My favorite foundations under $10

I’ve been trying out a lot of foundations lately.

A. Lot.

Most of the foundations I’ve tried have been ok. A few have been really good. Here are some really good and inexpensive foundations, grouped by brand, in no particular order.

Rimmel

Back in the day, I was a huge snob about Rimmel, as I’ve mentioned before. I’ve tried these foundations and I’ve changed my mind.

I have full reviews of the Lasting Finish and the Stay Matte. Tl;dr I like them a lot, though I’m still bitter about the lack of pump on the Lasting Finish.

Maybelline

Maybelline FitMe Matte + Poreless Foundation: I reviewed this foundation as part of a drugstore fail post awhile ago, and I may have been a bit hasty. Even though I hated it I traded in my shade for something that matched my skintone a little closer, and after wearing it with different primers and powders and in different environmental settings, I understand now why this is such a holy grail product for some people. I can’t wear it for an extended period of time when it’s hot or I’m sweaty, but it’s a nice everyday foundation. Someone who doesn’t have oily skin and/or sweats less than I do wouldn’t have a problem. Though, no pump.

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation: This was a complete surprise. I bought it on a whim even though I’ve never heard anything about it. I know enough to avoid the other Dream Mousse, the velvet one, but this one was totally flying under the radar. It went on smoothly, blended out nicely, and filled in my pores and covered some other texture on my skin. The night I wore it was humid and I was walking around the city with my nephew, but it didn’t slide off my face. I still looked pretty good when I got home after about six hours of wear.

e.l.f

Flawless Finish Foundation: I know this is one that gets a lot of praise so I’ll be brief; I like it. It is good. The price is nice. You should consider it.

Milani

Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation Concealer: This is a bit of a polarizing product; I think you either love it or hate it, and I happen to love it. The packaging feels far more expensive than the $9.99 price tag, including this cool pump with the little finger groove thingy. The product is full coverage but doesn’t feel heavy on my skin, and it doesn’t emphasize texture. The finish isn’t quite as matte as I generally prefer but it doesn’t look too shiny. Overall this is a nice product for when I’m having technical difficulties with my skin.

And last but definitely not least…

Wet ‘N Wild

PhotoFocus Foundation: I’m pretty sure this foundation is universally loved by the beauty community. When it was released last winter people lost their minds over it; how could a product this cheap really perform this well? WHAT IS THIS SORCERY?!! I don’t understand it either but I’m not about to question the magic. It smells a little like paint and that’s a bit unsettling, and I haven’t quite decided whether or not I like the little spatula thing even after a bunch of uses, but I can’t really complain about this. The shade range is good, it blends nicely, it doesn’t feel heavy or look cakey. It’s a great everyday foundation, even for my oily skin.

So if you’re in the market for an inexpensive but good quality foundation, these are my top picks. Did I miss anything that you guys love? Do you loathe some of my choices? I’d love to hear what you have to say!