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There’s no one we trust more with beauty recommendations than makeup artists. The professionals always know best! If you’re looking to find new products to add to your beauty routine, whether they be new launches or old cult-favorites, it’s always good to get an expert’s opinion.
The struggle is real when it comes to finding high-quality makeup, especially foundation, at an affordable cost. There are just so many products on the market! Lucky for you, we did a little research and reached out to some of the best locally-based and celebrity makeup artists (like the ones responsible for Katy Perry’s Met Gala look) to find out which affordable foundations they absolutely love, under $20.
Here are their cheap foundation recommendations:
Trublend Matte Made Liquid Foundation ($8.49)
“I wanted Katy Perry’s skin to have a matte finish [for the Met Gala] so we could control the highlights on the rest of her face. The new COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made foundation was perfect for this because it would stay on all night but also be comfortable, while giving her that matte finish we were going for. It really gave the perfect smooth canvas to let her eyes and lips stand out and glow. She looked very heavenly and ethereal – perfect for tonight’s theme!”
--Michael Anthony, Celebrity Makeup Artist
"We wanted her skin to be ethereal for the theme but matte photos, so I used a big thick fluffy brush from the center of her face and worked my way out. I started from the middle to provide coverage and then blended it to the edges to create a subtle glow.”
--Joanna Simkin, Celebrity Makeup Artist
EX1 Cosmetics Liquid Foundation ($20)
Celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff, whose clients include Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston, and Kerry Washington, often boasts on Instagram about EX1 Cosmetics Liquid Foundation. The luminous foundation is lightweight and super blendable.
L'Oreal® Paris True Match Makeup Super Bendable Foundation W1 Porcelain ($7.89)
“The first step in looking amazing on camera is to pick the correct foundation shade. I love L’oréal Paris’ True Match Super Blendable Makeup because it has such an extensive range of shades. This collection has been a staple in my kit for years because the formula goes on nicely and gives you that radiant, second-skin look, which should always be your end goal when applying foundation. One of my biggest tips is to apply foundation to skin that is a little damp from moisturizer; it helps with blending and makes foundation look natural.”
--Sir John, L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist
Maybelline® Dream Liquid® Mousse Foundation 70 Pure Beige 1 Fl Oz ($6.49)
Ashley Leoncini, makeup artist and owner of Philly Hair Hair & Makeup Co. swears by Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation for its amazing airbrush, full-coverage look. The formula is made for long-wear up to 16 hours.
Maybelline® FIT ME!® Matte + Poreless Foundation ($5.99)
Maybelline's FIT ME foundation absorbs oil all day for a flawless, poreless finish. "For clients with oily skin, my favorite drugstore foundation is the Maybelline FIT ME! Matte + Poreless Foundation."
--Ashley Leoncini, Makeup Artist and Owner of Philly Hair Hair & Makeup Co.
Neutrogena® Skin Clearing Liquid Makeup 60 Natural Beige ($9.19)
"It's slim picking when it comes to a foundation that actually treats acne-prone and acne-scarred skin. This foundation mimics the skin's appearance while disguising and clearing blemishes and acne scarring.”
--Edward Cruz, NYC-Based Makeup Artist
Mehron Makeup Celebre Pro-HD Cream Face & Body Makeup ($16.59)
"As a celebrity makeup artist, I swear by Mehron Celebrè Pro HD Foundation for so many reasons. First off, it’s Vegan, which is rare in any cosmetics these days. It contains natural preservatives like Pomegranate, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, so it never spoils. It’s oil free, paraben free, and fragrance-free, so I never have to worry about my clients having a reaction to it. It’s silicone-based and gives the perfect skin finish and is extremely long wearing. It’s also a cream which makes it versatile for any job I’m doing. I can get full coverage, use it as concealer, or sheer it out to a tinted moisturizer look. It’s been designed for a professional makeup artist but is also easy enough for any consumer to apply. And the VERY best part is that a single shade (25g) retails for only $14.50! Simply amazing!"
--Megan Hill, Makeup Artist & Mehron Educator