The Best Foundation in India for your Skin [December, 2023]

The perfect makeup look starts with a base, followed by products that will add a unique look to your skin. To build a good base for your makeup, it is important to choose the best foundation. Here, we’ve mentioned some of the best foundation in India that you should consider buying. The list includes products which are available at an affordable price so you can shop without a worry. But before we start exploring the best foundation brands, take a look at this brief guide on how to pick the right one. 

How to know which foundation is best? 

Foundations are used for a smooth finish, and the best foundation brand can help you achieve that. Before you make a choice, here are some factors to look out for a while choosing the best foundation in India.

Coverage

• Sheer: Evens out skin tone with light coverage
• Light: Lightweight, buildable coverage
• Medium: Provides balanced coverage for most skin concerns
• Full: Maximum coverage to conceal imperfections

Finish

• Matte: Controls oil and shine for a flawless finish
• Natural: A soft, semi-matte finish that looks like skin
• Dewy/Radiant: Leaves a glowy, illuminating effect
• Luminous: Brightens dull skin with light-reflecting pigments

Formula

• Liquid: Classic fluid formula that blends easily
• Cream: Thicker yet blendable for dry to normal skin
• Stick: Solid formula offers easy application
• Cushion: Dispenses product through a sponge applicator
• Powder: Sets makeup and mattifies skin

Skin Type Considerations

• Dry: Cream or serum formulas with hydrating ingredients
• Oily/Combination: Matte or powder formulas to control shine
• Normal: Look for “satin” or medium coverage liquids
• Sensitive: Mineral formulas with fewer irritants

Other Features

• SPF: Contains sun protection
• Oil-free: Won’t clog pores, good for acne-prone skin
• Long-wearing: Stays put all day without fading or sliding
• Non-comedogenic: Won’t clog pores and cause breakouts

Consider these points while choosing the best foundation cream in India for your skin type. Next up, we have a few suggestions for the best foundation in india

15 Best Foundations in India

After extensive research, comparing reviews, ratings, prices and formulas, we have rounded up the 15 top-rated foundations you can buy online in India.

1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 28,963 reviews
• Price: ₹260

Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is the best-selling foundation on Amazon India. It provides a soft matte finish with medium to full buildable coverage. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly to blur pores and control oil and shine. It comes in 18 shades for all Indian skin tones.

Key features:

• Matte, pore-minimizing finish
• 16 hour wear
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic
• Available in 18 shades
• Suitable for normal to oily skin

2. Lakmé 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Foundation

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• Ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 3,142 reviews
• Price: ₹101

Lakmé 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Foundation gives a smooth matte finish with airy lightweight texture. The oil-free formula provides buildable light to medium coverage and controls shine for up to 16 hours. It glides easily over the skin leaving a powdery soft finish.

Key features:

• Ultra lightweight mousse formula
• Buildable matte coverage
• Oil-free, won’t clog pores
• Long wearing up to 16 hrs
• Available in 6 shades

3. Pond’s White Beauty BB+ Cream

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• Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 9,073 reviews
• Price: ₹494

This budget-friendly kit from Pond’s includes their popular BB+ fairness cream and a Lakmé compact powder. The BB cream evens out skin tone while providing light coverage and sun protection. It also contains Vitamin B3 and E to improve skin texture.

Key features:

• Lightweight, blends easily
• Brightens and evens skin tone
• Contains SPF 30 PA++
• Improves skin texture
• travel-friendly kit

4. Maybelline New York Fit Me

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 12,643 reviews
• Price: ₹260

Another top seller from Maybelline New York, the Fit Me foundation comes in 18 shades for a wide range of skin tones. It delivers customizable medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish. The oil-free formula is great for normal to oily skin.

Key features:

• Matte finish
• Pore-minimizing
• Up to 12 hours wear
• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic
• 18 shades

5. Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Foundation

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• Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 6,941 reviews
• Price: ₹357

This dynamic duo from Lakmé includes a smoothing primer and a full coverage matte foundation. The oil-free, long-wearing formula hides imperfections for a flawless, shine-free finish. The primer preps the skin and boosts the coverage.

Key features:

• Full coverage matte foundation
• Smoothing primer preps skin
• Oil-free, shine-free finish
• Sweat proof, transfer resistant
• Available in 6 shades

6. Lakmé Absolute Skin Natural Mousse

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• Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 10,827 reviews
• Price: ₹609

Lakmé’s Absolute Skin Natural Mousse has a luxuriously lightweight whipped texture. With buildable medium coverage and SPF 15, it leaves a seamless matte finish. The oil-free formula contains vitamins and antioxidants to nurture skin.

Key features:

• Light-as-air matte finish
• Buildable medium coverage
• Enriched with vitamins
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic
• Available in 5 shades

7. Mamaearth Glow Serum Foundation

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• Ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 2,837 reviews
• Price: ₹520

This glow-boosting serum foundation from Mamaearth provides natural radiance with its light-reflecting pigments. The lightweight formula offers buildable light to medium coverage with a dewy finish. It also contains turmeric, vitamin C and SPF 20.

Key features:

• Lightweight serum texture
• Dewy, luminous finish
• Contains turmeric & vitamin C
• Buildable coverage
• SPF 20

8. Lakmé Perfecting Liquid Foundation

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 11,914 reviews
• Price: ₹180

A budget-friendly bestseller, the Lakmé Perfecting Liquid Foundation delivers full opaque coverage with a luminous finish. The creamy formula glides smoothly onto skin for an even, flawless look. It is also waterproof and long-wearing.

Key features:

• Full coverage foundation
• Dewy, luminous finish
• Glides smoothly onto skin
• Waterproof and sweat-proof
• Available in 6 shades

9. Maybelline New York Fit Me

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 5,649 reviews
• Price: ₹247

This Maybelline foundation provides customizable full coverage with a soft matte finish. It feels lightweight and blurs the look of pores for a smooth canvas. The oil-free formula is great for normal to oily skin types. It comes in 12 flattering shades.

Key features:

• Medium to full coverage
• Soft matte finish
• Blurs pores
• Controls oil and shine
• Available in 12 shades

10. Maybelline New York Fit Me Fresh Tint

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• Ratings: 3.9 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 3,213 reviews
• Price: ₹339

Maybelline Fit Me Fresh Tint offers sheer buildable coverage with a healthy-looking radiant finish. This lightweight foundation contains SPF 50 to protect your skin from sun damage. It provides a fresh, luminous glow with its pearly pigments.

Key features:

• Sheer, natural coverage
• Lightweight tinted formula
• Radiant, luminous finish
• Contains SPF 50 PA+++
• Available in 6 shades

11. Maybelline New York Super Stay

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 5,536 reviews
• Price: ₹535

This transfer-proof foundation from Maybelline delivers flawless full coverage for up to 24 hours. The formula contains polymers that set it quickly for a flexible, breathable feel. It is sweat-proof and water-resistant for long wear.

Key features:

• 24 hour wear
• Full coverage
• Transfer-proof
• Sweat-proof and water-resistant
• Available in 18 shades

12. Mamaearth Glow Serum Foundation Mini

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• Ratings: 3.8 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 378 reviews
• Price: ₹306

This travel-friendly mini version of Mamaearth’s glow serum foundation provides buildable medium coverage and an instant dewy glow. Enriched with vitamin C and turmeric, it hydrates while making skin look radiant.

Key features:

• Mini 7 ml tube
• Medium coverage
• Dewy, luminous finish
• Contains turmeric and vitamin C
• Travel-friendly size

13. Mars BB Cream Foundation

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 718 reviews
• Price: ₹229

This budget-friendly BB cream from Mars Prime provides sheer to medium coverage with a natural finish. The lightweight, blendable formula color corrects and evens out skin tone. It contains chamomile extract to soothe and nourish skin.

Key features:

• Light-medium coverage
• Natural, seamless finish
• Color correcting pigments
• Contains chamomile extract
• Budget-friendly price

14. Faces Canada All Day Hydra Matte Foundation

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• Ratings: 3.8 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 409 reviews
• Price: ₹356

This 3-in-1 foundation from Faces Canada works as a moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen. The medium coverage, matte formula contains aloe vera for 24 hour hydration. It provides a smooth, crease-free finish that lasts up to 10 hours.

Key features:

• 3-in-1 moisturizer, foundation and SPF 30
• Medium coverage, matte finish
• Contains aloe vera and vitamin C
• Crease-proof and long-wearing
• 5 shades available

15. Faces Canada Weightless Matte Foundation

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• Ratings: 3.7 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 3,162 reviews
• Price: ₹154

This budget-friendly lightweight foundation from Faces Canada offers sheer to medium buildable coverage with a natural matte finish. Enriched with olive seed oil, grape extract and shea butter, it hydrates while controlling shine.

Key features:

• Lightweight texture
• Sheer to medium coverage
• Natural matte finish
• Enriched with oils and extracts
• Budget-friendly price

List of the Best Foundation Brands

1. Lakme

Founded in 1952 and launched by Hindustan Unilever, Lakme has a wide range of products for its customer base in India and Nepal. It is one of the best brands of foundation that sells good quality products made from the right ingredients. Its most popular collection of products is the Lakme Absolute line. 

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Our suggestion: Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation 

The Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation is available in six shades, providing a feathery light texture. It’s a great choice for everyday makeup, which will keep your skin looking radiant for a long time. 

What’s great? 

• It is a water-based foundation which provides a feathery light and natural coverage for makeup. 
• Because of the SPF component, your skin will stay protected from harmful sun rays. This lasts up to 16 hours. 
• The 25ml glass bottle has a spatula, making the application process easy. 

2. Maybelline

Maybelline is another popular beauty brand that L’oreal founded in 1996. The headquarters of this brand is located in Manhattan, New York. Consumers across the world highly rate Maybelline’s line of beauty products. 

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This foundation falls under the mid-range category and has all the right ingredients. It also has a lightweight formula that will easily spread on the skin, providing a good base. The foundation is available in 18+ shades and weighs 30ml. 

What’s great? 

• The product is non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. 
• It includes SPF 22, which will protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the Sun. 
• It is a great choice for oily skin types because of its mattifying effect. 

3. L’oreal Paris

L’oreal Paris has been successfully dominating the world of skincare and makeup. The brand has its headquarters in Clichy, Paris. It is one of the largest companies with the best range of skincare, beauty and haircare products. 

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Our suggestion: L’oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation 

The L’oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation is the number one choice for makeup enthusiasts worldwide. Your skin will enjoy the Vitamin E nourishment from the foundation. 

What’s great? 

• It comes with SPF 17 for skin protection and provides a non-cakey finish. 
• Available in 12 shades, this foundation is non-comedogenic and perfect for oily skin types. 
• The Vitamin E, Glycerin and Vitamin B will keep your skin soft and blemish free. 

4. Colorbar

Colorbar was introduced to the market in 2004 by its founder Samir Modi. The brand has a strong image in the global cosmetics industry. The products are of excellent quality and are one of the best brands of foundation. 

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Our suggestion: Amino Skin Radiant Foundation 

The Colorbar Amino Radiant Foundation includes Lysine, boosting your skin’s collagen production. This will lead to young and soft skin along with a natural shine. 

What’s great? 

• It is waterproof, fragrance-free and completely free of parabens. 
• It will provide full coverage, and the silicone elastomers create a satin-like finish. 
• It is formulated with Japanese pigments and Lysine to boost your skin’s health. 

5. NYX

NYX is a professional brand which is owned by L’oreal. The brand was introduced a few years ago in India and has gained a lot of support from makeup artists. Their foundation range is quite large and is highly recommended by beauty salons across the world. 

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Our suggestion: NYX Total Control Drop Liquid Foundation 

The NYX Total Control Drop Liquid Foundation comes with a dropper which ensures a hygienic way to use a foundation. There will be no excess makeup going to waste. The lightweight formula makes it easy to blend the product on the skin. 

What’s great? 

• It is a lightweight foundation with a matte finish, perfect for oily and combination skin. 
• The bottle comes with a dropper dispenser which makes the application process easier. 
• Depending on your coverage needs, you can use it for light or heavy coverage. 

Best Foundation Brands in India

Based on our research, some of the best foundation brands available in the Indian market include:

• Maybelline New York – This affordable drugstore brand offers various foundation formulas for all skin types and needs, from their iconic Fit Me line to Super Stay full coverage foundations. Their products consistently rank among the top-selling and top-rated foundations in India.
• Lakmé – Lakmé foundations are budget-friendly while offering good quality formulas in lightweight and matte finishes. Top sellers include their Invisible Finish, 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse, and Absolute Skin Natural Mousse foundations.
• L’oreal Paris – Known for their True Match line, L’oreal Paris makes foundations with customisable coverage and shade ranges. Other popular L’oreal foundations include Infallible Pro Matte, Infallible Fresh Wear and the creamy True Match Lumi range.
• Colorbar – This premium Indian brand makes foundations focused on different skin concerns like minimising pores, achieving flawless coverage, brightening dullness etc. Their Full Cover foundation sticks and primers are also popular.
• Mamaearth – With their skin-friendly formulas infused with turmeric, tea tree, apple cider vinegar etc, Mamaearth makes lightweight foundations for dry, normal, oily and sensitive skin types.

How to Apply Foundation for Flawless Coverage

Using the right makeup tools and techniques is key to achieving an even, seamless foundation application that looks like a second skin. Here are some tips:

• Prep skin – Moisturize and prime skin first for a smooth base. Opt for hydrating primers for dry skin, and mattifying ones for oily skin.
• Use a foundation brush – Stipple and blend the foundation in outward strokes with a dense, synthetic kabuki or buffing brush. This gives an airbrushed look.
• Use a beauty sponge – For lighter coverage, use a damp makeup sponge and pat gently on the foundation. The hydrated sponge gives a sheer, natural effect.
• Use fingers to warm product – For liquid and stick foundations, warm a small amount between fingers before applying. The heat from fingers helps them melt into skin.
• Lightly set makeup – After achieving even coverage, dust on some compact powder very lightly using a large brush. This sets makeup without adding bulk.
• Conceal blemishes – Use a separate concealer after foundation to cover any visible blemishes, spots or discoloration.
• Set makeup to increase longevity – Finish with a makeup setting spray for transfer-proof makeup that doesn’t budge for hours.

Wrapping Up

Before buying a makeup product, it is important to consider the quality of the product. The best foundation in india will perfectly match your skin tone and even out the makeup, making it free from blemishes. Choose a foundation best brand from the list based on your need and see the change yourself. We hope with this guide, the question “Which Foundation Is Best ?” is answered for you.

FAQs for Best Foundation in India

Q. Which is the No.1 foundation in India? 

The Lakmé 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Foundation is one of the highest-rated products in the market. Apart from this, the L’oreal Paris Liquid Foundation and the Maybelline New York Super Stay 24 Hr Full Coverage Liquid Foundation are next on the list of the best foundations in India. 

Q. Is it okay to wear foundation every day? 

A high-quality foundation from a good brand will give your skin extra sun protection. Certain foundations also include ceramides and serums that will rejuvenate your skin and make it appear healthier. 

Q. Does a foundation have side effects? 

The best brands of foundation will give a great finish. Foundations don’t have side effects. However, unhealthy makeup habits can lead to changes like acne, oiliness and ageing. Make sure to wash off your makeup properly before going to sleep. 

Q. Which foundation is long-lasting and waterproof? 

You can try the L’oreal Paris Infallible 24-Hr Fresh Wear Foundation to create a smooth base that will last a whole day. 

Q. How do I choose the right foundation shade?

A. Test swatches along your jawline in natural lighting. Pick the shade that disappears into your skin seamlessly without any demarcation. Opt for warm yellow undertones for fair to medium skin, and golden or olive undertones for medium to deep skin.

Q. Which is better – liquid, cream or powder foundation?

A. Liquid and cream formulas are moisturizing but can get heavy in humid weather. Powder foundations are great for oily skin and setting makeup. For daily wear, lightweight liquid formulas are easiest to build coverage and blend seamlessly.

Q. How long can you keep foundations before they expire?

A. Unopened, liquid and cream foundations have a shelf life of 1-2 years. Powder products can last up to 3 years. Once opened, use liquid/cream foundations within 6 months and powders within 1-2 years for best results.

Q. Should you use primer before foundation?

A. Primers smooth texture, minimize pores, correct discoloration, and boost longevity of makeup. Using an appropriate primer for your skin type under foundation gives a more flawless, long-lasting finish.

Q. How to prevent oxidation and makeup turning orange?

A. Using products loaded with antioxidants prevents oxidation. Opt for foundations with vitamin C and E. Avoid applying foundation directly on any skincare with vitamin C which can cause oxidation

Q. Which foundation is best?

Based on the research and comparisons done in this guide, the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is considered the best overall foundation in India currently. It has the highest number of ratings and reviews on Amazon India, provides customizable medium to full coverage with a pore-minimizing matte finish, and suits most normal to oily skin types.

Q. What is the best foundation brand?

Maybelline New York and Lakmé are two of the best and most popular drugstore foundation brands available in India. Maybelline foundations like Fit Me, SuperStay and Dream Matte offer good coverage at affordable prices for different skin types and preferences. Lakmé also makes quality budget-friendly foundations like the 9 to 5 and Absolute ranges.

Q. What are some good foundation cream brands?

Some top foundation cream brands in India include Lakmé Absolute Skin Natural Mousse, Pond’s BB+ Cream, Colorbar Perfect Match creme foundation and Faces Canada Ultime Pro cream foundation. All provide buildable coverage with a lightweight and blendable texture.

Q. Which is the best foundation company?

Maybelline New York is considered the best foundation company in the mass market segment in India, having the highest sales and positive customer reviews. In the premium segment, Estee Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Too Faced and Smashbox make professional quality foundations.

Q. What is the best foundation for all skin types in India?

Lakmé Perfecting Liquid Foundation is a good option for all skin types as it provides full coverage, comes in 6 shade options, suits dry to oily skins, and is very budget-friendly. Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid foundation is also suitable for most Indian skin types.

Q. What are the top 10 foundations in India?

The top 10 foundations in India are:

1. Maybelline New York Fit Me
2. Lakmé 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse
3. Pond’s BB+ Cream
4. Maybelline New York Fit Me
5. Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Foundation
6. Lakmé Absolute Skin Natural Mousse
7. Mamaearth Glow Serum Foundation
8. Lakmé Perfecting Liquid Foundation
9. Maybelline New York Fit Me
10. Maybelline New York Fit Me Fresh Tint

Q. What is the best quality foundation?

Estee Lauder Double Wear, Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin, and Too Faced Born This Way foundations offer very high quality with their transfer-proof, long wearing formulas and wide range of shades. MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation is also considered one of the best professional quality foundations.

Q. Which is the best non comedogenic foundation in India?

Maybelline Fit Me foundation is labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores. Other good non comedogenic foundations available in India include L’Oreal True Match, Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse, and Neutrogena Skinclearing liquid makeup.

Q. What are some good water based foundations in India?

Lakmé Invisible Finish Aqua foundation has a lightweight water based formula. Lotus Herbals Natural Blend foundation contains aloe vera gel base. Insight Cosmetics O2 Oxygenated Water based foundation is also lightweight and oil-free.

Q. Which are the top professional foundation brands?

Some professional foundation brands available internationally include Make Up For Ever, Kryolan, RCMA, Kett, Ben Nye and Cinema Secrets. These are used by makeup artists for their high performance, wide shade ranges and versatile formulas.

Q. What is the best Lakmé foundation for oily skin?

Lakmé Absolute Matte Foundation is specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It has a matte finish, light texture, and oil-absorbing ingredients that help control excess oiliness and shine for hours.

Q. What is the best foundation shade for warm undertones?

Those with warm yellow, golden or olive undertones should opt for foundation shades ending in 3, 4, 5 or 7 like 123 Warm Sand, 435 Golden Caramel, 225 Honey Beige or 127 Toasted Almond. These shades will seamlessly match and flatter warm skin tones.

Q. Which is the best liquid foundation in India?

Maybelline New York Super Stay and Fit Me liquid foundations are the top best-selling liquid foundations on Amazon India. The Fit Me foundation provides customizable matte full coverage, while Super Stay gives 24 hour wear. Other good liquid foundations include Lakmé 9 to 5 and L’Oréal Infallible 24H Freshwear.

Q. What are the Lakmé perfecting liquid foundation shades?

The 6 shades of Lakmé Perfecting Liquid Foundation are:

• Rose Ivory – Fair skin with cool pink undertones
• Natural – Fair with warm undertones
• Shell – Light with neutral undertones
• Pearl – Light to medium with yellow undertones
• Marble – Medium with warm undertones
• Sand – Medium to tan with golden undertones

Q. Does Lakmé foundation have any side effects?

Lakmé foundations are generally safe for skin as they are non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. However those with very sensitive or acne-prone skin can do a patch test before using as certain ingredients may cause irritation, breakouts or allergy in some individuals based on skin type.

Q. Which are the best non comedogenic makeup products available in India?

Some good non comedogenic makeup brands and products in India are:

• Compacts: Lakmé 9 to 5 powder, MAC Studio Fix powder
• Foundations: Maybelline Fit Me, L’oreal True Match
• Concealers: LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer
• Mascaras: L’Oreal Voluminous mascara, Maybelline Colossal mascara
• Lipsticks: Sugar Smudge Me Not liquid lipsticks

Q. What is the best affordable foundation in India?

Maybelline New York Fit Me foundation gives the best coverage and finish at an affordable price point of around ₹260. Other good budget foundations are Lakmé Perfecting Liquid Foundation, Pond’s BB+ cream, Blue Heaven Flawless Foundation, and Insight Cosmetics HD liquid foundation.