We got through a lot of make up, and if you wear it every day it’s hard to justify spending a lot of money on a foundation – sure you’d be buying one every week. I’ve been researching foundations this month to identify my favourites that won’t break the bank. So here are my top five foundations under €20:
MAYBELLINE DREAM URBAN COVER
![Maybelline Dream Urban Cover foundation in a tube with silver top](https://www.styleisle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/maybelline-dream-urban-cover-foundation-nr-100-warm-ivory-nr-100-warm-ivory-maybelline-new-york-10044445_B_P.jpg)
This landed on my desk last week and I have been wearing it ever since. It has amazing coverage without being heavy AND it has SPF 50. Ticks all the boxes if you ask me. I have been using shade 116, Sesame which is suits the various tones in my face. You can get this at Boots (here is a link) and it’s RRP is €14.99.
BEST FOR: All round value for money that delivers a quality coverage and shade range
COULD BE BETTER: Not really a could be better, but it does need a good foundation brush to blend, blend, blend. I use Sarah Keary’s Make Up brush set or the Real Techniques range.
RIMMEL MATCH PERFECTION
![Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in bottle 30ml. Glass bottle with blue top.](https://www.styleisle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Rimmel-Match-Perfection-Foundation-1440x1440.jpg)
An old reliable from Rimmel and one of the best things is you can find it everywhere. It’s worth getting two shades in this; one for daytime wear, and one that’s a shade warmer for night time. That’s what I do for my pale skin anyway. It creates a dewy look, and is build-able. This is an oldie but a goodie and thankfully they haven’t changed the formula in a while. Boots have it for €9.49.
BEST FOR: Daytime dewy-ness and goes on the skin very easily and evenly.
COULD DO BETTER: Needs a good powder to set it; I like loose powder to do this so you don’t cover the lovely glow from it.
Ps. Watch out for 3 for 2 deals on Rimmel products in Boots, they have them a lot. So nab the matching concealer.
CATRICE HD LIQUID COVERAGE
![Catrice HD Liquid Coverage](https://www.styleisle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Catrice-HD-Liquid-Coverage.jpg)
This one has gained a lot of publicity as a firm MUA favourite. If you want fuller coverage then this one is for you. On my skin it gives a more matte finish for some reason, but with a bit of highlighter then that solves that. It lasts ages so it’s a super all nighter. Prices vary from €8-11, but it’s generally always in Primark stores.
BEST FOR: Long wear – ideal if you have a wedding and you need your make up to stay put all day long.
COULD DO BETTER: Only has six shades which limiting.
NOTE LUMINOUS MOISTURISING FOUNDATION TUBE
![Note Costmetics Luminous Foundation](https://www.styleisle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Note-Cosmetics-Foundation.png)
I got a hold of this last year when I was having a lot of dryness on my face. The moisturising properties meant that it didn’t go patchy which I was so impressed with. Also, a little of this product goes a long way. It has SPF15 also, and just to note it’s paraben free as well as dermatologically tested. Note is a pharmacy brand; I checked various stockists and found it in McCabes, Meaghers and Sam McCauley pharmacies.
BEST FOR: Super for dry skin with two ingredients tackling this -sweet almond oil and Macadamia Oil
COLD DO BETTER: Have to mention the shade range again with just 7.
KIKO COSMETICS LIQUID SKIN
![Kiko Cosmetics Liquid skin](https://www.styleisle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kiko-Milano-Liquid-Skin-Foundation.jpg)
This one reminds me of holidays, as Kiko hasn’t made it to Ireland yet. So when I’m in Spain or elsewhere in Europe I spend about an hour in here rummaging. There is an amazing Kiko in Milan btw. I’ve tried nearly everything and this foundation is similar to Catrice, but it has a large shade range. Also it’s unique selling point is that it contains Hyaluronic acid which I adore for my skin. Medium coverage which leaves skin looking hydrated too. It costs about €14 and they do ship to Ireland here.
BEST FOR: Blends so well and sits on your skin for a day. If you use concealer, you may find that it also blends in well.
COULD DO BETTER: Kiko should so open a store in Ireland.