Foundation

If you ask any makeup artist they'll tell you the same thing: never skimp on foundation. Why? Well, like it's name implies, this product is literally the foundation of your makeup look, and if it's not quality and doesn't make your skin look flawless, then all the other makeup in the world isn't going to give you a perfect look.

But -- and this is a big BUT -- not skimping on foundation doesn't necessarily mean you have to drop a lot of cash. In fact, you can find great foundations that will give you that flawless look for under $15! Don't believe me? Check out the reviews below from TotalBeauty.com readers. They managed to combine thrift with quality, so there's no reason you can't too, right?

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Tinted moisturizer is a must for me -- one product takes the place of moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation, how awesome is that?!

Now, not all tinted moisturizers were created equal. Some don't offer the right amount of moisture, others don't give enough coverage, but the ones on this list are just right. And now, I will stop being all "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" on you and just share TotalBeauty.com readers' picks for the best tinted moisturizers:

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There are tons of makeup foundations on the market and we admit it can be overwhelming. To top it all of, beauty brands are constantly coming out with new formulations of foundations each geared toward a specific issue and a specific consumer. So here we breakdown the six most popular foundation formulas along with some of our favorites tried and tested!

Cream Foundations

Cream foundations are packed with moisture and suit well on dry and or mature skin. The thick, sometimes-heavy, texture lasts all day, and can be "thinned out" with a wet sponge or layered for a more full cover. Cream foundations are almost always medium-to-full or full in terms of coverage, so this may not suit those who seek minimal coverage. A good thing is that with most cream foundations, the coverage can almost always look natural, leaving a dewy (but not shiny) finish. There are also cream-to-powder foundations which are cream in texture but leave a more matte and satiny finish. Another plus? Cream foundations can usually be used as concealer or even as a body foundation for parts other than your face. Right now, we're obsessing over Illamasqua's Cream Foundation, $30.00 at Sephora.com.

Powder Foundations

There are two types of powder foundations, pressed and loose. Pressed powder foundations usually pack a bit more moisture since they are usually molded or pressed with oils unlike loose powders which are jet-milled. Powder foundations are great but they are NOT for everyone. They cater more to those with oily skin and problematic t-zone areas. Sponges and large fluff brushes work best to apply them, however go on with a light hand, as powder foundations can easily look caked on. Our favorite hydrating powder foundation will always be Smashbox's 'Halo' Hydrating Perfecting Powder, $59.00 at Nordstrom.com.

Liquid Foundations

We absolutley love liquid foundations! They are by far the most versatile of the group and have many uses and benefits. Perfect for most skin types, there's an array of liquid foundations out on the market for a number of skin conditions, needs and problems. There are liquid foundations specifically targeted for mature skin, and liquid foundations for acne-prone skin, even liquid foundations for high-definition filming. What we love is that liquid foundations give you control of the coverage and blends endlessly until you are satisfied. Plus, if you ever have a day where you want to step out sans all of the makeup, simply add a few drops of your liquid foundation into your daily moisturizer and voila -- you have a new tinted moisturizer! Our go-to-liquid queen bee...Make Up For Ever Invisible Cover Foundation, $40.00 at Sephora.com.

There's three more forumlas to go when you keep reading!

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