9 Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundations Of 2024, As Per A Makeup Artist

Keep your skin smooth and youthful with all-in-one makeup products for everyday use.

Reviewed by Mary Ajaka, Makeup Artist Mary Ajaka Mary AjakaMakeup Artist insta_icon
Written by , MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English)
Edited by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 2 years
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Let’s face it; nobody enjoys using products that use animals to test the viability of products as torture is the last thing this world needs. If you are tired of spending your hard-earned cash on luxe makeup that experiments on animals, consider buying the best cruelty-free drugstore foundations to ensure quality along with safety. Not only are these products made from high-quality ingredients, but they also don’t burn a hole in your pocket as they are affordable and have value for money. To help you pick the best expertly crafted products that offer luminous finish, we’ve listed our top favorites below! Go and take a look!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Full Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + ConcealerPrice on Amazon
Best Vegan Formula:NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best Matte Foundation:Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Matte FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best For Mature Skin: EVXO Peek-A-Boo Organic Liquid Mineral FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best Blendable: E.l.f. Flawless Finish FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best Dewy Finish: L.A. Girl Pro.Coverage HD. Long Wear Illuminating FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best For Dry Skin:Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Nourishing FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best Multipurpose:Makeup Revolution London Stick FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best Hydrating:Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo FoundationPrice on Amazon

9 Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundations Of 2024 + Buying Guide

1. Best Full Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer

4.3
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer Image: Milani

The Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer is a multipurpose product. It has a unique, creamy formula that offers full coverage to cover those pesky under-eye circles, redness, and several skin imperfections. It is available in 29 statement-making shades that are ideal for light, medium, tan, and deep skin tones. This lightweight foundation is long-lasting and makes your skin look naturally flawless with exceptional results.

Best For: Dry skin

Skin Type: AllColor: 00-Light Natural | Product Dimensions: 1.19 x 1.19 x 4.44 inches | Weight: 3.04 Ounces

Pros

  • Easy to blend
  • Long-lasting
  • Waterproof
  • Moisturizing
  • Lightweight
  • Full coverage
  • Fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Value for money
  • Extensive shade range

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"This foundation delivers full coverage. It can hide everything from acne marks to redness with just a couple of layers. It feels comfortable for daily wear and doesn't feel heavy. It maintains a matte, natural finish."


protip_icon Pro Tip
A spritz of hydrating mist can help the foundation look better. It alos helps to make the foundation look dewy and avoid lines.

2. Best Vegan Formula:NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation

4.2

Here’s some good news for people with sensitive skin. The richly pigmented and lightweight Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation by NYX Professional Makeup provides flawless coverage. It provides a matte finish, is transfer-proof, and lasts for up to 24 hours. This expertly crafted waterproof, liquid foundation is enriched with vitamin E and effortlessly glides onto your skin for a super smooth finish. It comes in 45 different shades that work across a range of skin tones.

Best For: Normal, oily, combination, and sensitive skin

Skin Type: AllColor: 05 LIGHT | Product Dimensions: 1.21 x 1.21 x 4.6 inches | Weight: 3.84 Ounces

Pros

  • Transfer-proof
  • Waterproof
  • Humidity-proof
  • Richly pigmented
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • None

Our Tester's Experience

"This foundation is lightweight but offers good coverage. It easily conceals my dark spots and maintains a natural look. I have use with with both a brush and a beauty blender, and it blends seamlessly. It lasts on me the entire day."


protip_icon Pro Tip
For those with oily skin, try setting powder before foundation for a matte, even look that will last. It will also reduce the need to blot.

3. Best Matte Foundation:Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Matte Foundation

4.4

The Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Matte Foundation gives you a natural, soft, and velvety matte finish that lasts for up to 16 hours without feeling cakey or dry. It controls shine while keeping your oily skin feeling silky smooth and moisturized. This dermatologist-tested lightweight foundation offers buildable coverage that helps you customize your shade, depending on the preferred makeup look. It comes in 16 shades that match warm, cool, and neutral undertones.

Skin Type: AllColor: Cool Ivory

Best For: All skin types

Pros

  • Full coverage
  • Smooth finish
  • Long-lasting
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-drying
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Oil-free
  • Affordable
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • SLS-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • DMDM hydantoin-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Triclosan-free

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"This foundation blends so well. It does not cause irritation or feel heavy on my acne-prone skin. The coverage is buildable and the finish is matte."

4. Best For Mature Skin:EVXO Peek-A-Boo Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation

The EVXO Peek-A-Boo Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation is a skin care and beauty product rolled into one. It is designed to even out your skin tone and give you a naturally glowing complexion. This formula has no animal by-products and is enriched with a skin-friendly blend of ingredients like chamomile for its anti-inflammatory benefits, thyme to reduce acne-causing bacteria, and vitamin E to prevent free radical damage, leaving you with healthier-looking skin. It provides buildable medium coverage and a non-greasy finish that stays put throughout the day. This cruelty-free drugstore foundation comes in 12 shades that are ideal for fair, medium, and deep skin tones.

Best For: All skin types

Skin Type: Oily, mature, Combination, Dry, NormalColor: Pearl/Light with Cool undertones | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-greasy
  • Great for mature skin
  • Non-irritating
  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Buildable coverage
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Plastic-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited shade range

protip_icon Quick tip
Choosing the right foundation for mature skin can be achieved by focusing on particular areas. Look in the mirror and identify where you’d like more coverage. Apply the foundation just to these areas. Step back and review if any additional coverage is needed in these areas.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 688 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

5. Best Blendable:E.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation

4.2
E Image: E.l.f

This easily blendable foundation by e.l.f. offers buildable, medium-to-full coverage with a semi-matte finish that stays on all day. The lightweight 2-in-1 skin care and makeup formula provides hydration to your skin. It is formulated to restore uneven skin tone and texture. The available shades work across an extensive range of skin tones – from fair, light, medium to tan, deep, and rich – along with undertones of cool, neutral, and warm.

Best For: All skin types

Skin Type: NormalColor: Buff | Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 11 inches | Weight: 0.71 Ounces.

Pros

  • Great coverage
  • Lightweight
  • Moisturizing
  • Non-cakey
  • Oil-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Phthalate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Nonylphenol ethoxylate-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Triclocarban-free
  • Hydroquinone-free
  • Vegan
  • Environment-friendly

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 18,017 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

6. Best Dewy Finish:L.A. Girl Pro.Coverage HD. Long Wear Illuminating Foundation

4.2
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation Image: L.a. Girl

The Pro.Coverage HD. Long Wear Illuminating Foundation by L.A. Girl has a high definition and luminous formula that offers full coverage with a dewy finish. It is enriched with antioxidants that hydrate and improve the skin texture. The brand offers 15 different shades that are ideal for fair, medium, and tan skin tones and a white lightener shade that can be mixed in to develop a customized color.

Best For: All skin types

Skin Type: AllColor: Fair | Product Dimensions: 1.44 x 1.44 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 0.95 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Excellent coverage
  • Hydrating
  • Paraben-free
  • Extensive shades for all skin tones

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,299 reviews claiming its efficacy.

7. Best For Dry Skin:CovergirlClean Fresh Skin Milk Nourishing Foundation

4

If you are looking for the perfect dewy finish with a naturally glowing complexion, try the Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Nourishing Foundation. It is enriched with a nourishing blend of milky coconut and soothing aloe vera extract that gives your skin the hydration it needs. The lightweight foundation doubles as a tinted moisturizer. The brand offers 14 shades of this formula suited for light, medium, and deep skin tones.

Best For: All skin types

Skin Type: AllColor: 560 Medium | Product Dimensions: 0.75 x 1.62 x 4.33 inches | Weight: 1.42 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Buildable coverage
  • Nourishing formula
  • Vegan
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Talc-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant fragrance

Our Tester's Experience

"This foundation gives my skin a sheer, natural finish. It applies smoothly and gives me a healthy glow without feeling heavy. It is gentle and feels moisturizing on the skin."


8. Best Multipurpose:Makeup Revolution London Stick Foundation

The Makeup Revolution London Stick Foundation can serve multiple purposes – you can use it as a foundation, contour, or highlighter, based on your skin tone. The easily blendable formula essentially melts into the skin for a fresh and dewy look. It provides medium to full coverage and a naturally velvety, matte finish without weighing your skin down. This cruelty-free drugstore foundation comes in 18 shades that suit different undertones.

Best For: Normal to dry skin

Skin Type: Acne Prone | Product Dimensions: 0.37 x 0.09 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 0.22 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to blend
  • Multipurpose
  • Easy to apply
  • Non-greasy
  • Vegan

Cons

  • May get cakey

protip_icon Quick tip
Don’t slather your face with tons of foundation. Use a little foundation product and concealer for any spots needing extra coverage.

9. Best Hydrating:Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

4.2
Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation Image: Dermablend

The Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation gives full coverage and helps to conceal uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and redness. This dermatologist-tested non-toxic product provides a smooth, flawless finish without making the texture look cakey. The lightweight, blendable, and buildable formula lasts up to 24 hours. It has SPF protection that shields you from harmful UV rays and keeps your imperfections from worsening. The foundation is also loved because it comes in a varied range of shades.

Best For: All skin types

Skin Type: Combination, Oily Sensitive, NormalColor: 45W Honey; For medium-tan skin with warm undertones | Product Dimensions: 2.13 x 0.88 x 1 inches | Weight: 0.63 Ounces.

Pros

  • 24-hour hydration
  • Buildable coverage
  • SPF 25
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Triclosan-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • None
Our Tester's Experience

"This foundation offers excellent coverage. It is ideal for concealing bruising as well as hyperpigmentation, without the need for added corrector. It blends effortlessly and is non-comedogenic."

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

As if choosing the right drugstore foundation for your skin tone isn’t a herculean task already, add cruelty-free to the mix, and your options narrow down even more. But, fret not, the following pointers shall come in handy in making the right purchase decision when you are out looking for the best cruelty-free drugstore foundation to enhance your natural beauty.

How To Choose The Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Foundation

  • Certification: The first step is to ensure that the brand you are looking for is certified cruelty-free. Although most reliable brands mentioning that they don’t test on animals are trustworthy, it won’t hurt to check if they have a Leaping Bunny or PETA certification. Look for these logos on the product label to make sure they are dermatologically tested and cruelty-free.
  • Ingredients Label: While most drugstore brands have organic and vegan formulas these days, it is best to take a look at the ingredients and research if necessary to check if they are dermatologically tested or not. This will help in identifying an ingredient that may end up being harmful to your skin.
  • Shade: Go for the shade that is the perfect match or is the closest to your natural skin tone. Consider the skin on your face rather than your hands to ensure you end up with the right shade that offers a flawless complexion. A lighter shade will give you a gray, ashy appearance, while a darker shade will make your skin look dull and uneven. You can also check online reviews from users with similar skin tones as yours to find your ideal shade.

Infographic: Top 5 Natural Ingredients In Cruelty-Free Foundations

A cruelty-free foundation can help elevate your beauty as well as your conscience. Several natural ingredients help enhance your skin’s radiance and promote wellness. However, many are unaware how some of the most commonly used ingredients help your skin. Check out this infographic below to learn the top 5 natural ingredients used to prepare cruelty-free foundations.

Top 5 Natural Ingredients In Cruelty-Free Foundations (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

These makeup products make your skin look flawless with enhanced features without hurting lives on this planet. They are made of natural clinically tested ingredients and these potent formulas are free of toxic chemicals like parabens and sulfates. Though the components used in the formula are high-quality, the products are affordable. For example, the Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer provides excellent coverage and a natural-looking finish, while the Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation provides long-lasting coverage. The EVXO Peek-A-Boo Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation is a blendable option with mineral-based ingredients for those who prefer a more natural choice. They are lightweight, vegan, and non-comedogenic. However, some may have an unpleasant smell and offer a cakey finish. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to do a patch test before adding any product to your makeup routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foundation brands are cruelty-free?

Some of the most popular cruelty-free foundation brands include L.A. Girl, NYX Professional Makeup, Tarte, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and Makeup Revolution.

Is Nars foundation cruelty-free?

No, Nars foundation is not cruelty-free as their products are tested on animals.

Is L’Oréalcruelty-free?

L’Oréal is not cruelty-free. They allow their products to be tested on animals.

Is cruelty-free foundation the least toxic foundation?

No. Cruelty-free foundations or their ingredients have not been tested on animals but that does not mean they are the least toxic. The formulas may contain toxic chemicals damaging to the skin and human body.

Does cruelty-free mean vegan?

No, cruelty-free means the product is not tested on animals, and vegan means it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. She loves experimenting with new and trendy products and reviewing them. She has browsed through multiple online platforms and reviewed several reliable user feedback to prepare the list of the best cruelty-free drugstore foundations. The foundations listed here are made from high-quality ingredients and are easy to blend, lightweight, waterproof, and long-lasting.


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