Selecting the right foundation may seem like a daunting task with all the options available. There are cream, stick, and liquid formulations, just to name a few. They also come in varying degrees of coverage.
Foundation can give you an even base for the rest of your makeup. You have to choose the foundation that best suits your skin's needs. The right coverage will be able to hide all of your blemishes, even your skin tone, and cover imperfections to create an overall smooth and even complexion.
A full-coverage foundation is often a great choice, even if you don't always want a full-glam look. We are going to go over the different coverage levels. You will have a better understanding of the foundation before selecting the one for you.
There are three main foundation coverage levels: light, medium, and full. Not everyone requires the same level of coverage. Here are the differences in the formulations.
The most skin-like choice is a light coverage foundation. These formulations offer subtle coverage without completely concealing every blemish. Light coverage is ideal for those who don't like how makeup feels on their skin.
Your skin will still show through the foundation, and you won't feel like it's clogging your pores. Tinted SPF, BB creams, and CC creams are a few alternatives for a sheer foundation.
Medium coverage gives you a natural skin finish but still provides enough coverage to give you an even complexion. Some formulations allow you to build up the coverage as needed. You can also sheer out a medium coverage foundation if you don't want a lot of product on your skin. When you use a liquid formula, you can also combine it with a moisturizer when you want light coverage.
A full-coverage foundation is the best option if you want your skin to look flawless. This type of coverage is designed to cover the skin completely. Full coverage, like medium coverage, is also buildable. You can either put more on or add moisturizer to thin it out a little. It's fantastic for those who are going to be on TV, have their picture taken, or simply prefer complete coverage.
HIDE Premium Foundation provides medium to full coverage. It's easily buildable to fit your needs. Plus, it's weightless, so it doesn't feel like other full coverage foundations. The custom oil-free formula is also made to resist sweat and won't clog your pores. You’ll forget you're even wearing foundation! If you want a flawless natural finish, this foundation is for you.
There are many different kinds of full coverage foundations. You can get this level of coverage in cream, stick, and liquid formulations.
Liquid foundation is the most hydrating out of all the options. The standard base for a liquid foundation is a water or silicone mixture. Some formulations are oil-based, but this isn't ideal for most skin types. The pigment is the key ingredient in a liquid foundation because it's what evens out your skin tone.
Most liquid foundations are easy to build up the coverage. You should be able to layer it to create your own custom coverage. This formulation also allows you to mix in additional skincare ingredients like SPF. You can also use moisturizer to thin it out if you want a lighter coverage. You can't use moisturizer to sheer out cream or stick formulations.
A liquid foundation can work for any skin type. If you have oily skin, you'll need an oil-free formulation, like the one HIDE offers. Oil-based foundations will make oily skin even shinier, and they won't provide coverage that lasts throughout the day. HIDE works on all skin types and will last for 12+ hours. You'll never have to worry about it breaking apart or sliding off your face.
A cream foundation is a kind of makeup base with a thick, cream-like consistency. This type of foundation offers a lot of coverage and a matte look. Cream formulations are generally long-lasting and are on the drier side. They work well for people with combination to oily skin types.
The full coverage it provides is one of the main benefits of using a cream foundation. People with acne scars or blemishes often have a hard time covering up these imperfections without seeming cakey. You can achieve a natural-looking finish with a cream foundation, but it is easy to start looking like you have too much makeup on your skin.
Plus, a thick layer of foundation can make your acne worse. You don't want to wear a cream foundation every day, all day, because it doesn't do a great job at allowing your pores to breathe. When your pores become clogged, blemishes can form, and that's probably the last thing you want.
A stick foundation formulation is similar to cream but slightly drier. This type of foundation has a high amount of pigment, which gives you a full coverage look. However, when you don't use a high-quality stick formulation, you may get sub-par coverage.
One of the benefits is that it's convenient, portable, and effective for a woman on the run. Stick foundation is also ideal for those with combination to oily skin because there's not a lot of added hydration. This formulation won't look very good on people with drier skin who need all the moisture they can get. Some stick foundations can dry out quickly and drag on your skin or get chalky.
Similar to cream foundation, stick formulations can be a lot on your skin. They don't allow it to breathe and can lead to more breakouts. To avoid this, always make sure you are using a high-quality product and take it off completely at the end of the day.
When you find a full coverage foundation, you have to know how to apply it to achieve flawless-looking skin. You can follow these simple steps to get great results.
Your skin has to be prepped before you can apply your foundation. Cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash and apply moisturizer. You don't want to skip this step, especially if you have dry skin.
Moisturizing will help prevent your makeup from clinging to dry patches. It will also fill in any fine lines so your foundation will go on smooth and even. You can also use any other skincare products you usually use, but allow it to soak in for 15 minutes before applying your foundation.
When it comes to applying foundation, you need either a foundation brush or a makeup sponge. A brush can sometimes leave streaks and lines on your face. If you're new to makeup, it may be best to start with a sponge.
You always want to wet your sponge and squeeze out any excess water. Next, dab on your foundation and begin bouncing the sponge over your face. You don't want to drag or rub the product in since it won't lead to an even finish. Dabbing the product in will disperse it evenly and allow you to build up the coverage.
Make sure you blend the foundation out to your hairline and jawline. You can follow it with your concealer to cover imperfections like dark circles. Now you're done with your base makeup! You can also apply a translucent powder if you want an extra matte finish.
A full-coverage foundation is great for covering any imperfections and giving you an even complexion. A liquid formulation is the most customizable and can work on any skin type. HIDE foundation will still allow your skin to breathe while providing excellent coverage.
Get the look at HIDE using our full coverage foundation. Your skin will look smooth and flawless all day.
Sources
What type of skin do I have? List of skin types and their signs | Medical News Today
Types of Acne Blemishes | NYU Langone Health
The Importance of Moisturizing | UTMC
Read on to find the next full coverage foundation that will have your skin looking smoother than ever.
There’s a myriad of foundations (and tons of shades available for each) to discover in the full-coverage space, so we took to the PEOPLE Tested lab to decide which products deserve the space on your beauty counter. After testing 31 foundations, we decided that these 12 were worthy of being shared with you as our PEOPLE-approved picks.
This type of foundation aims to minimize pores and blemishes as well as correct tone for a more even base. In today's era of skin-first makeup and dewy, natural finishes, it’s not incredibly common for makeup artists to employ the use of full coverage products, but that’s not to say this practice is extinct. And for makeup-users, sometimes you feel more comfortable in something that disguises elements of your skin that perhaps make you a bit self-conscious.
It can be intimidating to experiment with a full face of makeup, especially when it comes to foundation. There’s a fine line between looking airbrushed and looking cakey when trying full-coverage foundation , but it's no surprise that this age-old makeup product is the secret behind some of Hollywood’s most flawless faces.
Best Overall
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$49
View On Sephora
$49
View On Bloomingdales
$49
Our Ratings
Pros
Longwearing
Easily blendable
Skincare component
Cons
Slightly drying
Labeled as one of the most seamless foundations of the bunch by our testers, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation wowed with its little-goes-a-long-way formula and impressive staying power. This liquid foundation was made to be a hybrid between skincare and makeup to craft a complexion that looks as healthy as it feels.
Formulated with ingredient complexes that aim to hydrate the skin and refine wrinkles, this foundation felt nourishing when applied on the tester’s skin and was able to cover almost all of their imperfections with just two pumps. They appreciated the way this foundation felt locked in on their skin without creating dryness, as there was no color transfer when blotted and the formula stayed put while being blended with a sponge.
While this product is supposed to help moisturization, our tester did feel like the results were slightly drying. However, this didn’t become a deterrent in the end, as they shared that they “would sacrifice additional moisture for staying power and transfer resistance.” Our tester also noted that this would be a great formula for those with naturally oily skin — ensuring a matte finish, strong staying power and smoothed texture for any skin type.
Size: 30 ml | Shades: 44 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation
Amazon
View On Amazon
$9
View On Target
View On Walmart
$8
Pros
Very blendable
Smooth texture and semi-matte finish
Tone-evening
Cons
Some color transfer when blotted
Not all blemishes covered
The NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation is the perfect lightweight, buildable option for someone who wants to achieve a full-glam look without spending too much money.
It only took our testers four pumps of the dropper to get enough foundation to cover their skin in a texture-smoothing, tone-evening sheen. The lightweight formula “had a shine to it, but didn’t look oily — it looked healthy,” said our tester after blending the foundation, which blurred effortlessly without creasing or pilling up.
Thanks to its wide variety of shade options, our tester was able to find a hue that perfectly matched their skin tone from the neck-up. While they did experience transfer when they blotted their skin with an oil blotting sheet, they still felt that the look was beautiful — remaining free of creases and smudges, even after repeatedly touching the face. For a drugstore price, this foundation has some serious power.
Size: 0.43 ounces | Shades: 29 | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Splurge
Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation
Bluemercury
View On Nordstrom
$139
View On Walmart
$115
View On Dermstore
$139
Our Ratings
Pros
Ultra lightweight
Glowy finish
Tone-evening
Cons
Small shade range
Glamor is the name of Chantecaille’s game, and their Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation is no exception. This stunning foundation glides seamlessly onto the skin thanks to its hydrating, water-based formula and provides a healthy glow that the wearer can boast all day long thanks to the staying power our tester made note of.
The lightweight product had just enough pigmentation to cover our tester’s redness but was never cakey on the skin or settled into wrinkles, a quality that they especially appreciated. They went so far as to call the semi-matte finish “impeccable,” later stating that they had “never felt a foundation this light that actually provided coverage” without feeling like they were wearing a full face of products.
Our only wish is that there were more shades to choose from, as this delectable formula should be felt by everyone.
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 8 | Finish: Semi-matte | Skin type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Jennifer Garner’s Go-To Face Cleanser Leaves Skin Plump and Glowing After Every Wash
Best Stick
Nudestix Nudies Tinted Blur Stick
Sephora
View On Amazon
$32
View On Nordstrom
$28
View On Sephora
$32
Our Ratings
Pros
Buildable coverage
Blurring
Evens discoloration
Cons
Need a moisturized base to perform well
Not all foundations are made the same, and this definitely rings true for the Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation. Pivoting from liquid products, this stick foundation allows you to work up to the level of coverage that you want thanks to its buildable and easy-to-blend formula.
Our tester especially liked that it was able to easily cover their discoloration with just a few taps of their fingers or brush, two methods that worked to effortlessly blend the foundation onto their skin. Since the product is a stick, its formula is naturally denser than liquid versions, meaning it was able to minimize pores and blur the skin easier than liquid foundations can.
Our tester did feel as if the formula was on the slightly drying side over time (as most full-coverage products are), so they suggested the use of a great moisturizer before applying the foundation for the best results. This foundation should be on everyone’s radar thanks to its versatility, from the light coverage-lover to the full-coverage fan.
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 11 | Finish: Semi-matte | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 10 Best Dark Spot Correctors of 2024, Tested by Real People
Best SPF
Kosas Revealer Foundation SPF 25
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$42
View On Sephora
$42
View On Walmart
$68
Our Ratings
Pros
UV protection
Natural finish
A little goes a long way
Cons
Slightly pricey
We all know the importance of wearing our sunscreen, but did you ever think to incorporate it into your makeup routine? Kosas’s Revealer Skin Improving SPF 25 Foundation consists of, you guessed it, SPF 25 to protect your skin against harmful UV rays throughout the day, while still leaving you with flawless texture and a healthy glow.
Our tester was blown away by the beautiful results this foundation gave them, needing only two pumps of the formula for an even-toned result that seamlessly blended over their entire face and easily covered mild redness and small blemishes. “My face was glowing, even-toned — dare we say, stunning? The coveted ‘no make-up makeup’ look unlocked,” they praised.
Though the price point is quite high compared to some other foundations, we do think this foundation is well worth the investment thanks to its skincare benefits and glow-y results. “I usually opt for tinted moisturizers and concealer, but this foundation has me changing my mind,” our tester raved. For the skincare-conscious, this foundation will be a no-brainer.
Size: 1 ounce | Shades: 23 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 15 Best Makeup with SPF of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Powder
Estée Lauder Double Wear Powder Foundation
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$52
View On Sephora
$49
View On Walmart
$46
Our Ratings
Pros
Sweat- and water-resistant
Extensive shade range
Doubles as setting powder
Cons
Did not hide natural discoloration
You’ve seen liquid and stick foundations, but let us introduce you to the best powder for full coverage: the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation. This pressed powder has more than 30 shades in order to match as many skin tones as possible and feels lightweight on the skin thanks to its finely-pressed formula.
After some testing, our volunteers found favor with this comfortable foundation that blended easily onto their skin and felt light enough to wear during the summer for breathability and shine control. They also loved the fact that this product could double as a setting powder for a tinted moisturizer or similar cream products.
Though this foundation has decent pigmentation, it was not potent enough to disguise our tester’s natural pigmentation. However, this would work wonders for someone who wants a more natural look or uses this powder as a setting agent for their base layer of liquid foundation or concealer.
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 31 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best for Oily Skin
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$18
View On Walmart
$39
View On Walmart
$40
Our Ratings
Pros
Huge shade range
Easily blendable, weightless
Sweat- and shine-reducing
Cons
Needs multiple layers to be full-coverage
There’s a difference between a radiant, glowing finish and oily skin, though it is, admittedly, a tough line to toe. The Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation is the secret ingredient to oil-controlled skin with its climate-adaptive formula that resists the buildup of sweat, shine, and oil on the skin when exposed to heat or after long hours of wear.
Our testers immediately noticed how lightweight and easy to blend this formula was, even stating that it “doesn’t even feel like there’s makeup on,” making this an easy product to reach for everyday. There was very little transfer onto the blotting sheet as well, which means that this product’s staying power is no joke.
Though this product will last you all day, you may prefer its use for more natural makeup days, as its pigmentation is not as full coverage as it claims. Our tester with hyperpigmentation felt as if they would need several more layers of the product to get a true full-coverage effect, but that this was a beautiful product for those looking for medium/buildable coverage (or anyone who doesn’t have dark circles or spots). Long, sweaty days in the summer are no foe to the Fenty Pro Filt’r.
Size: 1.08 ounces | Shades: 56 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Tamara Staples
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Buildable Coverage
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Nordstrom
View On Amazon
$54
View On Nordstrom
$54
View On Sephora
$54
Our Ratings
Pros
Radiant, skin-like finish
Very blendable and customizable coverage
Non-oxidizing
Cons
Slight transfer onto blotting sheet
One of the biggest deterrents for people when it comes to full coverage foundations is the fear of looking cake-y or the skin drying out, which is why a buildable product is one of the better options for customizable coverage. The Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation hits the mark with its medium coverage formula made with niacinamide to not only provide a finish that feels as healthy as it looks, but can be easily layered for more coverage, if necessary.
Even after applying a few layers of the product, our tester was impressed by the weightlessness of this product and its ability to cover up redness and pores while still producing a dewy, natural finish. They felt that they would still need to use a powder to set the foundation in their naturally oily areas, like the T-zone, but that the glow-y foundation was easily blendable, highly breathable, and produced a “texture that felt like silk.”
Like most of the products in this test, this foundation transferred slightly onto the blotting sheet used, but only left product-produced oil on the sheet and kept the foundation mostly intact on their skin. Because this formula doesn’t oxidize either, it’s perfect for all-day wear — meaning you can wear a little during the day for a natural look and boost the coverage for a night out without the fear of yellowing or cakiness.
Size: 1 ounce | Shades: 30 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Weightless
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$69
View On Nordstrom
$69
View On Nordstrom
$69
Our Ratings
Pros
Airbrush finish
Hydrating and comfortable feel
Super lightweight
Cons
Slight creasing
If you’re looking for a skin-perfecting foundation that feels like you’re wearing no makeup at all, then look no further than the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation. Luxe in design and formula, this pore-erasing, incredibly lightweight and “truly sublime” foundation (according to our tester) was one of the most natural-looking yet tone-correcting products tested during these trials.
Only one layer was needed to get the desired level of coverage that our tester was going for, but the formula was buildable enough to easily blend another layer on top for an even more “perfect” look. Our tester attributed this lightness to its water-based formula, which made the product feel like a tinted serum instead of a thick foundation, making it “ideal for everyday wear or days that you want a second skin.”
After wearing the foundation for a good amount of time, our tester noticed a bit of creasing at their smile lines, but this was to be expected as the foundation hadn’t been set with powder — a staple in most beauty routines. Our tester still loved how this product both looked and felt on their face, stating that their “skin looks truly glorious” and was truly worth the investment (its price tag is not cheap). Ms. McGrath wasn’t kidding when she called her product "sublime".
Size: 1.18 ounces | Shades: 36 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Natural Finish
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$57
View On Ulta
$57
Our Ratings
Pros
Extremely large shade range
A little goes a long way
No cakiness
Cons
The finish reads a bit matte
Natural makeup-wearers will love the little amount of product that is required to achieve a flawless look with the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation, as only the smallest drops of this product were necessary to comfortably cover our tester’s skin. They were happy with how nicely the product held its own on their skin, staying away from creasing and cakiness.
They also loved how natural their skin looked after application, noticing how beautifully the foundation was able to blend out to a skin-like result while still offering coverage. A very small amount of product was transferred during the blotting test.
Our testers definitely voted to recommend this product to family and friends due to its ease of application and gorgeous results, though they do want you to be aware that the end finish is quite matte, meaning you won’t get too much of a natural sheen glowing through the product in the end. However, this look may be perfect for some readers and your new favorite foundation could be just a click away.
Size: 1 ounce | Shades: 49 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best No Transfer
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup
Amazon
View On Amazon
$35
Our Ratings
Pros
Super lightweight
Tone-correcting
Hydrating
Cons
May not last throughout the day
Low shade range
Introducing the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup, a mousse-style foundation that offers a buildable, natural-looking finish. A little goes a long way with this product, as our testers noticed that a single, small pump of the mousse was able to blend into the entirety of their face. It was as lightweight on the skin as it felt in the can, which was a nice break from liquid and stick foundations.
While this mousse was initially effective in the no-transfer department, our tester noticed that the mousse began to feel oily on their skin after about 20 minutes. There are also only six shades available, which is notably limited for a complexion product.
Size: 1.76 ounces | Shades: 6 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
Best for Dry Skin
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm
Sephora
View On Target
$43
View On Sephora
$43
View On Walmart
$40
Our Ratings
Pros
Hydrating
Evens texture and hyperpigmentation
Easy to apply
Cons
Plastic packaging
It can be daunting to think of applying full coverage foundation to dry skin, but the moisturizing KVD Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm is here to make skin-perfecting products available to everyone, even those with dry skin. Its formula is made with apple extract and sodium hyaluronate to nourish the skin while evening the tone, taking care of our tester’s hyperpigmentation and leaving their skin reading more moisturized than it did before.
This product takes us back to our first days spent experimenting with makeup, when most of us applied products by “finger painting,” a practice you can revisit with this foundation. Our tester marveled at how easy it was to blend this formula out with their fingers, which felt like a great product to throw in travel bags for light touch ups on-the-go.
Though its hydrating properties and easy-to-use formula were unbeatable in our tester’s eyes, they did wish the compact was a little more inventive to look prettier when displayed in their makeup collection, but its beautiful results outweighed the plastic packaging woes. Everyone with dry skin and special events coming up can rejoice, because this moisturizing full-coverage foundation is here to save the day.
Size: 0.35 ounces | Shades: 40 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Dry, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao