Base is a big player in our makeup routines. It lays the (literal) foundation for everything else we apply, and so it can often be one of the trickiest steps to get right, especially when we all often have a lengthy list of demands depending on our skin type and coverage preferences.
But while our foundation standards may be high, the price tags of the products that meet them can still be low – in fact, some of the most effective foundation formulas are also super affordable – and you can easily track them down on your local drugstore shelves.
So next time you’re strolling the aisles in Priceline, Chemist Warehouse or whatever beauty pharmacy you frequent, keep an eye out for one of these – whatever your budget, your skin type or preferred finish, there’s bound to be one that ticks all your base boxes.
2024’s Top 3 Drugstore Foundations
- Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation, $19.95, Woolworths
- Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation, $44.95, Priceline
- Revlon ColorStay Life-Proof™ Foundation Stick, $26.95, Chemist Warehouse
The best drugstore foundations in Australia
Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation
From $19.95 at Woolworths
We say: If you’re keen to city-proof your base, Maybelline’s foundation features broad-spectrum SPF 40 and antioxidants that work to protect against pollution.
You say: “This feels so comfortable on my skin just like a high-end foundation would be expected to feel.” – clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation reviews here…
Key features:
- Ultra-lightweight formula
- Enriched antioxidants
- Works to protect against pollutants
Available at:
- $19.95 from Woolworths
- $8.86 from Amazon
Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation
From $44.95 at Priceline
Can’t choose between a glowy finish and a long-wearing formula? Now there’s no need to. Max Factor’s Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation works hard-hitting skin-loving ingredients into a second skin feeling formula that’s bound to stay put (and stay luminous) all day long.
Want to read more? Read Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation Reviews here…
Key features:
- Infused with prebiotics
- Formulated with 87 per cent naturally derived ingredients
- Second skin finish
Available at:
- $22.47 (usually $44.95) from Priceline
- $9.95 (usually $39.95) from Cosmetic Capital
Revlon ColorStay Life-Proof™ Foundation Stick
From $26.95 at Chemist Warehouse
We say: After an on-the-go option? Revlon’s smudge-resistant formula makes things so simple you could easily nail your application from the back of an Uber.
You say: “It has a beautiful semi-matte finish with SPF and very ease to use. Its not at all heavy for the skin and does not clog the pores.” – nehatalwar
Want to know more? Read Revlon ColorStay Life-Proof™ Foundation Stick reviews here..
Key features:
- 24 hour wearing formula
- Ultra-pigmented colour
- Buildable matte coverage
Available at:
- $13.47 (usually $26.95) from Chemist Warehouse
- $27 from Big W
- $16.17 (usually $26.95) from Myer
Natio Flawless Foundation SPF15
From $21.95 at Priceline
We say: If your lightweight moisturiser had a baby with a full coverage foundation it would produce the Natio Flawless Foundation SPF15. With its complexion-correcting properties and long-lasting hydration, this SPF 15 formula keeps your skin looking velvety and fresh all day.
You say: “It is very smooth and long lasting, the products application is not flaking or caked on the the skin. This foundation is a good edition to Natio’s beauty range. It covers well, has a nice fragrance to it, and is easy to remove.” – Melanie Rose Smith
Want to know more? Read Natio Flawless Foundation SPF15 reviews here…
Key features:
- Works to conceal blemishes
- Allows skin to breath
- Includes nourishing naturals
Available at:
- $21.95 from Priceline
- $18.99 (usually $21.95) from Chemist Warehouse
- $16.46 (usually $21.95) from Myer
Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation
From $42.95 at Priceline
We say: To complement the satin matte finish, Nude by Nature’s hydration foundation has been enriched with moisturising and brightening antioxidants like Kakadu plum and baobab extract.
You say: “This is my go to foundation. I’ve used many types of liquid foundations in my time, and this one is by far the best and my favourite.” – kifflint
Want to know more? Read Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation reviews here…
Key features:
- Synthetic and preservative ingredient-free
- Bamboo powder creates a soft focus look
- Dermatology-tested
Available at:
- $25.77 (usually $42.95) from Priceline
- $36.99 (usually $42.95) from Chemist Warehouse
- $13.59 (usually $27.17) from Adore Beauty
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Luminous Liquid Foundation
From $25.99 at Priceline
We say: This 4-star rated gem ticks three big boxes when it comes to everyday coverage: breathable, natural, and comfortable. The Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Luminous Liquid Foundation has been formulated with an exclusive translucent primer base and micro-fine pigments to warm and match your skin tone upon application.
You say: “I love this foundation! I feel like it glides on quite smoothly as the foundation is quite a runny formula so I apply it with my fingers as I find it blends better with my fingers than using a brush.” – jessyrahhh
Want to know more? Read Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Luminous Liquid Foundation reviews here…
Key features:
- Extensive shade range
- Contains skin-softening vitamin E
- Non-comedogenic
Available at:
- $25.99 from Priceline
- $21.99 (usually $25.99) from Chemist Warehouse
- $21.95 from Adore Beauty
Main image credit: @veronikamoremakeupartist
Have you tried any of these foundations? Do you have any other favourites?
I think if your skin is good, any foundation would look good
You are right. Good skin is a bonus all right.
yes even a light tinted moisturiser will work
Yep, good skin is the best foundation!
Yes if your skin is good you just need a little foundation
The Max Factor looks lovely
Revolution do great make up for cheap – their eyeshadow palettes are definitely worthwhile checking out too
The Revolution eye palettes are the best!
The words drugstore and Australia does not belong in the same sentence.
Totally agree – makes me cringe a bit reading it
I hate the word drugstore !
Reasonable price. If it works for you price doesn't matter as much.
The Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation wasn't good for me. It wasn't full coverage at all. Wouldn't recommend.
I very seldom use a foundation but when I do I want something that doesnt look like it is smeared on. Something that hides some of the imperfections.
I have recently used the Bourjois Healthy Mix, and I really enjoyed it! I rarely use a full coverage foundation, I’d much prefer a tinted moisturiser. Otherwise I particularly love MAC powder foundation. Just a quick light dusting is all I need. Lazy girls makeup!
Maybelline dream matte mousse was one of my favourites and I used it for years
What do you use nowadays?
Some great selections here…
Maybelline’s Urban Cover intrigues me!
Yes it looks like a good option.
I like Rimmel.
I haven’t tried the NbN Flawless Liquid foundation, but I love Nbn mineral powder.
The fit me foundation is great! So many budget friendly options for foundation
Yes that does look worth trying.
Love maybelline fir me dewy
Yes, I tried L’Oreal and Natio, both are really good budget products.
I like to see the price of all the different products. And what a difference in price there is.
I haven’t tried any of these.
I’m currently trialling a few different foundations, on the search for my new holy grail since Maybelline discontinued the Age Rewind Radiant Firming one. This was years ago and I still haven’t found anything as good!
I’d like to try the nbn foundation next.
I don’t believe I have tried any of them
I’d try the NBN foundation, it seems to be good for skin
An interesting mix there.
Last several months my skin looks better without foundations interestingly. So I only wear mascara and lippy for work or just lippy
so many new products now
This article is straight from the USA, we do not use “drugstore” in Australia.
I don’t use foundation either
I prefer mineral powder to foundation
I like BB cream but I mix with a little moisturiser to lighten it.
Fit Me is a cult classic but I have yet to try it.
I have never heard of Fit Me but a lot of people have said it is good.
I’d probably try Nude by Nature
I’ve ony tried the NbN Flawless and, unless they’ve changed the formula, no intention of repurchasing.
I’m going through a big phase of loving my concealer even more than my foundation atm
I would like to try the Natio. Their products suit my skin and are reasonably priced.
I’ve been relying on tinted moisturisers a lot lately – probably need to think about a new foundation.
I’m currently using the L’Oreal True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum and loving it.
Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation for me.
I haven’t tried many foundations in my lifetime, but i always prefer a foundation with SPF
Fantastic ones here to try and I have a few I switch between.
I’ve only tried the first one. And I haven’t been able to find it in store since….must be around somewhere
I currently use Maybelline because I like the shade and the resealable pump pack. I am missing it with LACURA serum atm to lighten the shade & add some much needed moisture to my skin.
I’ve been using the Natio Flawless foundation recently and it’s really nice! Can’t go wrong with any Natio products.
They are always worth trying
I love trying new brands and textures
Good tips there.
I like the sound of Max Factor Miracle Pure
i have so many foundations to go through its ridiculous
I never use foundation as I find it too thick but these sound alright and better than the foundation I was trying years ago
I’ve tried the Maybelline matte foundation but interested in trying out the dewy version
If a foundation is getting too thick I thin it down with moisturizer
I love the Maybelline Fit me dewy + smooth but unfortunately, as a very pale girly it doesn’t quite go light enough and I have to mix in white drops to get it to reach my tone.
Nice options but wondering about the shade range for each