10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr 2024)

These excellent low-cost foundations will leave your skin flawless like never before!

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $2.72 - $20.00 · 529 views · 3 visitors liked products on this page

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  Ultra-lightweight
Catrice
2
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  No more glossy T-zone
Revlon
3
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  Second-skin finish
NYX Professional Makeup
4
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  Super easy to blend
L'Oreal Paris
5
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  For combination skin
Wet n Wild
6
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  Plumps your skin
Neutrogena
7
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  It promotes skin health
L'Oreal Paris
8
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  Long-lasting pick
Rimmel
9
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024): For darker skin tones
BLK/OPL
10
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr  2024):  Lives up to its name
SEPHORA
Product Name HD Liquid Coverage COLORSTAY Born To Glow True Match Photo Focus Foundation Hydro Boost Age Perfect Lasting Finish Breathable True Color Best Skin Ever
2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Features Ultra-lightweight No more glossy T-zone Second-skin finish Super easy to blend For combination skin Plumps your skin It promotes skin health Long-lasting pick For darker skin tones Lives up to its name
Format Liquid Doser Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Stick Liquid
Skin Type Normal to oily Combination, oily Dry, combination, oily All All Dry Sensitive, mature All All All
Color 24 options 15 options 45 options 43 options 20 options 10 options 30 options 7 options 21 options 50 options
Coverage Full n/a Medium Full Medium Light to medium Medium Medium Full Medium
Finish Matte, natural Matte Dewy Natural Natural Natural Natural, radiant Dewy, natural Velvety Natural
price $11.00 $4.90 $6.00 $4.91 $2.72 $11.19 $11.99 $8.50 $10.95 $20.00
Buy at view product on Catrice view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Revlon view product on Perfume's Club view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on NYX Professional Makeup view product on Ecosmetics view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on L'Oreal Paris view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Wet n Wild view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Neutrogena view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on L'Oreal Paris view product on Target view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Rimmel view product on Cosmetify view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on BLK/OPL view product on Ulta view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay

Cheap does not necessarily imply poor quality. The same is applicable when picking a foundation. There are now several prominent brands that provide excellent low-cost products ranging from medium to full coverage, natural to a matte finish, dozens to more than 40 shades, as well as SPF. Don’t worry, you won’t have to spend hours scouring the web. We’ve compiled a list of ten of the top foundations for under $20. Without further ado, let’s take a look at them!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Just in case you wonder...

Why does my foundation oxidize?

You should know that there are several causes why your foundation oxidizes. A number of the ingredients in your foundation could be reacting with the air, the oils on your skin, or other cosmetic products that you are wearing at the time of the reaction. The PH level of your skin also has an effect on your foundation.

How do you keep your foundation from settling into wrinkles?

You can simply use a damp makeup sponge to remove any excess foundation that has accumulated in your pores and lines. If you have blemishes, avoid using too much foundation in the hopes of concealing them since this can just aggravate them worse. You can also apply the makeup using a brush if you want. 

How to keep using makeup without damaging the skin?

1. Take your time while picking your makeup.
2. Using a gentle cleanser, wash your face twice a day, as well as after you have finished any activity that causes you to sweat.
3. Before going to bed, take off all of your makeup, including your eye makeup.
4. Apply makeup gently.
5. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes at least once a week and that you are the only one who uses them.

Is SPF makeup as effective as sunscreen?

Technically, the SPF in your foundation is the same as that in your favorite sunscreen, and it can therefore help protect your skin from UV damage. However, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests reapplying SPF every two hours while out in the sun to guarantee optimum protection. Consider this: do you reapply your foundation every two hours?

10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $20 (Apr 2024)

Here are the best foundation under $20
Catrice  HD Liquid Coverage - Best Foundation Under $20:  Ultra-lightweight
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Catrice
HD Liquid Coverage

Ultra-lightweight

2  visitors like this
price from
$11.00
Our opinion:

Catrice Liquid Camouflage Concealer is an excellent hydrating concealer for light to medium coverage. The liquid concealer is free of oil and parabens. That’s great whether you have oily or dry skin. While remaining ultra-lightweight, the foundation cream hides dark circles, blemishes, and redness. Not to mention its long-lasting power, which often lasts the whole day with no smearing. Furthermore, the gently perfumed product should not irritate your delicate skin.

Promising review:

[...] I'm pregnant at 36 with hormanal changes. [...] I am so glad I was wrong! I love the way it looks, feels after an entire day, covers. Everything. My skin looks so good and I'm usually huper critical of it. [...]

by Amazon Customer

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal to oily
Color 24 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte, natural
Revlon COLORSTAY - Best Foundation Under $20:  No more glossy T-zone
https://www.perfumesclub.us/

2.
Revlon
COLORSTAY

No more glossy T-zone

price from
$4.90
Our opinion:

Revlon ColourStay is a holy grail of ours because it delivers just the appropriate amount of coverage for daily use while still being buildable for those instances when you want to go all out. This foolproof foundation, designed specifically for combination and oily skin types, helps you to put your best face forward. Say goodbye to a glossy T-zone with the oil-free formula’s pleasant matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours.

Promising review:

It is good since it adapts to the type of skin if you choose well, it does not dry out and has good resistance

by Virginia

Format Doser
Skin Type Combination, oily
Color 15 options
Coverage n/a
Finish Matte
NYX Professional Makeup  Born To Glow - Best Foundation Under $20:  Second-skin finish
https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/

3.
NYX Professional Makeup
Born To Glow

Second-skin finish

price from
$6.00
Our opinion:

The Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation is a recent addition to the NYX line. It gives a second-skin finish and natural glow in just one application, allowing you to showcase ‘your skin, but better.’ Not to mention, the flexible texture ensures a fresh-faced look all day. It’s a must-have for combination skin types, coming in over 45 shades and costing less than a tenner. What’s not to like, anyway?

Format Liquid
Skin Type Dry, combination, oily
Color 45 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Dewy
L'Oreal Paris  True Match - Best Foundation Under $20:  Super easy to blend
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
L'Oreal Paris
True Match

Super easy to blend

price from
$4.91
Our opinion:

L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation matches your skin’s tone and undertone with unique color technology and works well with powder, blush, and concealer. The product is ultra-hydrating and delivers medium coverage with a natural finish so blendable that you won’t be able to tell where your foundation finishes and your skin starts. Moreover, this item helps to keep skin looking beautiful and healthy by including Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E.

Promising review:

Been using this for the last 20 years. It’s the only product that matches my skin undertone and I do not look greasy at the end of the day. Plus, it does not crack, looks natural all day long. Lastly, My skin is very sensitive and this foundation has never caused an irritation.

by MMB

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 43 options
Coverage Full
Finish Natural
Wet n Wild  Photo Focus Foundation - Best Foundation Under $20:  For combination skin
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Wet n Wild
Photo Focus Foundation

For combination skin

price from
$2.72
Our opinion:

This foundation is ideal for combination skin, whether you have a makeup artist or not. The skin-perfecting formula of this liquid foundation is both light-diffusing and matte. As a result, it’s ideal for photoshoots since you don’t have to worry about looking like you’re wearing too much foundation. Even if you don’t have a makeup artist, you can easily apply this foundation. You also don’t have to worry about it highlighting fine wrinkles since it won’t.

Promising review:

Make up works differently for everyone but I really like this foundation. I am 34yrs old and it does not clog my pores, conceals, and gives me matte flawless look. I also like the price!

by Amazon Customer

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 20 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
Neutrogena  Hydro Boost - Best Foundation Under $20:  Plumps your skin
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost

Plumps your skin

1  visitors like this
price from
$11.19
Our opinion:

Because of its hyaluronic acid, this top foundation for older women is ideal for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid attaches to the water in your body cells, draws and retains water from the air, and plumps your skin. This liquid foundation, like a moisturizer, instantly plumps fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, it comes in ten different shades and with an oversized doe-foot applicator. Now, you can say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines.

Promising review:

I'm 86 years old, and of course have wrinkles. This is such an excellent product for moisturizing the skin plus the tint that softens the wrinkles. So much better than the liquid makeup that looks like a mask at my age. A really nice product.

by Freda Treder

Format Liquid
Skin Type Dry
Color 10 options
Coverage Light to medium
Finish Natural
L'Oreal Paris  Age Perfect - Best Foundation Under $20:  It promotes skin health
https://www.target.com/

7.
L'Oreal Paris
Age Perfect

It promotes skin health

price from
$11.99
Our opinion:

Serum foundations are often lighter in consistency and coverage, as well as enriched with ingredients that help promote skin health, making them an excellent pick for those who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing foundation. All of that, plus an SPF 50, is provided by this radiant-finish product. It’s also worth mentioning that the brand promises the foundation, which comes in 30 shades, won’t settle into fine lines.

Promising review:

At my age I was struggling with finding the right foundation to use but the search is over note that I’ve found Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation.

by Ericadf

Format Liquid
Skin Type Sensitive, mature
Color 30 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural, radiant
Rimmel  Lasting Finish Breathable  - Best Foundation Under $20:  Long-lasting pick
https://www.rimmellondon.com/

8.
Rimmel
Lasting Finish Breathable

Long-lasting pick

price from
$8.50
Our opinion:

With the Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Breathable Foundation, you can put your best face forward all day, every day. This lightweight, long-lasting liquid formula is a one-stop-shop for perfect skin. With breathable skin technology and moisturizing characteristics, you can be certain that your skin will be comfortable and nourished for up to 25 hours. This foundation, which comes in a range of shades, is a must-have for your daily makeup kit.

Promising review:

AMAZING!!!!! I just went all over my city to buy out the last of my shades!!

by Frjgccnkll

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 7 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Dewy, natural
BLK/OPL  True Color - Best Foundation Under $20: For darker skin tones
https://www.ulta.com/

9.
BLK/OPL
True Color

For darker skin tones

price from
$10.95
Our opinion:

True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15 by BLK/OPL glides on like butter and gives a full-coverage, velvet-smooth finish that lasts for hours without smudging or fading — and no, it doesn’t seep into fine lines or pores. This foundation stick, which is available in 21 shades designed exclusively for darker skin tones, is also infused with vitamins C and E, which work together to moisturize while providing skin-nourishing antioxidant effects.

Promising review:

Makes my skin look so goooood!

by Jewelxo

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 21 options
Coverage Full
Finish Velvety
SEPHORA  Best Skin Ever - Best Foundation Under $20:  Lives up to its name
https://www.sephora.com/

10.
SEPHORA
Best Skin Ever

Lives up to its name

price from
$20.00
Our opinion:

If spending more than $50 on a bottle of foundation is out of the question, we recommend Sephora Collection’s Best Skin Ever Foundation. Not only is it fairly priced and available in a wide spectrum of 50 shades, but the light-to-medium-coverage product lives up to its lofty “Best Skin Ever” name by incorporating skin-care benefits. It’s infused with three all-star hydrating elements that draw water to the skin and maintain a healthy barrier, much like your favorite moisturizer.

Promising review:

Amazing!!!! Having mature, severely dry skin and wrinkles, have been having a horrible time finding something lately. The rep in Sephora tested this on me and I was blown away!! Is sooo lightweight and coverage was decent on one layer. [...]

by lilweezjr

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 50 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural

Conclusion

You’ll never have to worry about irritating those annoying spots again if you choose one of the skin-friendly foundations from the list above. Instead, you can flaunt flawless makeup that makes pores, pimples, and zits completely invisible on your face.

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