Skip to Content

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

ELLE.com's Favorite Drugstore Foundations Under $15

Good skin doesn't need to be crazy-expensive.

By ELLE.com
Product, Face, Pink, Skin, Beauty, Cosmetics, Cheek, Lip, Tints and shades, Lip gloss, pinterest

Perfect skin—or the illusion of it—doesn't need to be expensive. For "J.Lo circa 'Waiting For Tonight'" face, a cushion formula inspired by K-Beauty, and more of the best drugstore foundations, shop ELLE.com editor picks, all under $15.

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

elle-loreal-lumi-cushion

I have used L'Oreal's True Match Foundation before so the flashy packaging of their Lumi Cushion compact caught my eye. If you're more of "on the go" when it comes to applying the compact has a mirror and an applicator (which I rarely use but appreciate the thought). I like that the formula leaves your skin a bit dewy and you don't need a lot for medium coverage. If you're not here for the dewy look set it with a translucent powder. — Mariel Tyler, Photo Editor

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation, $15; target.com

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow

elle-drugstore-foundation-physicians

Consider Nude Wear the love child of foundation and highlighter. This glowy skin perfector makes illuminator obsolete. Expect your face to feel like J.Lo circa "Waiting For Tonight."  — Julie Schott, Beauty Director

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow, $15; physiciansformula.com available at amazon.com.

Covergirl Queen Collection All Day Flawless Foundation

elle-drugstore-foundation-cover-girl

My sister put me on to this foundation—it's one of the best affordable options on the market today. The creamy product functions as a powder, concealer, and foundation which is nice for whenever I'm traveling and don't want to pack my full makeup arsenal. — Nikki Ogunnaike, Senior Fashion Editor

Covergirl Queen Collection All Day Flawless Foundation, $11; covergirl.com available at amazon.com.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Maybelline Fit Me Free Balance Stick Foundation

elle-drugstore-foundation-maybelline

I used this foundation stick from Maybelline down to its very last bit. It not only has an oil-absorbing core that leaves a matte, natural finish, but is also mess-free (essential for those times I apply my makeup on a bus, moving train, back of a taxi, etc). Motion to make all makeup come in stick form, please. — Kristina Rudolfo, Associate Editor

Maybelline Fit Me Free Balance Stick Foundation, $9; maybelline.com available at amazon.com.

Almay Essentials Foundation Makeup

elle-drugstore-foundation-almay

I'm down with anything that streamlines my morning routine i.e. this lightweight foundation made with hyaluronic acid, which makes me feel okay about skipping anti-aging serum. — Gena Kaufman, Social Media Director

Almay Essentials Foundation Makeup, $15; 

Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Liquid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 20

elle-drugstore-foundation-neutrogena

Drugstores can inspire a little sensory overload in me, so I tend to opt for minimalism in the makeup I find there. This Neutrogena is about as basic as you can get—in a nice, pure, simple way. I figure that the people who I've looked to in order to clean my face for about 20 years will be pretty good at smoothing it out. — Chloe Schama, Executive Editor

Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Liquid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $15; neutrogena.com available at amazon.com.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

elle-drugstore-foundation-loreal-True-Match-Warm-Fresh-Beige

I always have a problem color-matching foundation to my complexion; an hour of overcast skies will throw my skin tone off for days. L'Oreal's 32+ colorways makes it so easy to adapt on a daily basis. Plus, it's blendable so you can opt for a lightweight look or a heavy duty finish. — Justine Carreon, Associate Market Editor

L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup, $9; target.com available at amazon.com.

Watch Next
 
preview for Elle Beauty
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Editor's Picks

woman coming wet hair

15 Hair Masks to Give Your Hair Some TLC

jil sander backstage  milan fashion week  spring  summer 2022

12 BB Creams That Will Give You a Filter-Like Glow

best foundation

The 16 Foundations ELLE Editors Swear By

mascara

ELLE Editors on Their Favorite Mascaras

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below