If you’re a local around these parts, none of these will come as much of a surprise. For the most part, they are old favourites I’ve been using for months or even years, and are all no-brainer options when I just need something that works. Most of them are extremely affordable and available at either Clicks, Dischem or both. In no particular order, here are my favourite drugstore foundations:
Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream
Finish: Natural, skin-like
Coverage: Medium
Sun protection: SPF 15
Best for: All skin types*
Price: R210
This is probably the foundation that I recommend most often to people, and one of the few beauty products that has appeared in multiple monthly favourites posts (for both of us). It suits lots of different skin types, it covers blemishes and uneven skin tone without creating a mask on the face, and it’s very lightweight and not too make-upy, so it’s ideal for beauty newbies or people who don’t like the look of makeup but still need a little coverage. It’s a total crowd pleaser – you can’t go wrong. The only downside? Rubbish shade selection.
L’Oréal Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation
Finish: Matte, slightly heavy
Coverage: Medium
Sun protection: None
Best for: Oily skin
Price: R200 (currently on promotion at Clicks for R140)
Let me start by saying that this foundation isn’t for everyone. It’s very specifically targeted at gals (or guys. No judgies) with oily skin because it’s insanely mattifying; bordering on drying. However, if you fit the bill it’s a budget miracle-worker and seriously stays put, making it great for long, hot days or nights. It does have a tendency to look a little heavy (like, you can see it on your face, this isn’t one of those “invisible” foundations) but I get around that by using a good moisturiser underneath and applying with a very damp sponge so it gets thinned out a little. You can then build it up where you need it or even mix in a little lightweight facial oil if you’d like a more emollient texture.
Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation
Finish: Natural, skin-like, slightly luminous
Coverage: Medium
Sun protection: None
Best for: All skin types*
Price: R200 (currently on promotion at Clicks for R156)
Ah, my beloved. Camilla and I are utterly obsessed with this foundation and regularly comment to each other about how good it is – it is 100% luxury brand quality at an affordable price. It’s a proper, grown-up foundation and by that I mean it’s silky and smooth and applies like a dream, giving you solid medium coverage. This ain’t no tinted moisturiser; this is for those days when you’re wearing a full face of makeup. That’s not to say that it’s heavy (because it isn’t – it looks beautiful on the skin) but it’s not for foundation-phobes. I’m just going to say it: Holy grail status.
L.A. Girl Pro BB Cream
Finish: Natural, skin-like
Coverage: Sheer (not buildable)
Sun protection: None
Best for: Normal-oily skin
Price: R60
For those of you who are more into your tinted moisturisers, this is absolutely my favourite and has been for years. The coverage is sheer and in no way buildable so it’s perfect if you’re after just a hint of coverage or need a quick and easy weekend look. The shade range is massive and it is outrageously cheap, although it can be a struggle to find in stock as it’s rather popular. P.S. The brand’s Pro Coverage Illuminating Foundation launches in SA this month (supposedly a dupe for the MUFE Ultra HD Foundation) and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup
Finish: Natural, skin-like, verging on matte
Coverage: Light-medium (buildable)
Sun protection: None
Best for: Normal to oily skin
Price: R320
I dug this out of my stash the other day and had completely forgotten how good it was. Generally, I don’t go near stick foundations because they traditionally are on the heavy side (although modern formulas tend to be a lot better these days). This one, however, is light as a feather, blends like a dream and lasts all day. It looks really natural (like you aren’t wearing any foundation) and is great for travelling or carrying in your handbag for touch-ups. In fact, that’s really what it’s designed for but I think it works just as well as a full-on foundation.
*By “All skin types”, I mean both Camilla (dry skin) and I (oily skin) like and use these foundations so they should be suitable across the board.