11 Top Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundations To Buy In 2024

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If you’re looking for a foundation that provides flawless full coverage without breaking the bank, drugstore options are a great place to start.

In recent years, drugstore brands have upped their game in the foundation department, offering formulas that rival high-end options at a fraction of the price.

The top full-coverage drugstore foundations offer a range of benefits, from providing long-lasting wear to featuring a variety of shades and finishes to match different skin tones and meet different needs.

Two bottles of liquid foundations on a beige background.

They’re also often formulated with skin-loving ingredients, ensuring that you get more than just coverage for your money.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the top drugstore foundations with full coverage on the market, breaking down why they need to be part of your makeup kit.

Whether you’re looking to cover blemishes, reduce hyperpigmentation, or achieve an all-over even base, there’s a full-coverage drugstore foundation on our list that can help you achieve your goals!

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation
Editor's Choice
  • Up to 30-hour wear
  • Lightweight and non-comedogenic 
  • Transfer- and water-resistant
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation
Premium Pick
  • Stays up to 24 hours
  • Infused with vitamin E
  • Water- and transfer-proof
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Liquid Foundation
Budget Pick
  • Cruelty-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Leaves no white cast

What Does Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundation Even Mean?

Before diving deep into the top full-coverage drugstore foundations, let’s first understand what a full-coverage foundation is.

Full-coverage foundation is so named because it provides the maximum amount of coverage for the skin.

Compared to other types of foundation, such as sheer or medium coverage, a full-coverage foundation provides a more opaque finish that completely covers the skin’s surface because of its thicker, creamier consistency.

This type of foundation is designed to conceal a wide range of imperfections, including blemishes, scars, redness, and hyperpigmentation.

It is also often formulated with highly concentrated pigments, creating a flawless, even complexion, giving you the appearance of airbrushed skin.

Lastly, when you come across the term “drugstore” beside the “full-coverage” label of foundations, this means that this product can be purchased at drugstores, supermarkets, or other retail stores.

They are typically more affordable than high-end or luxury makeup brands, making them accessible to a wider range of buyers.

Things To Consider When Buying Drugstore Full-Coverage Foundation

Consider the following when purchasing the top full-coverage drugstore foundations to ensure you pick the best product available:

Skin Type

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a full-coverage drugstore foundation is your skin type. 

Got oily skin? Look for oil-free formulas that won’t clog your pores or exacerbate shine. Got dry skin? Opt for foundations that are hydrating and nourishing, with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Shade Range

Another key consideration is the shade range offered by the brand. Look for a foundation that offers a wide range of shades. This way, you can easily find the perfect match for your skin tone

Some drugstore brands have limited shade ranges, so it’s important to do your research beforehand.

Formula and Finish

Full-coverage drugstore foundations come in various formulas and finishes, from matte to dewy. Consider the type of finish you prefer, as well as the formula.

For example, if you have sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free formula.

Additionally, it’s good to look for foundations with waterproof formulas. This way, you can be sure your foundation stays put even when you sweat. 

Lastly, make sure to get a foundation with a transfer-resistant formula, so you won’t have to deal with unsightly foundation patches getting all over your clothes or your phone screen every time you answer a call. 

Coverage Level

Foundations also come in various coverage levels, so it’s important to consider how much coverage you need.

If you have severe acne or hyperpigmentation, you may want a foundation with maximum coverage. But if you want to even out your skin tone, a medium-to-full coverage foundation may be sufficient.

Ingredients

It’s also crucial to look at the ingredient list of the foundation you want to purchase. We recommend looking for foundations loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, which are beneficial for any skin type.

Top Full-Coverage Drugstore Foundations

Ready to achieve flawless-looking skin with the help of the top drugstore foundation with the best coverage?

Scroll down to find the perfect product for you!

1
Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

Looking for the best full-coverage cheap foundation that lasts all day? You can count on Maybelline’s Super Stay Foundation!

Key Benefits: Transfer- and water-resistant; up to 30-hour wear; suitable for oily and acne-prone skin

Features:

  • Quick-dry formula
  • Matte finish
  • Lightweight and noncomedogenic 

If you’re looking for a drugstore foundation that delivers on its promises, this product is definitely worth trying.

 

This Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation from Maybelline is incredibly long-wearing, promising to last up to 30 hours without any touch-ups.

This feature makes it perfect for those who want a foundation that can withstand their busy day without needing constant reapplication.

Additionally, this foundation has a matte finish that keeps the skin looking flawless and shine-free for hours.

Another notable feature of this product is its oil-free and non-comedogenic formulation, which means it won’t clog the pores or cause breakouts, making it among the top full-coverage drugstore foundations for acne-prone skin. 

This product is a game changer for those who want a long-wearing, full-coverage foundation without breaking the bank.

Its high-level coverage makes it perfect for any occasion, and its availability in over 20 shades makes it suitable for various skin tones. 

2
e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation

A makeup foundation that evens out blemishes while it hydrates the skin? Believe it or not, this product can do the job!

Key Benefits: Balances uneven skin tones and redness; all-day wear; hydrates the skin

Features:

  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Oil-free formula
  • Infused with glycerin

Flaunt well-hydrated and blemish-free skin with the help of this holy grail product!

 

Whether you’re looking for light or full coverage, this drugstore foundation has you covered! Its lightweight texture means you won’t feel like you’re wearing a mask, even with full coverage.

The e.l.f Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation is designed to stay in place all day, even through sweat and humidity, making it a spectacular choice for those who need their makeup to last throughout a hectic day without touch-ups.

Worried that this brand doesn’t have an available shade that matches your unique skin tone? Fret no more because it has over 40 shades that cover a wide range of skin colors!

And if you’re big on using ethical and sustainable beauty products, this cruelty-free product is among your greatest options. 

3
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation

Now you can achieve a flawless and shine-free complexion with a foundation that can’t stop and won’t stop from delivering stellar results! 

Key Benefits: Stays up to 24 hours; controls shine; water- and transfer-proof

Features:

  • Ultra-matte finish
  • Cruelty-free
  • Infused with vitamin E

Look fresh all day long by using this very impressive foundation product from NYX Professional Makeup!

 

This drugstore foundation from NYX Professional Makeup is designed to give you a flawless finish that lasts up to 24 hours, and it comes in an impressive range of shades to suit a wide range of skin tones.

Its waterproof and transfer-proof formula won’t budge or smudge, even if you sweat or get caught in the rain.

This foundation also contains a blend of oil-absorbing ingredients to help control shine and reduce the appearance of pores, making it ideal for those with oily or combination skin.

When this dries out, it leaves a matte finish that is neither too dry nor dewy, giving you a natural-looking complexion.

4
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Want a foundation that’s great for hot summer days or long nights out? Look no further than this drugstore foundation from L'Oreal!

Key Benefits: Waterproof and transfer-proof; lasts up to 24 hours; blends evenly

Features:

  • Matte finish
  • With SPF 25
  • Vegan

Give this product a try, and your skin will surely thank you!

 

Stay away from the heavy and cakey feeling most foundations give you, and give L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible a try!

This lightweight foundation promises to last up to 24 hours while still providing a natural, fresh finish that won’t fade or transfer. Plus, its formula is infused with SPF 25, meaning it can protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. 

Also, the product is designed to provide medium to full coverage, which means it can hide blemishes, dark spots, and other imperfections. 

What’s more, it suits all skin types, including sensitive skin and oily skin! This is because it’s non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog pores. A great find, right?

5
Revlon ColorStay Longwear Full Cover Foundation

You’ll be amazed at how this 1oz. tube foundation product can provide 24-hour flawless coverage!

Key Benefits: 24-hour wear; hydrates skin; blends seamlessly

Features:

  • Ultra-matte finish
  • Whipped, velvety texture
  • Available in 15 skin-perfecting hues

With this amazing product, you can now easily say goodbye to traditional cakey foundation products!

 

The Revlon ColorStay Longwear Full Cover Foundation is a popular drugstore product that is ideal for those who want a long-lasting, full-coverage foundation that can stay for up to 24 hours.

It has a fluid formula that glides smoothly on the skin, giving it a flawless finish. Plus, it doesn’t feel heavy when applied.

What we also love about this product is that it comes in easy-to-use tube packaging that enables on-the-go application. It also has 15 shades that match a wide range of skin tones!

6
CoverGirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation

Dreaming of having a shine-free and flawless complexion without spending a dime on foundation? Don’t sleep on this budget-friendly product from Covergirl!

Key Benefits: Absorbs excess oil; 12-hour wear; minimizes the appearance of pores

Features:

  • Soft matte finish
  • Cruelty-free
  • Made with flexi-hold technology

Enjoy long-lasting coverage from this top-quality product that leaves you feeling confident!

 

Are you searching for a new, affordable foundation with a beautiful matte finish? With CoverGirl’s TruBlend Matte Made Foundation, the search is over for you!

This drugstore gem is a favorite among makeup lovers for its seamless coverage, buildable formula, and long-lasting wear for up to 12 hours.

And if you’re someone with oily skin, you’ll be happy to know that this foundation is excellent at absorbing excess oil, so it won’t add any extra shine to your already-greasy T-zone. 

Apart from this product having a good full-coverage foundation at a drugstore price, it has an impressive range of 40 shades available, which makes it easier to find a perfect match for your skin tone.

Plus, the foundation is designed to adapt to your skin’s undertones, ensuring a velvety matte finish.

7
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

Better get your hands on this drugstore foundation that doubles as a concealer!

Key Benefits: Reduces appearance of skin blemishes; water- and sweat-proof; all-day wear

Features:

  • Cruelty-free
  • Natural matte finish
  • Infused with glycerin

With its built-in concealer benefit, you are guaranteed to have that coveted airbrushed finish!

 

This foundation from Milani is one of the top full-coverage drugstore foundations for dry skin because it also works as a concealer that effectively hides skin imperfections and blemishes. 

Despite its full-coverage finish, it’s also lightweight and breathable, so you won’t worry about your skin feeling suffocated or heavy under the makeup. 

Another feature worth noting is that it offers a natural matte finish, and it is infused with glycerin which does a great job at drawing moisture to the skin, making it ideal for those complaining about dry skin.

8
Palladio Full-Coverage Color Correction CC Cream

Got mature skin? Don’t worry because Palladio’s Full-Coverage CC Cream provides great coverage and corrective benefits that work for your skin type. 

Key Benefits: Corrects redness and uneven skin tone; hydrating; doesn’t clog pores

Features:

  • Vegan
  • Infused with peptides and vitamins C and E
  • With built-in no-mess pump

Don’t settle with just any foundation and get the flawless finish you deserve with this product!

 

Not a fan of wearing foundations because you feel like it worsens your aging skin? Why not opt for one of the top full-coverage drugstore foundations for mature skin from Palladio?

This foundation promises to provide complete coverage for all skin types, especially mature skin, while correcting discoloration and other imperfections.

Best of all, it contains nourishing ingredients like peptides and vitamins C and E, which help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy-looking!

9
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

We’ve found the product that has become a staple in many makeup collections, thanks to its radiant and long-lasting finish!

Key Benefits: Long-wearing; hydrating, provides illuminating glow

Features:

  • Free of parabens
  • Dewy finish
  • Added with antioxidants

Give this product a try and see why it’s loved by so many!

 

If you’re searching for a drugstore foundation that offers full coverage but isn’t heavy on the wallet, the LA. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation may just be what you need.

This affordable foundation comes in a sleek glass bottle with a pump dispenser, making it easy to apply and control the amount of product used. 

Another benefit of this product that’s worth mentioning is its formulation which contains antioxidants like vitamin E and B5, which can help nourish and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Further, this product has a dewy and illuminating finish. It contains light-reflecting particles that give the skin a radiant glow. So if you want a healthy-looking complexion, this product can do the job!

10
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Liquid Foundation

Be camera-ready all day, every day, with this amazing drugstore foundation from Wet n Wild!

Key Benefits: Moisturizing, long-lasting, leaves no white cast

Features:

  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Matte finish

Make sure you don’t pass up on the chance to try this top-quality but very affordable product!

 

One of the top affordable full-coverage foundations that can be easily found around reputable drugstores is the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Liquid Foundation.

Among its remarkable features include the ability to look great in photographs as it is designed to have a matte finish that doesn’t reflect light, making it perfect for events or occasions where you’ll be taking a lot of pictures.

In addition, the product will leave your skin feeling hydrated as it contains vegan ingredients like glycerin, and it’s also super easy to blend, making it a great option for beginners or those in a rush.

11
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

High-quality foundations need not be expensive, and this product from Catrice just proves this claim to be true!

Key Benefits: Lasts for up to 24 hours, covers skin imperfections; water- and sweat-proof

Features:

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Infused with niacinamide
  • Matte finish

This product is one of the best cheap foundations for full coverage on the market that you will never regret buying.

 

The Catrice HD liquid Coverage Foundation is among the top drugstore foundations to cover dark spots because it has a high-definition formula specifically designed to blur any imperfections and even out skin tone.

The result is a smooth matte finish that looks like you’re just wearing your own skin, but better!

But despite its full coverage formula, this product feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. 

It’s also a great option for mature skin types as it doesn’t settle into fine lines or accentuate any wrinkles or textures on the skin. Instead, it smooths over any areas of concern, providing a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Drugstore Foundations as Good as High-End Foundations in Terms of Coverage and Quality?

Yes, absolutely! 

While high-end foundations can be luxurious and offer high-quality ingredients, many drugstore foundations can deliver equally impressive results in terms of coverage and longevity.

Some drugstore foundations are even formulated to provide a similar finish and texture to their high-end counterparts, at a fraction of the price, just like the products we’ve featured in the previous section.

Can I Wear Full-Coverage Foundation Every Day, Or Is It Too Heavy?

Whether or not you can wear full-coverage foundation every day depends on your personal preference and skin type.

As discussed earlier, full-coverage foundation is typically thicker and more pigmented than other types of foundation, which means that there are products that do feel heavier on the skin.

To make sure that your full-coverage foundation looks natural and comfortable on the skin, it’s necessary to prep your skin with a moisturizer and primer before applying it.

You may also try mixing your full-coverage foundation with a bit of moisturizer or serum to create a lighter, sheerer coverage.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a full-coverage foundation every day is up to you. 

If you enjoy the look and feel of full coverage, and your skin tolerates it well, there’s no reason why you can’t wear it every day.

Just make sure to take proper care of your skin and cleanse your face thoroughly at the end of the day to prevent any unwanted buildup or breakouts.

High-Quality Coverage Need Not Be Expensive!

Drugstore foundations have come a long way in recent years, offering budget-friendly options that provide high-quality full coverage.

Whether you’re looking for a foundation that can mask blemishes, even out your skin tone, or provide a long-lasting matte finish, there’s a drugstore option out there that can do an outstanding job!

Remember, finding the right foundation for your skin type and concerns may take some trial and error, but with so many great drugstore product alternatives available, you’re sure to find a winner.

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Author

  • Janille Gultiano

    Jan, a distinguished freelance makeup artist, also boasts a BA in Mass Communication, laying the foundation for her diverse talents. For over four years, she's carved a niche as a captivating content writer, with her articles resonating in various spheres. Beyond writing, her expertise extends to crafting robust Public Relations and Corporate Communications strategies. Each endeavor reflects Jan's unique blend of creativity and precision

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