Growing up with acne taught me a lot of things—namely, that double cleansing was essential, the difference between a whitehead and a blackhead, and also, how to apply foundation so that my skin looked 56284 times clearer and calmer than it actually was. The secret was, of course, down to a combination of clever concealing and on finding the best full coverage foundations. The ones that actually do last all day, that provide coverage without feeling heavy or looking cakey, and that have skin-kind formulas which don’t contribute to further skin problems.
These days, my skin is clear enough that most days I can get away with wearing a skin tint or BB cream. But if I do need something more ‘heavy duty’ to mask an unexpected breakout or to conceal the scarring and lingering hyper-pigmentation that I have on my cheeks, then I turn back to my trusty full coverage foundation favourites.
Full coverage foundations haven’t always been pleasant to wear, but these days makeup trends are all about radiant, glowy, natural-looking skin, and foundation formulas reflect that. In 2023 it’s safe to say that the best full coverage foundations will not only conceal breakouts, tone down redness, reduce shine, and last all day, but also feel comfortable, and leave skin with a natural finish.
Of course, there are still a lot of foundations out there to sift through in your hunt for the best—and it also helps to know how to apply them. Below, I’ve rounded up the best full coverage foundations, and included some helpful application tips from makeup artist Lucy Hart. Thank us later.
According to Hart, skin prep is essential to full coverage foundation looking the best it can, so take the time to focus on your skincare before you even pick up your makeup bag. “Hydration is key so always start with a rich moisturiser,” she advises. “Ideally one that has some glowing skin properties.” If you’re not overly concerned about oil-control, then she recommends skipping primer and just sticking with moisturiser.
To apply your foundation, Hart says one of the most foolproof techniques is to use both a brush and a sponge. “You can use a traditional, flat-bristled foundation brush to distribute the product, and then use a damp makeup sponge to press it into the skin,” she explains. “However, my favourite way to apply a full coverage foundation is with a duo-fibre brush. It’s a little bit more dense, but still quite fluffy. I use this in a tapping motion, almost as you would a sponge.”
“Using fingers is a messy technique but it is one of the best ways to apply foundation,” she adds. “However, with full coverage formulas especially, I would always finish off by bouncing over with a sponge just to even out the coverage and make sure the product is pressed into skin.”
When it comes to choosing a formula, Hart advises looking for foundations with creamy textures. “With cream foundations you can build up the layers of coverage and they also layer beautifully with other cream makeup products,” she explains. “Creams give you a bit of flexibility and freedom in being able to manipulate your makeup—and if you want a matte finish, you can set them with a translucent powder.”
“I prefer foundations that are full coverage to feel quite breathable and not clogging or cakey,” she adds. “Remember that thicker isn’t always better. Lighter feeling foundations can have the same pigment and coverage, and you’ll still get that doll-like skin really efficiently, easily, and quickly.”
This luxurious cream foundation is a popular favourite amongst makeup artists and celebrities—even Margot Robbie is a fan. It’s a cream formula, so appears thick, but this means it can be applied in sheer layers to create coverage without weight.
As a makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury is known for leaving skin with a seamless, radiant finish. This foundation does just that—and thanks to its full coverage and pore-blurring properties, it leaves skin looking totally flawless.
“This is an old favourite that I’ve recently gone back to using,” says Hart. “Itlooks good on everyones skin so is a failsafe and has really nice undertones to the shades.”
MAC has a number of foundations to choose from, but if it’s coverage that you’re after, then Studio Fix Fluid is your best bet. The extensive shade range caters to multiple skin tones and factors in undertone, so it’s easy to find a perfect match.
L’Oréal Paris is one of our go-to brand for affordable makeup must-haves, so if you’re shopping for a full coverage foundation on a budget, look no further. While I would never advocate sleeping in your makeup, the fact that this promises 32-hour wear attests to its longevity.
Price shown is member price. Traditionally, full coverage foundations had a bad rap for looking cakey and feeling heavy and mask-like on skin. However, modern formulas provide pigment minus the weight. Despite offering a medium-full coverage, this is one of the most lightweight foundations I’ve tried.
“If you want a really full coverage foundation that blanks out everything, then check out this Huda foundation,” says Hart.
When I want my makeup to last all day (and night), this is the foundation I reach for. Despite its weightless, silky formula, it delivers a powerfully pigmented and full coverage finish in just one coat.
This tinted moisture balm can cleverly be used both for a lightweight, sheer finish, and (when built up in light layers) for a full coverage effect. The best part? Skin still looks like skin, no matter how much you apply.
An excellent option for those with oily skin, or for summer-wear, this full coverage foundation fights sweat and oil to prevent unwanted shine. Instead, skin is left with a soft matte finish that keeps skin looking and feeling fresh all day long.
Proven to provide full coverage, 24-hour wear through activity, humidity, and rain, this foundation will stay put, no matter what life throws at it.
Breakouts and redness don’t stand a chance against this ultra-pigmented, full coverage foundation. Thanks to a creamy formula and a matte finish, it provides long-lasting coverage and controls shine.
Suitable for all skin types (but especially good for oily skin), this affordable foundation is proven to be transfer-resistant, water-resistant, and sweat-resistant.
You can always trust a makeup artist to create a good foundation, and Lisa Eldridge’s Seamless Skin Foundation is testament to that fact. It’s lightweight but long-wearing, and looks totally natural—thanks to a self-setting formula which fuses with skin after blending.
Full coverage formulas often have matte finishes, but if it’s a radiant glow that you’re after, then this is the foundation for you. It’s highly pigmented and water resistant, but leaves skin looking bright and fresh.
Double Wear is one of the most iconic full coverage foundations of all time. If you’re on the hunt for something to conceal redness, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, or scarring, it will always do the trick.
I’ve yet to try an Hourglass foundation that I don’t love, and this one is no exception. It promises (and delivers) 16-hour wear and a soft glow finish—thanks to blurring spheres that diffuse light.
“I find that if someone is asking for a full coverage foundation, then 90% of the time they want more of a matte finish,” says Hart. “But if they do want glow then this Nars foundation is fantastic because while it is full coverage, it’s also lightweight on skin—and gives the nicest glow.”
