Melasma is a common skin condition accompanied by dark patches on the face. Mostly females of Middle-Eastern, African, Hispanic/Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean descent with naturally darker skin are found to be affected by this skin condition. While sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy may trigger this condition, there are a few ways to manage the way it affects your appearance and confidence. Choosing the best foundation for melasma can help you cover up the marks and achieve a flawless look, if you are concerned about your looks.

According to New York dermatologist Neal Schultz, MD, "For successful treatment, we need to smooth the texture, decrease the dark spots, and decrease the redness," he explains. 

However, depending on your skin tone, finding the right foundation to cover it up can be a challenge. From finding the right color to discovering the best formula, there are many factors to consider when selecting a foundation that will provide effective coverage. We'll cover the different types of foundations and the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision about which foundation is right for you and your melasma.

• 1
  Best Overall

  COVERGIRL+OLAY Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

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This revolutionary foundation is designed to provide three times the coverage and hydration of a regular foundation for a flawless finish. With its lightweight, oil-free formula, this foundation is perfect for all skin types and offers long-lasting, natural-looking coverage. You can get medium coverage with a natural finish while nourishing your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Get ready to discover your perfect shade, and enjoy the benefits of an ageless complexion with Covergirl+Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation!

2

Best for a Radiant Finish

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Cream Makeup

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A reason why this cream foundation by Elizabeth Arden is perfect for melasma-prone skin is that it doubles up as a concealer to hide pigmentations like they never existed. For this, you need to first use the product with a wet sponge and smooth it out all over your face and neck, and then with a dry sponge/brush, you can coat the target areas so that they are perfectly concealed. The texture of this product is delectably creamy, which feels comfortable on your skin and doesn’t dry it out. Another feature we love about this product is that it is infused with micronized diamond powder, which reflects light and gives a radiant, cherubic look to your skin. 

3

Great For Dry Skin

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

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Discover the ultimate long-wearing foundation for flawless coverage with L’Oréal Paris Infallible foundation. This innovative formula provides a natural finish that catches everyone’s attention. Its lightweight formula helps keep your skin feeling fresh and comfortable, with no need for frequent touch-ups. With a variety of shades to choose from, you can create a perfectly tailored look that won’t budge!

4

Most Budget-Friendly

Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation

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Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation is a lightweight foundation that promises to provide a smooth, flawless complexion with minimal shine. With a wide range of shades available to match virtually any skin tone, this foundation offers an easy and affordable way to achieve a natural, even look. With its lightweight formula, it feels comfortable and blends easily, while oil-absorbing micro-powders help keep skin looking fresh and shine-free. Try it today and experience the difference it can make in your makeup look!

5

Most Breathable for the Skin

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

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This full-coverage foundation for melasma by Lancôme has a buildable consistency that allows you to blur the appearance of imperfections by simply layering up. The formula is plush with skin-caring ingredients such as moringa extracts, vitamin E, and prebiotics — a potent blend to replenish the skin barrier while also titivating its appearance. And, people with dry skin have good news as this foundation contains hyaluronic acid, which draws in immense water to keep the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Plus, the formula resists humidity and allows your skin to breathe, so you’re gradually likely to forget you have any makeup on while still looking flawless. 

6

Dermablend Professional Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation Drops

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This unique, foundation-in-a-drop formula provides long-lasting, buildable coverage and a natural, even complexion. With its ultra blendable formula and range of shades to suit all skin tones, you can create your perfect complexion, whatever your skin tone. Enriched with nourishing ingredients, this foundation helps to protect and hydrate your skin while providing a long-wearing and natural-looking finish. Create a flawless base with the help of Dermablend Professional Foundation Drops.

7

Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation

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Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Foundation is here to help you look and feel your best. It is a lightweight foundation that blends effortlessly for a flawless complexion. This foundation delivers a natural-looking finish while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors and premature aging. You may have dry, combination, or oily skin, Dream Urban Cover Foundation is designed to provide the perfect combination of coverage and comfort.

8

Great For Oily skin

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup For Face And Body

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Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup is a long-lasting makeup formulated with advanced pigments and ingredients to help you create an even and natural look that conceals imperfections, evens skin tone, and lasts all day. This makeup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to amp up your look for an evening out or keep it natural for everyday wear. Say goodbye to caking, blotching, and smudging, and get ready to face the world with complete confidence.

9

Allergy-tested

PHOERA Soft Matte Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

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PHOERA Soft Matte Full Coverage Liquid Foundation is the perfect choice to get full coverage without compromising on comfort. This foundation is lightweight, non-greasy, and provides full coverage to give you a flawless complexion. It's ideal for all skin types and provides long-lasting wear, so you can feel confident in your look all day long. Be it a matte finish, a dewy glow, or just light coverage, PHOERA has you covered. Experience ultimate comfort and long-lasting wear that won't cake or fade throughout the day.

10

Best Oil-free Foundation

Smashbox Studio Skin 24-Hour Hydra Foundation

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Smashbox Studio Skin 24-Hour Hydra Foundation is the next generation of foundations that are designed to create a flawless complexion, even in the most challenging of environments. With its long-wearing, oil-free formula, this foundation provides 24 hours of unbeatable coverage. Its lightweight formula provides a natural look that's perfect for all-day wear. Plus, its special hydrating complex helps keep your skin hydrated and looking fresh. Get ready to take your look to the next level with this revolutionary foundation.

11

Best Powder-based Product

Bellapierre Cosmetics Loose Powder Mineral Foundation

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Bellapierre Cosmetics Loose Powder Mineral Foundation is a lightweight foundation that won't leave your skin looking cakey and heavy. With an SPF 15 mineral-based formula and a range of shades, this product is designed to provide long-lasting coverage that won't clog your pores. Its special blend of minerals gives you a flawless look while protecting your skin from environmental damage. Explore the beauty of Bellapierre Cosmetics and experience the difference our mineral foundation can make!

12

Great For All Skin Types

MAKE UP FOR EVER Professional-Paris Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

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Take your makeup to the next level with Make Up For Ever Professional-Paris foundation. Formulated with the latest in complexion-perfecting technology, this foundation offers a comfortable wear and a smooth, even finish. Perfect for all skin types, it allows you to create the look you desire while providing coverage and a natural-looking finish. Experience a flawless finish and luminous complexion with this ultra-lightweight foundation that won't clog pores or leave you feeling weighed down.

13

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15

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The renowned skincare brand Clinique has just unveiled its latest product: Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15. This innovative formula not only helps to even out skin tone and texture but also provides broad-spectrum sun protection. With its unique blend of skin-nourishing ingredients, this product is sure to give you a flawless complexion every time. From the gentle formula to the high sun protection factor, Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 is the perfect choice for everyday wear. Try it today and discover a whole new level of beauty!

14

HIDE Invisible Oil Free Medium-Full Coverage Foundation

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This breakthrough formula blends seamlessly into any skin tone and type while providing long-lasting coverage and a natural, matte finish. With an oil-free formula that is suitable for all skin types, this foundation is the perfect choice for women looking for a medium to a full-coverage foundation that won't clog pores or cause breakouts. HIDE Invisible Oil Free Medium-Full Coverage Foundation is the perfect choice for achieving a flawless, airbrushed complexion.

When it comes to selecting the best foundation for melasma, you need to be extra careful. It’s important to choose a foundation that won’t further irritate the area or worsen the discoloration. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Consider your skin type:

The first step in selecting the best foundation for melasma is to determine your skin type. Different foundations are designed for different skin types, and choosing the wrong foundation can make your melasma look worse. Generally speaking, women with oily skin should opt for lighter, oil-free formulas, while women with dry skin should look for formulas that are more moisturizing.

2. Look for coverage options:

Melasma can be difficult to cover with foundation, so be sure to choose products that offer great coverage. Look for foundations with a matte finish, or opt for a full coverage foundation that provides a natural-looking finish.

3. Choose a formula with SPF:

When selecting the best foundation for melasma, it’s important to choose one that contains SPF. This will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, which can make your melasma worse.

4. Look for natural ingredients:

Ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and jojoba oil can help to soothe your skin and reduce the appearance of melasma. Natural oils, like jojoba oil, can help to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and keep your complexion hydrated.

5. Get fragrance-free products:

Choose products that are fragrance-free. Fragrances can irritate your skin, so choose products that are free of any added scent.

With the right foundation and some patience, you can make your melasma less visible and feel better about the way your skin looks.

a) Before applying the foundation, it is important to create a clean, even slate. To do this, make sure you start with freshly washed and moisturized skin. It is also important to wait at least 15 minutes after applying a moisturizer before applying foundation.

b) When applying the foundation, start at the center of your face and blend outward. If you are using a brush, use small, circular motions for the most natural look. If you are using a sponge, roll it across your face in a dabbing motion.

c) When it comes to melasma, it is important to use a lighter touch. Too much foundation can be too heavy and can make the melasma appear more visible. Instead, opt for sheer, buildable coverage that allows your skin to breathe.

d) After applying the foundation, use a setting powder to help it last all day. This will also help to keep your skin looking matte and oil-free.

Applying a foundation for melasma may take some practice and a few tries to get it right. But with a little practice, you’ll be able to disguise the dark patches and feel more confident in your appearance.

The best foundation for melasma is one that provides full coverage, has a matte finish, contains SPF, and is specifically designed for sensitive skin. It is also important to select the right shade for your skin tone and to use a foundation brush for the best coverage. With a foundation that meets all of these criteria, you can achieve a flawless and even complexion while minimizing the appearance of melasma.

The above-mentioned 12 best foundations are a great way to reduce the appearance of melasma and to even out skin tone. They range from full coverage to light coverage and protection while still allowing the skin to breathe. So you can find the right one for your skin type. Each of these foundations has its own unique benefits, from providing a natural finish to offering sun protection. Ultimately, the best foundation for melasma will depend on each individual's skin type and needs. With a little research and testing, anyone can find the perfect foundation for their melasma.