There’s no denying that pores and skin tints and sheer foundations have captured the hearts of make-up lovers over the previous couple of years. However whereas such complexion formulation dominate the developments, let’s not neglect how priceless a stable full-coverage basis will be. Whether or not you’ve gotten pimples, redness, or hyperpigmentation that you just like to hide, or a full-glam look is extra aligned along with your aesthetic, a basis that provides extra protection will be extra favorable. 

“Full protection basis presents a heavier end and is usually used to hide blemishes or discoloration within the pores and skin,” says Misha Shahzada, movie star make-up artist. “Some individuals identical to the best way a heavier basis seems to be no matter their pores and skin beneath.”

However in contrast to sheer choices, that are sometimes extra forgiving if the colour, end, or texture isn’t a spot-on match, discovering your good full-coverage basis will be more difficult. Put merely, these formulation present up extra on the pores and skin which means it’s additional necessary to make sure you discover one which fits your complexion and pores and skin sort greatest. So, we put dozens of full-coverage foundations to the check in our lab in NYC. We evaluated them based mostly on protection, texture, put on, end, and switch resistance—and forward, we’re sharing which of them outperformed their competitors. 

Our Prime Picks

Finest Total:
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Basis at Sephora ($49)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest Luxe:
Chantecaille Future Pores and skin Cushion Skincare Basis at Dermstore ($139)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest Drugstore:
Milani Conceal + Excellent 2-in-1 at Amazon ($11)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest Lengthy-Carrying:
Lancôme Teint Idole Extremely 24H Lengthy Put on Matte Basis at Amazon ($57)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest Shade Vary:
Pat McGrath Labs Elegant Perfection Basis at Sephora ($69)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest Light-weight:
Estée Lauder Double Put on Powder Basis at Sephora ($49)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest for Oily Pores and skin:
Fenty Magnificence Professional Filt’r Smooth Matte Basis at Sephora ($18)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest for Dry Pores and skin:
KVD Magnificence Good Apple Pores and skin-Perfecting Hydrating Basis Balm at Sephora ($43)

Soar to Evaluation

Finest with SPF:
Kosas Revealer Basis SPF 25 at Sephora ($42)

Soar to Evaluation

In This Article

Broaden

• Our Picks

• How We Examined

• What To Look For

• FAQ

• Why Belief Byrdie

Finest Total

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Basis

View On Sephora

$49

View On Nordstrom

$49

View On Bloomingdales

$49

What We Like

• Nice blendability

• Snug, balanced really feel on pores and skin

• Sturdy switch resistance

What We Do not Like

• Can emphasize dry patches barely 

That is, indubitably, one of the vital common full-coverage foundations available on the market, and for good motive. Regardless of having a reasonably thick texture which regularly makes for a cakey end, it blends out fantastically on the face and might create a natural-looking base—if used correctly. It could actually cling to dry patches, which is fairly frequent with full-coverage foundations—however should you correctly exfoliate and moisturize earlier than utilizing it, you’ll be capable to yield a easy, full-coverage outcome that seems skin-like and most significantly, lasts. 

Along with revering its long-wearing potential, we appreciated that it handed the switch check with good scores—that is particularly necessary when you’ve got oily pores and skin and battle along with your basis migrating or breaking up. It additionally is available in a reasonably intensive shade vary that is effectively dispersed throughout the pores and skin tones, which is particularly necessary for foundations that supply plenty of protection and will not be forgiving in case your shade does not match your pores and skin coloration.

Who It is For

Should you’re in search of a matte, full-coverage basis that can final all day and night time with out creasing or fading, we will’t advocate this one sufficient. Although we predict it is ultimate for these with oily or balanced pores and skin, it is also a sensible choice for these with dry or mixture pores and skin, as long as you correctly exfoliate and moisturize previous to software. Basically, it is for individuals who need protection, longevity, and maybe slightly slice of luxurious—we will not ignore how attractive the bottle is.

End: Matte | Variety of shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Sure

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Finest Luxe

Chantecaille Future Pores and skin Cushion Skincare Basis

View On Dermstore

$139

View On Walmart

$115

View On Nordstrom

$139

What We Like

• Light-weight texture

• Buildable protection 

• Pure, glowing end

• Snug really feel on pores and skin

What We Do not Like

• Transfers simply barely

• Shade vary wants work

It’s not typically that cushion foundations present vital protection, however this one will be layered and constructed as much as go from pretty mild protection to providing sufficient protection to utterly even out your complexion. Apart from experiencing a little bit of switch, our expertise with this basis was overwhelmingly optimistic. We beloved the pure, glowy end, how simply it blended into the pores and skin, and the way weightless and cozy it felt when utilized. It utterly coated redness whereas sustaining a skin-like look and didn’t settle into pores or advantageous strains.

One factor we’re not impressed by is the shade vary—it’s totally restricted. Whereas the colours are pretty versatile as a result of it does not supply full-on protection proper off the bat, we might nonetheless prefer to see the model develop the vary considerably.

Who It is For

Should you’re delicate to the sensation of make-up sitting in your pores and skin however you continue to need to put on a product which you could construct up for whole protection, this can be a improbable possibility for you. It is nice for individuals who crave versatility out of their make-up—it may be used on days when you don’t need or want full protection, but it surely may also be layered as much as give you the protecting capabilities once you need it.

End: Pure | Variety of shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Sure

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Finest Drugstore

Milani Conceal + Excellent 2-in-1

View On Amazon

$11

View On Ulta

$12

View On Goal

$11

What We Like

• Buildable protection

• Mousse-like consistency 

• Simple to mix

• In depth shade vary

• Oil-free

What We Do not Like

• Can look heavy on dry patches

• Will get a bit greasy on oily pores and skin all through the day 

With a singular mousse-like consistency and unimaginable buildability, this budget-friendly basis shortly grew to become a favourite throughout testing. With one pump, we had been in a position to mix out the formulation seamlessly with a brush and a sponge to yield medium protection that properly canceled out redness within the pores and skin. A second layer allowed us to attain utterly full protection that absolutely blurred the looks of darkish spots and blemishes. We love that it units right down to a pure matte end that doesn’t look dry or radiant—it’s really someplace within the center. The mousse-y texture is simple to mix, although it’s barely thick and might look heavy when you’ve got apparent dry patches in your pores and skin. To keep away from this, we advocate gently exfoliating and moisturizing previous to software. It’s additionally value noting that it may well begin to look a bit greasy on oily pores and skin all through the day, so we advocate setting it in place with powder should you are likely to get oily in your T-zone. 

All-in-all, we had been extraordinarily impressed by this basis. It offers wonderful protection, has a gorgeous, natural-looking end, and is available in 45 shades that vary from truthful to darkish in a wide range of undertones.  

Who It’s For

This basis is a superb selection for anybody who needs a full-coverage formulation at an reasonably priced price ticket. Though it may well get a bit greasy all through the day, it’s oil-free, making it an incredible possibility for these with oily or acne-prone pores and skin sorts who need to keep away from pore-clogging oils. We expect all pores and skin sorts can put on this decide as long as you prep and set it accordingly.

End: Pure matte | Variety of shades: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Sure

Learn Full Evaluation: Milani’s Conceal + Excellent Basis Is Nice for All-Day Glam

Finest Lengthy-Carrying

Lancôme Teint Idole Extremely 24H Lengthy Put on Matte Basis

View On Amazon

$57

View On Sephora

$57

View On Ulta

$57

What We Like

• Budge-proof as soon as utilized

• Units down shortly 

• Appears fairly pure on the pores and skin 

• Light-weight

What We Do not Like

• Transfers simply barely 

One other extremely common full-coverage basis, this one stands out for its long-wearing capabilities. As soon as utilized to the pores and skin, it’s not going wherever. So, it’s no shock that it carried out fantastically in our switch check and resisted creasing and fading as we wore it.

As for protection and end, the protection is full and will be constructed up or sheered out relying in your preferences, and the end is matte however not flat. Although it may well cowl just about something, it manages to keep up a real skin-like look. We additionally love that it layers properly with the make-up you apply on prime of it. And should you’ve tried this basis prior to now and located it to be a bit heavy, we advocate giving it one other go—it was just lately reformulated and now presents the identical protection and longevity with a way more light-weight and breathable texture.

Who It is For

Should you’re in want of a basis to final you thru an extended day or a particular occasion, we predict you’ll actually take pleasure in this one. Although it has a matte end and is nice for greasy and balanced pores and skin, it additionally works fantastically on dry pores and skin. Plus, it is sweat-proof and water-proof, so should you dwell in a scorching or humid local weather, it has your identify written throughout it.

End: Matte | Variety of shades: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No

These Are the 9 Finest Foundations With SPF—And We have Tried So Many

Finest Shade Vary

Pat McGrath Labs Elegant Perfection Basis

View On Sephora

$69

View On Ulta

$69

View On Nordstrom

$69

What We Like

• Light-weight texture

• Simple to mix

• Easy, skin-like end

What We Do not Like

• Creases a bit 

Pat McGrath Labs nailed the shade number of this basis. Along with creating shades that modify in depth, there’s additionally a huge vary of undertones to cater to a big spectrum of pores and skin tones. Even higher? The formulation seems to be gorgeous on the pores and skin and performs fantastically. Whereas it’s not marketed as a full-coverage basis, it’s extraordinarily buildable and will be layered on to create a reasonably full-coverage look. After making use of only one coat, it labored fantastically to even out the complexion whereas sustaining a pure look that didn’t lean overly matte or dewy. 

Whereas we did discover a little bit of creasing within the smile strains, it wasn’t vital and will possible be averted by setting the world with powder. Contemplating the inclusive shade vary, airbrushed end on the pores and skin, and long-wearing nature of this formulation, we extremely advocate checking it out. 

Who It is For

Should you battle to search out foundations that match your pores and skin tone, give this decide with an incredible vary a strive. It is also a wonderful selection for individuals who cannot stand the sensation of heavy make-up on their pores and skin. Although many full-coverage choices can really feel a bit heavy on the pores and skin, this one is an exception—it feels weightless with out sacrificing protection.

End: Pure | Variety of shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No

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Finest Light-weight

Estée Lauder Double Put on Powder Basis

View On Sephora

$49

View On Ulta

$52

View On Dermstore

$49

What We Like

• Feels light-weight on the pores and skin

• Might be layered up for extra protection

• Creates a pure matte end

What We Do not Like

• Transfers fairly a bit

• Might present extra protection

One layer of this full-coverage powder basis will present mild protection, whereas further layers will construct up the pigmentation to supply way more protecting potential. We beloved the buildability and the way effectively it evened out the complexion, however we might have preferred to see only a bit extra protection on prime of the discoloration. If you wish to go for powder basis however want further protection, you may all the time conceal blemishes first after which apply the powder.

When it comes to the end on the pores and skin, it seems to be utterly matte with out showing dry or cakey. It layered properly on prime of moisturizer and didn’t crease or fade as we wore it. Remember the fact that it did rub off fairly a bit onto the blotting paper in the course of the switch check, so we advocate setting it in place with a setting spray.

Who It is For

Powder foundations are wonderful for individuals with oily pores and skin or those that dislike the sensation of liquid merchandise on their face—and should you’re in search of a powder formulation with nice protection, this one is Byrdie-approved. It is also ultimate for anybody who needs further protection on prime of their liquid basis.

End: Matte | Variety of shades: 31 | Cruelty-Free: No

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Finest for Oily Pores and skin

Fenty Magnificence Professional Filt’r Smooth Matte Basis

View On Sephora

$18

View On Ulta

$40

View On Walmart

$40

What We Like

• Feels light-weight on the pores and skin 

• Blends into the pores and skin effortlessly 

• Stays in place as soon as utilized

What We Do not Like

• Might have extra protection 

We’d be stunned should you’re not already aware of this iconic basis from Fenty Magnificence. Apart from serving to to set the business customary for shade vary inclusivity, this one additionally has a loyal fan base who reward it for its formulation. We will see why it’s so well-loved, because of how blendable it’s, how comfy it’s on the pores and skin, and the way it’s virtually utterly transfer-proof (it is an incredible instance of a transfer-resistant basis). It didn’t crease or fade and we beloved how skin-like it regarded.

If we may change one factor about it, it could be the extent of protection. Regardless of being marketed as a full-coverage basis, one tester struggled to get it to completely cowl her melasma. The excellent news is it builds effectively and will be layered with concealer, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. 

Who It is For

It is a nice possibility for a variety of foundation-wearers. It is available in a very intensive shade vary, feels comfy on the pores and skin, builds up properly, and presents a matte end. It is appropriate for on a regular basis put on and for reaching a extra good look, making it a flexible choice to have in your make-up stash.

End: Matte | Variety of shades: 59 | Cruelty-Free: Sure

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It is Official: These Are the Finest Drugstore Foundations for Oily Pores and skin

Finest for Dry Pores and skin

KVD Magnificence Good Apple Pores and skin-Perfecting Hydrating Basis Balm

View On Sephora

$43

View On Ulta

$41

View On Goal

$43

What We Like

• A little bit bit goes a great distance

• Might be utilized mess-free with fingertips

• Wonderful protection

What We Do not Like

• Some individuals would possibly discover the feel to be a bit heavy on the pores and skin 

After going viral on TikTok some time again, we had been curious to see if this basis balm lives as much as the hype—and it does. It offers full protection in only one layer, slightly little bit of product goes a really great distance, and it may be utilized utilizing your fingertips, a brush, or a sponge, with out the mess that liquid and powder formulation can create. Regardless of having a matte end, we discovered that our pores and skin regarded and felt extra hydrated after making use of it, and we appreciated that it set in place and didn’t crease as we wore it. 

Whereas we did not dislike texture, some on-line reviewers declare that it feels a bit thick and heavy on the pores and skin. Should you’re delicate to that, we advocate making use of it in mild layers utilizing a moist sponge. 

Who It is For

Liquid and powder foundations will be messy—elevate your hand should you’ve ever been victimized by a significant spill in your make-up bag. We have now! This selection is nice for many who crave mess-free merchandise as a result of the balm cannot spill and it may be utilized utilizing no matter your required software technique is. It is also a sensible choice for anybody searching for a formulation that gives ultra-full protection that does not crease or fade.

End: Matte | Variety of shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Sure

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The Finest Cream Foundations That Mix Seamlessly Into Pores and skin

Finest with SPF

Kosas Revealer Basis SPF 25

View On Sephora

$42

View On Nordstrom

$42

View On Kosas.com

What We Like

• Beautiful, pure end on the pores and skin

• Simple to mix

• Doesn’t settle into strains or pores

What We Do not Like

• Transfers a bit

Discovering an incredible full-coverage basis that features SPF will be difficult, however this one is improbable. It’s formulated with zinc oxide in addition to niacinamide and squalane for hydration advantages. The feel is light-weight, creamy, and straightforward to mix, and the end on the pores and skin is completely gorgeous. It’s the proper midpoint between matte and dewy, and it creates a beautiful veil of protection on the face. Throughout testing, we had been impressed by how effectively it coated minor redness and discoloration, although we observed that we would want further concealer to completely cowl under-eye circles. We additionally appreciated that it did not settle into advantageous strains or emphasize texture. Although it did switch a bit, we predict this is able to be mitigated by frivolously setting it with powder.

Who It is For

Should you’re somebody who likes a no-fuss magnificence routine with merchandise that assist you to mix steps, that is the full-coverage possibility for you. It is nice for a variety of pores and skin tones and pores and skin sorts, and it is formulated with niacinamide and SPF so you may get pores and skin advantages along with the protection you crave.

End: Pure | Variety of shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Sure

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We Discovered 10 Rosacea-Pleasant Foundations That Appropriate Shade and Aren’t Irritating

How We Examined

Every basis was examined in our lab facility in New York Metropolis. Earlier than software, we took a moisture studying of fresh, moisturized pores and skin to see the way it compares to the moisture degree after carrying the inspiration. The inspiration was then utilized and analyzed for the way effectively it coated and blended in. After software, we then wore the foundations and stored an eye fixed out for smudging, fading, and creasing. Now was time for the final moisture studying the place we evaluated how the inspiration affected moisture ranges in our pores and skin. Lastly got here the switch check, the place every of us gently pressed a blotting paper towards the pores and skin to find out whether or not or not the inspiration was transfer-proof.

Attributes we evaluated every basis on:

• Protection functionality
• Texture and really feel on the pores and skin
• How effectively it wore on the pores and skin with out creasing, fading, or breaking apart
• The end and total look on the pores and skin
• Switch-resistance

Testing Full Protection Basis for Shade Vary and End

What to Search for When Shopping for Full-Protection Basis

• Shade Vary: We’re in all probability stating the plain right here, but it surely’s actually necessary to hunt out a basis that is available in a variety of shades to be able to get your greatest match. “I all the time recommend ensuring the colour is an ideal match as a result of some foundations oxidize and that is much more noticeable on somebody carrying a full protection base,” says Shahzada. “When matching a shade, apply it to a small space and step outdoors in pure mild after 20 minutes or so, to ensure it’s the correct match.” Should you battle to search out choices that match your pores and skin tone and undertones, we advocate testing the Pat McGrath Elegant Perfection Basis because the shade vary is intensive. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Basis additionally has a wonderful shade providing.

• Elements: Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rachel Westbay, recommends choosing a formulation with hydrating elements, like hyaluronic acid. When it comes to what she recommends avoiding, that listing is a little more intensive. Should you’re liable to getting clogged pores, she says to steer clear of foundations containing oils and silicones as they are often pore-clogging. “One other huge one to keep away from is lanolin, as it’s extremely comedogenic,” she says. “Different names for lanolin are acetylated lanolin alcohol, ethoxylated lanolin, solulan 16, and PEG 16 lanolin. Lastly, attempt to avoid sodium chloride, which is typically added to foundations as a thickening agent and might exacerbate and/or induce breakouts. ” Vargas agrees, saying “Search for formulation which can be non-comedogenic, oil-free, and long-lasting.” She additionally recommends avoiding formulation with potential irritants comparable to fragrances, particularly when you’ve got delicate pores and skin. Should you’re in search of an possibility that does not include any artificial perfume, the Kosas Revealer Pores and skin Bettering SPF 25 Basis is a superb selection.

• Components: Make-up is very private—particularly in terms of basis. What works for one particular person may not work for an additional. So, discovering a formulation that compliments your pores and skin sort, feels comfy, and aligns along with your preferences is vital. Maria Vargas, movie star make-up artist, recommends in search of a basis that is appropriate in your pores and skin sort with a view to make sure you get essentially the most consolation and greatest put on out of it. You will discover out what pores and skin sorts a basis is greatest for on the model web site of the product, however typically, when you’ve got oily pores and skin, matte choices, just like the Lancôme Teint Idole Extremely 24H Lengthy Put on Matte Basis, can be becoming for you. When you’ve got dry pores and skin, extra luminous picks, just like the Chantecaille Future Pores and skin Cushion Skincare Basis, will be just right for you. However bear in mind, there are not any guidelines in terms of this, so all the time select one which makes you’re feeling essentially the most assured.

• End: The end of your basis can utterly alter the end result of your make-up look. Oftentimes, full-coverage foundations are matte, however this isn’t all the time the case. So should you love the look of dewy pores and skin however you need a whole lot of protection, there are completely choices for you, too. Those that choose matte pores and skin will love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Basis or the Lancôme Teint Idole Extremely 24H Lengthy Put on Matte Basis. Should you’re after a luminous look, strive the Chantecaille Future Pores and skin Cushion Skincare Basis. And should you choose one thing within the center, we advocate the Kosas Revealer Pores and skin Bettering SPF 25 Basis.

FAQ

• How do I apply full-coverage basis?
  

  “I extremely advocate prepping the pores and skin very effectively beforehand (I.e. constant exfoliating, moisturizing, and many others.) as it will supply a smoother floor for a extra flawless basis end,” says Shahzada. “Apply the inspiration in layers vs. a big quantity from the beginning.” 

  “Strive specializing in the areas you’d like to hide that require extra protection as a substitute of an all-over software,” provides Vargas. “Bear in mind to mix the inspiration down the neck and onto the ears for a seamless look. I prefer to set the inspiration with a translucent powder to boost its longevity and stop any undesirable shine.”

• How do I make a full-coverage basis look skin-like?
  

  Full-coverage foundations are wonderful for camouflaging redness, discoloration, and blemishes, however they will typically look heavy and mask-like if not utilized appropriately. To keep away from this and guarantee you’ve gotten essentially the most natural-looking end, you should definitely prep your pores and skin with moisturizer and apply your basis in mild layers. Along with correct pores and skin prep, Vargas says it is necessary to make sure you have a spot-on shade match and are selecting a formulation that works effectively along with your pores and skin sort.

• How do I make full protection final?
  

  Making foundations final all day and night time will be difficult, however there are some things you are able to do to boost their put on. Guaranteeing that your pores and skin is correctly prepped is necessary as a result of when foundations cling to dryness or are utilized on prime of extra oil, they will fade and break down. Earlier than making use of your full-coverage basis, you should definitely exfoliate any dry patches and apply a lightweight layer of moisturizer. 

  As soon as utilized, locking your base in place with setting powder and a long-wearing setting spray could make all of the distinction. However don’t overdo it—an excessive amount of product can result in heaviness and should make your make-up break down.

• Who ought to put on full-coverage basis?
  

  “Full-coverage [foundation] will be for anybody, however I might recommend it for sure kinds of TV and for anybody who needs to cover their blemishes or discoloration utterly,” says Shahzada. “It advantages these with acne-prone pores and skin, hyperpigmentation, or uneven pores and skin texture, however it may be utilized by anybody who needs a high-coverage end,” provides Vargas.

  When you’ve got acne-prone pores and skin and are involved about making use of make-up on breakouts, permit Dr. Westbay to ease your thoughts. “It’s completely OK to make use of full-coverage basis when you’ve got acne-prone pores and skin and plenty of with pimples elect to make use of the sort of basis as a result of they really feel extra comfy with the protection it offers,” she tells Byrdie. “An important cardinal rule in selecting a basis for acne-prone pores and skin is to search for formulations which can be non-comedogenic and don’t have any elements that may clog pores or result in breakouts”

15 Foundations That Immaculately Cowl Pimples Scars For a Easy Complexion

Why Belief Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an skilled author within the magnificence business and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has examined many foundations in a wide range of formulation, together with a number of on this listing. She’s additionally skilled a wide range of pores and skin issues like pimples, throughout which she experimented with tons of various foundations and basis software strategies. She acquired a bachelor’s diploma from the Trend Institute of Expertise, the place she studied advertising and product growth within the cosmetics business. Alyssa has been a commerce author at Byrdie since 2022, the place she covers all issues magnificence.

For this story, Alyssa interviewed three consultants to assemble extra insights about what to remember when shopping for a full-coverage basis. These consultants embrace:

• Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical
• Misha Shahzada, a celeb make-up artist who’s labored on faces like Millie Bobby Brown, Emma Stone, Lola Tung, and extra
• Maria Vargas, a celeb make-up artist who’s labored with shoppers like Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Chanel Iman, and extra