Conceal Literally Anything With These Full Coverage Foundation Formulas

Although the ‘no-makeup makeup’ look has reigned supreme for a few years now, there’s no denying that sometimes a hardcore full coverage foundation is necessary. Whether your face appears to be playing host to a family of zits or dark circles under your eyes caused by a lack of sleep, sometimes it’s time to put away the bb creams and tinted moisturisers and reach for the heavy-duty stuff; a full coverage foundation. 

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Arguably one of the hardest makeup products to perfect, a good full coverage foundation is hard to come by. It’s all too common to see brands prioritise coverage at the expense of texture, resulting in a product that does conceal everything but has a dry, cakey finish. Or, the shade range is simply abysmal. 

Fortunately, times have improved and the best full coverage foundation formulas of today offer skincare benefits and come in a wide shade range with different finishes. From matte to dewy, we’ve put together our 10 favourite full coverage foundations that effectively conceal blemishes, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles.

1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

best full coverage foundation

The GOAT when it comes to full coverage foundation, the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a (very) full coverage foundation with a matte finish. Despite its full coverage, it manages to leave your skin looking fresh and doesn’t cake or settle into wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, it stays true to its name and doesn’t budge or transfer, so once applied there’s no need for touch-ups. If you want the coverage without the matte finish, try mixing a drop or two of face oil into your foundation for a dewy look. 

Shade range: 55 shades

2. Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation

best full coverage foundation

A buildable, medium to full coverage foundation, the Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation is an underrated gem. Working to conceal blemishes and uneven skin tone, this breathable, dewy formula provides a flawless, soft-focus finish with an underlying radiance.

Shade range: 15

3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

A demi-matte formula, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation offers buildable coverage with skincare benefits. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and mushroom extract, it provides a luminous finish while working to hydrate and smoothen the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it’s particularly useful for concealing acne scars, thanks to the plumping effect of the hyaluronic acid spheres. 

Shade range: 20

4. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

best full coverage foundation

With its scientifically-backed formulas, The Ordinary is a go-to for budget-friendly skincare. They also deliver on the makeup front with two foundation formulas. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation provides lightweight, full coverage thanks to a highly pigmented formula. It blends into the skin well, blurring pores and making for a dewy, soft-focus finish.

Shade range: 21

5. Dermablend Cover Creme Broad Spectrum

For maximum coverage, the Dermablend Cover Creme Broad Spectrum. Formulated by a dermatologist and a makeup artist, this foundation utilises high-performance pigments to cover anything from hyperpigmentation and skin conditions to scars and tattoos. Although the finish is fairly smooth and natural, this level of coverage can be a little much for daily use; try sheering it out with a couple of drops of face oil or moisturiser.

Shade range: 22

6. Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

A makeup mainstay since its inception a few years ago, the Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is a matte finish foundation best suited to oily skin. With a lightweight feel, it works to blur pores, smooth texture, and fight excess shine and oiliness. An oil-free formula, it’s well-suited to those prone to acne, seamlessly concealing blemishes without causing any irritation or further breakouts. 

Shade range: 50

7. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare

Combining makeup and skincare, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare provides buildable coverage with skincare benefits. Vitamins E and B5 moisturise and support the skin barrier while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera provide hydration and smoothen the skin. The addition of hepes acid works to gently exfoliate the skin, resulting in a more radiant complexion over time. 

Shade range: 40

8. Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation

best full coverage foundation

Delivering full coverage with just one pump, the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation fuses intense pigments with skin conditioning ingredients like glycerin and calcium for a flawless finish. Plus, it’s completely transfer-resistant, so you won’t lose your face on your clothes or someone else’s cheek. For a lighter daytime look, dilute it with a little moisturiser or face oil. 

Shade range: 44

9. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

best full coverage foundation

One of the classics, the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is an oil-free matte foundation that provides full coverage with a velvety finish. Suitable for normal to oily skin, it absorbs excess oil while offering buildable medium to full long-wear coverage that effectively conceals imperfections without feeling cakey. 

Shade range: 45 

10. M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid

best full coverage foundation

An oil-free formula, the M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid is a blendable, matte finish foundation that works to control oil production and blur pores using specially treated pigments. It conceals blemishes and imperfections while moisturising skin for a natural finish and boasts one of the most diverse shade ranges in the industry. 

Shade range: 66 


Words by T. Angel