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Bethenny Frankel, 53, says Neutrogena makes her 'favorite foundation, period'

Why spend a ton of money on designer makeup when this Neutrogena drugstore buy works just as well?

Bethenny Frankel at the
RHONY alum Bethenny Frankel is well-known for her glowing, flawless complexion.

For many, the changing seasons often mean skincare and makeup swaps as the temps cool. Switching to a thicker moisturizer to combat the redness and dryness that comes with cold air is common. And those who paused applying foundation every day because of summer's heat and humidity will likely pick it back up again in the fall.

If you're looking for a product that creates a smooth, even complexion and matches your skin tone this season, Real Housewives of New York alum Bethenny Frankel is here to help. She took to TikTok to reveal she'd tested every foundation in the drugstore. Her favorite of them all? Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation

Formulated with a blend of antioxidants, including vitamin E, feverfew and soy, your skin will be calmed and protected with this skin health-boosting formula. 

$12 with coupon at Amazon

In her video, Frankel starts by declaring that Armani and Dior make the best foundations. The problem? The Dior formula is $57 a bottle, while the Armani option is $69 (!!). Fortunately, Frankel goes to reveal an affordable drugstore alternative — with the on-page coupon, Neutrogena's foundation is only $12 at Amazon, and according to Frankel "it literally melts into your skin."

Frankel goes on to demonstrate how amazing this Neutrogena foundation is by dabbing a bit onto her cheeks and using her fingertips to blend it with just a few gentle strokes. Kind of like magic, the makeup melts into her skin leaving a smooth, even finish in just seconds. It really is impressive.

Like Frankel, many customers on Amazon have positive things to say about the foundation. Nearly 5,000 shoppers have left five-star reviews, with several commenting that it offers nice coverage without feeling thick or cake-y and improves the texture and overall appearance of their skin.

"Instantly [this foundation] became my new favorite!" one shopper gushed. "I like it even better than upscale brands I’ve used previously such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Laura Mercier and so on. This foundation does it all; flawless coverage without any heavy feeling or even feeling like you're wearing foundation, lasts all day without needing to be retouched [and] doesn’t rub off or stain my clothes."

"The product comes out on a big doe foot applicator which I just love," another shopper wrote. "It goes on quite juicy and wet but soaks in pretty fast and dries down. It's super sheer and light, perfect for 'no makeup makeup' days. It's just enough to look polished and clean."

Though thousands of shoppers are overwhelmingly happy with this affordable foundation, others have found it didn't quite meet their expectations. Among the chief complaints? Lack of coverage and difficulty finding the right shade to match their skin tone.

"[This foundation] doesn't seem to cover very well," one shopper explained. "I've had to reapply during the afternoon after applying in the morning."

Another shopper commented, "My skin tone is fair/neutral and I have very sensitive skin. I decided to give this one a try because I heard it could be a cheaper alternative for sensitive skin. Unfortunately, the shade classic ivory was too dark for me and came up orangey on my skin. This might work if you have a warmer skin tone. Amazingly, my skin did not have a reaction to this though. Three stars because it seems okay, but just didn't work for me personally."

There are 14 shades available, ranging from fair to deep with plenty of options in between.

$12 with coupon at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)