The 7 Best Drugstore Foundations In Australia

Base is a big player in our makeup routines. It lays the (literal) foundation for everything else we apply, and so it can often be one of the trickiest steps to get right, especially when we all often have a lengthy list of demands depending on our skin type and coverage preferences.

But while our foundation standards may be high, the price tags of the products that meet them can still be low – in fact, some of the most effective foundation formulas are also super affordable – and you can easily track them down on your local drugstore shelves.

So next time you’re strolling the aisles in Priceline, Chemist Warehouse or whatever beauty pharmacy you frequent, keep an eye out for one of these – whatever your budget, your skin type or preferred finish, there’s bound to be one that ticks all your base boxes.

2024’s Top 3 Drugstore Foundations

1. Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation, $19.95, Woolworths 
2. Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation, $44.95, Priceline
3. Revlon ColorStay Life-Proof™ Foundation Stick, $26.95, Chemist Warehouse

The best drugstore foundations in Australia

Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation

From $19.95 at Woolworths 

We say: If you’re keen to city-proof your base, Maybelline’s foundation features broad-spectrum SPF 40 and antioxidants that work to protect against pollution.

You say: “This feels so comfortable on my skin just like a high-end foundation would be expected to feel.” – clearcrystalwater

Want to know more? Read Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation reviews here…

Key features:

• Ultra-lightweight formula 
• Enriched antioxidants
• Works to protect against pollutants 

Available at:

• $19.95 from Woolworths
• $8.86 from Amazon

Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation

From $44.95 at Priceline

Can’t choose between a glowy finish and a long-wearing formula? Now there’s no need to. Max Factor’s Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation works hard-hitting skin-loving ingredients into a second skin feeling formula that’s bound to stay put (and stay luminous) all day long. 

Want to read more? Read Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation Reviews here…

Key features:

• Infused with prebiotics
• Formulated with 87 per cent naturally derived ingredients 
• Second skin finish 

Available at:

• $22.47 (usually $44.95) from Priceline
• $9.95 (usually $39.95) from Cosmetic Capital

Revlon ColorStay Life-Proof™ Foundation Stick

From $26.95 at Chemist Warehouse

We say: After an on-the-go option? Revlon’s smudge-resistant formula makes things so simple you could easily nail your application from the back of an Uber.

You say: “It has a beautiful semi-matte finish with SPF and very ease to use. Its not at all heavy for the skin and does not clog the pores.” – nehatalwar

Want to know more? Read Revlon ColorStay Life-Proof™ Foundation Stick reviews here..

Key features:

• 24 hour wearing formula 
• Ultra-pigmented colour
• Buildable matte coverage 

Available at:

• $13.47 (usually $26.95) from Chemist Warehouse
• $27 from Big W
• $16.17 (usually $26.95) from Myer

Natio Flawless Foundation SPF15

From $21.95 at Priceline

We say: If your lightweight moisturiser had a baby with a full coverage foundation it would produce the Natio Flawless Foundation SPF15. With its complexion-correcting properties and long-lasting hydration, this SPF 15 formula keeps your skin looking velvety and fresh all day.

You say: “It is very smooth and long lasting, the products application is not flaking or caked on the the skin. This foundation is a good edition to Natio’s beauty range. It covers well, has a nice fragrance to it, and is easy to remove.” – Melanie Rose Smith

Want to know more? Read Natio Flawless Foundation SPF15 reviews here…

Key features:

• Works to conceal blemishes
• Allows skin to breath
• Includes nourishing naturals

Available at:

• $21.95 from Priceline
• $18.99 (usually $21.95) from Chemist Warehouse
• $16.46 (usually $21.95) from Myer

Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation

From $42.95 at Priceline

We say: To complement the satin matte finish, Nude by Nature’s hydration foundation has been enriched with moisturising and brightening antioxidants like Kakadu plum and baobab extract.

You say: “This is my go to foundation. I’ve used many types of liquid foundations in my time, and this one is by far the best and my favourite.” – kifflint

Want to know more? Read Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation reviews here…

Key features:

• Synthetic and preservative ingredient-free 
• Bamboo powder creates a soft focus look
• Dermatology-tested 

Available at:

• $25.77 (usually $42.95) from Priceline
• $36.99 (usually $42.95) from Chemist Warehouse
• $13.59 (usually $27.17) from Adore Beauty

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Luminous Liquid Foundation

From $25.99 at Priceline

We say: This 4-star rated gem ticks three big boxes when it comes to everyday coverage: breathable, natural, and comfortable. The Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Luminous Liquid Foundation has been formulated with an exclusive translucent primer base and micro-fine pigments to warm and match your skin tone upon application.

You say: “I love this foundation! I feel like it glides on quite smoothly as the foundation is quite a runny formula so I apply it with my fingers as I find it blends better with my fingers than using a brush.” – jessyrahhh

Want to know more? Read Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth Luminous Liquid Foundation reviews here…

Key features:

• Extensive shade range
• Contains skin-softening vitamin E
• Non-comedogenic

Available at:

• $25.99 from Priceline
• $21.99 (usually $25.99) from Chemist Warehouse
• $21.95 from Adore Beauty
• $4.95 (usually $25.99) from Cosmetic Capital

Main image credit: @veronikamoremakeupartist

Have you tried any of these foundations? Do you have any other favourites?