9 Best Drugstore Foundations of 2025 Makeup Artists Swear By

When it comes to choosing the right foundation, packaging can often be deceiving. According to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, many high-end skin products are not necessarily better than budget-friendly options found at the drugstore. The differences often lie in marketing, branding, and packaging rather than quality and effectiveness. So, if you’re eyeing a pricey product, go ahead and try it, but remember that there are plenty of affordable options available when you feel like switching things up.

So, how do you choose the perfect drugstore foundation? Well, it all comes down to your coverage and skin-care goals. If you have oily skin, opt for matte finishes to control oil. For dry skin, look for dewy, hydrating formulas. And if you have combination skin, go for natural-finish formulas that offer the best of both worlds. When it comes to coverage, there are plenty of options at the drugstore, from full coverage to light skin tints. Dr. King also recommends looking for foundations with skin-care-focused ingredients like SPF, niacinamide, and antioxidants.

When it comes to reviewing makeup products, there are several factors to consider. From the ingredients used to the inclusivity of the shade range, safety for sensitive skin, affordability, and packaging design, there’s a lot to think about. Our review process for the best drugstore foundations involves multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists testing the products across different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We evaluate each product based on its ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity.

At Allure, we understand that beauty products are personal purchases, tailored to individual needs and concerns. Whether you’re looking for a face cream to combat dryness or a new nail product for your self-care routine, we want to ensure that you love everything we recommend. That’s why we have a diverse team of writers and editors, along with a wide range of testers and industry experts, to help us achieve that goal.