The best drugstore foundations that cost less than $40

Got a dry skin type? We'll bet you're chasing a gorgeously glossy finish, even when you're wearing a full face. This hyaluronic acid-infused foundation is coveted by the likes of Rozalia Russian and can certainly help in the dewy department.

"It feels amazing on my skin, and I know it will be hydrated all day long while covering like a foundation," Russian wrote in an Instagram post. This dreamy foundation is buildable, blendable and feels like silk, offering some seriously moisturising medium coverage.

Was $29.95, now $17.97 at Big W

As the name ever so subtly suggests, this is a long-wear foundation that will see you through from morning to night, refusing to fade, smudge or budge until your P.M. cleanse. It stacks up in high heat and humidity, and even oily skin types will find it long-lasting.

Was $21.95, now $18.49 at Chemist Warehouse

Any foundation that tackles the signs of ageing, hydrates like a moisturiser, smoothes like a primer, and delivers a beautiful natural long-lasting coverage, all for less than $40, is a winner in our books. The formula is beautifully breathable to ensure your skin still looks like skin, plus it has SPF 20.

Was $42.95, now $36.49 at Chemist Warehouse

'Airbrushed' and 'pharmacy find' aren't necessarily two things that always go together, but we swear this silky base's true-to-its-name flawless finish looks far more expensive than the bargain price would suggest. Full coverage but not cakey in the slightest, it's the secret to silky smooth skin that lasts for the long haul thanks to its unique matte-but-radiant formula.

Was $34.95, now $20.97 at Big W

The best drugstore powder foundation for those looking for a mineral formula (or simply those who prefer powder over a liquid), this one has had a cult following since pretty much the day it launched. Why? It gets a lot of praise for feeling weightless on skin, its natural-looking light coverage that can be built up super easily, and the healthy glow it delivers.

Was $49, now $38.22 at Adore Beauty

Think you can't find an effective mattifying pore-smoothing foundation on the pharmacy/supermarket shelves? Allow this tone and texture-perfecting micro-powder mix to prove you wrong. Its oil-free formula will leave skin balanced and shine-free, but still looking a long way from mask-like or cakey.

Was $25.99, now $21.99 at Chemist Warehouse

In addition to being Riverdale star Lili Reinhart's go-to foundation formula when she wants a base that looks (you guessed it) clean and fresh, this lightweight base blend is ideal for those days where you want something super glowy and natural. They're not kidding when they call it 'milk' either; the stuff feels luxuriously creamy going on.

Was $20.95, now $17.49 at Chemist Warehouse

If you like your foundation to give your skin a gorgeous natural glow, you will adore this one (as you probably would anything created by Flower founder Drew Barrymore). The coverage feels luxuriously light, but does a stellar job of concealing imperfections while still allowing your freckles to shine through. It’s win, win, win!

Was $13.99, now $9.69 at Chemist Warehouse

Searching for a good drugstore foundation that instantly boosts radiance while offering intense hydration and comfort that never feels tight or dry? This is it. It has a weightless, water-based, long-lasting formula with amazing light to medium coverage that's extra buildable.

$27.99 at Chemist Warehouse