10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar 2024)

These foundations will surely exceed your expectations and will give you your dream look!

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $30.25 - $48.00 · 711 views

We hope you love the shops and products we recommend! Just so you know, our site may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and products in stock as of time of publication.

Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  Undetectable!
Too Faced
2
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  Non-oxidizing shades
Smashbox
3
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  Best popular pick
Fenty Beauty
4
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  A whopping 96 shades
PUR
5
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  Close-to-skin finish
Bellapierre
6
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  All-day hydration
Dermablend
7
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  No-flashback formula
KVD Beauty
8
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  For any season
Dior
9
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  No need brush or sponge
Vapour
10
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar  2024):  Moisture-retaining pick
ILIA
Product Name Born This Way Foundation Studio Skin Pro Filt’r 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Mineral Foundation Smooth Liquid Camo Lock-It BACKSTAGE Luminous Foundation Super Serum Skin Tint
Features Undetectable! Non-oxidizing shades Best popular pick A whopping 96 shades Close-to-skin finish All-day hydration No-flashback formula For any season No need brush or sponge Moisture-retaining pick
Format Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Powder Liquid Liquid Liquid Stick Liquid
Skin Type All All Normal, combination, oily All All Dry All Normal, dry, combination, oily All All
Color 4 options 32 options 50 options 96 options 16 options 15 options 26 options 40 options 20 options 30 options
Coverage Medium to full Medium to full Full Full Full Medium Full Medium Full Light
Finish Natural Matte Matte Natural n/a Natural Matte Natural Luminous Natural
price $30.25 $38.00 $36.00 $36.00 $36.63 $37.00 $38.00 $40.00 $46.00 $48.00
Buy at view product on Too Faced view product on allbeauty view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Smashbox view product on Ulta view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Fenty Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on PÜR view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Bellapierre view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Dermablend view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on KVD Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Dior view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Vapour view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on ILIA view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay

We’ve talked about the best foundations for under $20. However, if you have a larger budget and want something more, we have you covered!  Below is a selection of the best recommendations for a budget of less than $50. You can get a foundation in liquid, powder, or even stick form. There are also items available in a variety of shades ranging from 30 to a whopping 90 options, ensuring that there is something for everyone. So, before they’re all gone, let’s go check them out!

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.

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 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.

10 Reviews: Best Foundation Under $50 (Mar 2024)

Here are the best foundation under $50
Too Faced  Born This Way Foundation - Best Foundation Under $50:  Undetectable!
https://www.allbeauty.com/

1.
Too Faced
Born This Way Foundation

Undetectable!

price from
$30.25
Our opinion:

Are you looking for the best cruelty-free formula? Take a look at Too Faced Born This Way Foundation’s offering. It provides medium to full coverage and contains a variety of hydrating elements. This oil-free foundation expertly blurs the border between makeup and skin for a naturally flawless finish and coverage so subtle, they’ll believe you were born that way. It’s perfect for any vegan out there!

Promising review:

Love this foundation - so light and dewy but great coverage

by Wendy

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 4 options
Coverage Medium to full
Finish Natural
Smashbox  Studio Skin - Best Foundation Under $50:  Non-oxidizing shades
https://www.ulta.com/

2.
Smashbox
Studio Skin

Non-oxidizing shades

price from
$38.00
Our opinion:

This oil-free formula has 32 non-oxidizing shades that remain true to color and do not promote breakouts. It offers medium to full coverage while being breathable to prevent cracking and settling into pores. It also performs well in terms of managing oil and shine, being transfer-resistant, and being sweat- and humidity-resistant. What’s more, it can last for up to 24 hours!

Promising review:

Such a pretty, natural looking but buildable foundation. Looks and feels like skin. Great for everyday.

by Mmmmm

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 32 options
Coverage Medium to full
Finish Matte
PUR  4-in-1 Love Your Selfie  - Best Foundation Under $50:  A whopping 96 shades
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
PUR
4-in-1 Love Your Selfie

A whopping 96 shades

price from
$36.00
Our opinion:

This pregnancy-safe foundation is made entirely of natural elements that help your skin’s natural metabolism. Even the formula is devoid of animal cruelty, parabens, gluten, and is vegan. There is a shade for every skin tone among the 96 available. You can expect to find the perfect match from dark to light. It is non-greasy and non-sticky, and it combines nicely with all skin tones. The foundation rapidly conceals pregnant breakouts and under-eye bags and lasts all day.

Promising review:

I cannot believe how good this foundation is for the this price. It’s not super drying. Not too matte. It feels more like a satin finish. Medium to full coverage but definitely buildable. Will buy again!

by Cheryl Earle

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 96 options
Coverage Full
Finish Natural
Bellapierre  Mineral Foundation - Best Foundation Under $50:  Close-to-skin finish
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Bellapierre
Mineral Foundation

Close-to-skin finish

price from
$36.63
Our opinion:

The Bellapierre Mineral Foundation is a non-comedogenic, vegan formula. Its SPF 15 sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays and gives medium to full coverage. This foundation’s smooth texture delivers a perfect close-to-skin finish. It works as a foundation, concealer, and setting powder. It gives your skin a perfect appearance without making your face look cakey. The formula is non-toxic, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

Promising review:

My wife has me order this from Amazon. She has sensitive skin and likes this product because she doesn't get any irritation. I just asked her and she stated "It's the best mineral makeup out there". There. Her opinion. I can't give an opinion because I don't use makeup. I've been told I'm a natural.

by Amazon Customer

Format Powder
Skin Type All
Color 16 options
Coverage Full
Finish n/a
Dermablend  Smooth Liquid Camo - Best Foundation Under $50:  All-day hydration
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Dermablend
Smooth Liquid Camo

All-day hydration

price from
$37.00
Our opinion:

A smooth finish is entirely possible if you have this hardworking foundation in your arsenal. With this 16-hour formula that resists smudging and transferring, you can get the coverage you desire—even over uneven textures or tones. And, although it does function to give you a seamless complexion, the end result still seems natural. Furthermore, this multi-tasking liquid foundation makeup offers buildable coverage as well as sunscreen and all-day hydration.

Promising review:

Great coverage, and looks great. I have rosacea and severe adult nodular acne, so nearly everything irritates it. But this product doesn't.

by Lynndell

Format Liquid
Skin Type Dry
Color 15 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
KVD Beauty  Lock-It  - Best Foundation Under $50:  No-flashback formula
https://www.sephora.com/

7.
KVD Beauty
Lock-It

No-flashback formula

price from
$38.00
Our opinion:

For medium-to-full coverage, just a teeny-tiny drop of this foundation is needed. Once applied, you can be confident that it will remain in place until it’s time to wash your face at the end of the day. The no-flashback formula immediately conceals anything from blemishes to tattoos and comes in a variety of meticulously formulated shades to complement a variety of skin tones and undertones. Superb!

Promising review:

Im in love! My official go to. Covers everything so well and if you apply correctly it does not make you cakey at all. Buy a good brush and applying it will be 10x better. Im so stokes for this purchase!

by tsaric

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 26 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Dior  BACKSTAGE  - Best Foundation Under $50:  For any season
https://www.sephora.com/

8.
Dior
BACKSTAGE

For any season

price from
$40.00
Our opinion:

Do you know Meghan Markle wore this foundation at her wedding? Dior Backstage Face & Body Makeup is the ultimate lightweight foundation for the summer, providing just enough coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. It’s the perfect natural foundation for any season, particularly because it comes in a wide range of shades to compliment your summer and winter looks. You’ll get a natural finish and medium, buildable coverage.

Promising review:

This foundation was a perfect match for my skin. The cream itself is very easy to apply and blends in seamlessly. I usually go for a natural look and this foundation has become my new favorite.

by beema01

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 40 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
Vapour  Luminous Foundation - Best Foundation Under $50:  No need brush or sponge
https://vapourbeauty.com/

9.
Vapour
Luminous Foundation

No need brush or sponge

price from
$46.00
Our opinion:

Stick foundations are one of our go-to for quick touch-ups, and this one is no exception. Hydrators such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil provide a thick and creamy texture that glides smoothly over the skin. You can also blend it in easily with your fingers, no brush or sponge necessary, making it ideal for on-the-go application. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Promising review:

This foundation gives a natural, luminous, healthy glow! I love that the application is so effortless; & it still looks fresh at the end of the day! Great for travel, too.

by Debra

Format Stick
Skin Type All
Color 20 options
Coverage Full
Finish Luminous
ILIA  Super Serum Skin Tint  - Best Foundation Under $50:  Moisture-retaining pick
https://www.sephora.com/

10.
ILIA
Super Serum Skin Tint

Moisture-retaining pick

price from
$48.00
Our opinion:

Since it contains anti-inflammatory niacinamide, moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, and skin barrier-supporting squalane, this ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. It leaves behind a finish that’s similar to your skin but better—one that’s so amazing, it’s award-worthy. Let us also praise the Hyaluronic Acids for penetrating at various levels to noticeably plump and moisturize the skin.

Promising review:

Doesn’t feel like I’m wearing foundation and it looks so natural

by Giuliapf

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 30 options
Coverage Light
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.

We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

©2021 SoPicky by Rank M.T. PT. All rights reserved.