When it comes to buying reasonably priced foundations, it can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to the quality of the product.

Most foundations that are around or under the $30 mark are classed as ‘drug store’ foundations. But don’t let that make you think that high-end foundations are necessarily any better. To be perfectly honest, I find many of these ‘drug store’ foundations are better or just as good quality as their pricey, high-end counterparts.

I’ve been busy testing out loads of drug store foundations around the $30 mark, and there were plenty I was truly impressed with.

Here are my top 5 under $30 foundations:

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation $14.95

Shade 330 Light Honey

Revlon candid foundation gives a dewy, medium coverage. It’s perfect for everyday wear and buildable to a heavier coverage if you desire.

It wears well on it’s own, but I like to use it with a little bit of setting powder on my t-zone which helps it last all day and avoid getting shine down the centre of my face.

If you love a natural dewy, medium coverage without any shimmer this one is for you!

Score: 9/10

MAYBELLINE SuperStay 24HR Foundation, $24.95

Shade – Soft Beige

This foundation is an easy to use, long wear, full coverage. If you know you like a heavier coverage foundation, you will LOVE this one!

After my first application of this foundation I immediately loved the finish. I was quite shocked, because I hadn’t heard much about this foundation before, but everything about it worked. It was breathable, build-able and comfortable to wear. Only two pumps and my whole face was covered in a full coverage which still managed to look natural and feel lightweight.

I had this foundation on for about 8 hours, my skin was not oily and still looked fresh and even.

I would rate this foundation a 9.5/10.

 

L’OREAL PARIS True Match Foundation, $20.95

 Shade – N6 Honey

True match has always been one of my favourite foundations for multiple reasons. The coverage and formula of this foundation works perfectly with oily/combination skin and manages to add a beautiful glow and healthy radiance.

One thing I find tricky when trialling new foundations is finding a formula that won’t make me crease around my laugh lines, but it won’t happen with this foundation, which is a major advantage.

It glides on the skin so easily, either with a flat top brush or beauty blender, and wears for about 8 hours. It honestly feels like you aren’t wearing any foundation, which is amazing! I like that my skin can still breathe through this foundation.

True match also has an amazing colour range!

Overall I give this foundation a 9.5/10.

 

Rimmel Lasting Radiance Foundation, $22.95

 Shade – Soft beige

This one is for all of you who love a fresh natural looking complexion. It offers a light-medium coverage with a healthy dose of radiance.

I’ve tried applying this foundation with both a brush and beauty sponge and the verdict is that the sponge applied the product more effortlessly and made my skin look more flawless.

This is more of your everyday foundation, it feels lightweight, looks natural and wears well. It probably wouldn’t suit if you were after a full coverage for an event or party where you want to look total glam.

I wore this foundation for 10 hours and it still managed to look decent and in tact by the end of the day.

I would rate this 9/10.

 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, $32.00

 Shade – No. 54

OK, so it’s $32 but if you love a natural lightweight foundation you will love this one and the skin care benefits within this foundation probably makes it worth the extra $2.

This foundation is all about giving your skin a healthy and dewy glow. Again, I hadn’t heard much about this foundation before trying it so I was keen to give it a go.

All I can say is WOW! For the price, this foundation worked wonders for my skin. It blurred all my spots and imperfections and immediately brightened my complexion.

One thing I noticed and loved about this foundation is the scent, it smells so fresh and it’s such a pleasing scent compared to most foundations.

This is the perfect natural looking foundation which still has the properties of covering everything you want to hide without the caked look. It feels super hydrating and lasted on my skin for about 8 hours before some oil started to show.

I give this one a 9/10.