But -- and this is a big BUT -- not skimping on foundation doesn't necessarily mean you have to drop a lot of cash. In fact, you can find great foundations that will give you that flawless look for under $15! Don't believe me? Check out the reviews below from TotalBeauty.com readers. They managed to combine thrift with quality, so there's no reason you can't too, right?
No. 12: Almay Line Smoothing Compact Makeup for Dry Skin, $14.78TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8 (out of 10)
Why it's great: Readers were impressed: "It actually does improve the appearance of lines," one says. Others like that it's "lightweight and easy to carry around." Plus, it "doesn't look greasy or overly made up," readers say.
No. 11: Maybelline New York Pure Stay Powder Foundation, $7.99
Rating: 8.8
Why it's great: One reader raves, "First time in my life, someone commented on my 'beautiful skin,' thanks to this!" Readers say this powder "covers all of your blemishes, redness, even moles" plus it's "the BEST I have ever tried for covering the scars I have from an adult case of the chicken pox," one reader says. This foundation "gives you a matte, flawless look" and readers love that they can use "moisturizer, apply and go."
No. 10: CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup, $10.13
Rating: 8.8
Why it's great: Readers call this "an absolute must for any woman over the age of 30." One reader shares, "I recently saw a friend I hadn't seen for a while and she … asked if I had something done [to my face]! The only change was my foundation." Other readers love it simply because "it gives great, even coverage … and blends in so well." Plus, "it also gives off a pretty glow" and makes "skin look magical."
No. 9: Revlon New Complexion One Step Makeup, $12.99
Rating: 8.9
Why it's great: Readers love that this really is "one step" and they "can apply it quickly and on the go!" Besides the convenience, readers love that they can "build up coverage" and it "blends easily." This also "evens out my skin without even looking like I'm wearing makeup," one reader says.
No. 8: Revlon Age Defying Makeup Foundation with Botafirm for Normal or Combination Skin, $13.99
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9
Why it's great: Readers say "the duration of the product is phenomenal. I apply it in the morning and it still looks great at 6 p.m." Not only does it have staying power, but it also "blends on flawlessly and … actually makes my skin look firmer and healthier," one reader says. It also "controls oil," but "doesn't dry out my skin," readers say.
No. 7: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation, $7.99
Rating: 8.9
Why it's great: "I will not go back to high-end foundations [after trying this]," one reader raves. Another reader loves it because "my makeup can survive an eight-hour day at work with no touch-ups and still look fantastic." Other readers love that it is "moisturizing without being greasy" and "the bottle is ingenious -- its pump tip is by far the best solution to the gloppy foundation rims and overspill of product onto our counters that we've all experienced," one reader says.
Want to see what the top six cheap foundations are? Click here!
- Not into the drugstore scene? You can still get a flawless face with these other top-notch foundations.
- Liquid, powder, matte -- there's a lot to choose from when it comes to foundations. Find the right one for you by taking this quiz.
- Can't get enough of quality-but-cheap beauty products? Then, you'll flip over this.
