The Best Drugstore Foundations for Every Skin Type, Ranked

Finding the perfect foundation can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—especially when you’re navigating crowded drugstore aisles filled with endless options. But here’s the good news: today’s drugstore foundations rival high-end formulas in terms of quality, coverage, and finish. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, there’s an affordable foundation that can meet your needs without breaking the bank. We’ve tested and ranked the best drugstore foundations by coverage, wear time, skin compatibility, and finish to help you find your new favorite.

1. Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

• Coverage: Medium to full, buildable

• Finish: Natural, slightly radiant

• Wear Time: Up to 24 hours

• Best For: Normal to combination skin

L’Oréal’s Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation takes the top spot for its versatility, longevity, and lightweight feel. It blends effortlessly into the skin, offering buildable coverage without ever feeling cakey. The finish strikes a beautiful balance between matte and dewy, giving skin a healthy, fresh look. Despite its breathable texture, it lasts all day—even in humid conditions—making it ideal for long wear. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and available in a wide shade range, making it a great option for many skin tones and types.

2. Best for Oily Skin: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

• Coverage: Medium

• Finish: Matte

• Wear Time: 8–10 hours

• Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin

For those with oily or combination skin, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless is a drugstore staple. The formula contains micro-powders that help absorb oil and blur pores without overdrying the skin. It delivers a true matte finish that holds up throughout the day with minimal blotting required. While it may need a touch-up after 8–10 hours of wear, its ability to control shine and offer smooth, even coverage makes it a go-to choice for anyone struggling with midday oil slicks.

3. Best for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

• Coverage: Sheer to light

• Finish: Dewy

• Wear Time: 6–8 hours

• Best For: Dry and sensitive skin

If your skin is on the drier side, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint acts like a hybrid between a foundation and a skincare product. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it hydrates while providing just enough coverage to even out skin tone. The dewy finish gives dry skin a luminous glow without emphasizing flakiness or texture. It’s especially great for no-makeup makeup days or for layering with concealer when you want more targeted coverage. Bonus: it’s non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested, making it a safe pick for sensitive skin.

4. Best for Full Coverage: e.l.f. Camo CC Cream

• Coverage: Full

• Finish: Satin-matte

• Wear Time: 12–14 hours

• Best For: Normal, combo, or blemish-prone skin

Don’t let the “CC cream” label fool you—this product from e.l.f. delivers serious full coverage with a satin-matte finish that holds up impressively well throughout the day. It’s infused with niacinamide, peptides, and collagen, which offer skincare benefits while evening out skin tone, concealing blemishes, and minimizing redness. It’s an ideal choice for those who want coverage without a heavy or mask-like feel. It also contains broad-spectrum SPF 30, making it a time-saving staple in any morning routine.

5. Best for Sensitive Skin: Physicians Formula Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir

• Coverage: Light to medium

• Finish: Natural

• Wear Time: 8–10 hours

• Best For: Sensitive, reactive, or allergy-prone skin

Formulated without harsh chemicals, fragrances, or parabens, Physicians Formula’s Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir lives up to its name. It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved, offering just enough coverage to blur imperfections while keeping your skin comfortable. It contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which help support skin health while delivering a radiant finish. Though it may not be ideal for those needing full coverage, it’s a standout for anyone with reactive skin looking for a gentle, skin-loving formula.