7 Drugstore Foundations To Try in 2025

With all the shopping options available to us, it’s easy to forget that the drugstore is among the most convenient places to pick up new makeup. In the past, options may have been limited, but that’s no longer the case—these days, you can find everything from wallet-friendly lipsticks to luxe drugstore foundations, all with formulas that rival their pricey prestige counterparts. 

If you’re on the hunt for a new foundation but don’t want to break the bank, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’re sharing a look at seven of our top drugstore foundations to buy in 2025, plus tips on how to ensure your budget-friendly buy goes the distance.

The Best Drugstore Foundations from L’Oréal Paris

Whether you prefer light, dewy coverage or favor a smooth matte base, there’s a drugstore foundation to match your needs. Here are seven of our favorite options—all for less than your go-to takeout order.

1. L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint

Perfect your daytime makeup look with this water-based skin tint. The breathable formula contains blurring pigments and reflective pearls to give the skin a soft-lit glow, while the formula’s 82% hydrating serum feels weightless and comfortable on the skin. For a barely-there look, buff a thin layer of the tint onto bare skin with a damp makeup sponge. If you’d like a bit more coverage, add more product until you’ve achieved the desired result.

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

For days when you want ultra-long-lasting coverage with a smooth, matte finish, reach for this powder foundation. The breathable formula offers a full coverage finish without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin, and it wears for up to 24 hours. The waterproof formula is suitable for all skin types, but because it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, it’s an especially good drugstore foundation for those with oily and blemish-prone skin. Applying it is a breeze, too, as it comes with its own applicator designed to deliver a smooth, even blend.

3. L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

If you’re looking for a drugstore foundation for combination skin, this breathable option is an excellent pick. It’s long-wearing but lightweight, provides buildable coverage to suit a variety of occasions, and is non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores. Plus, it comes in a whopping 40 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones and undertones. If you need help finding your shade, check out our guide: How To Find Infallible Foundation Shades That Match Your Skin Tone.

4. L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

Finding foundation in your perfect shade and undertone is no easy feat. The L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation comes in 47 shades, all conveniently broken down by their undertone—warm, neutral, or cool. Once you find your true match, apply the hydrating formula with a dampened beauty sponge for a gorgeous, skin-like finish. 

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, this is one of our favorite drugstore finds. Formulated with mature skin in mind, this hydrating, 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-Matte Foundation

This full-coverage drugstore foundation is an excellent pick if you’re after a super-smooth, airbrushed-looking base. It’s oil-free and boasts a velvety demi-matte finish that feels air-light on the skin. This means your skin won’t look cakey after a few hours, and those with oily skin types can count on this foundation to help keep shine at bay for up to 24 hours.

7. L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

If skincare-makeup hybrids are more your speed, give this tinted serum a try. The ultra-light formula contains luminous mineral pigments that provide sheer coverage for a fresh-faced finish. Plus, it contains 1% hyaluronic acid and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and smoother with continued use. Choose your closest match from the 14 flexible shades and apply it with your hands, a makeup sponge, or a brush—whichever feels best to you. 

How To Choose the Best Drugstore Foundation for Your Skin Type

Different skin types often have different needs, and that’s definitely true when it comes to foundation. If you’re not sure what type of foundation to reach for, here’s what we recommend for each skin type: 

• Oily skin: The best foundations for oily skin tend to be lightweight formulas that provide breathable coverage without making the skin feel greasy. Powder foundations stand as great options, as do matte-finish liquid formulas.
• Dry skin: If you have dry skin, opting for a hydrating formula is key. Look for a water-based foundation or skincare-makeup hybrid that offers coverage while helping to address dryness and roughness. 
• Combination skin: Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others, so you’ll typically want a balanced foundation that’s neither too matte nor overly dewy. Medium-coverage, buildable liquid formulas are generally a safe bet, as you can tailor the coverage to your liking. If your skin is especially prone to shine, prep your T-zone with a mattifying primer before applying your foundation.
• Sensitive skin: Generally, most foundations that are designed for all skin types will be suitable for sensitive skin. However, if you want to be extra careful, check the ingredients label for alcohol and fragrances—both can be irritating for those with reactive skin and may be best avoided. 
• Mature skin: As we get older, our skin tends to get drier and duller. As such, those with mature skin typically fare best with hydrating, luminous foundations that provide coverage without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture. 

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 tips to make the most of your foundation application.

1. Start with hydrating skincare

Any good foundation application will start with hydrating skincare 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). The fast-absorbing formula helps plump and hydrate the skin for a smooth, bouncy complexion.

Follow up with a moisturizer designed for your skin type and complete your skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. For the latter, we love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, as it helps prep the skin for makeup.

2. Don’t skip primer

Before applying your chosen drugstore foundation, smooth on a makeup primer aligned with your skin type and needs. If you have large pores or textured skin, try a mattifying primer to help keep shine at bay. For those looking to give their skin a radiant boost, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, which hydrates, illuminates, and helps prime the skin for makeup. 

3. Finish with a setting spray or setting powder 

After applying your foundation and perfecting your base, lock in your look with a setting powder or spray. If you prefer a more matte finish, we recommend the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Loose Setting Powder. It helps brighten the skin and blurs the look of imperfections while helping to control shine. Setting spray enthusiasts, meanwhile, can reach for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. This professional-inspired aerosol spray helps lock makeup into place for up to 36 hours while leaving behind a natural, glowy finish. 

Next Up: How To Bake Your Face for a Long-Lasting Matte Makeup Look

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris