Looking for an affordable foundation but unsure which to pick among so many options? Affordable foundations you can easily buy at drugstores and convenience stores now come in many qualities that rival high-end ranges.
In this article, we hand-pick the 10 best affordable foundations under ¥1,500, sorted by skin type and finish. Whether you prioritize coverage, love dewy skin, or want something crease-resistant on dry skin, you’re sure to find your perfect one.
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Find with the Cosme Mannequin →3 Points for Choosing an Affordable Foundation
1. Choose a texture that suits your skin type
Foundations come in many forms: liquid, powder, cushion, BB cream, and more.
- Dry skin: Liquid or cushion foundations with moisturizing ingredients
- Oily skin: Powder foundations with oil-absorbing ingredients, or semi-matte liquids
- Combination skin: Liquid types that are easy to use on specific areas, or ones you can layer powder over the T-zone
2. Decide on the finish you want
Even among affordable options, the finish can vary greatly.
- Dewy skin: For those who want light-catching, fresh-looking skin
- Matte: For those bothered by oil who want to control shine
- Natural (semi-matte): A balanced type that suits any makeup
3. Balance of coverage and ease of use
Since you use it daily, comfort matters. Choose based on your lifestyle—the nozzle, included sponge, and ease of touch-ups.
Best Affordable Foundations — 10 Picks [2025]
No. 1: CANMAKE Marshmallow Finish Powder
The classic of classics—the first name that comes up for affordable foundation. Its soft matte finish is popular, absorbing oil to keep skin smooth. It softly covers pores and acne marks, so it works for everyone from natural-makeup fans to full-glam fans.
Best for: Those bothered by oil/shine; those who like a natural matte finish
No. 2: CEZANNE Ultra-Fit BB Cream
An all-in-one that delivers coverage, hydration, and UV protection (SPF50+ PA+++) in one. Despite a thin application, it covers unevenness well and resists dry flaking. Especially popular with those who want to shorten base-makeup time.
Best for: Quick-makeup fans; dry skin; beginners
No. 3: Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation
A light, smooth feel with solid coverage. It adheres to the skin and resists creasing, keeping a clean finish for hours. The wide shade range, letting you find your match, is also highly rated.
Best for: Those who prioritize coverage; those choosing by shade range
No. 4: Chifure Liquid Foundation
A long-established brand supported for its unchanging “safe, reliable, high-quality” concept. With skincare ingredients (hyaluronic acid, collagen), it keeps a moist finish even in dry seasons. Refills are available, so the value is outstanding.
Best for: Dry skin; sensitive skin mindful of ingredients; value seekers
No. 5: FLOWFUSHI MoistureMoist Liquid Foundation
A rising star known as a “lasting hydration” foundation. With ceramides and human-type ceramides, it feels like skincare every time you apply. Even with thin coverage it has a tone-up effect for a clean, bare-skin look.
Best for: Those who like a dewy finish; those who prioritize skincare ingredients
No. 6: Coffret d’Or Skin Illusion Primer UV
A thin-film type that doubles as a primer used before foundation. It blurs pores while providing UV protection (SPF50+). Its strong crease-preventing base effect greatly improves the wear of the foundation layered on top.
Best for: Those who want pore coverage; those who prioritize crease resistance
No. 7: ettusais Face Edition (Pact)
A slim compact powder foundation that’s easy to carry. Just using the included puff spreads it evenly for a bare-skin finish. Quick touch-ups on the go make it a must for busy days' makeup pouches.
Best for: Touch-up-on-the-go users; those who like a powder finish
No. 8: rom&nd Zero Velvet Cushion
A cushion foundation that’s a hot topic on social media. Just pressing it on with the sponge spreads it evenly, and the matte velvet finish lasts. Its crease-resistant formula also keeps daytime oil shine at bay.
Best for: Cushion-foundation beginners; Korean-cosmetics fans
No. 9: KATE Skin Cover Filter Foundation
A liquid type born from requests to combine “bare-skin feel” with “coverage.” Despite a thin film, it covers pores and unevenness well, making your own skin look beautiful. Its crease-resistant formula keeps a natural finish all day.
Best for: Those who like a bare-skin finish; those who want pore coverage
No. 10: excel Glow Luminizer UV
A popular pick for those who want dewy skin on a budget. Its pearl-infused formula reflects light for a lit-from-within look. It also has UV protection (SPF30 PA++) for solid daytime defense.
Best for: Dewy-skin fans; those who want a highlight effect
Bonus: INTEGRATE GRACY White Liquid Foundation N
A classic liquid from Shiseido’s drugstore brand “INTEGRATE GRACY.” With serum ingredients, it spreads moistly and naturally covers spots and freckles for brighter skin. SPF26 / PA++ handles daily UV, making it a steady favorite among mature users.
Best for: Those who want moist coverage; mature users; those bothered by spots and freckles
Affordable Foundation Comparison Table
| Product | Brand | Price | Type | Finish | Coverage | Skin type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshmallow Finish Powder | CANMAKE | ¥1,078 | Powder | Matte | Med–High | Oily/Combo |
| Ultra-Fit BB Cream | CEZANNE | ¥660 | BB | Natural | Med | All types |
| Fit Me Liquid | MAYBELLINE | ¥1,408 | Liquid | Natural | Med–High | All types |
| Liquid Foundation | Chifure | ¥880 | Liquid | Moist | Med | Dry/Sensitive |
| MoistureMoist Liquid | FLOWFUSHI | ¥1,320 | Liquid | Dewy | Low–Med | Dry |
| Skin Illusion Primer | Coffret d’Or | ¥1,430 | Liquid | Natural | Med | All types |
| Face Edition (Pact) | ettusais | ¥1,320 | Powder | Natural | Med | All types |
| Zero Velvet Cushion | rom&nd | ¥1,430 | Cushion | Matte | Med–High | Oily/Combo |
| Skin Cover Filter | KATE | ¥1,430 | Liquid | Natural | Med–High | All types |
| Glow Luminizer UV | excel | ¥1,430 | Liquid | Dewy | Low–Med | Dry/Normal |
Final Picks by Purpose & Budget
- Pure value focus → CEZANNE Ultra-Fit BB Cream (¥660)
- Bothered by oil/shine → CANMAKE Marshmallow Finish Powder
- Dry skin, want lasting moisture → Chifure Liquid Foundation
- Want to try a viral cushion → rom&nd Zero Velvet Cushion
- Want bare-skin-feel coverage → KATE Skin Cover Filter Foundation
Because affordable foundations come at an “easy-to-try price,” it’s worth testing a few to find the one that suits your skin. All 10 picks here are reliable items trusted by many users. Do try adding one to your skincare routine.
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