Brilliant budget foundations

There are a lot of things in this world that get me really excited (what can I say? I’m a simple gal), but nothing gives me a natural high more than 1) a really good cheese platter, and 2) make-up that’s as brilliant as it is kind to my savings account.
Now while some of you may not agree with me on the whole cheese platter front (which is just ridiculous), I have a sneaking suspicion that you can whole-heartedly agree on the whole beauty bargain thing.
Which is why I present you with some of the best budget foundations around – none of which will cost you more than a red-hot 20.
MODE 2 IN 1 FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER, $2.45
Whether you use this pigment and blemish concealing stick as a foundation, concealer or both, you’re going to be stoked with the results. Plus, the handy packaging makes it easy to take with you anywhere you go.
LACURA LIQUID FOUNDATION, $4.99
Not only does this moisturising foundation leave your skin looking flawless and shine-free, but it’s also only $4.99. Which means that you can now buy that expensive punnet of blueberries you’ve been eyeing.
ESSENCE ALL ABOUT MATT! OIL-FREE MAKE-UP, $5.95
Not only will this oil-free formula not block your pores, but it’ll leave your skin with a gloriously smooth and matte finish, too. Want more? That flawless finish will last for up to 12 hours.
FACE OF AUSTRALIA LASTING LOOKS NATURAL FOUNDATION SPF15, $11.95
For $11.95, you can guarantee yourself an even skin tone, a natural matte finish, and sun protection. Plus, this nourishing foundation will ensure that pretty little face of yours is covered all day long.
AUSTRALIS FRESH & FLAWLESS MAKE-UP, $12.95
This is your go-to foundation if you’re looking for medium-to-full coverage that’s water resistant. Added bonus: vitamin E in the formula works to moisturise and soften your skin.
NYX COSMETICS STAY MATTE BUT NOT FLAT LIQUID FOUNDATION, $14.95
Thankfully you’re not paying per letter of this foundation’s name! This budget-friendly bad boy features an oil-free, water-based formula that’ll gives you lightweight, full coverage that’ll last from sunrise to sunset.
RIMMEL LONDON LASTING FINISH FOUNDATION, $17.95
Hate it when your foundation ends up everywhere but your face? Transfer-resistant technology in this long-lasting foundation means that it won’t rub or fade. Hooray to your white shirts staying white!
NATIO NATURAL SKIN FOUNDATION, $18.95
If you prefer a foundation that provides sheer coverage while giving your skin a beautiful natural glow, then this is bound to be your new staple. You’ll also love how easily the formula glides onto your skin.
COVERGIRL OUTLAST STAY FABULOUS 3-IN-1 FOUNDATION, $19.95
What’s better than getting an affordable beauty product that works? Getting three affordable beauty products for the price of one, that’s what. Although this looks like a simple foundation, it works as a primer and concealer, too. Win!
DESIGNER BRANDS NATURAL GROUND MINERALS FOUNDATION, $19.99
If you prefer a powder foundation, then this talc-, bismuth-, fragrance-, paraben-, and oil-free base is perfect for you. It’ll leave your skin looking gorgeously radiant while helping to reduce the visible signs of ageing.
What’s your favourite foundation under $20? What’s the best foundation bargain you’ve come across?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
188 Member Comments
used a couple of these and they are all pretty good.
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I really need to find that MODE foundation! Didn't know it was a concealer too.
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Really want to try NYX products! They seem really professional!
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$2.45?!!!!!! That's so crazy for a foundation!
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Not a huge fan of the NYX stay matte but not flat foundation tbh, I much prefer the total control drop foundation because it sits on my skin nicer.
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I'm always curious to see what the Aldi Lacura branded makeup would be like, but I always tend to just stick to their skincare, maybe I should pick some up next time their beauty range is on sale.
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Never tried any beauty products from Aldi - are they any good ?
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Their BB cream is and their hyaluronic acid serum is banging!
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I've never tried a "'budget foundation" but I'll give some of these a try, I could nearly buy all of them for the same price I pay for one! oppsy!
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I'm always trying the bargain foundations! I actually have only tried the Mode one from this list but unfortunately couldn't get a good shade match for me. My favorites are the Maybelline Dream matte range which I can always get half price somewhere when I need them (which usually makes them about $11-15 each)
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$2.45 just sounds a little bit TOO cheap for me.
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I'd like to try the natio one, since i don't really like full coverage foundations. I'm more of a bb gal.
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I don't really wear foundation, I am so pale and most brands lightest shades are too dark for me or have the wrong undertones. UGH lol
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I have that DB one since I saw this article and it's pretty impressive for the price!!
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i havent heard of any of these, but I'm excited to try!
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I love my rimmel wake me up foundation and the ulta3 HD blur is quite nice and they are both budget.
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A have a Napoleon product that you mix into foundation, it is wondrous at creating the best base
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The prices of some of these are just so amazing, I haven't heard of some of the brands
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worth a try at those prices
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Haven't tried a budget foundation in yonks but have heard great things about Rimmel and even covergirl.
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I haven't tried out a new foundation for a while might give one of these a go. I've been using a BB cream this summer.
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Of these, I have tried and liked the Rimmel lasting finish foundation but my favourite under $20 drugstore foundation is Maybelline Fit Me for years
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I haven't tried any of these but I have tried a $2 foundation by OXX from Kmart. The texture is fine but the colour...there are only 3-the lightest was like a concealer for me and the other two were WAY too orange.
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I really like the Essence All About Matt ! It's a great lil everyday Foundation!!!
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I have used Covergirl True Blend. It's not too bad. I would like it if the coverage was more adjustable though. I bought a Maybelline foundation stick that seems to be not too bad. Australis always has great budget products that perform well, so I'm glad they got a mention in this article.
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