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One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to makeup is that you need to spend a hefty amount on foundation. Thankfully, beauty evolves with time, and we now have some seriously game-changing affordable formulas on the market. If you think otherwise, let us be the ones to tell you that amazing formulas exist outside of luxury lines. A high price tag on a bottle doesn't mean a foundation will work for your unique skin.
Powerhouse makeup brand Maybelline has been leading the way with innovative formulas that do the skin right, not to mention its makeup team creates some of the dreamiest, most outrageously beautiful looks during fashion week with all drugstore products. Its foundations cover a lot of ground: often shade-inclusive, with skin benefits that have been tested by dermatologists. What's even better is that these are all under $15, so cop a few and get to testing.
We spoke to makeup artists Keita Moore and Ashley Donovan about their favorite formulas. Here’s our complete guide to the best Maybelline foundations, based on your skin type.
Meet the Expert
- Keita Moore is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Nicki Minaj, Tiffany Haddish, Iman, Mariah Carey, and many more. His work has appeared on red carpets and in and magazines such as InStyle and Out.
- Ashley Donovan has worked with celebrity clients such as Chrissy Metz, Jennifer Nettles, and Sugarland. Her makeup artistry has also appeared in Billboard and Variety.
Best For Dry Skin: Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid Foundation
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"I’ve done some close work with Maybelline as of recently and I have to say that their foundations combat some of the best of them that are deemed 'high end,'" says Moore. His favorite is the Dream Radiant Liquid Foundation, which he describes as "rich, smooth, emollient, and goes on like luxury." If you deal with dry skin, you'll especially love this extra-moisturizing foundation that'll cloak your skin with its star ingredient: hyaluronic acid. Because of its hydrating benefits, it has a silky finish so you'll be able to trick your skin into looking radiant even when you're tired.
Best for Mature Skin: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Radiant Firming Foundation
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A foundation that takes preventative measures for fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging is hard to come by. You can depend on goji berry and caffeine to give this liquid formula a youthful kick while working together to keep your skin supple and firm. It also contains SPF 18 to lower the risk of skin cancer in mature skin.
"If you're going to be at an event where the cameras will be flashing, look at ingredients that may cause flashback," says Moore. "If you're taking pictures, you may want to skip foundations with SP, talcum, or Silica."
Best for Combination Oily and Dry Skin: Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation
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"For combination oily and dry I use Superstay Full Coverage Foundation," says Moore. "It's a full coverage matte formula that’s amazing for giving a BEAT and also for taking great pictures." This no-BS foundation is for those who don't shy away from full coverage. A few pumps will cloak your skin with a flawless veil of pigment that claims to last a full day. Essentially, it's an Instagram filter in a bottle so imagine the future selfies.
Best for Dry Skin: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
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Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to let go of your glow. Moore says that this is his go-to for clients who need extra hydration. This luminous formula is perfect for getting out of a funk on those dreary, cloudy days. It glides right onto your skin and is perfect for smoothing any testy areas on your face. It's also infused with SPF 18, so those sun rays have a lower chance of getting you.
"My favorite Maybelline foundation is the Fit Me range," says Donovan. "The wide shade selection makes it easy to find your perfect match at an affordable price. It’s a lightweight but buildable natural coverage."
Best for Oily Skin: Maybelline FitMe Shine Free Foundation Stick
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This foundation stick is made for those blessed with extra-shiny skin. The compact style of this gel-based foundation makes swiping it on any problem areas easy. It tones down extra oil with its anti-shine powder and has a comfortable matte finish.
Best for All Skin Types: Maybelline SuperStay Multiuse Foundation Stick
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When time slips away from you and you need a product that gets multiple jobs done fast, this is the one. You can cover, conceal, contour, and highlight your skin with this multitasking product that makes life a little simpler. And it gets better: This dual-sided stick comes with a precise makeup sponge so you can ditch the brush. It has a creamy texture so blending is easy.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation
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This formula promises the perfect marriage of skincare and foundation. Mixed with titanium dioxide sunscreen and skin-perfecting ingredients, this foundation promotes better skin in three weeks, according to the brand, and works to reduce the look of blemishes.
Best for All Skin Types: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
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This is Maybelline's best-selling BB cream for a reason. Leave cakey finishes behind and try this sheer, glowy veil of goodness that works to put your skin first. Plus, it has loads of SPF. "As with any foundation, properly prepping and priming for you skin type and concerns is a crucial step to ensure a flawless application," notes Donovan.
Best For Oily Skin: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
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"Its best to combat oily with matte so I reach for Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation," says Moore. Nip shine in the bud with this mattifying foundation fit for all skin tones. It's made with micro-powders, which magically diminish the look of large pores and give your skin a seamless, your-skin-but-better look. It's available in 40 shades, so two snaps for inclusivity.
Up next, your official guide to applying liquid foundation.
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