Answering all the questions that you often ask here: updated
Readers often ask me a few common questions. In this QnA session, I have tried to address some of those queries.
Best Foundations in India: Let’s Ace the Base
A foundation is an essential component of any makeup kit. It offers you a smooth, even out the base to layer other products on.
A good quality foundation can enhance the performance and finish of other makeup products like blush and highlighter, giving you a more polished look.
Foundation is a cosmetic that has been used by women since time immemorial, making it one of the oldest beauty products.
Earlier, women would go as far as using lead-based foundation on their face to achieve a flawless base. But thank god! We have safer options now.
Gone are the days when foundations used to be cakey. We now have a plethora of variety to choose from, from the finish to the texture. The best part is that you do not have to break the bank for an excellent foundation. There are plenty of options available in the drugstore.
After intensive research, I have curated this list of affordable foundations that perform just as beautifully as their pricey counterparts, if not better. So let’s begin and ace that base!
1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!
When this foundation launched in India, it instantly became a bestseller and has retained its position ever since.
The formula is liquid and offers a matte finish, which means that it is perfect for those with oily skin.
It offers medium coverage and is highly buildable to full coverage. With an impressive range of 18 shades, Fit Me also offers shades for both cool and warm undertones. And there’s a shade for everyone.
It feels ultra lightweight on the skin and does not get cakey or patchy.
Pros
- Hygienic packaging with a pump
- Lightweight feel
- Does not make the skin cakey
- Vast shade range
- Easily available
Cons
- Glass container is not travel friendly
If you have oily skin and are looking for an affordable yet the best foundation in India, it does not get better than Fit Me.
2. Europe Girl Natural Radiant Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!There are very few Indian brands that offer foundations with long-wear and lightweight formulation. Well! The wait is over.
This foundation from Europe Girl is just the one you need. The coverage is insane yet looks pretty natural. Don’t worry! The foundation has a buildable formulation. And, it does not make you look patchy or cakey.
Well! The foundation has many other things to offer. Check out the following features.
Pros
- Buildable and medium to full coverage
- Lightweight
- Provides a natural look
- Transfer and sweat proof
- Good for all skin types as the formulation is not much drying and is non-comedogenic as well
- Great for the skin as it is alcohol free, fragrance-free, and dermatologically tested.
Cons
Nothing as such
As of now, the brand has launched 10 shades that cover almost all Indian skin tones. As a whole, Europe Girl Natural Radiant Foundation is indeed one of the best foundations in India.
3. Nykaa SKINgenius Sculpting & Hydrating Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!A match made in heaven for dry skin beauties. Nykaa’s SKINgenius Sculpting and Hydrating Foundation is enriched with hyaluronic acid which ensures that your skin does not feel dehydrated.
It has a Polylift technology which adapts to your skin tone, preventing any colour mismatch. Moreover, it is extremely easy to blend and does not get patchy.
This foundation has medium coverage and offers a dewy look. It is free from any fragrances and parabens.
Pros
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Hygienic squeezy tube
- Does not oxidise
- Moisturises the skin
- Fragrance and paraben free
Cons
- Very limited shade range
So, if you’re looking for an everyday foundation that offers a dewy look, this baby from the house of Nykaa is one the best foundations in India.
4. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!
If you have a big event coming up but do not want to break the bank on a foundation, you don’t have to look further.
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation has been designed with a flash resistant formula, which means that it prevents white cast in photos.
It offers a soft matte finish and gives full-on coverage, making it a great option for those with oily skin. Moreover, it is extremely long-lasting and will not budge once set.
Even with such powerful features, this foundation does not look cakey whatsoever and offers a natural look.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Long-lasting
- Natural finish
- Prevents white cast in photos
- Full coverage
Cons
- Glass container is inconvenient to travel with
- Limited shade range
- Low-quality spatula applicator
If you’re looking for a foundation that will make you look great in photos, Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation is one of the best affordable foundations in India.
5. Kiko Milano Smart Hydrating Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!A full-coverage foundation is not everyone’s cup of tea, and this foundation from Kiko Milano is perfect for those looking to just even out their skin tone.
It has a liquid formula that is very easy to work with and feels hydrating on the skin. It does not offer a lot of coverage but evens out the skin tone, making it perfect for day to day wear.
With a satin-like finish, this foundation looks very natural and is perfect for that no-makeup makeup look. The large shade range is quite impressive and there’s a shade for every skin tone.
Pros
- Hygienic squeezy tube packaging
- Travel friendly
- Paraben-free
- Large shade range
- Not drying or patchy
Cons
- More like a tinted moisturiser, slightly expensive
If you want a sheer foundation which can be used daily and also provides with a natural finish, this product is a great option.
6. Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!Formulated especially for ladies on-the-go, Lakme’s 9 to 5 range offers makeup that lasts long and is simple, straightforward, and easy to use.
This foundation also doubles up as a primer and covers your pores. It has a liquid formula and gives a completely matte finish but does not feel uncomfortable whatsoever.
It is a medium to full coverage foundation that can be built up easily. Finally, the shade range is inclusive and covers a variety of undertones like warm, cool and neutral.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Does not crease or become cakey
- Vast shade range
- Lightweight
- Contains SPF 20
Cons
- Spatula applicator is low quality
- Glass container is not travel friendly
If you’re a working woman looking for an affordable foundation, this is one of the best foundations in India that is your perfect match!
7. Colorbar Aquafeel Pro Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!We all love a good full coverage foundation, but the heaviness that many full coverage foundations have is not comfortable, especially for those with dry skin.
Colorbar’s Aquafeel Pro Foundation lends you full coverage with an extremely lightweight feel. It is also very long-lasting, making it a great everyday foundation.
The best part is that it is waterproof and very easy to blend. It gives a very natural finish to the skin that is neither too dewy nor too matte.
Pros
- Free of parabens, allergens and fragrance
- Travel friendly
- Hygienic squeezy tube packaging
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Quite limited shade range
So, Colorbar Aquafeel Pro Foundation is one of the best foundations in India for dry skin beauties looking for a full coverage affordable foundation.
8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Foundation Stick
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!When it comes to base products, nothing is more travel friendly and quicker to use than a foundation stick. The Infallible Foundation Stick from L’Oréal has a buttery soft formula that seamlessly melts into the skin and does not feel cakey.
It is very easy to blend and buff, this foundation is neither streaky nor patchy. It provides full coverage and gives a completely matte finish.
However, it is not an everyday product since it is not long-wearing.
Pros
- Travel friendly
- Easily blendable
- Skin-like finish
- Contains SPF 27
- Comfortable formula
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited shade range
- Applying the stick directly to skin multiple times can be unhygienic
- Not long-lasting and needs retouching every 2-3 hours
If you’re looking for an excellent quality foundation that you can wear in small events, this foundation stick is the one you must check out.
9. Insight Cosmetics Stay Matte Liquid Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!Don’t let the price tag deceive you! This super-affordable foundation can give many high-end competitors a run for their money.
It offers a very natural, satin-matte finish that looks similar to the texture of the skin. Because it has a liquid finish, it does not simply sit on the skin like a layer and blends in for real. The coverage of this foundation is very buildable and can be done as sheer or full, just like the way you want.
Thus, you can use it every day and for special events too. It is also incredibly long-lasting. What else do you expect for in a foundation at this price?
Pros
- Hygienic dispensation with a dropper
- Highly buildable
- Easy to blend
- Skin-like finish
- Contains SPF 15
- Lasts for a long time
Cons
- Limited shade range
- Glass bottle is not travel friendly
Well! As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons for this genius product by Insight, making it one the best foundations in India.
10. Iba Halal Pure Skin Liquid Foundation SPF 15
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!If you want to use good quality makeup but do not want to compromise your beliefs, Iba Halal is a brand you should definitely check out.
The formula of this Pure Skin Liquid foundation is very smooth and blends into the skin effortlessly. It gives full coverage but does not look cakey at all.
Although it claims to have a dewy finish, it is completely matte. However, it does make the face look flat and looks quite natural.
It is also non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hygienic pump dispenser
- Contains SPF 15
- Easy to blend
- Non-comedogenic
- Free of parabens
- Contains aloe vera and vitamin E
Cons
- Glass container is not travel friendly
- Limited range of shades
- Not long-lasting
If you are an oily skin beauty looking for an affordable, high coverage foundation that is also halal certified, you’ve found your match.
11. Blue Heaven High Coverage Foundation with Primer & SPF 50 PA+++
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!Blue Heaven’s High Coverage Foundation is a super affordable yet super-efficient product, which comes packed in an intelligent travel-friendly tube with a pump.
It is extremely high coverage; will cover up every blemish and spot on your face. It has in-built primer-like properties which help you get a flawless finish.
The foundation lasts long, is waterproof, and has a thick consistency, yet it is quite easy to blend.
It does not have a flat matte or an overly dewy finish and looks quite natural.
Pros
- Hygienic pump dispenser
- Contains SPF 50 PA+++
- Travel-friendly tube packaging
- Easy to blend
- Long lasting
- Waterproof
Cons
- Limited range of shades
An excellent budget-friendly option, this foundation offers high coverage, sun protection and a natural finish, making it one of the best foundations in India.
12. Coloressence High Definition Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!A God-Sent for oily skin beauties, this foundation controls oil and has some amazing features, all while being light on the pocket.
It blends into the skin effortlessly and has a filter-like effect on the skin because it blurs your pores and covers any blemishes.
You don’t need a lot of product to cover your entire face, which means that a little goes a long way with this product.
It does not feel heavy or cakey whatsoever and feels ultra-comfortable on the skin while lasting for a long time.
Pros
- Hygienic pump dispenser
- Long staying power
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Controls oil
Cons
- Limited range of shade
- Glass container, not a travel-friendly packaging
Overall, Coloressence High Definition Foundation is one of the best foundations in India especially for girls with oily skin. As it is oil-controlling and long-wearing while still being lightweight.
13. Bella Voste Hi-Definition Foundation
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!A perfect base product for everyday wear, the Bella Voste Hi-Definition Foundation is a definite bang for your buck.
It lends a very natural dewy finish to the skin while being oil-free, so it is a good option for all skin types.
It contains Hyaluronic Acid which prevents the skin from feeling dry and fills the ageing lines making your skin look healthier.
Moreover, it is incredibly lightweight and lasts for a long time, so you can say goodbye to frequent touch-ups.
Pros
- Hygienic squeezy tube packaging
- Travel friendly
- Easy to blend and buff
- Long-wearing
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Oil-free formula
Cons
- Poor shade range
The pros and cons speak for themselves for this foundation. It is pretty natural. So, if you’re looking for something effortless you can use every day, this is one of the best foundations in India that are affordable.
Final Thoughts
Well, I hope you found this extensive list helpful. I made sure to include a foundation for every skin type. Whether your skin type is dry, oily, combination, or normal, this compilation has everything for all.
Also, I incorporated a variety of different finishes and formulas. There are liquid and cream formulas, matte and dewy finishes, and the coverages range from sheer, medium and high.
I kept in mind working ladies and also included easy to carry products. Remember that apart from the formula, an important feature that makes your foundation look good is the shade you pick.
Do not go too light or too dark, and pick a shade that is closest to your skin tone for the perfect finish. So, which foundation are you picking?
That’s all for today! I hope you find this article helpful. Don’t forget to Subscribe to Cosmetics Arena as we keep publishing such articles.
