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The Best Full Coverage Foundation
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION
Natural-looking no-makeup makeup looks are the “in-thing” these days, but sometimes, one just needs beauty products that can cover all bases, from uneven tones to acne marks to dark circles and more. BB creams and tinted moisturizers are amazing in their own right, but they don’t have the same coverage and power as a full-coverage foundation.
Full-coverage foundations used to be thick and heavy. But over the years, they’ve come a long way and have improved so much that you’ll be surprised at what they can do now. Many makeup brands now offer full-coverage foundations that have thinner consistencies and lightweight formulas, allowing their users to have a flawless appearance without the face feeling cakey, heavy, and dry.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best full-coverage foundations for you. From Becca to Fenty and all the way to Maybelline, if you’re a full coverage fan, we’ve got a wide array of products that can completely cover blemishes. Check them out!
WHAT ARE THE BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Satin Finish |  Best Oily Finish |
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage 24-Hour FoundationBecca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage foundation has a weightless formula that lasts for a long time. Look flawless for 24 hours as this long-wearing foundation can cover up any imperfection. | Estée Lauder Double Wear FoundationIf you love satin finish, then Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation got you! This foundation has buildable coverage, covers imperfections, and comes in 60 different shades to choose from. | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Long Wear FoundationGot oily skin? Then the Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Long Wear Foundation from Fenty is the one for you. Available in 50 shades, this foundation has a matte finish and is resistant to sweat and humidity. |
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LET’S GO OVER EACH FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION
#1: BECCA COSMETICS ULTIMATE COVERAGE 24-HOUR FOUNDATION
Lightweight, full-coverage, and long-wearing. What more can you ask for in a full-coverage foundation? Becca Cosmetics’ Ultimate 24 Hour is one that you need if you’re looking for the best of the best. This full-coverage foundation can cover up and camouflage acne, redness, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration. Even with its full finish, your skin won’t feel tight and trapped at all. Becca has ensured that their full coverage foundation is absolutely lightweight and breathable.
Worried about the humid temperature or sweat melting your makeup away? — our initial thoughts exactly! But fret not, for this full-coverage foundation is also water-resistant. If you’re cheek to cheek with someone at a party, your full coverage foundation stays on as this one is also transfer-proof. Becca has formulated this with treated pigments that apply seamlessly onto the skin.
The brand has also infused it with water to create a flexible finish to prevent it from setting into fine lines, wrinkles, pores, or any dry areas. Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage 24-Hour Full Coverage Foundation is available in 42 shades with an equal balance of undertones. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
PROS AND CONS OF THE BECCA COSMETICS ULTIMATE COVERAGE 24 HOUR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Weightless and breathable ✔️Long-wearing ✔️ Covers up any imperfection | ✖️ Can be pricey |
#2: ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR FOUNDATION
Want to look fresh and flawless all day long? Then the Double Wear foundation from Estee Lauder might be the one you’re looking for.
There’s a reason why this product is one of the UK’s best-selling full coverage foundations. Estee Lauder has formulated one of the best full-coverage foundations to have a buildable consistency that won’t make you feel cakey or dry.
It has medium to full coverage that’s lightweight and comfortable. The brand has dubbed it as a Stay in Place makeup and true to its title, the Double Wear foundation stays put from morning till night. This foundation has a classic satin finish and won’t dry, be too matte, or be too dewy — just right. It has an incredibly varied shade range of over 60 options, unifying uneven tones and covering up any imperfections. No matter your shade of complexion, you’ll surely be able to find the perfect one for you.
PROS AND CONS OF THE ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Weightless and breathable ✔️Long-wearing ✔️ Buildable coverage ✔️ Satin-like finish ✔️ Widest shade range | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Screw cap bottle |
#3: FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE LONGWEAR
Rihanna’s beauty brand keeps releasing makeup products that are an absolute hit with the crowd, and their foundation is no exception as it’s one of the best full-coverage foundations here on this list.
This foundation can give you instantly smooth skin with its buildable medium to full coverage. Perfect for those who have oily skin, this foundation dries with a soft natural-looking matte finish, diffusing the appearance of pores and shine.
Fenty claims that their foundation has an oil-free formula with climate-adaptive technology, making it resistant to sweat and humidity. It’s so lightweight that Fenty claims their foundation is undetectable on the skin, with a true skin-like finish with excellent coverage. The brand has an incredibly inclusive shade range with over 50 choices. The reason for this is that Rihanna wanted to cater shades for every person who has a difficult time matching their skin tones in other product lines.
PROS AND CONS OF THE PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Inclusive and extensive shade range ✔️ Matte finish ✔️ For oily types | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Not for dry skin |
#4: BOBBI BROWN SKIN LONG-WEAR WEIGHTLESS FOUNDATION SPF 15
The worst thing to feel when you have your foundation is for it to be sticky, tight, and cakey. With the Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation, you won’t have to feel any of that.
This matte foundation has a light-as-air formula that’s designed to look as good as it feels on your skin. It incorporates skin-true pigments that are suspended in an emollient gel base, allowing it to float on the skin and reflect light. This foundation can conceal redness, discoloration, and pores with its coverage that’s buildable.
Dryness won’t be an issue either with this foundation. It’s infused with humectants and marine sugarcane algae extract to moisturize the skin. It can even minimize pores and strengthen the skin barrier. It also has naturally derived mineral powders to help keep excess oil and shine at bay. Best of all, this foundation has SPF 15, is sweat resistant, non-acnegenic, has a 16-hour wear time, and comes in 30 shades.
PROS AND CONS OF THE SKIN LONG-WEAR WEIGHTLESS FOUNDATION
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Has SPF 15 ✔️ Buildable base ✔️ Transfer-proof | ✖️ Can be pricey ✖️ Dries fast |
#5: URBAN DECAY STAY NAKED WEIGHTLESS LIQUID FOUNDATION
If you’ve ever wanted to wear one of the best full-coverage foundations, but still make your skin look as if you didn’t put foundation on it, this one is your best bet.
The Urban Decay Stay Naked foundation has a vegan formula that gives you a second-skin feel. It’s lightweight, has high coverage, and dries matte on the face but not flat. You’d be surprised at how it makes you look like you’re having a makeup-free, best-skin day.
Apart from its second-skin finish, it shares a couple of similarities with its sibling, the Urban Decay All-Nighter foundation. The Stay Naked foundation is waterproof; you can sweat or swim with this foundation on and you’re guaranteed it won’t budge. It also has an incredible staying power of 24 hours. It comes in 50 shades, with nine shade intensities for any and all skin tones.
PROS AND CONS OF THE STAY NAKED WEIGHTLESS LIQUID FOUNDATION
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Waterproof ✔️ Long-wearing ✔️ Weightless formula | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ May highlight dry spots |
#6: GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FLAWLESS FLUID FOUNDATION
Here’s a foundation that’s a favorite of Hollywood makeup artists and celebrities. The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has a silky, lightweight texture with a satin glow finish. If you want to strut your stuff out there and look flaw-free while doing so, this oil-free foundation is a must-have in your beauty stash.
This foundation formula incorporates an exclusive micro-fil and trade technology, which is a patented process that lets pigments lay flat on the skin’s surface to give you a seamless application. With this one, you won’t experience any blotches or uneven patches on your face. Celebrity makeup artists, professional makeup artists, and celebrities alike can attest to that.
It also has hydrating properties and benefits such as brightening, improving skin texture, and blurring imperfections. With a wide shade range of 40 options, our thoughts are that almost every skin tone and type will surely find their best match.
PROS AND CONS OF THE GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Extensive shade range ✔️ Does not look cakey ✔️ Lightweight feel | ✖️ Expensive ✖️ Not for oily types |
#7: CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER MAKEUP SPF15
The Clinique Even Better line is aimed at those who want an even, blemish-free skin tone without harming their skin. The breathable yet blemish-correcting formula eliminates the need to pack on layers and layers of foundation that could eventually clog one’s pores. Instead, the Clinique Even Better foundation focuses on evenly brightening up the skin while protecting it from future sun damage.
The SPF15/PA+++ serves as an additional layer of protection against the sun’s UV rays when you’re out and about. The foundation’s undetectable finish works just as well — and even better than — most full-coverage formulas, but without the impending breakouts.
Good for all skin types, the Clinique Even Better Foundation works for oily skin as well as dry, sensitive, or combination complexions. It’s also great for daily wear seeing as it’s so gentle on the skin.
PROS AND CONS OF CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER SPF15
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightweight, breathable formula that also corrects blemishes ✔️ Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin ✔️ Contains SPF15/PA+++ for enhanced UV protection | ✖️ Expensive |
#8: MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD STICK FOUNDATION
A foundation stick may be unconventional, but it’s a handy multi-tasker that easily gets the job done. One such product is the Makeup For Ever Ultra HD stick foundation, a compact-sized thing that’s as incredible as its liquid counterpart.
It has a creamy texture that’s highly blendable, allowing it to have a buildable coverage that glides on smoothly, almost like a second skin. This foundation has a satin-like natural finish and incorporates a weightless formula, making it comfortable for long wear.
If you don’t feel like using it as a heavy-duty foundation, you can also utilize it as a concealer to camouflage acne scars, redness, blemishes, and even dark circles. Its small size allows it to fit any makeup kit or bag, making it great for any touch-ups. It also has the best shade range with over 21 shades available. This makeup base best suits normal to dry skin types.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MUFE ULTRA HD STICK FOUNDATION
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact for touch-ups ✔️ Multi-use ✔️ Blendable ✔️ Diverse shade range | ✖️ Can be pricey |
#9: KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM
While this product presents itself as a balm, this foundation has a dreamy, creamy formula that applies silky and dries with a matte finish. If you think that cream pot foundations are drying on the face, think again. This foundation sets itself apart from others by incorporating hydrating ingredients. It has hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado oil to support and protect the skin from external damage.
The Foundation Balm ensures that you’ll have youthful, supple-looking skin once applied. Another great thing about this is that it comes with its own specially designed-brush to make blending and application effortless and hassle-free.
Best of all, a little goes a very long way. This pot can last you for a long while and if you don’t feel like using it on your face, the brand also suggests that you can use it on your arms and legs.
PROS AND CONS OF THE KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Cream formula ✔️ Has hydrating properties ✔️ Comes with its own brush | ✖️ Pricey ✖️ Limited shade range |
#10: MAC COSMETICS STUDIO FIX POWDER FOUNDATION
If you’re looking for powder foundations, then the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix is one that every makeup artist and makeup enthusiast loves.
This one-step powder and foundation gives off a smooth and ultra-matte finish to one’s skin. It has a medium-to-full coverage foundation that can last throughout the day while still allowing your skin to breathe. This is one natural matte foundation in the form of a powder.
Forget about skin concerns such as caking, streaking, and flaking. The MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Foundation makes use of a non-streaking, non-caking, and non-settling formula good for 12 hours. It’s one of the best foundations to use throughout the day because it’s also sweat and humidity-resistant.
If you have acne prone skin or oily skin, then consider this your go-to foundation. Upon application, this powder foundation immediately reduces appearances of pores, controls oil and shine for up to 8 hours, and does not cause acne. In its testing process, it was discovered that this powder foundation is good for all skin types — acne prone skin, dry skin, combination skin, mature skin, but most especially oily skin.
We alsolove the diverse and inclusive shade range of the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Foundation. It has 53 shades that can match very light skin, fair skin, to darker shades.
You’ll be sure that this powder foundation can give you flawless coverage throughout the day.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MAC COSMETICS STUDIO FIX POWDER FOUNDATION
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Easy to acquire ✔️ Has a long staying power | ✖️ Has a heavy fragrance |
HOW DO I KNOW MY RIGHT FOUNDATION SHADE RANGE?
Finding the perfect match of foundation shade for your entire face might be daunting, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out your shade range. The first thing you need to find out is your undertone. In general, most people fall into three undertones: cool, warm, and neutral.
You can check your undertone with the wrist test. Take a look at your wrists and check your veins. If your veins are purple or blue, then you fall under cool. If they are green or olive, you belong to the warm category. If you’re unable to determine which color is dominant, you are neutral.
The next thing that you need to know is if the foundation oxidizes or not. Some formulas tend to oxidize or darken within hours or minutes after application. It’s important to research the foundation you want to buy as if the product is prone to oxidizing, you should get a shade that’s lighter than your tone.
If you’re testing out foundation in-store, swatch the product against your jawline instead of your wrist. Your jawline is the closest shade to your face and your neck. The foundation shade you’re picking should be able to blend seamlessly with both your face and neck.
WHICH IS THE BEST FOUNDATION IN THE WORLD?
It’s difficult to declare any one foundation as the absolute “best” in the world. There are so many factors to consider, including skin type, coverage preference, finish, and budget. That being said, there are definitely some standout options that I would highly recommend after we independently research each foundation.
Those are mentioned here in the article, but here are some of our other great full-coverage foundations according to the beauty industry:
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation – If you love more coverage, a matte foundation that works for dark skin that professional makeup artists love, then the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation is the one for you. One of the best full-coverage foundations, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is a lightweight liquid foundation that works for sensitive skin and has a wide range of shades.
- NYX Total Control Pro Foundation – Liquid foundations from NYX offer a natural matte finish, even uneven skin tone, added skincare benefits for dry patches, and just enough coverage for everyday wear. NYX Total Control Pro is a full coverage foundation that offers excellent coverage
- Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation – When you apply full coverage foundation like the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra, be prepared for a natural-looking finish even with more coverage formula. Achieve a flawless finish with this liquid foundation that provides coverage for combination skin types, just add powder foundation and smile lines no more.
- ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation – This full-coverage formula is lightweight. Just add a tinted moisturizer and put on light coverage loose powder and you’ll have a flawless long-wear foundation.
If you like full coverage to medium coverage foundation, here are some of our recommendations:
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation – This medium-coverage foundation is perfect for dry skin. This matte foundation is loved by celebrity makeup artists for every skin type and sensitivity as this liquid foundation offers medium coverage for a flawless finish.
- Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation – The sublime perfection foundation is a matte foundation that offers a medium coverage formula. It works for every skin type and has added skincare benefits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which foundation gives full coverage?
In our list, the best foundation that gives full high coverage is the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup. It offers full coverage and claims 24-hour staying power.
It offers a fresh, semi-matte finish that gives off a flawless and natural look. However, the matte version formula may be a bit too much for individuals with very dry skin or aging skin. For best results and a natural finish, this foundation is better for those with more oily complexions — as with other matte foundations.
Which foundations have the best coverage?
Aside from the ones already on this list, one foundation that has great coverage is the Maybelline Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation.
The Maybelline SuperStay 24H Foundation is one of the best affordable foundations that provides full coverage. This baby was even awarded Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty Award at one point. It’s that good.
This foundation contains saturated color pigments that provide an ultra-transforming effect when applied. It’s lightweight yet has a high impact and glides easily; you can apply it on your face using your fingers, brush, or a sponge. It’s buildable but it lets your skin breathe as it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic. Best of all, it has 24-hour lasting power, making it an absolutely affordable base for any makeup look — no setting spray needed.
What is the best full-coverage drugstore foundation?
Beauty brand L’oréal Paris absolutely delivers when it comes to drugstore foundations with their Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear foundation.
Providing a full coverage finish that’s buildable, this foundation goes on smoothly and blends in evenly for that fresh look. True to its name, it has impressive all-day power that stays thanks to its ability to resist sweat, water, face oil, and transfer. It has an ultra-thin liquid consistency that allows it to stay breathable on the skin. Moreover, this drugstore foundation is non-comedogenic and formulated with SPF. Suitable for all skin types, it comes in 30 shades fit for almost every skin tone.
Which foundation is good for oily skin?
Liquid foundations with an oil-free, lightweight formula are good for people with oily skin. A lightweight foundation helps mattify and blur the appearance of pores, which leaves a natural and semi-matte finish.
Generally, one should avoid dewy foundation products as they tend to contain oil. Luminous formulas with a satin or dewy finish may draw attention to any preexisting shimmer and oiliness.
As a verdict, go for a lightweight foundation that does not have oil in its formula.
Can foundation even out skin tone?
A buildable foundation can help even out one’s skin tone. That means you would have to use a new foundation shade in certain areas so you can customize your coverage. Choose the correct shade of foundation depending on your skin tone and what needs to be evened out. Opt for a lighter coverage if there are darker spots compared to other areas of the face, and vice-versa.
Just make sure that your foundation does not settle into fine lines and blends smoothly for a natural and even finish.
CONCLUSION
How’s that for an ultimate guide to the best full-coverage foundations out there? We hope that we were able to help you out in deciding which one is your perfect match. Go and get that ideal full-coverage foundation and slay the day away with your makeup!
Editor’s Choice
BECCA COSMETICS ULTIMATE COVERAGE 24 HOUR FOUNDATION
If you’re searching high and low for the best full-cover finish foundation out there, look no further for the Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Foundation is here. With raving reviews, this foundation can do it all and more.
Designed for maximum coverage, this foundation contains 21% pigment in its formula, truly covering up any and all aspects of your skin that need to be covered. It’s lightweight and breathable, boasting a formula that incorporates water to prevent it from caking. It also won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. With its extensive shade range, this long-wear foundation might just be everything that you need in a bottle.
Ira Arellano graduated with a degree in Multimedia Arts from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. When she’s not busy writing, Ira uses her remaining free time fawning over groups with too many members, reading three books simultaneously, crying over animated shows and fictional people, and being salty over her lack of gacha luck.
