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?

188 Member Comments

AP1992 23 Jan 2017 9:51 AM

natio and Australis are fantastic brands and so affordable

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brooklynsmith 18 Jan 2017 12:14 PM

great selectionof brands here

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Yohanna 17 Jan 2017 9:33 PM

Never bought any foundation/bb cream item form 'budget' category.

chanelle.l 13 Dec 2016 4:29 PM

Wow these foundations are so cheap, I will have I give them a go

jodieleigh 30 Nov 2016 7:20 PM

The Designer Brands powder is amazing, I use it every day or to set my foundation (the DB 24 Hour one!)

Goddess..... 25 Nov 2016 12:16 AM

Thanks for the article BH, This is great years ago I used Maybelline foundation which was fine but very expansive. The cheaper ones are just as good, I currently have Innoxa & L'Oreal Paris at the moment they are great products & got the L'Oreal Paris when they were reduced bargain that I say anyway I will one day try out these bargain buys & pick out the one that suits me otherwise I'll have the bigger brands but I wait until they come down on special.

Emma171 22 Nov 2016 12:40 PM

Wow! I wasn't aware of so many cheap budget friendly foundations, seems like I should look into these!

ThisIsMe 16 Nov 2016 12:35 PM

I had no ideas about half of these foundations especially being so cheap! Must try and see the quality.

Ellyloves 16 Nov 2016 7:59 AM

Whoa I had no idea there were foundations this cheap

Jodie730 15 Nov 2016 3:40 PM

Great article BH. I use Maybelline Super Stay 24hr foundation. You can get it just about everywhere and for under $24.00, I'm happy with that!

shazza99 13 Nov 2016 10:48 PM

Great article

Stephanie2494 31 Oct 2016 9:08 PM

I really want to try the NYX one, I love their BB cream so hopefully their foundation is just as good.

sporty_ytl 4 Oct 2016 9:34 PM

I haven't try any of these. Will keep an eye when I'm shopping for foundation.

Zee101 3 Oct 2016 1:50 AM

my all time favorite foundation has to be maybelline fit me

mandachic 2 Oct 2016 9:35 PM

Maybelline gets my vote, I've tried a variety of them, SuperStay 24HR Makeup and SuperStay Better Skin Foundation are my all time two faves from their range. Rimmel's Match Perfection Foundation is another top fave especially for exact colour match

blackkittykat 21 Sep 2016 8:56 AM

Great selection of good value products. I'll have to look out for these.

Little Opie 20 Aug 2016 12:02 AM

Ove been using bb cream a lot lately so might have to check out the Rimmel one. I like Rimmel products and addicted to their super curler 24hr mascara

Jodie730 16 Aug 2016 4:40 PM

I've tried almost everything on the market as I used to work in the industry. One of the best foundations I've ever used is Maybelline Super stay. It lasts the whole day, you can get it almost everywhere and it's such a great price!

hdemi 5 Aug 2016 2:44 PM

The rimmel red cap foundation is so good and so cheap! I got it on sale or $10 at Priceline and it's one of my all time faves

Pixie96 3 Aug 2016 6:40 PM

I've tried Designer Brands Natural Ground Mineral Foundation. It's good quality like a lot of their makeup.

Ellyloves 16 Nov 2016 8:00 AM

Oooo I need to try as well then

Heidi366 11 Jul 2016 12:44 PM

Great to know which ones to go to. I'm currently trying to find a budget friendly foundation to use so I can keep my MAC foundation and not wear it everyday to last longer

Hayley644 2 May 2016 8:48 AM

I'd like to try the Natio one. I love their products.

StayC 2 Apr 2016 6:42 PM

Rommel do a matte BB Cream which is more of a light foundation as it sets dry and stays all day and is less like an illuminating, tinted moisturiser which most BBs are, if I use a makeup wipe at the end of the day there is always heaps of colour on it.

Goddess..... 1 Apr 2016 1:49 AM

I haven't tried any of these but will keep a look out. The Lacura sounds alright to me I'll try that one next time. I used foundations years ago when I was younger but they were soo expensive now I'm just using L'Oreal Paris I love it & I got a few of that when they were reduced, Bargain that is. I don't want to be paying so much for beauty products but at the same time I won't settle for anything that is less of quality.

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Brilliant budget foundations

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188 Member Comments

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