Are you looking for the perfect cruelty-free foundation for your skin within the budget?
Looking glamorous should not be expensive and in our list, we’ve included some drugstore foundation that can prove that money doesn’t buy beauty!
Our list for best drugstore foundations for different skin types includes 15 distinct types of foundations that work perfectly with various skin types.
To make your experience even better, we’ve compiled a list bearing the different needs for specific skin types in mind. Whether you have oily skin or dry, there’s a foundation for you on our list!
Why should you Switch to a Cruelty-free Foundation?
As you’re reading this article, then you’re either an advocate for cruelty-free or going through the transition period. In which case, I’ll give you two major reasons why you should opt for a cruelty-free lifestyle today!
Cruelty-free makeup is generally healthier
Most cruelty-free makeup is more natural and free from chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. There’s less chance of running into skin problems like allergies, inflammation, and breakouts. Especially if you have sensitive skin, cruelty-free makeup is the way to go!
Cruelty-free Makeup is more than just makeup
I used the words “advocate for cruelty-free lifestyle” earlier. That’s because switching to cruelty-free is more than just switching your makeup brand. It’s not just makeup or other stuff, it’s empowerment!
For me, a cruelty-free lifestyle is about being part of something that’s bigger than myself and raising voice for those who can’t speak for themselves.
How to Choose the Perfect Foundation for Your Skin Type
The first step towards finding the perfect foundation is to identify your skin type and find out which foundation is best for your skin type. Check our table below to find out which type of foundation compliments your skin the most!
Foundation |
Skin Type |
Coverage |
Liquid | Normal, dry, oily, and mature skins | Medium to full coverage |
Powder | Oily skin | Light to full coverage |
Mineral | Sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skins | Light to medium coverage |
Stick | Normal, dry, and combination | Medium to full coverage |
Tinted or serum foundation | Normal, dry, and mature skins | Light natural coverage |
CC cream | All skin types | Light natural coverage |
Whipped | All skin types especially dry and mature | Natural coverage |
BB cream | All skin types | Light natural coverage |
1. elf Flawless Finish Foundation
Elf’s flawless finish formula is oil-free and suitable for all skin types but I wouldn’t recommend it if you have extra dry skin! It’s available in 40 shades and gives you a semi-matte finish with medium to full coverage.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Skin type: Great for all skin types, mainly normal, combination, and oily skins.
Foundation type: Liquid
What we like: The formula is oil-free with buildable coverage.
What we don’t like: It’s heavily scented so watch out for that!
2. elf Acne Fighting Foundation
Elf’s Acne Fighting foundation is made with keeping acne-prone skin in mind. It covers blemishes, doesn’t clog pores, and keeps the skin looking fresh! The light-weight liquid formula is infused with salicylic acid, witch hazel, camphor, tea tree, and soothing aloe gel.
It’s also vegan and free from paraben, phthalates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclocarban, triclosan, and hydroquinone.
Coverage: Full coverage
Skin type: Acne-prone skin
Foundation type: Liquid
What we like: It evens the skin tone, helps with the acne redness, and improves complexion. The formula is also vegan!
What we don’t like: The shade range could be better!
3. COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
Covergirl is one of the most popular and trusted drugstore brands!
The 3-in-1 outlast foundation is perfect for a busy and fast day! It gives you smooth, matte skin for a whole day. The 3-in-1 formula includes primer, foundation, and concealer, all in one bottle. With SPF 20, it’s suitable for daywear too!
Coverage: Full coverage
Skin type: All skin types
Foundation type: Liquid
What we like: The 3-in-1 formula and variety in shade range, up to 11 colors! SPF 20 is an added bonus!
What we don’t like: Wearing it on oily skin during the day can give you a bit shiny look.
4. elf High Definition Powder
Elf high definition powder formula can take a stand against the expensive powders. Its light-weight formula makes your skin soft and gives it a natural non-cakey look.
The powder is available in three shades, although sheer is most popular. Works well with almost all skin types but oily and combination skin types especially love it.
Coverage: Not much, works great as a setting powder
Skin type: Oily and combination
Foundation type: Powder
What we like: The powder is popular for its soft luminance. Also, Elf is not just cruelty-free but vegan too!
What we don’t like: It’s more of a setting powder than a full coverage foundation!
5. NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat Powder Foundation
Nyx Stay Matte but Not Flat lives up to its name. The powder foundation gives you a flawless naturally matte but not cakey look!
It’s easy to use and offers buildable coverage, you can go from light to full coverage. Stay within your budget and shop from a trusted brand!
Coverage: Light, buildable coverage. Use a damp sponge for fuller coverage!
Skin type: All skin types, especially oily and combination skins
Foundation type: Powder
What we like: Available in ten shades. The powder foundation is also vegan and one of NYX’s best sellers!
What we don’t like: There have been some issues with the shade range as NYX discontinued some shades.
6. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
Can’t find your perfect shade?
Try NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop foundation! It’s available in 45 shades ranging from fair to very dark!
The lasting waterproof formula is perfect for all skin types especially oily and combination skins and good for 24-hour wear with no smudging! The foundation is easy to use and gives your face a full matte coverage!
Coverage: Full coverage
Skin type: Normal, oily, sensitive, and combination skin types.
Foundation type: Liquid foundation
What we like: 45 shades!! Waterproof, cruelty-free, and vegan!
What we don’t like: We love the foundation!
7. Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation
Makeup Revolution’s stick foundation is suitable for all skin types specifically dry and sensitive skins. The foundation is available in 18 shades and gives your skin a satin dewy finish with medium to full courage. To top it all, the foundation is also vegan!
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Skin type: All skin types particularly dry and sensitive skin types.
Foundation type: Stick
What we like: Easy to use stick foundation.
What we don’t like: The foundation is great but I won’t recommend it for oily skin.
8. Milani Conceal + Perfect Foundation Stick
Milani Conceal + Perfect foundation is vegan and cruelty-free. Best for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types. The bamboo powder absorbs the extra oil and lily extracts to lighten the pores. It lasts for up to 12 hours and comes in 20 different shades!
Coverage: Creamy foundation stick gives full coverage.
Skin type: Best for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types.
Foundation type: Stick
What we like: The vegan formula is great for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
What we don’t like: Not recommended for dry skin type.
9. NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil
Looking for an alternative to your regular foundation?
NYX tinted veil is the perfect alternative to the BB creams, liquid, and powder foundations. It gives your skin natural coverage with a satin finish. The vegan formula is available in 9 different shades that keep your skin hydrated and fresh all day long!
Coverage: Light, breathable coverage
Skin type: All skin types especially acne-prone skin
Foundation type: Tinted foundation
What we like: Easy to use, and keeps your pores open.
What we don’t like: It’s a personal favorite and perfect for a regular day outside but if you’re going for full coverage then this is not the right foundation for you.
10. COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream
Covergirl’s BB cream works great for all skin types. With sheer coverage and natural finish, the BB cream evens the skin tone, covers blemishes, and gives you skin a soft and smooth texture.
It’s available in 3 shades covering light to deep skin tones. The BB cream formula doesn’t just give you radiant soft skin but keeps it hydrated and protects from the harmful sun rays with SPF 21. It’s the perfect makeover for a no-makeup day!
Coverage: Sheer coverage
Skin type: All skin types
Foundation type: BB cream
What we like: A personal favorite! It comes from a popular drugstore brand, great for all skin types, and also fragrance-free!
What we don’t like: A great BB cream! No complaints here.
11. Burt’s Bee BB Cream
Burt Bee’s BB cream is cruelty-free but not vegan. It’s suitable for all skin types and works wonders on mature skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Made from 98% natural, and free from paraben, phthalates, petroleum, and SLS. The tinted moisturizer is rich in minerals, noni extracts, and SPF 15 to protect for UV damage. It’s the perfect moisturizer for a regular day!
Coverage: Sheer light coverage
Skin type: All skin types especially mature skin!
Foundation type: BB cream
What we like: 98.9% natural ingredients and antioxidants rich formula
What we don’t like: The formula is not vegan.
12. NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Finishing Powder
NYX vegan mineral finishing powder is light-weight with sheer coverage and matte finish. It’s suitable for all skin types but not ideal for acne-prone skin. Gives you a natural matte look that’s not cakey or clumpy.
Coverage: Sheer coverage
Skin type: All skin types
Foundation type: Mineral powder foundation
What we like: The natural matte finish
What we don’t like: Not ideal for acne-prone skin
13. Pacifica Beauty Ultra CC Cream
The rich CC cream formula is suitable for all skin types. The tinted vegan formula gives medium coverage and keeps the skin fresh and hydrated. It includes natural ingredients like coconut, ginseng, kelp, and 100% physical broad-spectrum SPF 18. It’s also free from parabens, phthalates, petroleum, and mineral oil. To top it all, the scent is heavenly!
Coverage: Medium coverage
Skin type: All skin types
Foundation type: CC cream
What we like: It contains natural ingredients and is free from toxins. Also great for mature skin.
14. The Ordinary Serum Foundation
The ordinary serum foundation caused quite a stir in the beauty community. It’s suitable for all skin types and offers medium coverage with a natural finish. It’s available in 21 shades with clever undertone identifiers! The formula also contains SPF 15 to protect from the sun.
Coverage: Medium coverage
Skin type: All skin types
Foundation type: Serum foundation
What we like: Fragrance-free, and contains SPF 15.
What we don’t like:
15. COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skin Milk
Covergirl’s vegan skin milk is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone. The light-weight formula includes hydrating coconut and aloe extracts that give your skin a natural coverage with a little shiny dewy finish.
Good for the skin, and free from talc, paraben, phthalate, formaldehyde, and sulfates. Available in 14 different shades!
Coverage: Light natural coverage
Skin type: All skin types.
Foundation type: Skin milk
What we like: The natural vegan formula free from toxins and great for the skin!
What we don’t like: One of a kind! Although, not suitable for full coverage!
A great foundation doesn’t need to be expensive!
We hope that you’ve found a great cruelty-free foundation for your skin type.