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The 9 Best Full-Coverage Foundations Worth Investing In

We found your go-to foundation.

Best full coverage foundations collaged together

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

TL;DR

Out of all the foundations we tested Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation impressed us the most with how it offered full coverage that didn't budge or cake. For a more affordable pick, Milani Conceal + Perfect Liquid Foundation provides excellent coverage, has a beautiful, natural-looking finish, and comes in 45 shades that range from fair to dark in a variety of undertones.

There’s no denying that skin tints and sheer foundations have captured the hearts of makeup lovers over the last few years. But let’s not forget how valuable a solid full-coverage foundation can be. Whether you have acne, redness, or hyperpigmentation that you like to conceal, or a full-glam look is more aligned with your aesthetic, a foundation that offers more coverage can be more favorable. 

"Full coverage foundation offers a heavier finish and is often used to conceal blemishes or discoloration in the skin," says Misha Shahzada, celebrity makeup artist. "Some people just like the way a heavier foundation looks regardless of their skin underneath."

But unlike sheer options, which are typically more forgiving if the color, finish, or texture isn’t a spot-on match, finding your perfect full-coverage foundation can be more challenging. These formulas are more visible on the skin, so it's extra important to find one that suits your complexion and skin type best. So, we put dozens of full-coverage foundations to the test in our lab in NYC. We evaluated them based on coverage, texture, wear, finish, and transfer resistance—and ahead, we're sharing which ones outperformed their competition. 

What We Like
  • Great blendability

  • Comfortable, balanced feel on skin

  • Strong transfer resistance

What to Consider
  • Can emphasize dry patches slightly 

Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This is, without a doubt, one of the most popular full-coverage foundations on the market, and for good reason. Despite having a pretty thick texture which often makes for a cakey finish, it blends out beautifully on the face and can create a natural-looking base—if used properly. It can cling to dry patches, which is pretty common with full-coverage, matte foundations—but if you properly exfoliate and moisturize before using it, you’ll be able to yield a smooth, full-coverage result that appears skin-like and most importantly, lasts. 

In addition to revering its long-wearing ability, we appreciated that it passed the transfer test with perfect scores—this is especially important if you have oily skin and struggle with your foundation migrating or breaking apart. It also comes in a pretty extensive shade range that's well dispersed across the skin tones, which is especially important for foundations that offer lots of coverage and won't be forgiving if your shade doesn't match your skin color.

What We Like
  • Lightweight texture

  • Buildable coverage 

  • Natural, glowing finish

  • Comfortable feel on skin

What to Consider
  • Transfers just slightly

  • Shade range needs work

Finish: Natural | Number of shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s not often that cushion foundations provide significant coverage, but this one can be layered and built up to go from fairly light coverage to offering enough coverage to completely even out your complexion. Aside from experiencing a bit of transfer, our experience with this foundation was overwhelmingly positive. We loved the natural, glowy finish, how easily it blended into the skin, and how weightless and comfortable it felt when applied. It completely covered redness while maintaining a skin-like appearance and didn’t settle into pores or fine lines.

One thing we're not impressed by is the shade range—it's very limited. While the colors are fairly flexible because it doesn't offer full-on coverage right off the bat, we would still like to see the brand expand the range significantly.

What We Like
  • Buildable coverage

  • Mousse-like consistency 

  • Easy to blend

  • Extensive shade range

  • Oil-free

What to Consider
  • Can look heavy on dry patches

  • Gets a bit greasy on oily skin throughout the day 

Finish: Natural matte | Number of shades: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With a unique mousse-like consistency and incredible buildability, this budget-friendly foundation quickly became a favorite during testing. With one pump, we were able to blend out the formula seamlessly with a brush and a sponge to yield medium coverage that nicely canceled out redness in the skin. A second layer allowed us to achieve completely full coverage that totally blurred the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.

We love that the Milani Conceal + Perfect foundation sets down to a natural matte finish that doesn’t look dry or radiant—it’s truly somewhere in the middle. The mousse-y texture is easy to blend, though it is slightly thick and can look heavy if you have obvious dry patches on your skin. To avoid this, we recommend gently exfoliating and moisturizing prior to application. It’s also worth noting that it can start to look a bit greasy on oily skin throughout the day, so we recommend setting it in place with powder if you tend to get oily in your T-zone. And did we mention it comes 45 shades that range from fair to dark in a variety of undertones?

What We Like
  • Budge-proof once applied

  • Sets down quickly 

  • Looks pretty natural on the skin 

  • Lightweight

What to Consider
  • Transfers just slightly 

Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No

Another incredibly popular full-coverage foundation, this one stands out for its long-wearing capabilities. Sweat-proof and waterproof, it’s not going anywhere. So, it’s no surprise that it performed beautifully in our transfer test and resisted creasing and fading as we wore it.

As for coverage and finish, the coverage is full and can be built up or sheered out depending on your preferences, and the finish is matte but not flat. Though it can cover pretty much anything, it manages to maintain a true skin-like appearance. We also love that it layers nicely with the makeup you apply on top of it. And if you've tried this foundation in the past and found it to be a bit heavy, we recommend giving it another go—it was recently reformulated and now offers the same coverage and longevity with a much more lightweight and breathable texture.

What We Like
  • Easy to blend

  • Lightweight texture

  • Smooth, skin-like finish

What to Consider
  • Creases a bit 

Finish: Natural | Number of shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No

Pat McGrath Labs nailed the shade selection of this foundation. In addition to creating shades that vary in depth, there's also a vast range of undertones to cater to a large spectrum of skin tones. Even better? The formula looks stunning on the skin and performs beautifully. While it’s not marketed as a full-coverage foundation, it’s extremely buildable and can be layered on to create a pretty full-coverage look. After applying just one coat, it worked beautifully to even out the complexion while maintaining a natural appearance that didn’t lean overly matte or dewy. While we did notice a bit of creasing in the smile lines, it wasn’t significant and could likely be avoided by setting the area with powder.

What We Like
  • Feels lightweight on the skin

  • Can be layered up for additional coverage

  • Creates a natural matte finish

What to Consider
  • Transfers quite a bit

  • Could provide more coverage

Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 31 | Cruelty-Free: No

One layer of this full-coverage powder foundation will provide light coverage, while additional layers will build up the pigmentation to offer much more covering ability. We loved how well it evened out the complexion, but we would have liked to see just a bit more coverage on top of the discoloration. If you want to opt for powder foundation but need additional coverage, you can always conceal blemishes first and then apply the powder.

In terms of the finish on the skin, it looks completely matte without appearing dry or cakey. It layered nicely on top of moisturizer and didn’t crease or fade as we wore it. Keep in mind that it did rub off quite a bit onto the blotting paper during the transfer test, so we recommend setting it in place with a setting spray.

Person applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Matte Powder Foundation to their jaw with a makeup sponge

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

What We Like
  • Blends into the skin effortlessly 

  • Feels lightweight on the skin

  • Stays in place once applied

What to Consider
  • Could have more coverage 

Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 59 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We’d be surprised if you're not already familiar with this iconic foundation from Fenty Beauty. Aside from helping to set the industry standard for shade range inclusivity, this one also has a loyal fan base who praise it for its formula. We can see why it’s so well-loved, thanks to how blendable it is, how comfortable it is on the skin, and how it's almost completely transfer-proof. The Fenty Beauty Soft Matte foundation didn’t crease or fade and we loved how skin-like it looked.

If we could change one thing about it, it would be the level of coverage. Despite being marketed as a full-coverage foundation, one tester struggled to get it to fully cover her melasma. The good news is it builds well and can be layered with concealer, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. 

What We Like
  • A little bit goes a long way

  • Can be applied mess-free with fingertips

  • Excellent coverage

What to Consider
  • Some people might find the texture to be a bit heavy on the skin 

Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

After going viral on TikTok a while back, we were curious to see if this foundation balm lives up to the hype—and it does. It provides complete coverage in just one layer, a little bit of product goes a very long way, and it can be applied using your fingertips, a brush, or a sponge, without the mess that liquid and powder formulas can create. Despite having a matte finish, we found that our skin looked and felt more hydrated after applying it, and we appreciated that it set in place and didn’t crease as we wore it. While we didn't dislike texture, some online reviewers claim that it feels a bit thick and heavy on the skin. If you’re sensitive to that, we recommend applying it in light layers using a damp sponge. 

What We Like
  • Gorgeous, natural finish on the skin

  • Easy to blend

  • Doesn’t settle into lines or pores

What to Consider
  • Transfers a bit

Finish: Natural | Number of shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a great full-coverage foundation that includes SPF can be tricky, but the Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation is fantastic. It’s formulated with zinc oxide as well as niacinamide and squalane for hydration benefits. The texture is lightweight, creamy, and easy to blend, and the finish on the skin is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect midpoint between matte and dewy, and it creates a gorgeous veil of coverage on the face. We were impressed by how well it covered minor redness and discoloration, though we noticed that we would need additional concealer to fully cover under-eye circles. We also appreciated that it didn't settle into fine lines or emphasize texture. Though it did transfer a bit, we think this would be mitigated by lightly setting it with powder.

What to Look for When Buying Full-Coverage Foundation

  • Shade Range: We’re probably stating the obvious here, but it’s really important to seek out a foundation that comes in a wide range of shades, so that you can get your best match. "I always suggest making sure the color is a perfect match because some foundations oxidize and this is far more noticeable on someone wearing a full coverage base," says Shahzada. "When matching a shade, apply it to a small area and step outside in natural light after 20 minutes or so, to make sure it’s the right match."
  • Ingredients: Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rachel Westbay, recommends opting for a formula with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. In terms of what she recommends avoiding, that list is a bit more extensive. If you're prone to getting clogged pores, she says to stay away from foundations containing oils and silicones as they can be pore-clogging. "Another big one to avoid is lanolin, as it is highly comedogenic," she says. "Other names for lanolin are acetylated lanolin alcohol, ethoxylated lanolin, solulan 16, and PEG 16 lanolin. Lastly, try to steer clear of sodium chloride, which is sometimes added to foundations as a thickening agent and can exacerbate and/or induce breakouts." Maria Vargas, celebrity makeup artist agrees, recommending formulas that are non-comedogenic, oil-free, and long-lasting. She also recommends avoiding formulas with potential irritants such as fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin.
  • Formula: Finding a formula that compliments your skin type, feels comfortable, and aligns with your preferences is key. Most brands specify which skin type their foundation is best for, but generally, if you have oily skin, matte options will be fitting for you. If you have dry skin, more luminous picks will work for you. But remember, there are no rules when it comes to this, so always choose one that makes you feel the most confident.
FAQ
  • How do I apply full-coverage foundation?

    "I highly recommend prepping the skin very well beforehand (consistent exfoliating, moisturizing, etc.) as this will offer a smoother surface for a more flawless foundation finish," says Shahzada. "Apply the foundation in layers vs. a large amount from the start." 

    "Try focusing on the areas you’d like to conceal that require more coverage instead of an all-over application," adds Vargas. "Remember to blend the foundation down the neck and onto the ears for a seamless look. I like to set the foundation with a translucent powder to enhance its longevity and prevent any unwanted shine."

  • How do I make full coverage last?

    Making foundations last all day and night can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to enhance their wear. Ensuring that your skin is properly prepped is important because when foundations cling to dryness or are applied on top of excess oil, they can fade and break down. Before applying your full-coverage foundation, be sure to exfoliate any dry patches and apply a light layer of moisturizer. 

    Once applied, locking your base in place with setting powder and a long-wearing setting spray can make all the difference. But don’t overdo it—too much product can lead to heaviness and may make your makeup break down.

  • Who should wear full-coverage foundation?

    "Full-coverage [foundation] can be for anyone, but I would suggest it for certain types of TV and for anyone who wants to hide their blemishes or discoloration completely," says Shahzada. "It benefits those with acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin texture, but it can be used by anyone who wants a high-coverage finish," adds Vargas.

    If you have acne-prone skin and are concerned about applying makeup on breakouts, allow Dr. Westbay to ease your mind. "It is absolutely OK to use full-coverage foundation if you have acne-prone skin and many with acne elect to use this type of foundation because they feel more comfortable with the coverage it provides," she tells Byrdie. "The most important cardinal rule in choosing a foundation for acne-prone skin is to look for formulations that are non-comedogenic and don’t have any ingredients that can clog pores or lead to breakouts"

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested many foundations in a variety of formulas, including several on this list. She's also experienced a variety of skin concerns like acne, during which she experimented with tons of different foundations and foundation application techniques. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

For this story, Alyssa interviewed three experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying a full-coverage foundation. Those experts include:

  • Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical
  • Misha Shahzada, a celebrity makeup artist who's worked on faces like Millie Bobby Brown, Emma Stone, Lola Tung, and more
  • Maria Vargas, a celebrity makeup artist who's worked with clients like Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Chanel Iman, and more

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