Since foundation is a product you wear all day and under your other makeup, you'd want to get one that's good quality and complements your skin tone. Many drugstore cosmetic companies have stepped up their game and created products that are comparable or equivalent to other H/E brands.
Revlon Colorstay Foundation
This thick foundation glides on smoothly to give the skin a semi-matte finish. Colorstay provides full coverage and lasts for around 12 hours. Once the foundation is dry, it is impervious to water, tears and sweat and it works to keep oil at bay. Work fast however, because the formula dries fast on the skin and then it's difficult to work with. Colorstay comes in a glass bottle with a black lid and goes on looking flawless but feeling lightweight.
I really wish this product came with a pump or a speckle brush, because it's quite annoying to pour the foundation out each time, resulting in a waste of the product.
Milani Smooth Finish Foundation
A cream foundation which dries to a matte, powder like-finish. Smooth Finish gives a light to medium coverage and glides on the face smoothly for a flawless look. The foundation can be built up, but won't feel heavy or thick upon your skin. It comes in a cute little gold compact that flips open to reveal three compartments- a mirror, the foundation and a sponge applicator for the last level. However, Smooth Finish does not come in a large variety of colours, 7/10 of their shades are dark-toned colours, and does not have a long staying power.
Covergirl CG Smoothers All Day Hydrating Makeup
Provides light coverage and goes on sheer- just enough to even out skin with a hint of pigment. CG Smoothers is moisturizing, lasts all day and helps to control shine. The foundation works to cover up redness or blemishes while still giving a glowing, natural look. This gel-like foundation comes in a squeezy bottle (like ketchup!) that gives you just the right amount of product.
Wet N Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer
A tinted moisturizer for those who have perfect skin (I hate you) but want a little bit of coverage to smooth out their complexion . This foundation (can I even call it a foundation?), this TM moisturizes beautifully, goes on creamy and gives a matte finish. With that being said, this TM is thicker and provides more coverage than other TMs on the market. But you can easily remedy that by adding moisturizer to the product until the consistency is to your preference. USTM comes in a squeeze bottle very similar to the CG Smoothers.
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
This is more of a setting powder than anything, but I thought I'd put it on here as an accessory for foundations. ;) Goes on very smooth and instantly mattes the skin. Dream Matte is finely milled and gives you that airbrushed effect. Can be used as a replacement foundation when in a hurry for light coverage. Comes in a compact with a swivel mirror and a powder pouf.
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