8 affordable foundations makeup experts love — starting at $4

Whether you’re new to makeup or an experienced user looking to upgrade your products, walking down the beauty aisle can be intimidating for both you and your wallet. There’s a plethora of products on the market that vary in price and quality, but don’t be fooled; a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality. There are plenty of budget-friendly products that deliver the same, if not better, quality than their pricier counterparts.

Before you shell out more than you need to, Shop TODAY spoke to makeup experts about the best drugstore foundations that will give you the most bang for your buck. The best part? They’re all under $20 and offered in a variety of different shades.

Whether you’re looking for a full-coverage drugstore foundation or something weightless to show off your freckles, there are recommendations from the experts that will work for anyone and everyone.

Best drugstore foundations, according to makeup experts

Beauty YouTuber Carli Bybel rediscovered the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation once the brand decided to no longer test its products on animals in November 2018.

“Once (CoverGirl) announced (it was going cruelty-free), I was so eager to go out and try out some of (its) products again,” Bybel said. “This foundation is super hydrating, gives that nice dewy glow and it doesn’t cling to dry patches.”

The CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation is infused with milky coconut and soothing aloe to give your skin a moisturizing, glowy finish that will blur your imperfections, create an even skin tone and last all day long.

“Early in my career I was introduced to L’Oréal True Match Foundation,” said makeup artist Lisa Aharon. “It provides an incredible range of easy-to-blend colors covering the lightest to the darkest, warmest to coolest skin tones. It’s my number one drugstore foundation recommendation for medium coverage with a naturally radiant finish.”

L’Oréal’s True Match Foundation is available in over 40 different shades, making it easy for anyone to find the perfect match for their skin tone. The formula is hydrating and formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E to make your skin look radiant and healthy. Plus, it includes SPF 17 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.