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.