14 Best Cruelty Free & Vegan Drugstore Foundation!!

Last Updated on 03/19/2022

Foundation is an essential part of the makeup routine. Definitely, a must-have in the vanity! Like many people, I also love drugstore makeup. They’re affordable and work equally well. If you’re into cruelty free makeup, here is a list of the 14 best drugstore foundation that is super affordable! I have also included vegan options.

14 Best Cruelty Free Mascara

Some of the brands offer shade finders which are quite helpful. For example, Colourpop Cosmetics. So do give them a go if you’re confused about your exact match. I’ve included a variety of affordable foundations. No matter what your preference is, you’ll most likely be able to find the right pick for you.

14 Top Rated Vegan Foundation

Let’s get started!

Covergirl Outlast Foundation

It is a good OG that is available in 13 shades. Covergirl has changed its packaging but it is still your old buddy in a new look. As the name suggests, it is a 3 in 1 product working as a foundation, primer & concealer. It has SPF 20, so that’s an added bonus.

The foundation is buildable & gives good coverage, mostly light to medium. It blends well and has good pigmentation. I like that it provides a matte finish. If you’re looking for a daily usage foundation, this one is a nice pick. You can wear it on a regular basis as it won’t feel heavy. Appears ‘natural’ after being worn, so doesn’t look like you have a mask on.

Covergirl has an alternative, Outlast Active Foundation which is waterproof (sweat & humidity-proof) and comes in 16 shades.

Pros:

• Looks natural
• SPF 20
• Good for regular usage

Cons:

• Limited shades

Buy at Ulta

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation

MUR launched their foundation in whopping 42 shades! A drugstore brand offering such a great shade range is remarkable & impressive. This foundation was introduced after their popular Conceal and Define Concealer. I remember grabbing the concealer during the initial launch, although I was puzzled selecting the right match for me! If you’re wondering, loved it totally.

Back to the topic, the foundation surely made a lot of buzz during its launch. It is also a vegan foundation at the drugstore price which provides effing FULL coverage. It is buildable, but you may appear cakey if over-applied. So do look out for that! You can use a sponge while applying, that keeps a check and blends beautifully.

Other than that, a lightweight foundation that won’t crease and last well is this baby. It settles to a matte finish.

Pros:

• 42 shades
• Vegan
• Lightweight
• Demi matte finish
• High pigmentation

Cons:

• Dries quickly

Buy at Ulta

Milani Conceal & Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation

Available in 45 shades, this Milani foundation can also be used as a concealer. It has a convenient pump bottle that makes it easy to use. Offers medium buildable coverage, you can achieve the full coverage without appearing cakey.

If you’ve visible pores, go for a good primer prior to this foundation. And if you’ve a combination to oily skin, set it with a translucent powder and it’ll last well and good. As a result, it won’t crease too. It is a lightweight foundation.

However, on the flip side, it dries down quickly. So keep it in mind during application. Also, this Milani foundation does somewhat oxidize.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Pump Bottle; convenient to use
• 45 shades
• Great coverage

Cons:

• Oxidizes
• Dries down quickly

Buy at Ulta

Covergirl TruBlend Foundation

It is a great go-to foundation that is buildable. The coverage is medium, though buildable. This is a matte foundation suitable for oily skin and even acne-prone skin.

Comes in 33 shades, this drugstore foundation is transfer-proof, meaning it won’t get everywhere! It blends easily and provides a nice finish. However, it doesn’t last up to 12H as per its claim; 6 to 7H at max. However, it is still a good foundation at an affordable price, especially if you are able to find the right match.

Covergirl has another variation of this foundation, TruBlend Liquid Makeup, which is suitable for you if you ain’t into the matte foundation.

Pros:

• Suitable for oily skin & acne prone skin
• Transfer proof
• Matte finish
• Lasts a couple of hours

Cons:  

• May oxidize

Buy at Ulta

L.A Pro Illuminating Foundation

I love the Instagram popular dewy look! It looks beautiful, well at least in the pictures. If you’re also into those looks, this Illuminating foundation is an affordable bet for you.

Perfect for the soft & dewy finish, this LA Pro foundation comes in 16 shades (including a white shade). It has a lightweight formula that provides full coverage. Also, it blends easily and settles to a healthy radiant finish.

This is a foundation for normal to dry skin as it is hydrating. Oily to combination skin people may find it makes their skin more oily. They do have a matte variant if you’re interested.

Pros:

• Paraben free
• Pump dispenser
• No flashback
• Buildable full coverage
• Radiant, dewy finish

Cons:

• Not for oily/combo skin

Buy at Ulta

Elf Flawless Finish

Currently available in 40 shades, this is a great pick for a drugstore foundation that is cruelty-free and vegan. As the name suggests, it gives a flawless finish & blends beautifully. With oil-free formula, you get kind of a dewy finish. Oily to combo skin people can skip this as the shine may peep through after some time or try it with the elf Putty Primer.

The coverage is medium and the formula is lightweight. Elf Flawless Finish has a thicker yet smooth consistency. So it does blend but with a bit of work. Looks beautiful and also lasts long. Great buy at just 6 bucks!

Pros:

• Cheap
• 40 shades
• Vegan
• Nice medium buildable coverage
• Pump bottle

Cons:

• Thick texture

Buy at Ulta

Colourpop No Filter Foundation

The Colourpop No Filter Foundation is available in 42 shades. If you’re on oily to combination skin type, you would love this. It blends perfectly and provides a beautiful natural finish. It is a lightweight foundation that is great for everyday usage. The coverage is buildable. It is smooth and well pigmented. Won’t look cakey!

Comes in a pump bottle, 1 to 2 pump is good to go. Give this a try, if you’re looking for a new matte foundation with a natural finish!

Pros:

• Vegan
• Suitable for all skin types
• 42 shades
• Lightweight
• Buildable coverage
• Natural finish
• Good for everyday usage

Cons:

• None!

Buy at Colurpop

Catrice HD Coverage

Just like the Colourpop foundation, it offers a skin like natural finish which we all crave for. I know healthy body standard it is, but I would love an even toned, spot free, radiant healthy looking skin. Won’t you too? That reminds me to remind you to keep yourself hydrated!

Coming back to the Catrice foundation, it is a great lightweight foundation for regular usage. Long lasting and feels comfortable. It settles to a semi matte soft finish and comes in 26 shades, offering light to medium coverage.

Pros:

• Dropper bottle
• Vegan
• Paraben, oil & alcohol free
• Natural finish (skin like)
• Stays put

Cons:

• None

Buy at Ulta

NYX Total Control Drop Foundation

Easy to use due to the dropper applicator, this NYX foundation is light and comes in 30 shades. It is a blendable foundation with a natural matte finish. This NYX foundation provides a sheer to medium coverage and is buildable. This means you can layer to build better coverage. It is nicely pigmented and lasts couple of hours. Also a best selling product by NYX. A little goes a long way is indeed true for this beauty. So a bottle would last you through.

Pros:

• Dropper applicator
• Vegan
• 30 shades
• Light

Cons:

• None

Buy at Ulta

Makeup Revolution Stick

Looking for a convenient to use foundation? Got you covered! This one is a light stick foundation by Revolution Beauty which provides a fresh, dewy look. It is a decent coverage foundation that comes in 18 shades. Blends well and goes on smooth.

Also, lasts long and easy to work with due to the stick. Yeah, saves your time too! You can use it as a contour and for highlighting. The stick makes it hassle-free. Go for it if you’re dry or normal skin type as it hydrates your skin. Talking about the finish, it is quite natural. You can build up the coverage too.

Pros:

• Vegan
• Dewy finish
• Stick foundation; convenient to use
• Affordable
• Medium buildable coverage
• Good for newbie
• Can be used for contour

Cons:

• Not for oily skin

Buy at Ulta

LA Girl PRO Matte

A matte foundation which has a slightly thick texture and offers a pretty good coverage, mostly medium to full, which lasts long. It comes in 16 colors and is best suited for oily to combination skin. This is a buildable foundation that has great pigmentation. However, if you’re super oily, use an amazing primer and you’re good to go!

Pros:

• Matte finish
• Cheap foundation
• Medium to full coverage
• Light weight

Cons:

• Limited shades

Buy at Ulta

Elf Acne Fighting Foundation

This is one of the best selling Elf foundation. With a limiting shade range, this foundation’s pro is that it actually helps with acne scars. An amazing lightweight foundation that won’t clog your pores. It offers good pigmentation that is long lasting. The pricing point is pretty cool too. The coverage is great and the finish is decent.

The only concern with this foundation is the limited shade range. Hopefully, they’ll add more.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Vegan
• Long lasting
• Helps with acne marks
• Suitable for acne prone skin

Cons:

• 6 shades only

Buy at Ulta

NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

NYX has a shade finder on their website which you can use if you’re unsure of your shade as it’s launched in 45 shades!! Can’t Stop Won’t Stop foundation offers full coverage and matte finish, all with a lightweight formula. It has a creamy texture and this foundation won’t clog your pores. This blends easily and lasts well throughout the day.

Pros:

• 45 shades
• Waterproof
• Lightweight
• Noncomedogenic
• Blends easily

Cons:

• None

Buy at Ulta

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

This is a serum foundation. So it is actually quite light and perfect for regular use. The coverage is decent with a high matte finish. It comes in a pump bottle with 21 shades to choose from. You’ll find it effortless to blend. All in all an affordable drugstore foundation for 6 bucks or so.

Pros:

• Vegan
• Quite light
• Decent coverage
• Pump dispenser
• Blends good

Cons:

• Nothing in particular

Buy at Ulta

Summary Table:

Foundation	Suitable for	Coverage	Finish	Shop Here
	Oily Skin Normal	Buildable (Medium to High)	Natural Matte	Shop at Ulta
	Every Skin Type	High (Buildable)	Demi-matte	Buy at Ulta
	Normal Dry	Full	Soft	Buy at Ulta
	Oily Skin Acne-prone	Buildable (Medium)	Matte	Buy at Ulta
	Dry Normal	Buildable	Dewy & Radiant	Buy at Ulta
	Every Skin	Medium	Flawless	Buy at Ulta
	Combo Oily Normal	Full	Natural Matte	Colourpop
	Oily Normal Acne Prone	High	Natural	Buy at Ulta
	1. Oily 2. Combo	Sheer to Full	Matte	Buy at Ulta
	1. Dry 2. Normal	Medium to Full	Natural	Buy at Ulta
	1. Oily 2. Combo	Medium	Matte	Buy at Ulta
	1. Oily 2. Acne Prone	Medium	Soft Natural	Buy at Elf
	1. Acne Prone 2. Oily	High	Matte	Buy at Ulta
	1. Normal 2. Dry	Decent	Natural	Buy at Ulta

There you go! These are some of the best performing cruelty free drugstore foundations currently. They’re affordable and do their job pretty well. Which is your pick? Did you find your favorite on the list?

x

Share on Pinterest!