In a world of BB creams and tinted moisturizers, the term “foundation” hardly ever gets thrown around anymore. That’s because this more traditional makeup product has seriously been upgraded over the years to products that include more skin-loving ingredients that moisturize the skin and make it look like it has a “filter effect,” vs. the foundations of our mother’s and grandmother’s time that appeared thicker, more weighted, and more cakey.
Best Foundations at Target at a Glance
- Best Overall: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser, $14
- Best Matte: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Oil Free Liquid Foundation, $9
- Best Tint: Pixi H20 Skintint Foundation, $24
- Best Budget: e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation, $6
- Most Hydrating: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation, $17
- Best Serum: L’Oreal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Makeup Skincare Hybrid, $16
- Best Stick: Thread Face It Complexion Stick, $9
- Best Splurge: tarte Face Tape Foundation, $42
So what makes a makeup product a foundation? Well, typically, foundations include medium to full coverage options, so you they’re great to wear during special events, photoshoots, or even just on a regular day when you want to hide acne scars, discoloration, or anything that’s irritating your skin. Foundations work more so to cover the surface of your skin, whereas BB creams and tinted moisturizers work like skincare with the bonus of coverage, but there are some foundations that still include skincare ingredients, which you’ll see below. So with that knowledge under your belt, here are a few of the best foundations available at Target that come with great coverage and an even better price tag.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
This foundation in a stick (plus SPF!) is a TikTok favorite for a reason. It’s made with collagen to help plump the skin’s surface and goes on so smooth for medium coverage that’s definitely buildable. This is kind of a concealer-foundation hybrid, since it can be used as both and is perfect for all skin types.
Shade range: 17
Key ingredients: SPF 20, ProVitamin B5
Type: Medium coverage
Pros
- Formulated with SPF
- Features anti-aging benefits
- Hybrid of a concealer and foundation
Cons
- Honestly, nothing!
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Oil Free Liquid Foundation
If oily skin and large pores are a problem for you, this is the foundation to add to your cart fast. It’s so good, on reviewer wrote, “This is my go-to foundation. Light but provides nice coverage. Even though I have sensitive, dry skin (and I’m 57 yrs old), using this product has never resulted in irritated or broken-out skin. Natural and glowy.” It comes in over 25 shades so you can find your perfect match.
Shade range: 40
Key ingredients: Not listed
Type: Medium coverage
Pros
- 40 different shades
- Matte finish
- Excellent medium coverage
Cons
- Matte finish might not be for everyone
Pixi H20 Skintint Foundation
If you prefer more lightweight foundation, a tint is the way to go. The Pixi H20 Skintint Foundation is one of our favorites because it comes in lots of warm, cool, and neutral skin tone shades and features a formula with nourishing ingredients such as green tea, rose water, chamomile, and lavender. The lightweight foundation is also safe for sensitive skin types. On top of that, it’s a buildable foundation, so you can customize your finish depending on daily needs.
Shade range: 18
Key ingredients: Green tea, rose water, chamomile, lavender
Type: Light coverage (skin tint)
Pros
- Lots of nourishing skincare ingredients
- Lightweight skin tint that is buildable
Cons
- Can’t achieve a full coverage look
e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
This is a great foundation to choose if you’re looking for a more affordable version of the Il Makiage foundation. This one will run you just $6 for the same full coverage. It’s great for all skin types and has medium to full coverage. One reviewer wrote that it’s “one of the best foundations ever; it is very lightweight and gives you an amazing finish.”
Shade range: 40
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Type: Medium to full coverage
Pros
- Cheap price
- 40 different shades
- Excellent coverage
Cons
- Honestly, we can’t think of anything
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation
If you have dry skin or need to switch formulas when the harsh winter wind hits, look for a foundation that has hyaluronic acid in the formula, like this Neutrogena foundation. It will boost moisture on the skin’s barrier while still covering with a lightweight, water gel formula. One reviewer wrote, “Love this product! The coverage is light and feels natural – not heavy or oily. This is my new favorite for everyday natural facial tint and moisture.”
Shade range: 7
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Type: Lightweight tint
Pros
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid
- A lightweight tint formula
Cons
- Not a lot of shades
L’Oreal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Makeup Skincare Hybrid
The L’Oreal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Makeup Skincare Hybrid is another excellent lightweight foundation. As its name suggests, this one has consistency that is more similar to serum, so it provides an ultra-light tint across the complexion for a glowy and more even-looking skin tone. The formula also features skin-nourishing ingredients including hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the complexion.
Shade range: 14
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Type: Lightweight tint
Pros
- Has hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Serum bottle for easy application
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not a ton of coverage
Thread Face It Complexion Stick
The Thread Face It Complexion Stick is one of the most convenient formulas on our list because it’s literally foundation, in a stick. This foundation is like a giant lip balm that glides across the complexion and makes it easy to achieve targeted medium to full coverage. In addition to using it as an all-over stick, you can also grab a few different hues and incorporate it into your makeup routine as a contour stick.
Shade range: 24
Key ingredients: Not listed
Type: Medium to full coverage
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Versatile
Cons
- Not light coverage
tarte Face Tape Foundation
With ULTA at Target, you can get your hands on some more high-end formulas, such as the coveted tarte Face Tape Foundation. This foundation is designed to provide full coverage while also boosting the skin with hydration, brightening the tone, and even reducing inflammation. It’s also transfer-proof, sweat-proof, and waterproof, so it’s one of the best summer foundations to add to your makeup bag for those sweltering sunny days.
Shade range: 17
Key ingredients: Snow mushroom
Type: Full coverage
Pros
- 17 shades
- Sweat and waterproof
- Full coverage
Cons
- Expensive