Liquid foundations that can be found at the drugstore are easily attainable, affordable, and does the job well. But if you want something to spice up your make-up collection, we have several suggestions that will make you say, “I’m glad I made the splurge!”
Each item on this list has been broken down into 3 important details you need to look for: packaging, popularity, and purchase. Packaging is quite literally what you can expect the product to actually look like right off the bat, popularity is a brief consensus of the general population, and purchase directs you to online stores if you feel like doing a little shopping.
1. bareMinerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Packaging:
Popularity: If you have combination to oily skin and hate heavy foundations, you will fall in love with this one. The bareMinerals Matte Foundation delivers light coverage that gives you a healthy glow. Sensitive and acne-prone skin will also work well with this foundation. If gives off a matte but natural-looking finish that will give you that “my skin but better” look.
Purchase: bareMinerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $28; sephora.com
2. Armani Maestro Foundation
Packaging:
Popularity: Of course, Armani is on the list! The Armani Maestro Foundation gives off a semi-matte to a bright luminous finish that will make your face looking fresh up to 12 hours! It’s silky to the touch, has a lightweight formula, but surprisingly gives off a medium coverage. This foundation is also popular for its “my skin but better” effect.
Purchase: Armani Maestro Foundation, $64; sephora.com
3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Packaging:
Armani adds another one to their belt. A tiny drop goes a long way with the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation so you are definitely getting value for your money here. It gives off a sheer coverage but still buildable. This foundation doesn’t feel heavy but can last up to 12 hours and still look flawless.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $62; sephora.com
4. Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
Packaging: 
Popularity: This liquid foundation delivers a matte to satin finish but still works well with textured and patchy skin. It even make flaky skin look great without looking cakey. This liquid foundation is thin and runny but can work well with a sponge or a brush. It blurs imperfections and can last up to 6 hours.
Purchase: Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, $62; sephora.com
5. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H
Packaging:
Popularity: If you have blotchy skin or if your skin has some unever pigmentation overall, the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H may be your holy grail high-end foundation because of its excellent coverage. It gives off a semi-matte finish and is best applied with a sponge so this foundation works well with the oily skin type.
Purchase: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H, $47; sephora.com
6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Packaging:
Popularity: Granted this is not a liquid foundation, but as a tinted moisturizer it can give the others on this list a run for their money. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 not only moisturizes but also gives you a color payoff and a healthy glow. So if you’re not really into foundations that much but still want something high-end, you might want to give this one a try. On days that you a want a no-make-up make-up look, grab this bad boy and you’re set for the day.
Purchase: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $44; sephora.com
7. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Packaging:
Popularity: This buildable and very lightweight liquid foundation delivers medium coverage with a powdery-matte finish. It is more popularly applied with the fingers for a more even coverage and if done properly, concealer is not anymore necessary! The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation gives off a natural look.
Purchase: NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, $48; sephora.com
8. La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation
Packaging:
Popularity: The La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation is nicely textured liquid foundation that makes the skin look hydrated and fresh. It’s comfortable and breathable but can still deliver medium to full coverage and can last up to 6-12 hours depending on your skin type. And if you’re the type who likes something a little extra, this foundation will definitely stand out in your collection because it comes with its own applicator and a built-in concealer!
Purchase: La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation, $220; nordstrom.com
9. Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation
Packaging:
Popularity: This liquid foundation stays true to its name. The Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation delivers an illuminating effect, giving the skin a nice glow while feeling very lightweight. Coverage is sheer and its lasting power depends on your skin type. It can be used on all skin types but it works best on dry skin. It also doesn’t exaggerate flakiness on the skin which is always a plus.
Purchase: Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation, $38; nordstrom.com
10. Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation
Packaging:
Popularity: Attention: If you have extremely oily skin then get the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation might just be your life saver! This liquid foundation is popular among users with oily skin because of its oil control properties. It offers excellent coverage and gives off a smooth powdery finish.
Purchase: Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, $55; hourglasscosmetics.com
11. Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum SPF 30
Packaging:
Popularity: What makes the Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum SPF 30 so popular among liquid foundation enthusiasts is its beautiful finish with added benefits. It looks very natural on the face and is one of the leading foundations under the “my skin but better” category. It offer sheer coverage, blends nicely on the skin, and dries matte but can withstand intense sun exposure thanks to its SPF and Vitamin C ingredients! It also doesn’t have a funny smell, non-greasy, and doesn’t flake.
Purchase: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum SPF 30, $60; sephora.com
So what did you think about our list? Have you tried any of these high-end liquid foundations? Let us know what you think in the comments!
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