And the best drugstore foundation is… $9 L'Oreal True Match ranks number one in a round-up of the top ten budget buys 

  • The foundations were rated according to reviewers, bloggers and beauty editors

By Annabel Fenwick Elliott for MailOnline

At only $9, L'Oreal True Match is the best drugstore foundation money can buy, according to experts and rookies alike.

Based on Rank & Style's algorithms - which scour the web and then amalgamate user reviews, beauty editor picks, blogger endorsements, general buzz and celebrity favorites - there are ten drugstore foundations, all under $15, that stand above the rest.

Giants such as CoverGirl, Maybelline and Neutrogena fall closely behind L'Oreal, but a few lesser known brands make the cut too; including Physicians Formula and E.L.F.

The winner: L'Oreal's $9 True Match 'super blendable' foundation lives up to it's name, and is favored for being silky, versatile and non-pore clogging, so its great for zit-prone skin

The winner: L'Oreal's $9 True Match 'super blendable' foundation lives up to it's name, and is favored for being silky, versatile and non-pore clogging, so its great for zit-prone skin

Nabbing the top spot in the frugal foundation stakes: L'Oreal's True Match super blendable make-up. According to the general consensus - rounded up by the aforementioned algorithms - it scores highly for being 'super silky' and allowing wearers to 'customize their coverage.'

It is also a winner on the zit-avoidance front, lauded for containing no oils or 'pore-clogging fillers.' 

The runner up prize goes to CoverGirl's Clean Whipped Creme foundation, a snip at $6 and a consistent favorite among beauty editors for being 'breathable' and 'super natural.' 

Consumer reviewers praise its 'light' and 'airy' feel. Despite an excellent score card, CoverGirl is discontinuing this product, so get it online while you still can.

Runner up: CoverGirl's Whipped Creme scored highly for its 'light' and 'airy' feel, with reviewers praising its breathable and 'super natural' finish - a snip at $6

Runner up: CoverGirl's Whipped Creme scored highly for its 'light' and 'airy' feel, with reviewers praising its breathable and 'super natural' finish - a snip at $6

Second and third: Maybelline's Fit Me foundation (left) is popular among those with dry skin, for its 'radiant' and 'dewy' finish, while Neutrogena's $11 Healthy Skin Enhancer (right) scored highly for mature skin

In at number three is Maybelline's Fit Me foundation, which does very well in user reviews. It costs $7 and boasts a 'translucent base.' Users with dry skin celebrate its 'radiant' and 'dewy' finish. 

But oily T-zones beware: many reviewers complained it made their skin greasy.

Neutrogena takes the fourth spot on the list with its Healthy Skin Enhancer tinted moisturizer, best suited for more mature skin. 

It contains Retinol, which is ideal for 'smoothing fine lines' and is SPF 20. These are the sorts of ingredients you'll find in much more expensive brands, so at $11, it's a bargain.

Fourth and fifth: CoverGirl+Olay's $15 Tone Rehab 2-in-1 formula (left) has been praised for its good coverage and toning properties, while Revlon's $10 ColorStay (right) is popular for its long-lasting credentials 

Sitting in the middle at number five; two brands work together to function as both a serum and a foundation; CoverGirl and Olay. This Tone Rehab 2-in-1 concoction has been praised for 'actually improving overall skin tone' while providing good coverage. 

At $15, it's the most expensive of the lot, but seems to do well with customers and beauty editors far and wide.

Revlon CoverStay for combination/oily skin comes in at number six for its oil-free formula and yes, good staying power. 

Its SoftFlex component also means it doesn't rub off on clothing. It costs $10, and has also been discontinued, but you can still buy it on Amazon.

Sixth and seventh: Almay's $10 Smart Shade CC  Complexion Corrector (left) has SPF 30, unusual in cheaper brands, and Physicians Formula's Organic Tinted Moisturizer (right) is free of nasties and not tested on animals

Both a bestseller and an editor's top pick, Almay's Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector takes the number seven spot costing $10. 

THE TOP TEN DRUGSTORE FOUNDATIONS

 

1.  L'Oreal True Match, $9

2.  CoverGirl Clean Whipped Creme, $6

3.  Maybelline Fit Me, $7

4.  Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer, $11

5.  CoverGirl+Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1, $15

6.  Revlon ColorStay, $10

7.  Almay's Smart Shade CC Cream, $10

8. Physicians Formula's Organic Wear 100%         Natural Origin Tinted Moisturizer, $12

9. Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation,         $10

10. E.L.F Mineral Foundation, $5

It boasts SPF 30, the highest of the top ten, and is singled out as being a good option for sensitive skin.

In at number eight is Physicians Formula's Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Tinted Moisturizer, a bit of a mouthful.

It costs $12 and contains no harsh chemicals or fancy lab-produced ingredients, but according to reviews, it still does its job. Eco-friendly and not tested on animals, it's a great option for the extra caring consumer.

CoverGirl makes its third appearance in the top ten, this time with its $10 Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation, in at number nine. 

The beauty of this one is said to lie in its convenience; combining a primer and a concealer with its foundation. It scores particularly highly for oily skin, but those with dry complexions have warned against it.

Last but not least, and cheapest of the lot, E.L.F's Mineral Foundation; loved for its 'weightless' feel and its pure list of ingredients. 

One reviewer claimed she was 'surprised by this gem,' but its coverage is very light and reviewers say its staying power isn't great.

Ninth and tenth: Covergirl's $10 Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation scores points for convenience, and E.L.F's Mineral Foundation is the cheapest at $5, praised for its 'weightless' feel

 

 

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