You may be looking for a full-coverage foundation to conceal imperfections, cover up acne, conceal discolouration, or look flawless. Full coverage foundations were once associated with thick, cakey formulas. On the other hand, today’s full-coverage foundations are highly pigmented. They can conceal blemishes or uneven skin tone and help achieve a brighter, more even skin texture.
The Homeacessories Institute Beauty Lab analyzes makeup items regularly, including the best foundations. Scientists quantified nearly 1,000 data points while studying 190 submitted products, including texture, application, coverage, feel, and how the product dispenses to determine the top foundations on the market. We’ve compiled a list of the finest full-coverage foundations for oily skin, combination skin, and dry skin, as well as for mature skin and drugstore foundations.
Top Picks:
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR MATURE SKIN
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer with SPF 50+
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR OILY SKIN
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation
BEST FULL COVERAGE MATTE FOUNDATION
Dior Forever Undercover 24-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
BEST LONGWEAR FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION
Armani Beauty Power Fabric+ Weightless Matte Foundation SPF 25
More information about how we evaluate foundations in our lab and consumer tests may be found at the end of this guide. Want to learn more about the foundation and how to apply it? Check out our approach to flawless foundation application.
1
BEST VALUE FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION
CoverGirl Outlast Extreme Wear 3-in-1 Foundation
NOW 25% OFF
PROS
- Smooth texture and coverage
- Hydrating feel
- Long-wearing
CONS
- Can be difficult to blend
specifications
Number of shades
18
SPF
SPF 18
Formula
Liquid
CoverGirl’s full coverage, long-wearing foundation provides a natural, buildable finish. With additional SPF, you’ll have both sun protection and all-day coverage. The “formula feels very hydrating to the skin,” according to GH Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald. However, reviewers advise that this recipe can be streaky when applied quickly, so use caution when mixing.
2
BEST DRUGSTORE FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation
NOW 14% OFF
PROS
- Long-lasting, weightless-feeling formula
- Easily blendable
CONS
- May get cakey on dry skin
specifications
Number of shades
11
SPF
No
Formula
Liquid
Look no further than this L’Oréal Paris formula for a thick coverage foundation with a weightless feel. Despite not being tested in the Beauty Lab, it has over 3,500 five-star reviews on Amazon and was our choice for the best full-coverage drugstore foundation. It lasts all day and doesn’t move, according to users. “You don’t even need concealer, and I have hereditary dark circles and acne scars,” exclaims one reviewer. “It moves swiftly. When the moment comes, it comes right off, but only when you want it to.“
3
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR MATURE SKIN
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
PROS
- Lightweight look
- Long-lasting coverage
- Affordably priced
CONS
specifications
Number of shades
13
SPF
No
Formula
Liquid
This HA seal-holding, previous HA Beauty Award-winning foundation is a 3-in-1 primer, foundation, and concealer for the ideal coverage, blend-ability, and lasting power. According to our lab results, this blendable solution did not appear heavy or cakey and felt light on the skin all day.
4
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer with SPF 50+
PROS
- Applies on skin easily
- Great for dry, mature, sensitive skin
CONS
specifications
Number of shades
12
SPF
SPF 50
Formula
Liquid
In tests conducted by the HA Beauty Lab, this full-coverage tinted moisturizer came out on top for mature, dry, and sensitive skin. Niacinamide, glycerin, and SPF are all part of the formula’s moisturizing combination, which protects and moisturizes while offering complete coverage. The dewy formula scored an A+ for giving skin a nice, even layer of coverage. One tester notes that it “spreads easily.” Another person adds, “Dispenses a nice amount of product.”
5
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR OILY SKIN
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation
PROS
- Large shade range
- Buildable coverage
CONS
- Thick formula may not be best for everyday wear
specifications
Number of shades
40
SPF
No
Formula
Liquid
With this full coverage, long-lasting matte velvet foundation, remove shine. It received the most incredible score for usability among liquid foundations in the HA Beauty Lab testing and a perfect score for dispensing the proper quantity of product. The Beauty Lab suggests this matte foundation for oily or mixed skin. According to a tester, “It doesn’t blend into the skin, it sits on top,” giving off the product’s namesake velvet appearance. Another added, “It will cover and appear smooth from a distance.”
6
PROS
- Easy to dispense
- Smooth formula with even coverage
CONS
- Fragranced
specifications
Number of shades
49
SPF
No
Formula
Liquid
The cult-favourite Tarte Face Tape Concealer inspired this foundation, which also contains hyaluronic acid to boost skin moisture and snow mushrooms to increase hydration and decrease inflammation. According to one lab tester, it mattifies with smooth, even coverage and offers “extremely full coverage that’s great for TV or photos.” It is “smooth and buildable for my combination skin.”
7
BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Mented Skin by Mented Foundation
NOW 18% OFF
PROS
- Lightweight
- Dries quickly
CONS
- May not spread easily on dry skin
specifications
Number of shades
16
SPF
No
Formula
Stick
With this foundation stick from Mented, you may achieve moisturized, natural-looking skin. Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, and grapeseed oil are among the substances in the mix that are gentle enough for sensitive skin. With the buildable formula that mixes evenly and smoothly, you may adjust the level of coverage. However, one Lab tester cautioned that it “may be too heavy for dry skin.” Reviewers with oily skin believe it’s fantastic for mattifying and smoothing without causing breakouts.
8
BEST FULL COVERAGE MATTE FOUNDATION
Dior Forever Undercover 24-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
NOW 24% OFF
PROS
- Blends well into skin
- Smooth coverage
CONS
- Pricey
specifications
Number of shades
25
SPF
No
Formula
Liquid
The comprehensive coverage provided by Dior’s long-wearing foundation feels light thanks to its liquid, water-based emulsion. It produces a natural matte finish that feels better than your skin. It received excellent marks for its silky texture and buildability in GH Beauty Lab testing, but one tester suggested setting it with a face powder to avoid transfer.
9
PROS
- Natural, glowy finish
- Formula stays put all day
CONS
- Pricey
specifications
Number of shades
50
SPF
No
Formula
Liquid
Just because you want complete coverage doesn’t mean you can’t also have a healthy-looking complexion. The radiant foundation from Anastasia Beverly Hills has medium to full coverage, a natural finish, and is simple to apply. According to one tester, it “blends very easily for a high coverage formula” and is a favourite of editors and testers.
10
PROS
- Stays put all day long
- Not overly drying on skin
CONS
- Pricey
specifications
Number of shades
30
SPF
SPF 25
Formula
Liquid
Despite being matte and long-wearing, this Armani Beauty foundation doesn’t cause skin dryness. Although we haven’t tested it in the Beauty Lab, one beauty editor claims it produces a smooth, flawless complexion. We also appreciate that it contains broad-spectrum SPF. She claims that even in hot and humid weather, “this foundation stays in place all day long.” All day long, I didn’t even need to touch it up.
How do we select the best full-coverage foundations?
Scientists at the HA Beauty Lab tested 190 submitted products to determine the best 30 foundations on the market, measuring 919 data points. The Beauty Lab scientists collaborate with makeup artists and other industry experts to develop the most excellent products. They evaluate foundations at all price points and label goods to minimize bias before considering formulae based on various factors such as dispensing, texture, application (spreadability, blend-ability, buildability), coverage, and feel.
What's the best way to apply full-coverage foundation?
Prepare Your Skin: Before applying foundation, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. Cleaning and hydrating your skin prepares it for foundation application and moisturizes it.
Prime Your Skin (Optional): If you have specific skin concerns, use a makeup primer before applying your foundation. Primer can help fill in fine wrinkles, blur imperfections, and make your makeup last longer.
Choose the Best Foundation: Select a full-coverage foundation that complements your skin tone. Test the shade on your jawline or wrist to discover the closest match. Consider getting professionally matched at a cosmetics store if you need more clarification on your shadow.
Pump or pour a tiny amount of liquid or cream foundation onto the back of your hand or a makeup palette to dispense. To apply powder foundation, take the product with a clean, dry brush.
Apply in Sections: Instead of applying the foundation immediately, begin by using it in sections. This allows you to blend it evenly while preventing it from rapidly drying. Begin by working your way around one side of your face.
Use a Beauty Tool: You can apply foundation with a beauty brush, a makeup sponge, or fingertips. Here’s how to put them to use:
Makeup Brush: Dip the foundation brush into it and apply it in short, downward strokes. For a smooth finish, blend the foundation outward and downward.
Makeup Sponge: Dampen the sponge slightly and apply and blend the foundation with a bouncing or stippling motion. This process produces a natural and airbrushed appearance.
Fingertips: Make sure your hands are clean before using your fingers. Use your fingertips to apply the foundation, then gently blend it with a tapping or patting motion.
Build Gradually: If you need extra coverage in specific places, you can add more layers to the base. Start with a thin layer and add more to avoid a cakey appearance.
Blend Well: To create a seamless transition and to avoid any visible lines of demarcation, blend the foundation into your hairline, jawline, and neck.
Set with Setting Powder (Optional): To extend the life of your foundation and reduce shine, use a translucent setting powder. Dust the powder softly over your face with a fluffy brush.
Finish with Concealer, Blush, Bronzer, Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Mascara, and Lipstick: If desired, complete your makeup routine with concealer, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Using a beauty setting spray to set your makeup will help it last longer.
Clean Your Tools: After applying foundation, regularly clean your makeup brushes or sponges to prevent germs and product residue buildup.
What tablet features should you look out for?
Tablets have screens roughly twice the size of some of the latest smartphones. They are measured from corner to corner in inches and can be as huge as an A4 sheet of paper – such as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro – or as little as seven inches.
If you’re only checking emails on your tablet, you will only need something smaller than nine inches, but if you plan on viewing movies or using it for business, pick something between 10 and 12 inches. 8-11 inches is the perfect spot.
Processor: The tablet’s intelligent section regulates speed, tasks, and apps. Most people don’t give this much thought because even old processors from several years ago can run Netflix and play a few games.
Generally, the better the CPU, the more expensive or new the tablet: apps open faster, there are fewer lags when gaming and the display feels more sensitive to touch.
Storage: You must have somewhere to save your photos, videos, and apps. Each tablet contains internal storage for files; some have slots for a microSD card to expand storage if it becomes full. Affordably priced slates start at 8GB (enough for roughly 1,000 photos), then double in storage to 16GB, then 256GB and up.
High-end slates can have many terabytes of storage, but you’ll likely need a little. Most individuals will be OK with 64GB to 256GB. Still, you may also choose cloud storage, such as Microsoft OneDrive or Apple iCloud, which sometimes offers free levels but requires a monthly cost for any significant quantity.
Cameras: Tablets are a terrific method to stay in touch with loved ones because they all include cameras that can be used to shoot and email images or make video calls using Skype or other chat apps. Each device’s lenses will be of a different grade but sufficient for clear communication. Most have a front-facing camera as well.
Megapixels (MP) are a metric for pixels’ quantity rather than quality. However, anything above 8MP indicates you’re dealing with a more capable camera setup.
Weight Tablets are always a little larger than the average phone, putting more significant strain on your wrists if you hold them all day.
If you intend to use the slate for traveling or commuting, choose something lightweight and pleasant to carry for an extended period.
Battery: Your tablet can only last so long before it needs to be charged again, and this may vary greatly depending on how frequently you use it, especially if you view a lot of video content, such as Netflix or Disney+.
Most of our options will have between five and fifteen hours of battery life before needing to be recharged. The more recent tablets employ USB-C charging, an upgraded cable that allows you to restore your device faster. Remember that these devices require a connector that can fit the USB-C cable.
