Last Updated on 01/09/2023
Foundation is definitely a must-have in your vanity! We all love drugstore makeup. They’re affordable and work equally well. If you’re into cruelty free makeup, here is a list of the 10 best cruelty-free foundation that is super affordable! There are also vegan drugstore picks.
Performance Summary
| Best Overall | Milani 2 in 1 |
| Best Coverage | Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop |
| Long Lasting | Covergirl TruBlend |
| Hydrating Foundation | Colourpop Pretty Fresh |
| Skin Like Finish | Catrice HD |
10 Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Foundation
Things to Consider
These foundation are tested for various features. Here is what we took in consideration.
- Coverage
- Blendability
- Shade inclusiveness
- Lasting power
- Flashback
- Transfer-proof, Smudge-proof
- Waterproof, sweatproof
- Finish
Tips
- If you’ve visible pores, go for a good primer prior to any foundation. This ensures no sinking-in and patchiness.
- Have combination to oily skin. Set it with a translucent powder. It will last long without creasing.
- Some of the brands offer shade finders which are quite helpful. So do give them a go if you’re confused about your exact match.
- Go for a creamy foundation if you have mature skin. It won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Avoid powder foundation as it makes you appear visibly older than you really are.
Let’s get started!
Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation
- USP – SPF18, Suitable for mature skin, Breathable lightweight, Pump dispenser
- Coverage – Buildable
- Finish – Natural dewy
- Texture – Creamy
- Lasts – Long
- Suitable for – Dry, normal skin
It is a lightweight and creamy foundation that is suitable for mature skin. Because it won’t sink into your pores or fine lines making you appear patchy or visually older. The foundation doesn’t feel like a mask. The coverage is medium. It covers unevenness, acne marks, and blemishes easily. But still appears natural.
Stays put throughout the day even when it is hot outside. The finish is natural and luminous. There is a glow. Dry skin will love this foundation a little more because of the dewy look. It is buildable and didn’t act up while blending. The pump makes it easy to gauge how much of the product is actually needed.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Suitable for mature skin
- Pump dispenser
Cons:
- More shades, please
Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation
- USP – 50 Shades, Vegan
- Coverage – Full
- Finish – Demi matte
- Texture – Cream
- Lasts – Long lasting
- Suitable for – Oily/Combo skin
MUR launched their foundation in whopping 42 shades! A drugstore brand offering such a great shade range is remarkable & impressive. It was introduced after the popular Conceal and Define Concealer. I remember getting the concealer during its launch. I was confused if I picked the right shade! If you’re wondering, loved it totally.
Generally, I like getting mascara upon its release. You can’t have enough mascara. It expires within 6 months of opening and often gets misplaced. Is it me, am I the problem?
Back to the foundation, a little is all you need. Comes with a cool applicator aka the wand. Honestly makes applying so much more hassle-free. Wide inclusive shade range. The texture is creamy and glides on smooth. It provides full coverage. The finish is demi-matte which is a new word for a dewy and matte finish.
Use a primer or it sinks into the skin, appearing patchy. But a well-prepped base and you’re sorted.
Pros:
- Convenient wand applicator
- Creamy and lightweight
- 42 shades
- Vegan
- Full coverage
- Demi matte finish
- High pigmentation
Cons:
- Dries quickly
Milani Conceal & Perfect Foundation
- USP – Concealer and foundation duo, Waterproof, Clean ingredients
- Coverage – Great
- Finish – Natural dewy
- Texture – Creamy
- Lasts – Long
- Suitable for – Dry, normal skin
Available in 45 shades, this Milani foundation can also be used as a concealer. It is a lightweight foundation. As it is a dual product, the coverage is absolutely best. It actually conceals amazingly well. It goes on sheer and looks natural but radiant. A little dollop is all you need. It has a convenient pump bottle that makes it easy to use. Lasts well for the day.
However, on the flip side, it dries down quickly. So keep it in mind during application.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Clean ingredients
- Affordable
- Pump Bottle; convenient to use
- 45 shades
- Great coverage
Cons:
- Dries down quickly
Covergirl TruBlend Foundation
- USP – 40 Shades
- Coverage – Buildable
- Finish – Matte
- Texture – Smooth
- Lasts – Long lasting
- Suitable for – Oily/Combo skin
Great choice for oily and combination skin with 40 shades. It is a lightweight foundation that offers good coverage. Goes on smoothly and blends easily. It is buildable to full coverage. There is a pump dispenser that makes it easy to use. Overall a good inexpensive cruelty free matte foundation that works impressively well.
Covergirl has another variation of this foundation, TruBlend Liquid Makeup, which is suitable for you if you ain’t into matte foundation.
Pros:
- 40 shades
- Suitable for oily skin & acne prone skin
- Transfer proof
- Matte finish
- Lasts long
Cons:
- None
L.A Pro Illuminating Foundation
- USP – Well pigmented, No Oxidation
- Coverage – Buildable
- Finish – Luminous, dewy
- Texture – Smooth
- Lasts – Long
- Suitable for – Normal, Dry Skin
The coverage is amazing and buildable with a lovely natural dewy finish. Covers blemishes and marks easily. It doesn’t oxidize so don’t worry about that. The lasting power is impressive too. Although the actual number of hours depends on your skin type, climate, and other products used alongside.
This is a foundation for normal to dry skin as it is hydrating. Oily to combination skin people may find it to be oily. There is a matte variant if you’re interested.
Pros:
- Well pigmented
- Doesn’t oxidize
- Blends well
- Paraben free
- Pump dispenser
- No flashback
- Buildable full coverage
- Radiant, dewy finish
Cons:
- Fewer shades
Elf Flawless Satin Foundation
- USP – Vegan, 40 shades
- Coverage – Buildable
- Finish – Semmi matte, satin
- Texture – Smooth
- Lasts – Good
- Suitable for – Normal Skin
A vegan and cruelty-free foundation at an affordable price sums up this Elf baby in a line. It offers medium coverage that is easily buildable to full. The finish is slightly matte. It gives off more of a satin look. Lightweight with a nice pump dispenser. It has glycerin so it is hydrating. But if you have dry skin, hydrate your base before the foundation. Else it feels drying. You can try the elf Putty Primer.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 40 shades
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Blends nicely
- Nice medium buildable coverage
- Pump bottle
Cons
- Thick texture
Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Foundation
- USP – Light, Hydrating, Fragrance-free, Vegan, 42 shades
- Coverage – Buildable
- Finish – Natural
- Texture – Creamy
- Lasts – Long hours
- Suitable for – All
Dry skin, raise your hands. You gotta check out this affordable hyaluronic acid foundation. It is light and hydrating. Offers a beautiful medium coverage that is buildable. Blends beautifully and comes in 42 shades. Lasts well and good. Neither greasy nor drying. Perfect everyday creamy baby.
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
- Lightweight
- Has hyaluronic acid & coconut water for hydration
- Free of fragrance, alcohol & parabens
- 42 shades
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
- Natural finish
- Good for everyday usage
Cons
- None!
Catrice HD Natural Coverage Foundation
- USP – Lightweight, Clean & Green Beauty, Vegan, 23 shades
- Coverage – Natural full
- Finish – Matte
- Texture – Smooth
- Lasts – Throughout the day
- Suitable for – oily, combination, dry, normal skin
This foundation is like a second skin. Not even exaggerating. It is lightweight and gives a natural matte finish. Lasts throughout the day. The coverage is buildable to full yet natural. If you are someone who doesn’t like full coverage, you can always tone down the pigmentation by mixing in a nice moisturizer.
Pros:
- Dropper bottle
- Vegan
- Clean Beauty
- Doesn’t oxidize
- Free of paraben, oil & gluten
- Skin like finish
Cons:
- None
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
- USP – Waterproof, Inclusive (45 shades)
- Coverage – Buildable; Medium to Full
- Finish – Matte
- Texture – Creamy
- Lasts – Throughout the day
- Suitable for – Sensitive and Oily skin
NYX did an amazing job on this foundation with 45 whopping shades!! It is a great drugstore foundation for regular wear. The coverage is buildable. It covers the blemishes and unevenness without being cakey. Lasts well throughout the day. The texture is creamy and goes on smooth. However, while blending make sure to act quickly before it dries down.
Pros:
- Vegan
- 45 shades
- Transfer proof
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- Dries down quickly
There you go! These are some of the best-performing cruelty free foundation in the drugstore category currently. They’re affordable and do their job pretty well. Which is your pick? Did you find your favorite on the list?
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Hi there! Such a good article, thanks!
I only have 3 foundations in my collection right now and I keep using only the Burt’s Bees one 🙂