THESE days, people use all kinds of different bases to perfect their skin, from tinted moisturisers to BB creams, but when it comes to creating a smooth, even complexion, foundation is every woman’s best friend.
Foundations can be matte or dewy, liquid or stick, something you rely on to cover up acne spots or just dab under the eyes with a sponge to cover up a wild night.
While people often talk about their favourite designer foundations, from brands like Chanel and Armani Beauty, cheap foundations have come a long way.
Their formulations are much more sophisticated and include top ingredients that are good for the skin, and work to combat blemishes, to hydrate or to diminish any signs of ageing.
Foundation has undergone something of a makeover in recent years, embracing inclusivity (thank you, Rihanna). The singer’s Fenty Beauty range made history when it launched its now-signature Pro Filt’R foundation in a record 40 shades – there are now 50 available.
People are also embracing foundation with different finishes: a dewy foundation gives a luminous complexion and can pep up dull-looking skin, while matte foundations are great for toning down oil.
If you’re looking to give your cheap foundation extra mileage, mix it with your favourite morning moisturiser – it’ll give a more natural finish, while still providing the coverage you need.
You’ll also be happy to hear that thanks to brands like Avon and Revolution, cheap foundation under £10 comes in liquid, stick and cream-to-powder form. Sounds flawless.
This long-wear foundation promises to stay put through workouts and muggy weather to last the whole day.
It contains an aqua primer and mineral complex to leave skin looking revitalised and fresh.
Plus, it has an SPF of 20.
For quick and easy coverage, a cream-to-powder foundation is just the ticket (and it’s perfect for throwing in your bag for touch-ups). Avon’s True Colour Cream-to-Powder foundation is lightweight, yet it provides medium-to-full coverage, and comes in 22 shades so you can find your perfect match. A mattifying version is also available for those with oily skin.
This best-selling foundation is renowned for its long-wearing, even coverage and works well on different skin types.
Fans like how easily it blends to a matte finish, its staying power and the fact it doesn’t crease into lines or get cakey.
The newest formula also wins points for how well it suits various skin tones (it contains three shade enhancers for a more precise skin tone match).
It’s available in 28 shades to match 98% of UK skin tones.
The Ordinary’s cult products deliver super high-quality skincare at a fraction of the cost, and the brand’s Serum Foundation is sure to impress thanks to its lightweight feel and lasting semi-matte finish.
It comes in 21 shades, classified by undertone (P for pink, R for red, N for neutral and Y for yellow), for an accurate skin tone match, and the formula offers SPF 15 daily protection.
Fans like that it goes on easily and won’t clog pores.
2019 is all about the stick foundation: easy to transport on a daily basis or on holiday, easy to apply and easy to touch up.
Revolution’s well-rated foundation is creamy and blendable (although reviewers note it doesn’t work quite as well on dry skin), leaving a dewy finish.
Choose from 18 shades and blend with a beauty sponge or foundation brush.
Oily skin types need a mattifying foundation, and fans say Maybelline’s Fit Me! Foundation blends really well and lasts just as long as more expensive designer foundations.
It contains micro-powders to minimise shine and the appearance of pores, and to absorb excess sebum.
Bonus: it comes in 40 shades.
Collection’s Lasting foundation and concealer are widely regarded as excellent, providing long-wear coverage at budget prices.
This six-in-one product works to prime, conceal, cover, smooth, protect and mattify, and it even has an SPF of 20, as well as lasting powers for up to 16 hours.
Proof that cheap foundation can indeed tick every box?
Look no further than e.l.f.’s Acne Fighting Foundation, which is cruelty-free and vegan and has top acne-banishing ingredients including salicylic acid, witch-hazel, camphor, tea tree and aloe.
The only downside? Fans wish it came in more shades.
This ultra-budget buy is a mattifying foundation that also contains vitamins A and E and jojoba to keep skin feeling soft and hydrated.
If you liked our cheap foundations piece, you might well enjoy our round-up of the best tinted moisturisers.
Planning a shopping spree? Check out Sun Selects’ dedicated beauty section.
Or you can find more product recommendations and round-ups on the main Sun Selects page.
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