1. A Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer because its multi-tasking formula effectively spot conceals AND smooths out your complexion with medium to full coverage — eliminating an entire step in your makeup routine (hooray for efficiency!). The natural matte finish is velvety, but never drying, and it's water- and sweat-proof for longer-lasting wear.

Target

Promising review: “The best 'drugstore’ foundation ever. I’m a huge name brand makeup girl and have spent LOTS of $$$ on the expensive stuff. I bought this on a whim when I was in need of foundation while out of town–it did not disappoint and is one of my go-tos now! Beautiful coverage and definitely buildable, allowing it to keep it natural looking. It’s really great! You won’t be disappointed!” —Sorensencou

Price: $13.49 (available in 39 shades)

2. An E.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation that offers buildable, medium coverage while feeling surprisingly lightweight on your skin, according to reviewers. The non-comedogenic (aka non-pore-clogging) formula is suitable for all skin types and stays put without getting cakey — making it a go-to for special events and everyday looks alike. More good news: it’s under $10, so you get all of the glam and none of the guilt.

e.l.f. Cosmetics / Via Instagram: @elfcosmetics

Promising review: “Amazing light to medium coverage. So light, it doesn't feel like you're wearing makeup! Have tried many different, expensive foundations from Sephora. For the price, this is amazing! I have sensitive skin and it's great on mature skin.” —KC7

Price: $7.99 (available in 36 shades) 

3. A Maybelline Super Stay Matte 24HR Hybrid Pressed Powder Foundation that went viral on TikTok for its impressive medium-to-full coverage — and yes, the 24-hour staying power. Reviewers say it gives you the weightless texture, ease of application, and oil control of a powder, without the dry… well, powdery look. It’ll change the way you think about powder foundation. Even better, the soft matte finish *holds up* against sweat, water, and transfer for budge-proof wear.

Maybelline / Via Instagram: @maybelline

Promising reviews: “The match was unreal. The coverage and weightlessness left me speechless. I will order 2–3 more just in case they ever change this formula because it’s perfection! Run, don’t walk and grab this powder.” —ExGSTLgurl

“I use a lightly dampened sponge to apply. It goes on very easily, has great coverage and lasts all day! I have tried many similar products but finally found one I really like.” —Marcy

Price: $13.49 (available in 16 shades)

4. A L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation that comes in cool, neutral, and warm undertones for your best-ever color match. The medium coverage formula blends seamlessly, smoothing over texture, redness, and blemishes for a natural, skin-like finish. Plus, the oil-, fragrance-, and alcohol-free formula agrees with all skin types. Sure, there isn't a one-size-fits-all foundation…but this one’s pretty close.

Target

Promising review: “I adore this foundation! My rosacea is my biggest insecurity and this foundation covers it up so well without needing too much. It lasts all day without getting patchy or anything. The shade was a perfect match too. Loooove and will buy again” —Amber 

Price: $9.99 (available in 40 shades) 

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation — a water gel, skin-tint foundation hybrid that's a staple in my personal makeup bag. It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours and feels oh-so-refreshing on my combination skin. The lightweight, oil-free formula lets skin breathe while evening out its tone and diminishing the look of pores. The result is a finish so natural, it looks like you’re having a really, really good skin day.

Target

Promising review: “I don’t normally write reviews but I have to for this because it is my favorite product right now. I have rosacea and have been struggling to find something that covers at least 90% of it without feeling like it’s clogging my pores/glued to my face. This is the stuff! It feels so light on my face and I forget that I have anything on, PLUS it covers up 95% of the constant redness on my face. The hydration is a bonus! I absolutely love this and will be re-purchasing in the future!” —Emily 

Price: $18.29 (available in seven shades) 

6. A Covergirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Vegan Foundation with micro-pigments that “burst” when applied to the skin for super-blendable, sheer coverage. It’s even boosted with bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) to help support smoother, firmer-looking skin AND tranexamic acid to help improve the look of dark spots. Folks online say it’s better than a certain French luxury foundation I won’t name… And after using it myself, I 100% agree.

COVERGIRL / Via Instagram: @covergirl

Promising reviews: “This foundation is super lightweight and has the perfect coverage for any weather! I love how easy it is to apply and remove.” —Jakya 

“Okay... I don’t usually get THIS hype over a product, but baby Covergirl did what needed to be done with this one! It’s so lightweight, like I forgot I even had it on. But somehow, it still smoothed me out, gave me coverage, and left me looking real moisturized! This is staying in my makeup bag permanently. 10/10. I’m obsessed!” —65 Tan Rich

Price: $15.99 (available in 12 shades)

7. A Nyx Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop 24-Hour Full Coverage Matte Finish Foundation that gives you water- and transfer-proof pigment in a single swipe. Dark spots and blemishes? They don’t stand a chance against this full-coverage formula that claims to deliver shine-free, photo-ready skin for 24 hours. And reviewers say the foundation holds up, all while looking and feeling like its high-end counterparts — for under $20!

Target

Promising reviews: “Ugh what can I say about this foundation? It’s smooth. It feels like it’s super expensive. And it’s perfect for my skin and budget.” —Katherine 

“Gorgeous coverage! I typically buy $40+ foundation, but I needed something in a pinch and have no Sephora locally. This foundation is amazing, and you can not beat the price. It stays on all day and covers my acne scars so well. And it stands up to the heat (I live in GA). I’ll definitely be buying this again.” —Melissa M

Price: $16.49 (available in 14 shades) 

8. A Maybelline Lifter Stix Multi-Use Face Makeup Stick that’ll be the undisputed MVP of your makeup bag. It’s a foundation stick, yes, but it can also be a contour, highlighter, and concealer depending on the shades. Cranberry seed oil gives the formula its effortless glide and creamy blend, which effortlessly layers to deliver your desired coverage. And the compact size is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, too. *Chefs kiss*

Maybelline / Via Instagram: @maybelline

Promising reviews: “It has light coverage but it builds and blends easily. My skin is very sensitive so I love that I have no negative reaction. It leaves my skin smooth and soft with a natural glow. 70 is my perfect match and I contour with 75.” —KJ

“Creamy, easy to blend, and buildable. I have dry skin and this product doesn’t make my face look drier or patchy. Would highly recommend.” —Z

Price: $12.19 (available in 18 shades) 

9. A Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation that performs more like skincare, giving you glowy, buildable to medium coverage and skin-loving hydration at the same time. The squalane and hyaluronic acid-infused formula leaves dry skin types looking naturally dewy and plump. It even claims to smooth skin and boost elasticity over time. What could be better?

Revlon / Via Instagram: @revlon

Promising review: “Honestly, this is easily one of the best foundations I’ve ever used. It’s up there with Estée Lauder’s Double Wear and MAC’s new luminous or radiant formula. I notice that some of the comments are from people with normal, oily, or combination skin, but this is for dry skin types. The squalane oil in particular, is not likely to work for folks with those skin types. For me, the coverage was excellent—solidly a medium to full coverage—it didn’t transfer after setting, and it looked great after several hours. It didn’t show any of my dry patches. So if you have dry skin, definitely give this a try.” —Bethany R

Price: $15.99 (available in nine shades)

10. Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator — a sheer (but buildable!) formula that feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. This hyaluronic acid-infused tint is like a drink of water for dry skin, and has a semi-matte finish that’s not drying or overly dewy. The flexible, super-blendable shades make application impossible to mess up. And for less than $7, this is a BIG win for the no-makeup-makeup lovers out there, myself included.

Wet N Wild / Via wetnwildbeauty.com

Promising review: “This product is soooo good! It shouldn’t be this good for the price, but it is. It gives my skin a soft, buildable coverage. Blends easily with a foundation brush. Stays all day. I literally have tried tons of serum tinted moisturizers, mostly high end, and none have worked for me. I have dry skin, and don’t want a lot of coverage. This stuff is a dream. And for me, the light medium is the best color match I’ve ever had. Can you tell I’m shocked? I am!”—H

Price: $6.79 (available in four shades) 

11. A Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Treatment Foundation that’s a classic for good reason: it comfortably helps cover everything from fine lines to discoloration with a simple sweep of its fun sponge-tip applicator. The moisturizing formula smooths over skin and doesn’t settle — so neither should you. Consider the SPF 20 the cherry on top of your usual sun protection.

Maybelline / Via Instagram: @maybelline

Promising reviews: “This stuff smooths out your skin and makes your skin almost appear flawless. I've been using it for years. Love that it has some sun protection. It applies seamlessly with no streaking. A little goes a long way.” —Dogmom

“I have tried 50+ foundations in every price range from prestige brands to drugstore staples. This foundation out performs every one. It isn't cakey, but provides great coverage, the applicator works well (I blend in with a brush) and the color range is terrific. I have rosacea and it covers it. I get compliments, not on my makeup, but on my skin when I wear it.” —Jess

Price: $13.19 (available in 16 shades) 

12. A ColourPop Pretty Fresh Foundation that’s juiced up with hyaluronic acid and coconut water for extra hydration, which helps keep dry patches at bay. It has medium-buildable coverage with lightweight, second-skin comfort you’ll feel good about wearing from day to night (just remember to remove it before bed, of course). Reviewers say blending it in is a total breeze, and that it dries down to a natural finish that’s a tad glowy, but not tacky. A total winner!

Colourpop / Via colourpop.com, Target

Promising reviews: “Amazing foundation that stays on all day and provides great coverage without feeling like you’re wearing anything! Colourpop has a perfect color match for my skin tone, which I always struggled with until I started using their products. It makes your skin look perfectly dewy (but not sweaty) and you can’t even tell you have liquid foundation on. I love it!” —mra

“It doesn’t feel heavy and doesn’t settle in lines and has great coverage while still looking natural.” —alexakaori

Price: $16 (available in 20 shades) 

13. A Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Oil-Free Liquid Foundation which contains micro-powders to effectively mattify skin and blur pores for an air-brushed finish that isn’t flat or chalky, making it a favorite among reviewers with oily skin. It touts solid medium coverage with a barely-there texture that blends in easily with your fingertips or the sponge/brush of your choosing. And reviewers say it lives up to its longwear claims, too!

Maybelline / Via Instagram: @maybelline

Promising reviews: “Been looking for the perfect foundation forever and finally found it. Nice amount of coverage, doesn't enhance wrinkles, is easy to apply, comes off easily and does last the whole day and night. Very impressed.” —KC

“I haven't found a foundation that wears better or looks more flawless than this one. This never separates or cakes on my face, gives me full coverage with the tiniest amount, and lasts all day. It definitely hides pores and makes the skin very porcelain-like. It's the best value and quality for a drugstore foundation. My only gripe with it is I wish it had a pump dispenser.” —Sooom

Price: $9.39 (available in 40 shades)

14. A L'Oreal Paris Infallible 32-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation with SPF 25 and medium-to-full coverage that lasts all day and night. How? The fluid, feather-light formula contains oil absorbers that make it sweat- and transfer-resistant for a longer wear time, that still manages to look incredibly natural and fresh-faced as the day goes on. It’s a trusty, true-to-color formula you can wear with confidence, no matter your skin type.

L'Oreal Paris / Via lorealparisusa.com

Promising review: “I’ve purchased sooo many expensive foundations, from every brand under the sun. I had such a hard time finding a new holy grail when my old one had a formula change. I ended up here! This foundation is consistently great, and stays all day without oxidizing or getting oily. It looks great after a nap. I mix two colors, and my skin looks luminous. The product is buildable and can be easily layered—it gives me the effortless coverage I want without looking overdone, and plays really well with other products. They can’t ever, EVER get rid of this foundation or change the formula!” —Akak

Price: $16.49 (available in 30 shades)

15. A Makeup Revolution Skin Silk Serum Foundation for the smooth, fluid texture that instantly melts into your skin and helps blur away dark spots and blemishes for a soft-focus effect. Even better, the serum formula has hyaluronic acid and peptides for aiding in hydrating skin and boosting collagen over time for firm, radiant-looking skin. Your favorite photo filter could never.

Makeup Revolution / Via Instagram: @makeuprevolution

Promising review: “This is an excellent foundation for hot climates. It is lightweight with no transfer. For me it worked well on top of an oil based moisturizer. Great price too!” —Wavinghair

Price: $14 (available in 29 shades) 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.