Through our trial and error, we discovered that full coverage foundation does more than cover. A full-coverage foundation works like a second skin. It blurs out blemishes, acne scars, redness, and any uneven skin tone. While some people love a lighter, more natural look, some occasions deserve a bit heavier makeup. A full-coverage foundation delivers a heavier, more opaque finish, making it ideal for special occasions, photo shoots, or whenever you feel like going that extra glam mile.

Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, an experienced cosmetologist and beauty consultant, says, “If you'll be in front of the camera all day for a shoot day or a special event, reach for a waterproof foundation. Use a waterproof primer underneath to help it adhere. This way you won't have to worry about your makeup melting or slipping under the lights.”

Now, not all full-coverage foundations are made equal. Some can leave you looking more cakey than covered. That's why we did the homework for you and after going through many products based on their coverage, texture, wear, and finish, here is our selection of the top-rated foundations. Scroll down to get the foundations for long-lasting, stunning coverage that won't let you down.

• 1
  Best Long-Wearing

  DERMACOL FILMSTUDIO PRAGUE MAKE-UP COVER

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It’s time to go for extreme coverage that lasts with top full coverage foundation from Dermacol. This liquid foundation doesn't just give you a matte finish; it goes the extra mile in hiding everything from dark circles to tattoos. It's waterproof, so no need to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. Not only does it come in various shade ranges for all skin types, but it's also safe to use, and free from harmful chemicals. The tube is compact, but a little goes a long way, making it last a good while.

2

Best for Mature Skin

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK SUPER STAY ACTIVE WEAR Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

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Maybelline New York Super Stay Active Wear gives you a seamless matte finish that feels as light as air on your skin. Made for all skin types, this quick-dry formula is a game-changer when it comes to durability; it's water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and transfer-resistant. So, whether it's a long day at work or an active outing, your makeup stays in place, looking as fresh as when you first applied it. Say goodbye to frequent touch-ups with this full-coverage makeup foundation that promises up to 30 hours of flawless wear.

3

Makeup Artist's Choice

REVLON NEW LOOK Colorstay Full Cover Foundation

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Trust Revlon's New Look Colorstay for the best natural full-coverage foundation and look fresh all day. Get full coverage that feels light on your skin with this matte finish foundation. The whipped, mousse-like texture glides on smoothly and blends seamlessly for a flawless look that lasts up to 24 hours. Plus, it's heat- and sweat-resistant. It comes in a tube, making it easy to take with you anywhere you go. And with a huge range of shades available, finding your perfect match is a breeze.

4

bareMinerals Barepro 16HR Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation

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With bareMinerals Barepro 16HR skin-perfecting powder foundation, you're getting breathable full coverage that never feels heavy or cakey. Achieve a flawless look that lasts up to 16 hours with a natural matte finish. This sweat, humidity, and transfer-resistant formula also improves your skin tone and skin texture over time. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this moisturizing full-coverage foundation works for you. Apply it wet or dry using the included sponge or brush. As an added benefit, it's talcum-free.

5

Best Luxury Option

DERMABLEND Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation Drops

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DERMABLEND takes your skin's health seriously; the formula is free from water and additional fragrances. You can get full coverage with this full-coverage liquid foundation. These unique foundation drops are packed with concentrated pigments and only 10 ingredients. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone, they provide a matte finish that's professional-grade. Just a single drop can give you the coverage you need, and you can easily build up for more. This vegan, non-comedogenic foundation has got you covered.

6

Best Budget-Friendly Pick

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Total Control Pro Drop Foundation

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You can go for NYX Professional Makeup because this vegan formula lasts up to 12 hours, stays true to color, and won't transfer. Achieve exactly the look you want with the liquid formula of this foundation. The unique pro dropper lets you control how much product you use, building up to the level of coverage that suits you best. The result? A natural, demi-matte finish that feels light and looks fresh. Plus, it's cruelty-free, giving you one more reason to love it.

7

Best Overall

e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream

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More than just makeup, e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream offers skincare benefits too. This full-coverage natural foundation isn't just about color correction; it also comes packed with SPF 30 to shield your skin from the sun. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide work together to hydrate your skin and make it look fresh and even. Expect a semi-matte finish that feels comfortable all day. Moreover, it’s friendly for your skin and your wallet by skipping the bad stuff and giving you quality at a good price.

8

LANCÔME Teint Idole Ultra Wear Buildable Full Coverage Foundation

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Lancôme doesn't just give you makeup; it brings you skincare benefits that smooth your complexion. Go for full coverage without the heaviness with this oil-free full-coverage foundation. Perfect for sensitive skin, it keeps you shine-free with a matte finish. Plus, finding your match is easy with 50 shades to pick from. It's even infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, moringa seed extract, and vitamin E. So, go ahead and make it through the day feeling confident and looking flawless.

9

Most Versatile

PHOERA Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

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Say goodbye to dark circles, acne scars, and any other imperfections with Phoera’s full-coverage foundation. This full coverage long-lasting foundation offers full coverage that looks totally natural. You'll love the velvety matte finish that controls shine and blurs your pores, thanks to its specialized micro-powders. Best part? It's long-lasting, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups. Even with all these benefits, the formula is light, meaning no caking or cracking. Plus, it not only offers a spectrum of 12 shades but also values ethical beauty with its vegan and cruelty-free standards.

10

Best for Oily Skin

LAMEL OhMy Clear Face Full Coverage Foundation

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When looking for something that gives you full coverage and fights acne, the cream-based full-coverage foundation by LAMEL can be your go-to. It's got salicylic acid that helps keep acne at bay while giving you a smooth, matte finish. Say goodbye to imperfections and visible pores; this one evens out your skin tone beautifully. Plus, it's easy to put on. The texture is light and blends like a dream, so you can use either your fingertips or a beauty sponge. And worry not about spills; it comes in a sturdy tube.

11

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

tarte Face Tape Foundation

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This transfer-proof, waterproof, and sweatproof, lightweight full-coverage foundation by Tarte stays put all day. Say goodbye to imperfections and hello to flawless skin. This cream foundation gives you full coverage without the cakey look, thanks to its natural matte finish. Infused with beauty mushrooms and snow mushrooms, this foundation makes your skin hydrated, appearing smoother and plumper. Worried about fine lines, pores, or redness? The tape technology blurs them all away. Best of all, it's dermatologist-tested and vegan, specifically crafted for acne-prone skin.

12

JUICE BEAUTY PHYTO-PIGMENTS Flawless Serum Foundation

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Transform your skin with Juice Beauty's Phyto-Pigments hydrating full coverage foundation — the Flawless Serum Foundation. This unique formula does double duty as both a skin-perfecting serum and a foundation. Rich in concentrated plant-derived phyto-pigments, it not only delivers vibrant, long-lasting color but also nourishes and protects your skin. Whether you're going for a natural vibe or a polished look, the buildable formula adjusts to your preference. Say goodbye to silicones; this formula ensures your skin can breathe, and is suitable for all skin types.

13

Best for Dry Skin

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Airbrush Flawless Foundation

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Charlotte Tilbury brings you this makeup must-have, ideal for both special events and everyday use. Achieve that airbrushed look effortlessly with this full-coverage matte foundation. Designed for every skin type, the cream texture glides on smoothly, setting into a matte finish that lasts. You'll feel like you're wearing nothing, yet your skin will appear flawless. The tube packaging makes application a breeze, letting you control the amount you use. Get ready for picture-perfect skin that feels as good as it looks.

Our curated list of the best hydrating full-coverage foundations not only promises superior quality but also delivers the long-lasting, flawless matte or satin finish that you’ve been craving. Make every moment photo-op-worthy with these top picks that truly stand out in the beauty world.

Getting the best full-coverage foundation starts with the choice of the right type. Powder, liquid, and cream — these are the three most common types of foundations. Powders are best for oily skin and feel light. Liquids work well for most skin types and are easy to blend. Creams give you a lot of coverage and are great for dry or older skin.

• Diverse Shade Selection: It's imperative to select a foundation that offers a broad spectrum of shades to ensure an optimal match. Over time, certain foundations might undergo oxidation, which can be more evident when using full-coverage products. To ascertain the ideal shade, it's advisable to apply the foundation to a small skin patch, let it sit for around 20 minutes, and then observe it under natural light.
• Ingredient Analysis: It's beneficial to gravitate towards foundations infused with moisturizing elements, such as hyaluronic acid. On the flip side, if you're susceptible to clogged pores, it's wise to sidestep formulas that contain oils, silicones, and lanolin (and its variants). Sodium chloride, occasionally added to enhance foundation consistency, might also intensify or trigger breakouts. Selecting non-comedogenic, oil-free, and long-lasting formulas, especially ones free from potential irritants like fragrances, is prudent, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
• Tailored Formulation: Makeup, being deeply personal, varies in its impact from one individual to another. Hence, identifying a foundation formula that resonates with your skin type and offers a comfortable feel is crucial. Typically, brand websites provide insights into which skin types a foundation is most compatible with. For instance, matte options tend to be a good fit for oily skin, while luminous ones cater well to dry skin. Ultimately, it's about finding what boosts your confidence.
• Desired Finish: The final look of your foundation can significantly transform your makeup's overall appearance. While many full-coverage foundations lean towards a matte finish, alternatives for a luminous finish do exist for those who prefer a dewy look combined with comprehensive coverage.

So, here is your simple guide to picking a natural full-coverage foundation. Remember these tips next time you're shopping for makeup. Knowing what to look for makes everything easier.

For a flawless look, full-coverage foundation is your go-to. But there is a proper way to apply it so that the makeup looks like your second skin. So, let's explore how to properly apply a full-coverage foundation:

1. Setting the Stage: Before applying foundation, start by prepping your skin with a good primer that suits your skin type. This creates a smooth base for your makeup and helps the foundation last longer.
2. Cancel out Imperfections: Use a color corrector to neutralize dark circles or blemishes. This makes sure you don't have to pile on too much foundation to get even coverage.
3. Right Tools: Select the right applicator, whether it's a beauty sponge, a brush, or your fingers. Each tool has its pros and cons, but usually, a damp beauty sponge gives the most natural finish for full-coverage foundations.
4. Dot And Dab: Apply small dots of foundation on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then blend outwards using your selected tool, ensuring that you get even coverage without a cakey look.
5. Build the Layers Like a Pro: Start with a small amount and build up to avoid a heavy, unnatural look. Full-coverage foundation is pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
6. Go for the Final Touch: Once you're happy with the coverage, set it with a setting powder or spray. This ensures that your foundation will stay put and won't slide off during the day.

Applying a top-rated full-coverage foundation is like painting a masterpiece — you need the right techniques and tools to make it truly shine. From prepping your skin to setting the final layer, each step plays a vital role. So go ahead, follow these steps, and make your skin look as fabulous as you are!

So, you've come a long way with us on this beauty journey. In this guide, you've been introduced to the best full-coverage foundations that can turn your skin woes into wows. From hiding imperfections to achieving a flawless photo finish, these foundations have proven themselves to be the top of the line. With these picks, you can say goodbye to bad makeup days and hello to an effortlessly stunning look. We've covered the best of the best, and now the ball is in your court to go out and glow your way through life. Trust us, your future radiant self will thank you.

Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles