These 12 Affordable Foundations Are Just as Good as Their Expensive Counterparts

Makeup Artist: Tobi Henney

Celebrity Clients: Ashley Graham, Poppy Delevingne, Barbara Palvin, Bambi Northwood Blyth, Georgia Fowler, Ashlee Simpson

Number of Shades: 48

"For normal to dry skin, my go-to affordable foundation is this luminous formula from L'Oréal, which creates a more sheer finish with a dewy effect. It reminds me of Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation with a much cheaper price tag. I like to apply this foundation with a dense type of brush; my go-to is It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 (£39). Then, I like to blend the product in to look even more natural with a damp Beautyblender (£18). This is also where you can build up the coverage in certain areas of the face, depending on how you like the finish."

Makeup Artist: Denise Madrigal

Celebrity Clients: Hilary Duff, Lea Michele, Olivia Holt, Julianne Hough

Number of Shades: 36

"This affordable foundation is one of my favourites!" Madrigal exclaims. "NYX Cosmetics, thank you for makeup inclusivity and all these shades of goodness. This lightweight formula is technically intended for combination skin, but it is also safe for sensitive skin types. It offers a lightweight formula but is buildable, and the colour stays true for up to 24 hours of wear. This formula comes in a matte finish, so this is great for oily skin, and I recommend applying it with your favourite makeup sponge."

Makeup Artist: Michael Ashton

Celebrity Clients: Adele, Amber Heard, Bebe Rexha, Elle Macpherson, Eva Herzigova, Hilary Swank, Keira Knightley, Penélope Cruz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Number of Shades: 14

"When it comes to a foundation formula that won’t break the bank but will deliver on performance, this option from Revlon is a fantastic and affordable option. A lot of affordable foundations can be a little on the heavy side, which leaves the skin with a one-dimensional finish. The great thing about this formula is it has buildable coverage, but it still lets enough natural texture show through so the skin looks healthy and radiant.

"I always like to start applying foundation to moisturised skin using a medium-sized synthetic buffing brush to polish the product onto the face, starting in the centre and working outward. Then, I’ll warm the product on the back of my hand and go back in using my fingers to pat the product on areas where I need a little more coverage, which is generally around the nose, across the cheeks, and around the chin and lips."

Number of Shades: 27

"This affordable foundation by L'Oréal is one of the best. I love L'Oréal because they have so many different formulas depending on what kind of finish you prefer—one that's more matte (pictured above) and one that's more glowy. This makes it a great option for both oily and dry skin types.

"All of their formulas offer great coverage, while still being buildable. I'd definitely recommend applying either of these with a flat, dense foundation brush for the best results, and each tube comes in under £15!"

Number of Shades: 22

"Maybelline's best-of-the-best formula offers a variety of shades, undertones, and finishes, which I appreciate as a makeup artist," says Madrigal. "This affordable foundation is more medium coverage but still allows for buildable coverage without calling up or setting into fine lines, and it's actually my personal go-to backup foundation for myself.

"I will also use this on my clients when they're looking for coverage, but something that doesn't feel heavy on the skin. To create an airbrushed finish, use a beauty sponge. For a more affordable option, Real Techniques sells a sponge for a fraction of the price of the leading brand!"

Number of Shades: 40

As far as affordable foundations go, we reckon that getting a smaller-sized version of a more expensive formula counts. This mini version of the cult TirTir cushion foundation gives you the same amazing coverage and portable packaging—just smaller! With this, you have a lot of control, thanks to the handy sponge applicator, so it's easy to make the coverage look sheer and natural or full glam.

Makeup Artist: Vincent Oquendo

Celebrity Clients: Lily Collins, Winnie Harlow, Tessa Thompson, Karlie Kloss, Sasha Lane, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elsa Hosk, Olivia Culpo

Number of Shades: 36

"My go-to affordable foundation is this one from E.l.f. Cosmetics because it has a semi-matte finish and is great for helping textured skin look smooth and radiant.

"I love to start by applying the foundation with a fluffy, tapered blush brush and really buffing it into the skin. Then I take a wet Beautyblender and press into the skin to really allow the foundation to melt into the complexion."

Number of Shades: 36

"This foundation is just so, so good. Even though I own too many luxury foundations to count, I find myself reaching for this affordable one from The Ordinary so much. I've also noticed I receive the most skin compliments when I'm wearing it. It's lightweight, applies effortlessly, and makes my skin look so bright and healthy. As far as affordable foundations go, it's truly the gift that keeps on giving." — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor

Number of Shades: 15

There's honestly nothing better than a stellar multitasking makeup product, especially when it costs £16. This affordable foundation is my first pick when it comes to an impeccable and purse-friendly option. It's one part concealer and one part foundation and helps curb the voracious appetite of dark circles, redness, and other skin saboteurs we try to diminish.

Number of Shades: 10

"This illuminating, affordable foundation is one of our all-time faves and provides impeccable, long-lasting coverage that literally gifts even the dullest of skin with a lit-from-within glow," says Ricketts. "Plus, we appreciate that our skin feels virtually naked whenever we wear it."

Number of Shades: 34

"If you want a foundation that really lasts, then this full-coverage foundation really holds its own against some of the fancier foundations that I have in my stash," says Ricketts. "The best thing about this is that longwear formulas tend to be drying, but this is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and niacinamide so your skin feels nurtured and hydrated at the same time."

Number of Shades: 20

"A featherlight foundation that provides lightweight coverage, this delightful formulation from Maybelline really does defy its affordable price tag and feels like the more premium skin tints that have dominated the market of late," says Ricketts. "If you're a fan of the kind satiny, sheeny coverage that offers the illusion that you're not really wearing any makeup, then this will be right up your street. Infused with vitamin C, it glides onto skin to diffuse uneven texture, bring down redness and minimise dark circles while allowing your natural skin to shine through."