You can buy a great foundation for less than $35. Here it is.

Yesterday I found myself standing in the middle of Priceline holding three nail polishes, a spray on leg tanner, rhinestone nail stickers (wtf?), and contemplating if I had enough time to pierce my ears.

I don’t even know how I got there. The last thing I remember was talking on the phone while going to grab some lunch and the next thing I’m elbow deep in the $1 nail polish bargain bin.

Seriously, you’d think being an old hat at this beauty game I’d be immune to an el cheapo beauty haul.

But there you have it, I’m not.

While we’re on the subject of confessions there’s something else you should know: pause for dramatic effect – a great foundation doesn’t need to cost you.

(What? Did you think I was going to confess to buying the rhinestone nail stickers? Pffft! Okay fine, I totally did. Standby for some hawt nail art, you guys.)

But I digress, this post isn’t about fab-u-lous nail art, I found some killer foundations in my budget beauty travels so read on for seven new best friends for your face.

1. L’Oreal Lumi Magique $33.95. 

A make-up artist friend* told me about this one. It’s a genius foundation that goes on like a liquid and dries matte like a powder.

It’s light reflecting or ‘liquid magic’ for complexions that have lost their sparkle. It provides medium coverage, comes in nine shades and is long-lasting (12 hours).

2. Maybelline Fit Me $18.95.

The same friend* told me about this one, and to be honest I’d kind of written it off because the weird/sexy advertising campaign for Fit Me reminded me of the ‘Frost Yourself’ campaign in the seminal film, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Which was obviously silly of me because it’s a killer foundation and Erin Wasson is nothing like the nutty fur-clad star of the frosty jewellery campaign, not even close.

The Fit Me foundation contains 5D Pigment Technology to give you the holy grail of foundation – your perfect shade. It’s breathable and natural looking while giving you enough coverage. Best of all once you’ve found your fit number it translates across concealer, powder and blush taking the guesswork out of buying makeup.

Suits all skin types but it’s especially good for those of us who don’t fit the light beige to medium beige colour range (i.e. all of us).

3. Revlon Colourstay Whipped Creme $34.95.

In the wise words of Devo, Whip It, Whip It Good: Revlon’s Colourstay Whipped Creme is just like a friend who is going to be there for you holding back your hair at the end of the night. It’s long-lasting and we’re talking 24-hours-long-lasting so it’s excellent for hot days, long nights, weddings, Christmas parties, the Races and anyone not wanting to go make-up free at the beach.

4. Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum $32.50.   

Ever since Pert revolutionised the hair industry with a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, other beauty brands have wanted in on the dual action.

Max Factor’s Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 contains a foundation and serum that feels silky on the skin, provides a medium coverage is great for women who are interested in anti-ageing or with sun damaged skin.

5. Covergirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation, $16.99.

Like I said, everyone wants in on the 2-in-1 action: this is Covergirl’s version of a foundation + serum and to me, Olay is doing such excellent things with their skincare This one hydrates the skin, covers fine lines and wrinkles and will improve skin tone over time.

6. L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation $32.45.

It’s a big call to name a product ‘True Match,’ L’Oreal are basically saying ‘look no further, this is the Ryan Gosling of foundations’  but they can totally get away with it. It’s great option if you’re looking for something to match your fake tan over summer, and is best blended with a buffing brush rather than your fingertips (and I almost never say that). It also comes in a mineral make-up.

7. Natio Pure Mineral Foundation $19.95.

I know many of you love natural Aussie beauty brand, Natio and if you do, this is definitely one to add to your next beauty shop. It contains light reflecting minerals, which illuminate tired complexions, help to hide imperfections like fine lines and best of all – it won’t slip off your face by the end of the day.

*Alright, she did my make-up once, once! But she totally got what I meant about a “smoky eye that wasn’t too smoky” so I’m calling it: we’re Katniss/Peeta type soulmates.

What foundation do you use? What’s your favourite budget beauty buy? And have you ever found yourself in Priceline with several products you did know you needed?

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