Celeb Makeup Artists Told Me Their Favorite Foundations Under $20—Here's the Reveal

"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 drugstore 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 for a flawless end result, but it still lets enough natural texture show through so the skin looks healthy and radiant. "I always like to start applying foundation to moisturized skin using a medium-sized synthetic buffing brush to polish the product onto the face, starting in the center 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." — Michael Ashton, celebrity makeup artist

Pros: Affordable, buildable coverage, looks natural on the skin, 31 shades

Cons: None

Key Specs: 0.75 oz., oil-free

"This drugstore foundation by L'Oréal is one of the best. I love it because it's available in two 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."Both 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!" — Denise Madrigal, celebrity makeup artist

Pros: Available in two different formulas, provides a 24-hour matte finish, oil-free, feather-light texture

Cons: May be too drying for some skin types

Key Specs: 1 oz., oil-free

This is a top pick among celebrity makeup artists and editors. Who What Wear assistant beauty editor Maya Thomas loves this one for its shade range, you can take a peek below at what makeup artists had to say about it.

"Maybelline's best-of-the-best formula offers a variety of shades, undertones, and finishes, which I appreciate as a makeup artist. Just like the L'Oréal foundation, it comes in two different formulas, mattifying and hydrating. This 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!" — Madrigal

"[The] Maybelline Fit Me Foundation has an incredible shade range and it has beautiful coverage and I love to buff it in with my Trademark Beauty Foundation Brush for the most flawless skin without the price tag!" — Tobi Henney, celebrity makeup artist

"I love that it lasts all day and stays matte which is really beautiful." — Judi Gabbay, celebrity makeup artist

Pros: Great for oily and combination skin types, comes in two different formulas, great shade range

Cons: May be too matte for some

Key Specs: 1 oz., matte formula, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free

"This drugstore foundation is also one of my favorites! Nyx Cosmetics, thank you for makeup inclusivity and these 45 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 color 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 favorite makeup sponge." — Madrigal

Pros: Full coverage, infused with vitamin E, noncomedogenic

Cons: May be too matte for some

Key Specs: 1 oz., vitamin E, full coverage

"My go-to drugstore foundations are the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation ($9) and the E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation. The E.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation is also a favorite because it has a semi-matte finish and is great for helping textured skin look smooth and radiant. With both foundations, 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." — Vincent Oquendo, celebrity makeup artist

Pros: Super affordable, buildable coverage, semi-matte finish, 40 shades

Cons: Not fragrance-free

Key Specs: Glycerin for skin hydration, medium-to-full coverage

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon once told me she loves this foundation because it provides natural coverage and has a great shade range.

Pros: Provides natural-looking coverage, fragrance-free, locks in hydration

Cons: Packaging could be better

Key Specs: 1 oz., vitamin E, hyaluronic acid

"There's honestly nothing better than a stellar multitasking makeup product, especially when it costs $12. This drugstore foundation is my first pick when it comes to an impeccable and affordable option that will quite literally make your face look flawless in two seconds flat. 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." — Erin Jahns, beauty director, Who What Wear

Pros: Concealer and foundation in one, waterproof and sweatproof, oil-free, natural matte finish

Cons: Tends to oxidize quite a bit

Key Specs: 1 oz., natural matte finish, medium-to-full coverage

Drew Barrymore is a low-key beauty fiend (just check out her IG for proof), so it was no surprise when she launched her own line of affordable beauty products. This illuminating drugstore foundation from the brand is one of our all-time faves and provides impeccable, long-lasting coverage that gifts even the dullest of skin with a lit-from-within glow. Plus, we appreciate that our skin feels virtually naked whenever we wear it.

Pros: Contains SPF 18 with a luminous finish

Cons: Can accentuate dryness in certain areas

Key Specs: 1 oz., medium-to-buildable coverage, luminous finish

"This iconic foundation formula from Revlon has been around forever, and just like some of its affordable drugstore counterparts, it comes in two different formulas to cater to different skin types: normal/dry or oily/combo. I used to wear it in high school, and my former beauty editor co-worker Lindsey Metrus at Byrdie still swears by it to this day. It looks good for a full 24 hours (though we hope you don't ever have to wear a full face of foundation for that long), has a helpful dose of SPF 20, and is super buildable, so you can easily customize your coverage. I recommend using a Beautyblender or your fingers since your body's natural warmth helps the foundation melt into the skin seamlessly. In fact, we actually think the finish looks better and better the longer it sits on your skin. No kidding." — Jahns

"It's so good, it's shocking." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor, Who What Wear

Pros: Oil-free, provides up to 24 hours of wear, breathable and buildable, natural finish

Cons: Formula changed recently

Key Specs: 1 oz., oil-free, natural finish, hyaluronic acid

Who What Wear associate beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock loves this foundation from Covergirl. It gives you an all-day glow and is infused with incredibly hydrating ingredients like aloe and coconut milk.

Pros: Gives skin a healthy glow, light coverage, very hydrating

Cons: More like a skin tint than a foundation

Key Specs: 1 oz., coconut milk, aloe, light coverage

Both Gabbay and Henney love this liquid filter from E.l.f. Cosmetics.

"I love how this product is a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter. It gives a radiant glow to the skin and is such a staple for Summer when you don't want to wear a heavy base." — Henney

"This product is incredible as a base with a few dots of foundation to add to a dewy makeup base. I love the bronze glow and it's probably one of my fave drugstore products of all time." — Henney