7 affordable and luxury foundations to add to your collection

Written By Jasmine Smith

If you’re new to makeup or a beauty enthusiast like me, you’ve tried your hand at few foundations promising long-wear, full coverage and all at a reasonable price point. For many of us, it can feel like a sport to go in-store test and try new products in hopes of finding the perfect option tailored just for you and your skin type. So, today, I wanted to share my top 7 most used and current favorite foundations I’ve worn that are tried and true.

A few things to note:

  • It’s important that before you dig into your makeup bag, you understand the importance of a good skincare routine. That, my friend, can make or break how foundations lay on your skin and settle on your face.

  • My skin type is dry. Sometime combination, but overall I am a dry skin girlie and so my recommendations are curated for those that are similar in skin type and complexion. These recommendations are also good for those with combination and oily skin, but I’d recommend you read the label and test in-store where you live before purchasing. (I don’t want you to spend money unnecessarily okay! We ball on a #budget!)

My go-to foundations:

These are my go-to, must have, highly recommended foundations. I rotate these foundations in my collection and usually grab from this selection on a daily basis. These vary from affordable, drugstore options all the way to luxury, high-end brands. So, let’s dive deep:

HAUS LABS | $49 | 520 DEEP COOL

What I love most about the Haus Labs foundation is that it genuinely keeps my skin feeling hydrated and enhances what’s already there. This is my go-to for day-to-day makeup looks or any time I need a quick look to run errands.

RARE BEAUTY | $30 | 54N

If you’re new to makeup or don’t like to wear a heavier foundation, then skin tints are your go-to option! Rare Beauty’s skin tint is decently priced and includes SPF20 for an extra layer of protection for your skin. This would be your best pick for a makeup-no makeup look.

KYLIE COSMETICS SKIN TINT | $32 | 10W

Similarly to Rare Beauty skin tint, this is new to my collection but while there isn’t much difference between the skin tints, I do enjoy their formula as well as the packaging. Truly, this is a buy if you like pretty things but at the same price point as the Rare Beauty tint, you can’t go wrong with either pick.

NYX BLUR TINT | $14 | MOCHA

You’ve probably seen your favorite influencers rave about this foundation — and they’re right! Not only does it apply close to a full coverage foundation, it truly blurs your skin giving it a flawless effect. You can grab this at any drugstore, Target or Ulta and at $14 you can’t beat getting the biggest bang for your buck.

DIOR FACE & BODY FOUNDATION | $43 | 7.5N

I won’t lie… I wasn’t sure if this was a necessary buy but since I’ve tried it, I completely understand the hype. This foundation lasts so long, and can be built up but doesn’t come across cakey. What’s nice about this foundation is that you can also maintain your luminous finish all while going light or a little heavy as you build this up to wear.

ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR FOUNDATION | $52 | 7N1 DEEP AMBER

This is what I’d consider one of my holy grails foundation options. I LOVE this foundation so much! It’s buildable, a perfect shade match and it’s what I grab for long-wearing makeup looks, usually for filming, shooting content, or photoshoots. It’s truly that girl and you will not regret the buy.

PAT MCGRATH LABS SKIN FETISH FOUNDATION | $69 | DEEP 33

Last but certainly not least, the Pat McGrath Foundation is truly one of one. Similarly to the Estée Lauder foundation, I usually grab this one for days I need makeup on for an extended period of time. Usually for filming or photoshoots, but also great for when I’m traveling and will be out and about for the day. 10/10.

Jasmine Smith