Selling for under $10, L'oreal's True Match exceeded all of our makeup expectations, which is why we named it best drugstore foundation of the year. (Amazon)
I’ll be honest. I used to think you had to sacrifice something — like shade range, coverage or staying power — in order to use even the best drugstore foundation. But over the years, I’ve learned that these more affordable makeup gems can hold their own against the priciest prestige formulas. Because here’s the truth that no bougie beauty brand will ever admit: You don’t need to spend half your paycheck to get a foundation that works for your skin. Yes, once you hit your 40s — as skin becomes drier, more textured and peppered with fine lines — your foundation needs change. But there are loads of drugstore formulas that are up to this challenge, options that are packed with skin-loving ingredients, come in inclusive shade ranges and last just as long as (if not longer than) their fancy-pants counterparts.
These days, while I still keep plenty of pricier foundations on my favorites list (like my precious La Mer), after testing dozens of drugstore products, I’m here to say that you absolutely do not need to drop $50 or more to achieve a flawless complexion. The best drugstore foundations for mature skin will deliver exactly what you want for your face — namely, natural-looking coverage — and very little of what you don't.
For this very important quest, I did what any beauty editor with a lifelong CVS-cosmetics-aisle obsession would: I tested the best of the best drugstore foundations currently on the market and found the three that I believe are top tier. And, because I’m in my 40s with skin that’s drier, more sensitive and way pickier than it used to be (thanks, menopause), you better believe my top choices passed the “does it settle into fine lines?” test.
Whether you’re a matte finish fan, a powder foundation purist or a dewy-skin enthusiast, there’s something here for you — all without a high-end price tag.
The best drugstore foundations of 2025
How we tested drugstore foundations
Other drugstore foundations that didn't make the cut
What to look for in a drugstore foundation
Coverage: Medium | Type: Liquid | Finish: Natural | Shades: 47 | Size: 1 oz
In the past few years, drugstore foundations have seriously upped their game, and L’Oréal True Match is proof. This foundation has been beloved forever, and the current iteration is the best the product has ever been: It blended like a dream on my combination-oily-slash-menopausal-dry skin. It also offers 47 shades to accommodate a wide range of skin tones.
The formula is oil-free, making it great for those who want a lightweight base that won’t clog pores. It adapts well to different skin types, so whether you’re dry, oily or somewhere in between, True Match will get the job done.
Coverage: Full | Type: Liquid | Finish: Matte | Shades: 45 | Size: 1.0 fl oz (30 mL)
I may not be as devoted to matte foundations as I was in my 20s and early 30s, but sometimes you need makeup that absolutely won’t budge. Enter NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, the full-coverage workhorse I reach for when I want to cover old acne scars, get through a long event or just want my face to stay in place through a heatwave (or a hot flash).
This formula is oil-free, waterproof, and gives you a matte finish without that dreaded cakey look. On days when I do feel extra dry, I make sure to prep my face beforehand with a good moisturizer and hydrating primer. One caveat: This product is quick-drying and sets fast, so you have be quick with your brush or, even better, a damp makeup sponge. Once this product on, though, it’s on — during testing, mine lasted an entire 9-hour work day. The 45-shade range is also super impressive, especially at this price point.
Coverage: Medium to full | Type: Hybrid Powder | Finish: Matte | Shades: 16 | Size: 0.21 oz (6 g)
When I was a kid and first getting into makeup, I was devoted to my powder compact. But these days, I don’t always set my foundation with makeup. So, this powder foundation surprised me — in the best way. The hybrid formula acts like a liquid in powder form, which means you get full coverage and a soft matte finish that doesn’t cling to every fine line on your face and a texture that feels like velvet to the touch.
This version lends medium-to-full coverage, depending on how you apply it (I usually use a fluffy brush for lighter days and a sponge when I want more). What I love most is that the product really lasts. I’ve worn it the whole day and didn’t need a single touch-up by dinnertime. While the shade range could be better (16 options), the performance makes this one a true under-$15 steal. Maybe I’m becoming a powder foundation gal!
I talked to makeup artists, scrolled Reddit threads and, finally, did my research just like I did for our other best foundation roundups: by testing every drugstore formula I could find. I worked my way through at least a dozen different foundations, from medium-to-full coverage liquids to powders and more sheer skin tints. I swatched, blended and wore picks from Maybelline to Milani—and just about every brand in between.
I scored each formula based on shade range, texture, finish, coverage (could it conceal my dark spots and acne scars?), ingredient list, scent and, of course, longevity. I also made sure to test each foundation in a variety of real-life conditions — while walking my dog on a warm day or working indoors in the AC and during days spent running errands or attending events.
There were a few drugstore foundations that almost made our list, but, given the criteria above, didn’t quite earn a top spot. (That doesn’t mean they’re bad!) One that came close was Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation. While I liked the way this medium-coverage, antioxidant-filled formula felt on my skin (it's a favorite of Bethenny Frankel’s), I did not love the fact that it's pump-free, making the application messy. I also appreciated how the CoverGirl + OLAY Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients, like hyaluronic acidand vitamin C, but the fragrance was a little too strong for my taste.
Coverage: Once upon a time, I wanted coverage so full you could see it from space. But these days, I look for buildable formulas that let me decide how much pigment I want and won’t settle into my fine lines by lunchtime. Whether you’re still in your full-glam era or leaning into skinimalism, look for foundations with hydrating, flexible textures. Bonus points if they have skin-loving ingredients like peptides or niacinamide.
Shade Range: Let’s be real: Shade matching gets even trickier as we age, especially as sun spots, melasma, or redness enter the chat. (My arms have been tanner than my face since birth, so I’ve been dealing with this for years.) A wide shade range that includes cool, neutral and warm undertones is essential. Some drugstore brands have seriously stepped it up in this department, but others still need to catch up.
Skin Type: Mature skin tends to lean drier, so you want a foundation that hydrates without feeling greasy. If you’re oily in certain spots, a natural or satin finish is your best bet. Fully dry? Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid or squalane. And no matter what your skin type, fragrance-free is your friend if you’re sensitive or prone to irritation.
Budget: Like I've mentioned, drugstore foundations really have come a long way. This list is clearly proof of it! You can get natural-looking coverage and solid wear time for under $20 — many of these products clearly outperform their luxury counterparts. Save your coins for that overpriced serum instead.
Know what your undertone is (cool, warm or neutral), and always test foundation in natural light and on your jawline. You’re going to want to look for a shade that blends seamlessly into your face and neck.
Dewy and satin finishes are generally the most flattering, as they give skin a plump, radiant look. Super matte formulas can settle into lines and make skin look flat or dry, but skin prep (more on that below) can go a long way.
Hydration is key, so start with a nourishing moisturizer and a hydrating primer. Let each product fully absorb before layering on foundation. Use a damp sponge to press product into the skin, rather than swiping or dragging and avoid over-powdering.
Not always, but for longer days, both can help! A good primer smooths texture, and setting sprays can melt everything together for a more natural, second-skin finish. Look for formulas designed for mature or dry skin (they’re usually more forgiving).
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