15 Target Foundations Even Better Than High-End Ones
Promising review: 'The best 'drugstore' foundation ever. I'm a huge name brand makeup girl and have spent LOTS of $$$ on the expensive stuff. I bought this on a whim when I was in need of foundation while out of town–it did not disappoint and is one of my go-tos now! Beautiful coverage and definitely buildable, allowing it to keep it natural looking. It's really great! You won't be disappointed!' —SorensencouPrice: $13.49 (available in 39 shades)
An E.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation that offers buildable, medium coverage while feeling surprisingly lightweight on your skin, according to reviewers. The non-comedogenic (aka non-pore-clogging) formula is suitable for all skin types and stays put without getting cakey — making it a go-to for special events and everyday looks alike. More good news: it's under $10, so you get all of the glam and none of the guilt.
Promising review: 'Amazing light to medium coverage. So light, it doesn't feel like you're wearing makeup! Have tried many different, expensive foundations from Sephora. For the price, this is amazing! I have sensitive skin and it's great on mature skin.' —KC7Price: $7.99 (available in 36 shades)
A Maybelline Super Stay Matte 24HR Hybrid Pressed Powder Foundation that went viral on TikTok for its impressive medium-to-full coverage — and yes, the 24-hour staying power. Reviewers say it gives you the weightless texture, ease of application, and oil control of a powder, without the dry… well, powdery look. It'll change the way you think about powder foundation. Even better, the soft matte finish *holds up* against sweat, water, and transfer for budge-proof wear.
Promising reviews: 'The match was unreal. The coverage and weightlessness left me speechless. I will order 2–3 more just in case they ever change this formula because it's perfection! Run, don't walk and grab this powder.' —ExGSTLgurl'I use a lightly dampened sponge to apply. It goes on very easily, has great coverage and lasts all day! I have tried many similar products but finally found one I really like.' —MarcyPrice: $13.49 (available in 16 shades)
A L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation that comes in cool, neutral, and warm undertones for your best-ever color match. The medium coverage formula blends seamlessly, smoothing over texture, redness, and blemishes for a natural, skin-like finish. Plus, the oil-, fragrance-, and alcohol-free formula agrees with all skin types. Sure, there isn't a one-size-fits-all foundation…but this one's pretty close.
Promising review: 'I adore this foundation! My rosacea is my biggest insecurity and this foundation covers it up so well without needing too much. It lasts all day without getting patchy or anything. The shade was a perfect match too. Loooove and will buy again' —Amber Price: $9.99 (available in 40 shades)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation — a water gel, skin-tint foundation hybrid that's a staple in my personal makeup bag. It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours and feels oh-so-refreshing on my combination skin. The lightweight, oil-free formula lets skin breathe while evening out its tone and diminishing the look of pores. The result is a finish so natural, it looks like you're having a really, really good skin day.
Promising review: 'I don't normally write reviews but I have to for this because it is my favorite product right now. I have rosacea and have been struggling to find something that covers at least 90% of it without feeling like it's clogging my pores/glued to my face. This is the stuff! It feels so light on my face and I forget that I have anything on, PLUS it covers up 95% of the constant redness on my face. The hydration is a bonus! I absolutely love this and will be re-purchasing in the future!' —Emily Price: $18.29 (available in seven shades)
A Covergirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Vegan Foundation with micro-pigments that 'burst' when applied to the skin for super-blendable, sheer coverage. It's even boosted with bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) to help support smoother, firmer-looking skin AND tranexamic acid to help improve the look of dark spots. Folks online say it's better than a certain French luxury foundation I won't name… And after using it myself, I 100% agree.
Promising reviews: 'This foundation is super lightweight and has the perfect coverage for any weather! I love how easy it is to apply and remove.' —Jakya 'Okay... I don't usually get THIS hype over a product, but baby Covergirl did what needed to be done with this one! It's so lightweight, like I forgot I even had it on. But somehow, it still smoothed me out, gave me coverage, and left me looking real moisturized! This is staying in my makeup bag permanently. 10/10. I'm obsessed!' —65 Tan RichPrice: $15.99 (available in 12 shades)
A Nyx Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop 24-Hour Full Coverage Matte Finish Foundation that gives you water- and transfer-proof pigment in a single swipe. Dark spots and blemishes? They don't stand a chance against this full-coverage formula that claims to deliver shine-free, photo-ready skin for 24 hours. And reviewers say the foundation holds up, all while looking and feeling like its high-end counterparts — for under $20!
Promising reviews: 'Ugh what can I say about this foundation? It's smooth. It feels like it's super expensive. And it's perfect for my skin and budget.' —Katherine 'Gorgeous coverage! I typically buy $40+ foundation, but I needed something in a pinch and have no Sephora locally. This foundation is amazing, and you can not beat the price. It stays on all day and covers my acne scars so well. And it stands up to the heat (I live in GA). I'll definitely be buying this again.' —Melissa MPrice: $16.49 (available in 14 shades)
A Maybelline Lifter Stix Multi-Use Face Makeup Stick that'll be the undisputed MVP of your makeup bag. It's a foundation stick, yes, but it can also be a contour, highlighter, and concealer depending on the shades. Cranberry seed oil gives the formula its effortless glide and creamy blend, which effortlessly layers to deliver your desired coverage. And the compact size is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, too. *Chefs kiss*
Promising reviews: 'It has light coverage but it builds and blends easily. My skin is very sensitive so I love that I have no negative reaction. It leaves my skin smooth and soft with a natural glow. 70 is my perfect match and I contour with 75.' —KJ'Creamy, easy to blend, and buildable. I have dry skin and this product doesn't make my face look drier or patchy. Would highly recommend.' —ZPrice: $12.19 (available in 18 shades)
A Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation that performs more like skincare, giving you glowy, buildable to medium coverage and skin-loving hydration at the same time. The squalane and hyaluronic acid-infused formula leaves dry skin types looking naturally dewy and plump. It even claims to smooth skin and boost elasticity over time. What could be better?
Promising review: 'Honestly, this is easily one of the best foundations I've ever used. It's up there with Estée Lauder's Double Wear and MAC's new luminous or radiant formula. I notice that some of the comments are from people with normal, oily, or combination skin, but this is for dry skin types. The squalane oil in particular, is not likely to work for folks with those skin types. For me, the coverage was excellent—solidly a medium to full coverage—it didn't transfer after setting, and it looked great after several hours. It didn't show any of my dry patches. So if you have dry skin, definitely give this a try.' —Bethany RPrice: $15.99 (available in nine shades)
Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator — a sheer (but buildable!) formula that feels like you're not wearing anything at all. This hyaluronic acid-infused tint is like a drink of water for dry skin, and has a semi-matte finish that's not drying or overly dewy. The flexible, super-blendable shades make application impossible to mess up. And for less than $7, this is a BIG win for the no-makeup-makeup lovers out there, myself included.
Promising review: 'This product is soooo good! It shouldn't be this good for the price, but it is. It gives my skin a soft, buildable coverage. Blends easily with a foundation brush. Stays all day. I literally have tried tons of serum tinted moisturizers, mostly high end, and none have worked for me. I have dry skin, and don't want a lot of coverage. This stuff is a dream. And for me, the light medium is the best color match I've ever had. Can you tell I'm shocked? I am!'—HPrice: $6.79 (available in four shades)
A Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Treatment Foundation that's a classic for good reason: it comfortably helps cover everything from fine lines to discoloration with a simple sweep of its fun sponge-tip applicator. The moisturizing formula smooths over skin and doesn't settle — so neither should you. Consider the SPF 20 the cherry on top of your usual sun protection.
Promising reviews: 'This stuff smooths out your skin and makes your skin almost appear flawless. I've been using it for years. Love that it has some sun protection. It applies seamlessly with no streaking. A little goes a long way.' —Dogmom'I have tried 50+ foundations in every price range from prestige brands to drugstore staples. This foundation out performs every one. It isn't cakey, but provides great coverage, the applicator works well (I blend in with a brush) and the color range is terrific. I have rosacea and it covers it. I get compliments, not on my makeup, but on my skin when I wear it.' —JessPrice: $13.19 (available in 16 shades)
A ColourPop Pretty Fresh Foundation that's juiced up with hyaluronic acid and coconut water for extra hydration, which helps keep dry patches at bay. It has medium-buildable coverage with lightweight, second-skin comfort you'll feel good about wearing from day to night (just remember to remove it before bed, of course). Reviewers say blending it in is a total breeze, and that it dries down to a natural finish that's a tad glowy, but not tacky. A total winner!
Promising reviews: 'Amazing foundation that stays on all day and provides great coverage without feeling like you're wearing anything! Colourpop has a perfect color match for my skin tone, which I always struggled with until I started using their products. It makes your skin look perfectly dewy (but not sweaty) and you can't even tell you have liquid foundation on. I love it!' —mra'It doesn't feel heavy and doesn't settle in lines and has great coverage while still looking natural.' —alexakaoriPrice: $16 (available in 20 shades)
A Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Oil-Free Liquid Foundation which contains micro-powders to effectively mattify skin and blur pores for an air-brushed finish that isn't flat or chalky, making it a favorite among reviewers with oily skin. It touts solid medium coverage with a barely-there texture that blends in easily with your fingertips or the sponge/brush of your choosing. And reviewers say it lives up to its longwear claims, too!
Promising reviews: 'Been looking for the perfect foundation forever and finally found it. Nice amount of coverage, doesn't enhance wrinkles, is easy to apply, comes off easily and does last the whole day and night. Very impressed.' —KC'I haven't found a foundation that wears better or looks more flawless than this one. This never separates or cakes on my face, gives me full coverage with the tiniest amount, and lasts all day. It definitely hides pores and makes the skin very porcelain-like. It's the best value and quality for a drugstore foundation. My only gripe with it is I wish it had a pump dispenser.' —SooomPrice: $9.39 (available in 40 shades)
A L'Oreal Paris Infallible 32-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation with SPF 25 and medium-to-full coverage that lasts all day and night. How? The fluid, feather-light formula contains oil absorbers that make it sweat- and transfer-resistant for a longer wear time, that still manages to look incredibly natural and fresh-faced as the day goes on. It's a trusty, true-to-color formula you can wear with confidence, no matter your skin type.
Promising review: 'I've purchased sooo many expensive foundations, from every brand under the sun. I had such a hard time finding a new holy grail when my old one had a formula change. I ended up here! This foundation is consistently great, and stays all day without oxidizing or getting oily. It looks great after a nap. I mix two colors, and my skin looks luminous. The product is buildable and can be easily layered—it gives me the effortless coverage I want without looking overdone, and plays really well with other products. They can't ever, EVER get rid of this foundation or change the formula!' —AkakPrice: $16.49 (available in 30 shades)
A Makeup Revolution Skin Silk Serum Foundation for the smooth, fluid texture that instantly melts into your skin and helps blur away dark spots and blemishes for a soft-focus effect. Even better, the serum formula has hyaluronic acid and peptides for aiding in hydrating skin and boosting collagen over time for firm, radiant-looking skin. Your favorite photo filter could never.
Promising review: 'This is an excellent foundation for hot climates. It is lightweight with no transfer. For me it worked well on top of an oil based moisturizer. Great price too!' —WavinghairPrice: $14 (available in 29 shades)
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Cosmopolitan
42 minutes ago
- Cosmopolitan
10 of the best perfumes to make you smell expensive, and the notes to look out for
Flaunting a Birkin used to be the ultimate symbol of wealth. But today's displays of affluence are a lot more nuanced. People aren't paying attention to designer bags or shoes, but rather, they're focused on how to smell expensive. "How to smell expensive" has over 35 million views on TikTok. It makes sense: Unlike owning a high-end handbag, smelling expensive isn't just reserved for the top one percent. Think about it: How you smell alters the way you carry yourself. Even if you aren't necessarily rich (yet!), smelling expensive can shift how you're viewed by others, says head of fine fragrance at Givaudan North America, Matthieu Befve. "Scent has become an emotional anchor — a tool for self-expression, comfort, and connection in an increasingly sensory-driven world," he says. "The desire to smell expensive reflects a deeper craving for confidence and emotional relevance. It's less about price and more about embodying an empowered and aspirational version of self." How is it possible to reek of wealth without dropping a ton of money? Well, Debóra Xavier, product development manager at Rio-based perfume brand Granado, explains that smelling lavish doesn't come down to the price of the perfume. What really matters is the quality of the juice and the resulting scent's uniqueness. Sandalwood and cashmere woods are often described as creamy for their velvety, smooth scent that adds a bit of warmth to fragrances, especially in the dry down, says Xavier. "Both are comforting yet sensual and give perfumes a polished finish." These creamy wood notes are also designed to linger longer than other facets, creating an impressive scent trail. And the longer a scent lingers, the more expensive they tend to smell. It's perfume math. Sandalwood plays an integral role in Ariana Grande's scent Lovenotes Vanilla Suede. While you may think that this would smell like a vanilla cupcake with buttercream icing, the woody notes add a rich, warm depth that softens the sugar factor and ups its sophistication. Maison Louis Marie's iconic wood-centric scent, Bois de Balincourt, smells like a whisper of generational wealth with layers of sandal, cedar, and amber wood swirled with comforting spices. "Softly salty and warm amber adds a sensual, enveloping richness that lasts beautifully on skin," Xavier says. This is another note that tends to remain on skin for hours, and it gives the illusion that you smell incredible, rather than the perfume. Amber is one of those rare ingredients that smells incredibly regal as a stand-alone note in perfume, which is why Nemat International's Amber Roll-On is so well-loved. It's a single-note oil that can be worn on its own or layered to add more depth to other fragrances. Glossier You Doux is a full-bodied, smokey combination of palo santo, myrrh, and frankincense is mellowed with both ambroxan and ambrette and often garners compliments (such as comments "wow, you smell expensive"). When you think of expensive floral notes, rose perfumes might be the first one that comes to mind. Rose is, without a doubt, one of the most prized fragrance ingredients, but it's difficult to find an affordable perfume that smells like freshly-picked roses. More often than not, rose notes in accessible scents can come off synthetic, which is why if you want to smell expensive on a budget, you should opt for iris, violet, or neroli-based scents. Befve describes violet as "elegant and refined." Iris has a powdery tinge that "conveys understated sophistication and a cool, aristocratic vibe," says Xavier. And neroli, with its slightly bitter undertones feels "clean yet bright, evoking effortless elegance," Xavier adds. Snif Me is an incredibly personal scent that mixes stone fruits with iris. The result is something otherworldly, and I can barely believe this unique perfume is so affordable (especially considering iris is one of the world's most expensive fragrance ingredients). Issey Miyake Solar Violet smells like delicate sunbeams grazing your garden in the morning. When combined, violet and iris emit a candied, powdery effect, while pear adds an unexpected juicy pop. Musks are the backbone of many perfumes, and Befve says this facet adds "depth and richness, making the scent feel smooth and expensive." This is one of the most complex notes in perfumery because it has an evolving quality to it. Depending on what it's paired with, musk can smell powdery, sweet, earthy, or even animalic;. When it's the main note, it gives off the aura that you, rather than a perfume, smells naturally luxe. Take Phlur's award-winning Missing Person. Layers of musks, airy florals, and warm sandalwood wrap you in a comforting embrace to make you feel at ease and less alone. As for Free the Musk from Dossier, a dash of spices and heady florals give this a carnal depth that exudes confidence—and will have people thinking you only stay at five-star hotels. Both of our experts say to avoid overly-saccharine scents because they tend to smell synthetic, cloying, and downright cheap. Don't fret quite yet, gourmand lovers. The key to smelling expensively sweet, according to Befve, is to keep things delicate by avoiding sugary notes. "Hints of vanilla, almond, and fig feel comforting and upscale when balanced—not syrupy," he explains. Granado's Baunilha & Açafrão was inspired by royalty, combining vanilla with musk, jasmine, and a burst of saffron. This is one of the newest scents in my collection, and I feel like the queen of New York when I wear it. Le Monde Gourmand's Figue du Forét may be the most affordable pick at just £28, but the heavenly mix of fig, white tea, and almond milk rivals some of the most high-end scents in my collection. For the most part, experts suggest avoiding anything that is sickeningly sweet or smells medicinal. "Overly sweet, synthetic notes—like cotton-candy accords, artificial fruit notes — especially synthetic peach or strawberry — or excessive vanilla without balance can be potentially cloying," says Xavier. That's not to say that any fruity scent will smell like a bargain. Use your nose, play around, and follow your best judgement. Another thing to keep in mind: Just because a perfume projects far or lasts long on your skin doesn't mean that it inherently smells expensive. "Stronger is not always better with perfumes," Xavier says. "Sometimes subtle sophistication wins over loud complexity." With any of the picks mentioned, you'll literally feel (and smell) like a million bucks. But, you should also take into account that scent is extremely personal, and we suggest using this guide as an outline to find the best ~bourgeoisie~ perfume that feels most like you. "When a fragrance feels aligned with your identity — whether it's soft and clean, warm and cozy, or bold and edgy—it creates a kind of personal luxury that no price tag can define," says Befve. "Perfumes that feel rich in texture, intention, and self-expression... that's what makes a scent truly luxurious." Mary Honkus is a beauty contributor for Cosmopolitan with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive into what makes orris the world's most expensive fragrance note, and finding the best solar scents. She is an authority in all beauty categories, but has a sweet spot for fragrance with a collection of over 200 scents. She believes everyone should smell amazing no matter their budget, so she consulted fragrance experts to put together this comprehensive guide on how to smell expensive.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Couple Get Engaged, They Can't Believe What Their Golden Retriever Captures
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Many couples hire a photographer to capture the special moment when they get engaged, but that wasn't necessary for two childhood sweethearts who got their golden retriever to film the entire proposal instead. As you can imagine, the footage is a mixture of joy, excitement, and the zoomies. On July 4, paramedic Emily Ward and her now fiancé Jacob Oxlade, both 27, headed over to Horseshoe Bay on their boat. They went for a gorgeous sunset walk with their golden retriever, Murphy, who had a GoPro camera attached to him so they could capture as much footage as possible. Ward, of Brisbane, Australia, told Newsweek that she "didn't question it too much" as her partner said he needed camera footage to share with their photographer friend. But as the evening unfolded, there turned out to be a very different reason for the camera—as Oxlade got down on one knee. Jacob Oxlade and Emily Ward getting engaged on the beach with Murphy beside them. Jacob Oxlade and Emily Ward getting engaged on the beach with Murphy beside them. @ / TikTok "We went for a walk as the sun set, and that's when Jacob proposed," Ward said. "It was quiet, thoughtful, and perfect—I couldn't have dreamed it better. Jacob was so thoughtful—I had only ever said I didn't want it to be in a busy place. I just wanted it to be the two of us, and Murphy of course." With the camera on his back, 4-year-old Murphy had a very integral role to play as the engagement photographer. The adorable footage shows just how happy Murphy was for his owners, who have been together since they were 14 years old. He sat in the middle of them during the proposal, and then when Ward started to jump around excitedly, he instantly got the zoomies. Would you expect anything less? Ward was left speechless when she watched the footage back, and it's become something she will "treasure forever." She continued: "I couldn't have imagined anything more special, and I feel incredibly lucky to have a partner who knows me so well. That video is a keepsake I'll always hold close. I never would've pictured something like that for myself, but now I can't imagine it any other way." Indeed, her favorite part of the video (aside from the proposal itself, obviously) is when Murphy turns around and realizes there's a camera attached to him, and then immediately starts zooming around once again. He ran straight past his owners and ran towards the boat instead. No matter how many times she watches it, that particular moment leaves Ward in hysterics every time. Ward shared the footage on TikTok (@ and it's delighted social media users, leading to more than 644,100 views and 116,900 likes at the time of writing. TikTok users have hailed Murphy's cinematic masterpiece, and many even suggested that he should film the wedding too. He will certainly have a role to play on the big day, as Ward told Newsweek that he will get to enjoy "his special moment" walking down the aisle. Murphy the golden retriever filming the proposal. Murphy the golden retriever filming the proposal. @ / TikTok "Every couple has their own path, and ours led us to this time and this proposal. We've been together since we were 14, and for a long time, neither of us really wanted a wedding or marriage. We both come from families where marriage didn't always work out, and that shaped our thinking early on. But as we've grown up together, we've realized we're not our parents. We're us, and I wouldn't change anything about our story," Ward said. In just a matter of days, the TikTok video has generated over 900 comments as social media users praised Murphy's Oscar-worthy directorial debut. One comment reads: "This is a cinematic experience. Camera work 100/10. Good boy 1,000/10." Another TikTok user wrote: "Surely he's filming the wedding." Another person replied: "I think this is my favorite proposal video ever." While one commenter joked: "He's watched their whole love zoomie was his standing ovation." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
NYC influencer Chase Filandro dead at 20, cause of death revealed
Popular NYC-based TikTok influencer and singer Chase Filandro has died. He was 20. Filandro's death was announced by his heartbroken family, who revealed that the content creator died by suicide. On Tuesday, Filandro's loved ones paid tribute to the social media star, who gained popularity by regularly sharing comedy skits and book reviews on his accounts. Advertisement 4 Popular NYC-based TikTok influencer and singer Chase Filandro has died. He was 20. Instagram/Chase Filandro 'Our family is heartbroken and devastated by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved, Chase,' his sister, Francesca Ford, wrote on Instagram. 'It was Chase's own decision to enter Heaven. His light will continue to shine eternally in the hearts of all those he touched throughout his remarkable, though far too brief, life.' Advertisement Ford said her brother 'was a talented artist with boundless creativity.' 'He was a singer, musician, actor, teacher, artist, poet, and painter: Chase was a beacon of light with a magnetic personality and zest for life that touched everyone he encountered, both in person and online,' Ford's tribute continued. 4 Filandro's death was announced by his heartbroken family, who revealed that the content creator died by suicide. Instagram/Chase Filandro 'Chase brought joy, creativity, and inspiration to so many. While our hearts are shattered by this tremendous loss, we find comfort in knowing that his artistic legacy and the love he shared will never be forgotten.' Advertisement She also touched on his love for the outdoors, where he spent a lot of downtime. 'Those who knew Chase understood his deep love for the arts and the outdoors,' she wrote. 'His passionate spirit and genuine warmth created lasting connections with people everywhere.' 4 The social media star gained popularity by regularly sharing comedy skits and book reviews on his accounts. Instagram/Franki Ford 'We ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the beautiful life Chase lived,' she added. Advertisement Given the late social media star's passion for spending time outside, his family now plans to honor that by building memorials at two National Parks. 'Chase was an avid traveler and was moved by the beauty of National Parks,' the family wrote on the GoFundMe page. 'He always welcomed strangers with a smile and made friends along all the trails he traveled on.' The GoFundMe has since raised more than $31,600, prompting the family to speak out about the generous donations. 'Thank you so much for helping us reach our goal in only 13 hours, Chase clearly had such an impact on many,' they wrote. 'We are continuing to raise funds to now support the building of an additional memorial in New York that is closer to home. Thank you all again.' In addition to his social media success, Filandro was a vocalist for the five-part indie rock band Just Add Water, which often toured in and around Long Island, since 2022. Advertisement 4 The TikTok star's sister said he 'was a talented artist with boundless creativity.' Instagram/Chase Filandro His final performance with the band took place last summer following a one-year hiatus. The Take 2 Studio acting school, located in Huntington, NY, also paid tribute to Filandro, writing on Instagram that he will be remembered for his 'vibrant spirit' and 'the joy he brought into every room.' If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to
