The best drugstore foundations under €20

Looking for a foundation at an overcrowded drugstore, to be honest? I find it a bit of a hassle. Call me spoiled, but there is just so much choice. Shelves full of foundations that all promise just a little something different: more glow, more coverage, lasts 24 hours beautifully, or just full of skincare benefits. And in the meantime, they are so close together that the difference is sometimes hardly noticeable. Add to that the 1+1 free promotions and other discounts, and before you know it, you're at the checkout with an eyeliner, mascara or lip gloss that you actually didn't need at all. Recognizable? I definitely need a goal when I go makeup shopping at the drugstore. Head straight for that one foundation I'm after, without being tempted by the rest. Because the chances are high that otherwise I'll buy something that ultimately ends up at the back of the cupboard. And honestly: a waste of your money and the product.

But (and this is the good news): drugstore makeup has become so good in recent years. Formulas are more refined, shades match better, and some foundations really don't fall short of their high-end counterparts. In fact: there are surprisingly good dupes among them of foundations that you normally buy for double (or more). The only thing is: you just need to know which ones to get. And what to look for, think about undertone, finish (matte vs. glowy), and how a formula behaves throughout the day. Because a foundation that looks beautiful in the morning should still do so at 4 PM.

With this selection, you'll definitely head more purposefully and better informed towards the makeup paradise of Kruidvat, Etos, or just the drugstore around the corner. Looking for that one foundation that actually works. And all for under €20,-. Thank me later.

The best foundations under €20,-

1. L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation
This is really one of those foundations you can always fall back on. The formula feels light and comfortable (thanks to ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E), and what stands out especially: how well it adapts to your own skin. The undertones are just right here, hence the name of course. The finish is natural with a subtle glow. Perfect for every day, work, or when you don't feel like thinking and just want it to look good. No wonder it's been a classic for years: this is one that is standard in many makeup bags.

2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless
If your skin tends to shine or is a bit restless, this is the kind of foundation you want. It contains micro-powders that absorb shine, but without making your face look dry or flat. The finish is softly matte, with a light blur effect that makes pores less visible, a bit like your skin gets a subtle filter. Ideal for longer days or when your makeup just needs to stay put without fuss. It went viral on TikTok for a reason. Especially that “real life filter” effect makes it very popular.

4. Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation
This is such a hidden gem, even my colleague Daan got tipped off about it by a friend. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates nicely and makes your skin look a bit fuller and smoother right away. The coverage is medium, but doesn't feel heavy, and the finish is just between natural and lightly glowy. Especially nice on drier skin, or when you want a bit more coverage without it looking too makeup-like. It is often mentioned as a budget dupe of high-end foundations.

5. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
This may not officially be a foundation, but it's one that I often use. Think of it as a glow booster that immediately gives your skin that “glass skin” effect. The formula, with ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, feels nourishing and makes your skin look healthy and fresh. The finish is glowy, almost glossy, but without glitter. Perfect for no makeup makeup days or to mix with your foundation for just a bit of extra glow. It went completely viral as a dupe of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. And even though the brand Charlotte Tilbury claims it can't be ‘duped’, it looks suspiciously similar.

6. Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless 3-in-1
This is your “it just has to be good” foundation. The formula combines primer, foundation, and concealer in one (win-win), and you can tell: it stays in place well, even on long days. The finish is semi-matte and quite polished, making your skin look a bit more even and tighter right away. Ideal for work, events, or days when you don't have time to touch up. This is a bit less “skin” and a bit more “makeup”, but sometimes that's exactly what you need or want.

7. Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation
This is one of those newer foundations that fits perfectly within the whole “skinification” trend on TikTok. It contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, making it feel almost more like skincare than makeup. The finish is fresh, glowy, and lightly reflective without glitter. The coverage is light to medium, so don't expect full coverage, but I find that just so beautiful. Perfect for days when you want to wear little makeup, but still want something that makes your skin look a bit nicer.

Another tip before you head to the store with this list.

Check not only the right color but also what your undertone is. That's often where it goes wrong. You can have the best foundation, but if the shade is just not right — too yellow, too pink, or just too neutral — you'll see that immediately. Especially in daylight. Doubting? Take a look at the veins in your wrist:

• Green is warm (often indicated with a ‘W’ for warm),
• Blue or purple is cool (‘C’ for cool)
• And if it's in between, go for neutral (‘N’ for neutral).

It may sound basic, but it really helps. Unfortunately, not every brand works with a W, C, or N. Some only use numbers or color names, and then you have to look a bit more closely at the undertone. But that says nothing about the coverage or quality of the foundation, just that you have a bit less guidance when choosing the right shade. And since you usually can't test in the drugstore: take a foundation you already have and try to compare through the glass of the bottle. Not ideal, but better than blindly guessing and coming home with a shade that just doesn't match.