We all know the struggle when shopping for foundation—finding the perfect consistency, finish or coverage, but realizing it's a bit too chalky or too orange for your taste. Or worse, too expensive. But worry not, foundation foragers, because below we've rounded up a list of affordable, hardworking coverage for you—so you don't have to.
Shade range: 9 shades
An unusual finish/consistency, like creme to powder, may be unfamiliar to many Filipinas. But give this compact base a chance because it goes on really smoothly and the matte finish is more velvety than cakey.
IMAGE Sleek Makeup
SLEEK MAKEUP Creme to Powder Foundation, P695, SM Beauty Store Makati
Shade range: 10 shades
For those who are foundie newbies or hate the heavy feeling on the skin, try a powder—Ellana's Loose Mineral Foundation was made for Filipina skin, too, and it's talc-free so if you're worried about breakouts, this won't trigger any. Our tip? Best used after concealing.
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ELLANA MINERAL COSMETICS Loose Mineral Foundation, P499, EllanaMinerals.com
Shade range: 10
The winner in the price + shade range equation, Maybelline's Fit Me Matte + Poreless is a cult fave and considered the best for many. Because the shades include warm, neutral and cool, this really is a foundation meant for everybody and every skintone.
IMAGE Maybelline
MAYBELLINE FitMe Matte + Poreless Foundation, P399, department stores
Shade Range: 10
This is creamier than the usual liquids in tubes. It finishes matte but leaves your skin looking soft, super smooth and poreless—what more could we ask for? Their shades have both warm AND cool, so yellow-toned girls need not worry about the usual drugstore pinkish coloring. Watch out for some ingredients, however, some people are sadly allergic to the slippery product called dimethicone.
IMAGE L'Oreal Paris
L'OREAL INFALLIBLE Pro-Matte Foundation, P700, SM Beauty Stores
Shade range: 16
The most number of shades goes to Revlon! For those who prefer full coverage, this is for you. Its consistency is runnier than the rest but it's supposedly the longest lasting—as long as 24 hours. We don't know why anybody would wear makeup that long, though—please don't do it!
IMAGE Revlon
REVLON Colorstay Foundation, P795, department stores