is one of those items. Lots of research on the best drugstore foundation over here!
So, let’s talk foundations… specifically, full coverage drugstore foundation. Ooooooh. Aaaaaaaah.
Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundations
Some of you may like a natural or dewy finish to your foundations, but this post is for the ladies who want full coverage! We’re saying YOLO right now.
We all have those nights we want to go full glam, or maybe you’re having a particularly frustrating breakout you need to cover. Here are 8 drugstore foundations totally worth buying! I have a feeling you’re going to love my top picks. Who doesn’t love an amazing affordable foundation?
Before we jump right in, it is worth mentioning that sometimes it’s hard to find the right shade for a drugstore foundation, mainly because most drugstores don’t have testers.
I wrote an in-depth blog post on how to find the right foundation shade online and in-store. Make sure you give it a visit if you need help finding the right shade or knowing what to choose!
Now that you’ve got that, let’s get down to business with the best foundations at the drugstore!
1. Revlon ColorStay Makeup
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
3. CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
4. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation
5. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
6. L’Oreal Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear
7. Wet ‘n Wild PhotoFocus Liquid Foundation
8. Maybelline Dream Urban Cover
8 Fabulous Full Coverage Drugstore Foundation Options
Looking for a good foundation? You’re going to love one of these! Let’s chat about what I love in particular about these foundations!
1. Revlon Colorstay Makeup
Revlon ColorStay Makeup // This one is a total oldie but a goodie! It is probably the drugstore foundation I’ve worn the most – I raved about this foundation back in 2011 (but you have to forgive my novice beauty blogging, haha). This foundation is pretty versatile, as it comes in two different formulations – one for Normal/Dry skin and one for Oily/Combo skin. It is a thin liquid consistency, great coverage, comes in 15 shades, has SPF 20 and does a fabulous job of staying put all day long! I wear shade 150 Buff.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Maybelline Fit Met Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation // This is a super inclusive full coverage matte drugstore foundation that comes in 40 different shades, and has lots of different undertones! There is a perfect match for every skin tone. It is pore minimizing and blurring, and is an oil-free formula. I love how long-lasting it is! I wear shade 12 Classic Ivory.
3. CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
Cover Girl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation // This Cover Girl full coverage foundation comes in a formula that does not look dry or cakey. I also love that it’s cruelty-free and comes in 40 shades. This drugstore foundation has up to 12 hours of wear with a satin finish. While it is a matte formula, I find that it looks very skin-like. I wear shade L90.
4. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation
Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation // This full coverage matte drugstore foundation is oil-free, and will not clog pores. It comes in 28 shades! It smooths imperfections and glides onto the skin for a flawless finish. This stuff lasts foreverrrrr! It’s a great foundation for oily skin types and acne-prone skin. I wear shade 120 Classic Ivory.
5. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer // This foundation comes in 24 shades and is advertised to be a multi-tasking product – formulated to where you can use it both as a foundation and concealer. It is water-resistant, has a flawless semi-matte finish, and does a great job of wearing all day. A little goes a long way with this stuff! I wear shade Creamy Vanilla.
6. L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation // I named this as one of my holy grail foundations! It has a really breathable and lightweight formula, but also has buildable coverage. This has a gorgeous natural finish and lasts a long time on the skin. It’s also very inclusive with 30 shades. I wear shade 445. Those with combination skin will love this full-coverage foundation! I also those that have mature skin will enjoy this product. It does not settle into fine lines at all!
7. Wet ‘n Wild PhotoFocus Liquid Foundation
Wet ‘n Wild PhotoFocus Liquid Foundation // Out of all the drugstore foundations I’ve listed in this post, I have to say this has the least amount of coverage, but it is the most affordable on this list. I wanted to mention this one because it has a lightweight feel and makes the skin look amazing. However, it can still be built up to full coverage and works for all skin types. Really a lovely foundation! Comes in 20 shades. I wear shade Nude Ivory.
8. Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation
Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation // I tested this foundation trying to find a dupe for the It Cosmetics CC Cream – check it out where I am Testing Popular High End Makeup Dupes! While I did enjoy the foundation a lot, I don’t think it was similar enough in formula as a dupe. However, this is very full coverage and it also is SPF 50. I wear shade 115 Ivory.
5 Tips for Mastering a Full Coverage Look
- Make sure you have the correct foundation shade. Having a true match with a high coverage product will look flawless and blend seamlessly in with your neck.
- Skin prep is key (especially for dry skin types)! Make sure to moisturize the entire face, including the under eye area. Don’t forget your SPF! Primer can be used after skincare.
- Apply a thin layer at first and build it up in light layers. Less is more. A foundation brush will give you more coverage and a beauty sponge will give you less.
- Unless you have very oily skin, use powder only in spots where you really need it. Use as little as possible. The more you apply, the more that can cake! This will give a smooth finish, breathable texture, and it will prevent makeup from creasing.
- To perfect your flawless look, use a setting spray. It will help your makeup products melt into the skin and last all day long.
Shop the Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundations:
If you loved this drugstore foundation feature, check out some of my other drugstore posts:
Makeup Primer Dupes
Drugstore Concealer Dupes
Holy Grail Drugstore Makeup Tutorial
Best Face Highlighter – Drugstore and High End Options
Best Drugstore Eyebrow Pencil – 5 Options You Should Try
…or browse all of my drugstore and dupes blog posts H
If you’re looking for medium coverage, bb creams, or powder foundations, stick foundations, or a lightweight foundation, check out my other beauty reviews. If you’re a makeup product junkie like I am, you’re bound to find a helpful post!
What are some of your favorite foundations?
I really struggle with finding a foundation that works for me. It always looks so fake (and trust me, I’ve tried all sorts of shades). Plus it’s so thick looking. I usually use a tinted moisturizer but I know foundation would be better (especially in photographs). Maybe I’ll try again and take one of your recommendations into consideration.
Pinned for future reference!
xoxo
Thank you for this! I have been wanting to try out a new foundation and this is perfect!
I rarely use full coverage foundation, but I’m thinking I should try it because your makeup always looks so dang good. Maybe that’s the part I’m missing. 😉 Thanks for putting this together!
I recently cheaped out (i usually use bare minerals) and bought the revlon airbrush foundation… and I am not really a fan. I keep using it because I bought it, but definitely going to get the colorstay again next time. I was definitely a fan of that last time I had it (thanks to you!). I love BB creams in the summer, but in the winter I feel like I need a little more coverage.
I love these. I can’t wait to try the loreal pro matte, have heard good reviews.
Delaine | http://delainemyles.com
I am going to be 64 & 4 years ago my rosacea ( which I have had for years) absolutely exploded. I have gone to a dermatologist for years & nothing seems to cover up the terrible acne I am experiencing. Sometimes I will not even go out to get groceries.
Do you have any recommendations for a concealer & a foundation that covers well without looking like a mask?
Thank you,
Judy Chambers
[email protected]
Hi Judy!! I HIGHLY recommend checking out the brand Dermablend. All of their products are formulated for people who want coverage without it feeling heavy or like a mask. They put a higher amount of pigment in the product so it provides INCREDIBLE coverage, and they also stay put well. They are more expensive, but here is the whole line at Sephora: http://bit.ly/2pNSKgf and out of the foundations, I really love the Smooth Liquid Camo: http://bit.ly/2pNtmqO but their Cover Creme is their best seller! http://bit.ly/2pNGo7P
What foundation would you recommend for a mature skin, that is on the dry side. At present I use Boots No 7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation SPF15. Have you tried the No7 range? to compare with the ones you have mentioned. Would be interested to hear your personal opinion.
I’m not big on foundation but I definitely want to try these out! Sounds like some great product
https://www.shyyshianne.com/