10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr 2024)

You can achieve a flawless face without spending a fortune. These excellent foundations prove it!

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $2.40 - $29.95 · 465 views · 1 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 $30 (Apr  2024): For photo-ready finish
Rimmel
2
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): Looks and feels good
Revlon
3
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): It fights acne
Neutrogena
4
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): All-in-one pick
COVERGIRL
5
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): Unique application
Maybelline New York
6
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): Anti-aging foundation
Almay
7
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): Covers and corrects
MagicMinerals
8
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): 90% natural components
bareMinerals
9
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): Best concealer pick
Dermablend
10
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr  2024): Pillow-proof all day
Wunder2
Product Name Stay Matte PhotoReady Candid SkinClearing Outlast All-Day Dream Cushion Smart Shade AirBrush Foundation Barepro Quick-Fix Last & Foundation
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Features For photo-ready finish Looks and feels good It fights acne All-in-one pick Unique application Anti-aging foundation Covers and corrects 90% natural components Best concealer pick Pillow-proof all day
Format Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Powder Stick Liquid
Skin Type Oily to combination All Acne Prone All All All All All All All
Color 18 options 31 options 14 options 5 options 7 options 6 options 2 options 20 options 7 options 7 options
Coverage Full Medium n/a Full Medium to full Medium Full Full Full Full
Finish Matte Natural Natural Matte Luminous Natural Matte Matte Natural n/a
price $2.40 $6.99 $10.59 $10.69 $14.99 $15.00 $19.99 $22.18 $26.00 $29.95
Buy at view product on Rimmel view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Revlon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Neutrogena view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on COVERGIRL view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Maybelline view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Almay view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Jerome Alexander view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on bareMinerals view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Dermablend view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Wunder2 view product on Amazon view product on eBay

As the beauty business continues to expand at a breakneck pace, we are witnessing the introduction of new product advancements every season, every month, and sometimes even every day. Every product category has cheap solutions, including the most relaxing of all: foundations. Quality formulas, long-wearing, and transfer-resistant formulas, and, yes, inclusive shade ranges are available, even at your local drugstore. Wanna get the best foundation without spending a fortune? Scroll down to uncover the best options for less than $30!

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. 

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?

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.

10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $30 (Apr 2024)

Here are the best foundation under $30
Rimmel Stay Matte - Best Foundation Under $30: For photo-ready finish
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Rimmel
Stay Matte

For photo-ready finish

price from
$2.40
Our opinion:

Using this liquid mousse to balance out skin tone and give it a natural-looking but photo-ready finish. Your face will appear practically poreless and baby soft all day long, even after repeated applications. A completely matte, baby-soft powder finish is achieved by the formula’s silky smoothness, and the lightweight texture won’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of pores.

Promising review:

This product is flawless and a little goes a long way. I was hesitant to purchase because looking at tge reviews i didnt see any one with my skin colour. I however decided to try it and i was pleasantly suprised. I also bought primer and the results are flawless. Get your today, wont regret it!

by Diana

Format Liquid
Skin Type Oily to combination
Color 18 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Revlon PhotoReady Candid - Best Foundation Under $30: Looks and feels good
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
Revlon
PhotoReady Candid

Looks and feels good

1  visitors like this
price from
$6.99
Our opinion:

This smooth, creamy foundation applies like a moisturizer, providing pleasant, lightweight, natural coverage while also hydrating the skin. Furthermore, its foundation protects against environmental harm by acting as an anti-pollution, antioxidant, and anti-blue light barrier. To make it even better, this item is free of parabens, phthalates, harsh dyes, and fragrances so your skin looks as good as it feels. 

Promising review:

I was worried that this would settle into my lines, but it really didn't do too bad! It's a lot better than some of the other drug store foundations, full coverage and natural finish. I'm 40 and I approve this foundation !

by Tasha

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 31 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
Neutrogena SkinClearing  - Best Foundation Under $30: It fights acne
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
Neutrogena
SkinClearing

It fights acne

price from
$10.59
Our opinion:

It is the first and only liquid makeup foundation with MicroClear technology, which not only heals blemishes but also helps prevent new acne outbreaks for cleaner skin. This acne-fighting foundation includes salicylic acid acne treatment, which provides quick acne relief and aids in the battle against acne breakouts. This oil-free liquid foundation product was developed by dermatologists to prevent shine while not clogging pores.

Promising review:

I have sensitive skin and still break out in my late 40's - yeah not cool. Wrinkles and acne, its just not fair. This doesn't cause any irritation to my skin at all. It feels very light and offers moderate coverage. I'll keep buying it.

by Mom w/2boys

Format Liquid
Skin Type Acne Prone
Color 14 options
Coverage n/a
Finish Natural
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day - Best Foundation Under $30: All-in-one pick
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
COVERGIRL
Outlast All-Day

All-in-one pick

price from
$10.69
Our opinion:

With COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, doing makeup is a breeze. This all-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula combines primer, concealer, and foundation in a single step for a flawless finish. This smooth, blendable product will save you both time and energy in the long run. Today is the day to try this foundation for beautiful appearances that will stay all day. What’s more, the application is simple and effortless!

Promising review:

I love this. It already has the primer in. Sometimes I put a second coat in places. Hides pores really well.

by Amazon Customer

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 5 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Maybelline New York Dream Cushion  - Best Foundation Under $30: Unique application
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Maybelline New York
Dream Cushion

Unique application

price from
$14.99
Our opinion:

Innovative in every meaning of the word, from its unique application method to its entire luminous covering, Dream Cushion is unlike anything else on the market. This is accomplished by soaking the cushion sponge in a liquid foundation, which makes the small version portable and simple to use. The pure liquid pigments provide flawless medium coverage, while the light-diffusers give you a dewy shine that makes you seem like you’ve just gotten out of bed!

Promising review:

I have sensitive skin and almost everything I put on my face burns me. Not so with this Maybelline! Sheer , dependable coverage with no creasing. Lasts a long time too! Fast and easy to apply it’s the answer to my pretty ( but older) face.

by Barbara G Hanson

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 7 options
Coverage Medium to full
Finish Luminous
Almay Smart Shade - Best Foundation Under $30: Anti-aging foundation
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Almay
Smart Shade

Anti-aging foundation

price from
$15.00
Our opinion:

This anti-aging foundation not only helps to lessen the appearance of wrinkles but also makes matching your foundation tone to your face quite straightforward. The lightweight liquid formula starts off white and immediately morphs into your optimum foundation shade as you smooth it on, seeming to blend in with your skin. This medium-coverage foundation’s buildable texture helps you to get the precise degree of natural-looking, streak-free color you prefer.

Promising review:

Love this foundation! I have dry 49 year-old skin and this makes my skin look flawless with no creasing or flaking. The key is to apply it to clean hydrated skin then apply the makeup with your fingers massaging it into your skin like lotion. I use colors Medium & Medium Deep.

by Ransom

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 6 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation  - Best Foundation Under $30: Covers and corrects
https://www.amazon.com/

7.
MagicMinerals
AirBrush Foundation

Covers and corrects

price from
$19.99
Our opinion:

You’ll have all the coverage you need without the weight. This microfine mist technology will give you a perfect, even, non-streaky finish that will stay all day. A buildable formula that enables you to customize the amount of coverage you want without creating extra oil. The sweat and the humidity-resistant foundation is breathable and has a special combination of skincare actives that cover and correct your complexion while also hydrating and brightening it.

Promising review:

The MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation provides sheer, but excellent coverage, and makes my 73 year old skin look very smooth and younger-looking. I love it!

by Pearl Hilden

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 2 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
bareMinerals Barepro - Best Foundation Under $30: 90% natural components
https://www.amazon.com/

8.
bareMinerals
Barepro

90% natural components

price from
$22.18
Our opinion:

barePRO is made up of 90% natural components, including vitamins and minerals, it is both buildable and breathable, while also offering magnificent glam coverage that is simple to accomplish. This long-wearing foundation has been engineered for performance, and it genuinely improves skin clarity while lowering the pore size look and regulating shine. Its weightless, micro-mesh composition doesn’t clog pores or create breakouts, allowing your skin to breathe.

Promising review:

This stuff is life!! I buy it even when I don't need it if I find it at a good price because I love it so much. Give it a try and I think you'll love it too. Has excellent coverage without feeling cakey and I don't get oily with it. It is the Holy Grail for me.

by Beebox

Format Powder
Skin Type All
Color 20 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Dermablend Quick-Fix - Best Foundation Under $30: Best concealer pick
https://www.amazon.com/

9.
Dermablend
Quick-Fix

Best concealer pick

price from
$26.00
Our opinion:

Dermablend’s full coverage concealer offers maximum coverage for up to 16 hours of smudge and transfer-resistant use. A doctor and makeup artist created this concealer stick with a high concentration of high-performance pigments to cover acne, scars, age spots, and other imperfections without accentuating the appearance of lines, wrinkles, or pores. This cream concealer glides on easily and never looks cakey, enabling the skin to feel comfy.

Promising review:

Works very well, used with foundation over. Not a complete disguise, although with more time maybe, but now I can go out in public. After and before I

by Lynne

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 7 options
Coverage Full
Finish Natural
Wunder2 Last & Foundation - Best Foundation Under $30: Pillow-proof all day
https://www.amazon.com/

10.
Wunder2
Last & Foundation

Pillow-proof all day

price from
$29.95
Our opinion:

This long-lasting, waterproof liquid foundation is lightweight and buildable. It remains ultra-comfortable and flexible on the skin, ensuring that your base remains fresh and nourished throughout the day. A little goes a long way – just a tiny quantity of product, you can be certain that your natural finish will be waterproof, transfer-proof, and even pillow-proof all day! Wait till you see your immaculate ‘lighted from inside’ appearance!

Promising review:

Love that it’s so easy to apply doesn’t quite last 24 hrs but it give great coverage so glad I purchased this and was a bit weary cuz of the price but it’s truly amazing awesome fondation if ur on the fence just get it u won’t be sorry amazing makeup and buildable so happy w this purchase

by Carol m.

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 7 options
Coverage Full
Finish n/a

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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