When seeking advice about makeup, we turn to those who do it for a living—specifically the pros who contour and highlight the faces of major starlets from Beyoncé to Jessica Chastain. We’re always curious to find out what’s in their kits. While they enjoy infinite access to luxury beauty brands, they also adore affordable buys that work just as well (sometimes even better) than their pricey counterparts. Since a perfect canvas is the starting point for a gorgeous makeup look, we’ve tapped the experts to share their go-to foundations from the drugstore. Ahead, five picks for getting A-list skin without breaking the bank.
The Best Affordable Foundations
"The dewy look is hot right now, and L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation gives skin that beautiful glow we all desire. It's super lightweight. It feels like second skin and is easy to wear, versus a matte that takes time to adjust."
—Sir John, clients include Beyoncé and Karlie Kloss
"This formula has it all: The texture is great, application is easy and it offers fantastic hydration benefits that last. It really does maintain its glow throughout the wear, and never leaves skin looking dull or dry."
—Justin Tyme, clients include Lori Loughlin and Lisa Edelstein
"Almay Truly Lasting Color Makeup gives flawless coverage—once it sets, it lasts all day without rubbing off. It even has SPF 15 so you can skip a step in the morning, which helps you get out the door faster."
—Joey Maalouf, clients include Rachel Zoe and Molly Sims
"The one foundation that's always in my kit is Avon Ideal Flawless. I use it with a brush or my fingers to apply a thin layer on areas that need natural, fresh, almost invisible coverage."
—Lauren Andersen, clients include Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba
"When you want the no-makeup look, I like L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation. It's lightweight and gives a smooth finish but isn't super wet like many tinted moisturizers."
—Kristofer Buckle, clients include Blake Lively and Jessica Chastain
"My favorite is Burt's Bees BB Cream for its hydrating texture and light-to-medium coverage. It's perfect for my everyday quick and easy routine."
—Sarah Uslan, clients include Tori Kelly and Carly Rae Jepsen
