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10 Full-Coverage Foundations That Cover Everything

10 Full-Coverage Foundations That Cover Everything
Lily Wohlner
Writer and expert1 year ago
View Lily Wohlner's profile

There's stress, and then there's the stress that comes alongside choosing the right foundation. Among the questions I often find myself asking: "what's the right shade or undertone," "what type of coverage do I want," "Should I go for a matte finish or a satin finish?" The list goes on. While we have stockpiled a wide variety of formulas in our drawers,  there's nothing that hits quite as right as a full-coverage foundation (especially when your skin is need of a disguise!).

Whether you're on the hunt for your ideal everyday foundation or a formula that doesn't break the bank, we've compiled a tried-and-tested list of the best full-coverage foundations for every need, because there is no one-size-fits-all product when it comes to perfecting your skin.

Keep reading to find out which full-coverage foundations are LOOKFANTASTIC-approved.

Best Overall Full-Coverage Foundation:

What We Like:

  • Controls oil buildup throughout the day
  • Balances and unifies uneven skin tone
  • Natural, matte finish

What To Note:

  • This product is pricey

An oldy but most definitely a goodie, this cult-classic foundation is arguably one of the most popular formulas of all time. It's lightweight and comfortable, yet provides flawless coverage for skin in need of an extra pick-me-up. When I first tried it, I was in shock at how the foundation glided across my skin without collecting on any dry patches, creating a flawless veil. Its longevity also surprised me—I wore it from morning through night, and it was still in-tact when I got home.

In addition to its staying power and impressive coverage, I appreciate that the foundation comes in a variety of different shades—55, to be precise—to fit a range of skin tones. I have light-medium skin with an olive undertone, and I opted for shade 2N1 Desert Beige. Since I received this in the mail, I've worn it every day since, and the amount of compliments I've received is impressive.

Best Lightweight Full-Coverage Foundation:

What We Like:

  • Ideal for everyday wear
  • Infused with skin-loving ingredients
  • Doesn't run out quickly

What To Note:

  • Only 15 shades

If you're not a huge fan of heavy foundations but still want that incredible full coverage, Chantecaille has the answer. This ultra-lightweight foundation is filled with skin care ingredients—the formula includes soothing aloe leaf and moisturizing camellia sinensis extract—that pack a punch of moisture for that all-day, fresh-looking glow. When you first apply it, you feel its cooling, healing properties spread across the skin, and once it's settled you don't want to take it off. 

As an added bonus, this formula comes in a pot so you can pick and choose how much you want to apply to the skin—sometimes, that's not the case with a pump. Remember: a little bit goes a long way; one small dot of Chantecaille's foundation on each section of your face is enough to do the job.

Best Powder Full-Coverage Foundation

What We Like:

  • Provides buildable coverage
  • Infused with skin-loving ingredients
  • Talc-free

What To Note:

  • Has a matte finish

Looking for a powder foundation that doesn't look cakey or settle into your fine lines? You've met your match with Wander Beauty's flawless finish formula. Infused with ingredients like jojoba and hibiscus extract, this powder gives your skin a sip of water when applied, and dives deep into the barrier to keep it moisturized from the inside-out.

You can apply this on top of your cream foundation or concealer, but it also stands on its own as the perfect your-skin-but-better finish to any look. I prefer to dot some concealer around my discoloration and dark circles, and set the cream with a few light coats of this foundation. Just one layer provides the perfect wash of color and coverage, while additional layers add a matte, porcelain look without appearing heavy or thick.

Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Dry Skin

What We Like:

  • Comes in 26 shades
  • Infuses skin with moisture
  • Smooths and softens skin

What To Note:

  • May not be suitable for oily skin types

The reviews of this under-the-radar favorite all have one common denominator: It covers everything and feels ultra-moisturizing. And, we have to agree. With just a few drops of this foundation, our skin feels substantially more conditioned, thanks to a hefty amount of vitamin C  and E. If you're looking for lighter coverage here and there, we recommend combining this full-coverage foundation with your favorite moisturizer. This trick will double the formula's moisturizing qualities and give your complexion that just-left-the-salon radiance.

One caveat to this foundation is that it may be a bit slick on oily skin. I have combination skin, and it works wonders for my semi-oily but mostly dry barrier, but some testers with oily skin noted it didn't last on their face as long as they would like. However, if you suffer with dry patches or irritation, we couldn't recommend Illamasqua's skin smoother enough.

Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin

What We Like:

  • It's oil-free
  • Comes in 50 shades
  • Great for disguising blemishes

What To Note:

  • May not be suitable for dry skin types

This foundation-concealer duo is not only the ultimate foundation for oily skin, but it's also extremely affordable. A demi-matte foundation that doesn't crease, this formula is perfect for those looking for a full-coverage foundation that doesn't slip. Actually, it does quite the opposite. Due to its oil-free base, it doesn't cling to dry patches, acne, or fine lines and it sits pretty on top of the skin all day.

As for the shade range, this product comes in many different colors  and undertones to suit a variety of skin types and shades. In fact, the customer reviews on the brand's website iterate that they are happy with their shade, even after ordering it online.

The Best Affordable Full-Coverage Foundation

What We Like:

  • Doesn't break the bank
  • Leaves the complexion flawless all day
  • Suitable for all skin types

What To Note:

  • Transfers a bit

An affordable and full-coverage foundation? Count us in. The Ordinary is known for its countless lotions and potions, particularly its high-quality, low-cost serums. This full-coverage foundation follows that same price point while providing an incredibly rich pigment for a lightweight yet saturated finish. If you're after a foundation that doesn't require multiple layers to cover those blemishes and bumps, The Ordinary is one to add to cart.

Even better, some of the foundations in The Ordinary's range also include silver and gold pigments for a radiant finish. The base range also includes pink, red, yellow, and neutral undertones to suit just about any skin type. Shake it up, apply with your fingers, or grab a foundation brush for flawless, long-lasting wear. 

The Best Full-Coverage Foundation With SPF

What We Like:

  • Natural finish on the skin
  • Visibly corrects minor imperfections
  • Reveals a bright complexion

What To Note:

  • Might need a few coats to achieve full coverage

Thanks to a combination of soft-focus prisms and micro-pigments, this foundation reduces signs of fatigue on the skin and unleashes a bright, smooth complexion that mimics a solid eight hours of rest. We've also been loving it because it condenses our morning routine with its easy blendability and SPF-packed formula. If you're looking for a sun-protecting multi-tasker that doesn't slack on coverage, this one is for you.

The Best Long-Wearing Full-Coverage Foundation

What We Love:

  • Has a natural-matte finish
  • Infused with vitamin E
  • Transfer-proof formula

What To Note:

  • Only has 15 shades

Our checklist for the perfect foundation includes many bullets, but staying power is at the top of the list. This natural-looking formula from Dolce&Gabanna checks every box and stays from morning through the night with flying colors. Infused with blurring and light-reflecting powders, alongside the brand's Mediterranean Glow Complex, this budge-proof vanity essential stays flawless no matter the occasion.

In addition to how it looks on the skin, we love that it doesn't settle into our fine lines or transfer onto our clothes. While it only has 15 shades, we found that they are pretty universal for many different skin tones (but we're patiently waiting for more colors to drop!).

The Best Clean Full-Coverage Foundation

What We Love:

  • Soothes and protects the skin
  • Creates a soft, natural look
  • Offers a buildable, medium-to-full coverage

What To Note:

  • Not as long-lasting as other formulas

Clean skin care has many different definitions, but one thing we know for sure is that clean formulas are made with more feel-good ingredients and less of the hard-to-pronounce sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. If you're looking to transition into the world of good-for-you products, look no further than Vapour Beauty, which puts botanical blends, nourishing oils, and potent extracts at the top of their ingredient list.

This foundation, which houses smoothing sweet almond oil and skin-protecting lotus extract, envelops the skin with a luminous finish. So, it's no surprise that we reach for it when we're opting for a light yet even look. If you're in need of a full-coverage foundation that is free of harmful ingredients, we think you'll really enjoy this one.

Best Luxury Full-Coverage Foundation

What We Love:

  • Weightless feel
  • Imparts a glowy finish
  • Covers any and all imperfections

What To Note:

  • It's pricey

The cult-classic OG KohGenDo Aqua Foundation got a complete makeover when the Maifanshi version dropped, and we haven't been able to put it down since. A unique formula that blends seamlessly into the skin to refine and hydrate, this full-coverage foundation offers a buildable glow with a flawless finish. It provides the benefits of a moisturizing serum in makeup form for a two-in-one effect.

This foundation feels weightless, but packs a punch of coverage on blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and imperfections. It's definitely pricey, but given its effectiveness and size we deem it worth the money.

Lily Wohlner
Writer and expert
View Lily Wohlner's profile
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