When it comes to foundation, it seems like there's a launch hitting shelves on a weekly basis. However, there are a few tried-and-true bases that have (rightfully so) earned the holy grail status for their unrivaled pigmentation, bulletproof staying power and flawless finishes. These foundations stay firmly put in makeup artist's kits and loyal consumers gush about their skin-perfecting wizardry.
While the pursuit of achieving flawless skin that lasts through the day is priceless for many makeup-wearers, these luxe products come at investment-level price points that can feel like a frivolous splurge – especially with so many high-performing options becoming more readily available at the drugstore. Whether you're looking for an affordable dupe to test out while your summer tan slowly fades or just can't seem to fathom dropping $50-plus on a makeup product, here are the best affordable dupes to five "gold standard" foundations.
MORE: Expert Tips for Applying Liquid Foundation Flawlessly
1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Vs. Revlon Color Stay Foundation
Image courtesy of Nordstrom.
This O.G. longwear foundation has been touted as one of the best wedding day foundations for its medium to full coverage finish and super long lasting, waterproof formula. It gives the skin a natural matte finish that keeps oil at bay for up to 24 hours (though we don't suggest wearing any foundation that long for your skin's sake), even in humid (or tear-inducing) conditions.
$42 at Estee Lauder
Image courtesy of Ulta
Like its high-end counterpart, Revlon's best-selling Colorstay Foundation has been around years and earned a cult following for its buildable, full coverage finish and up to 24-hour wear time. The original oil-free formula is ideal for those with oily and combination skin types, but the brand also debuted a second formula designed for dry and normal skin types that offers a bit more hydration without compromising its staying power.
$12.99 at Ulta
2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Vs. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation
Image courtesy of Nordstrom
Giorgio Armani's cult status Luminous Silk Foundation is one of those industry icons that makeup artists swear by for offering skin-like medium coverage with a subtle glow. This oil-free formula has light reflecting properties that give a radiance to the skin without leaving behind excess shine or a highlighter-like glitter effect.
$64 at Giorgio Armani Beauty
Image courtesy of Ulta
While recent Reddit threads have touted the recently launched Photo Focus Foundation by Wet n' Wild as a close dupe to this designer foundation, L'Oreal's True Match Lumi takes the cake as the closer match, thanks to its satiny, skin-like finish that blurs imperfections with light reflecting properties.
$11.99 at Ulta
MORE: 20 Under-$20 Foundations for Coverage That Lasts
3. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Vs. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage HD Foundation
Image courtesy of Sephora
Another foundation beloved by both makeup artists and beauty bloggers alike, Makeup Forever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation offers buildable medium coverage for an even complexion that looks and feels like "second skin." While many foundations of this caliber give the skin a flawless, airbrushed effect, this foundation does so without looking like you're wearing makeup.
$43 at MAKE UP FOR EVER
Image courtesy of Ulta
This illuminating, full-coverage foundation by uber affordable drugstore brand L.A. Girl has been a hit with beauty vloggers and YouTubers since it first launched a couple of years ago. While it's not an ideal formula for those with oily skin, this creamy, ultra hydrating foundation glides on the skin evenly blurring the appearance of fine lines and covering, well just about everything without looking cakey or feeling heavy on the skin. Unlike many dewy foundations on the market, reviewers applaud this product's long wear time of up to 24 hours.
$10 at L.A.Girl
4. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream vs. Physicians Formula Super CC Cream
Image courtesy of Sephora
While many CC creams and tinted moisturizers offer a sheer wash of color, It Cosmetics' beloved Your Skin But Better CC Cream is one of the only products of this caliber that offers full coverage while still managing to look like skin. As a bonus, this multifunctional base also offers an SPF of 50 and is infused with anti-aging actives including hydrolyzed collagen and antioxidants, so it works to improve skin tone while it color corrects. At $38, this serum and foundation multitasker is a worthy splurge for many loyal fans, but it's not exactly the most budget-friendly on the market.
$38 at It Cosmetics
Image courtesy of Ulta
Like its high end counterpart, this Pinterest-approved dupe is a makeup-skincare hybrid that offers medium to full coverage color correction with a natural finish that blends seamlessly into the skin. It's armored with a slew of skin-enhancing ingredients including anti-aging peptides, along with color correcting micro-pigments to conceal redness, dark circles and restore radiance to the skin.
$13.99 at Ulta
MORE: The Best Contouring Kits for Every Skill Level
5. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation vs. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation
Image courtesy of Sephora
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is the gold standard base for a luminous glow with buildable coverage that never cakes or creases. The silky formula evens out skin tone and its lightweight texture allows you to customize the coverage level without pilling or breaking up in problem areas. Makeup artists love this hydrating foundation because it instantly even the skin, blurs pores, and soften the appearance of fine lines without leaving excess oil and grease behind.
$47 at NARS
Image courtesy of Ulta
Neutrogena isn't exactly the "cool girl" on the block when it comes hyped products and a regular rotation of new launches and fancy PR endeavors. However, this brand really does have some tried-and-true gems in their arsenal (and apparently some solid dupes). According to Redditors and several YouTube reviews, their Healthy Skin Foundation gives a similar skin-like effect that the Nars foundation is famous for. Another bonus? Unlike its pricier counterpart, this one has an SPF of 20.
$13.99 at Ulta
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