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To say we’ve spent at least a decade looking for the best full-coverage foundations would honestly be an understatement at most. We’re not using the same foundations we used as teens, and for good reason. We always want to find something better — something that doesn’t crease, something that lasts all day, something that properly covers up redness and blemishes and blurs our complexion.
Whether you’re looking for the best full-coverage foundations for everyday life or fancy events, we now feel confident enough to recommend you our top 10. We’ve tested, we’ve done research, we’ve scoured ingredients lists and reviews and now we know — it’s time. You may be able to have flawless skin with just one purchase!
How we chose the best full-coverage foundations
As we have already mentioned, personal use played a significant role in our decision-making. However, we also looked closely at real user opinions and trusted brands and retailers as well as skin-friendly ingredients and which skin types each one would be most suitable for.
We also consulted the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website on what foundations were found to be safest — and least safe. We also avoided tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and other BB creams, because they have less coverage.
The 10 Best Full-Coverage Funds
1. Mineral Fusion Liquid Foundation
Hypoallergenic Hero
This super clean liquid foundation is EWG Verified and claims to provide full coverage while also being “undetectable.” Full coverage doesn’t have to mean cakey! This foundation is also great for skin-loving properties. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free!
Pros:
- Contains vitamin C
- Natural UV resistance with light-reflecting minerals
Cons:
- Matte finish isn’t for everybody
See it!
Available at Target, Amazon
2. Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Liquid Full Coverage Foundation
For Rainy Springs & Sweaty Summers
Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is famous and a celebrity-favorite (a Lizzo pick!It makes sense that the foundation of the line is equally iconic. It’s waterproof and transfer-resistant, ready for rain, sweat or splashes!
Pros:
- It is oil-free and great to use on combination and oily skin
- Shoppers are calling it a “holy grail”
Cons:
- Shade range could be wider
It’s there!
Available at: Amazon.com, Ulta. Sephora. Nordstrom
3. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
A Personal Pick
This foundation is what I use when I need full coverage. This foundation will give you a smooth, plumping and pore-blurring finish. The hydrating ingredients make this liquid foundation a safe pick for dry skin, and we always love to see over 40 shades available — plus a handy shade match tool!
Pros:
- You can be sweat-proof, waterproof, transfer-resistant, and humidity-proof
- May even help reduce wrinkles
Cons:
- This is one of the most expensive brands, since the brand is very well-respected by celebrity makeup artists
It’s there!
Available at: Charlotte Tilbury, Nordstrom, Sephora
4. Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation
Our Top Powder Pick
Powder foundations can also be full-coverage, contrary to popular belief. The key is to choose the right ones. This matte-finish powder claims to be highly pigmented and can last up to 16 hours. This powder may be the best choice for oily, combination, and normal skin types.
Pros:
- Amazon and Walmart have a sale price of less than $5 (at the time of publication).
- Creamy texture is easy blendable
Cons:
- To apply makeup, you will need a brush and/or a makeup sponge
It’s there!
Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Ulta
5. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
The reliable favorite
If you’ve been into makeup for a while now, chances are you’ve heard countless good things about this foundation. It lives up to its name! It’s oil-free, fragrance-free and aims to deliver full, matte coverage that doesn’t budge for up to 24 hours. This is an award winner with nearly 7,000 reviews on Sephora’s site alone!
Pros:
- Oil-controlling
- 56 shades
Cons:
It’s there!
Available at: Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Dermstore
6. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
Our pick for oily skin
We’ve listed a few foundations we’d recommend for oily skin, but we absolutely love this affordable favorite — our top pick on our list of the best drugstore foundations for oily skin. It offers full, matte coverage for up to 24 hours, is non-comedogenic and is a proclaimed “overachiever” when it comes to controlling shine!
Pros:
- Over 40 shades
- Claims to be waterproof and transfer-proof, as well as humidity-proof
Cons:
See it!
Available at: Amazon. Ulta. Target
7. Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm
Our Pick for Dry Skin
Don’t worry — we didn’t forget about dry skin types! Have you ever tried a foundation cream? It could be the secret to silky-soft skin. This one is infused hyaluronic Acid and vitamin E to keep skin soft and prevent rough patches. It comes from a Kim KardashianBrands approved by the FDA
Pros:
- Comes with a foundation brush
- No parabens, fragrances or sulfates
Cons:
- Over $50 (though the brush is not included)
It’s there!
Available at: Dermstore, Nordstrom
8. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
Iconic Immediately
We will never be able thank you RihannaFenty Beauty is a great company to bring into our lives. This medium-to-full-coverage foundation comes in 50 shades and has over 16,000 reviews at Sephora. It’s oil-free for a shine-free finish, and it’s even made with climate-adaptive technology. You can use a brush to get full coverage or a sponge for medium coverage.
Pros:
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens or phthalates
- Winner of the Award
Cons:
- Very dry skin may not be a good candidate
See it!
Available at: Sephora, Ulta
9. Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
Best for Travel
This clean foundation is free of oil and silicones, offering a matte finish that’s still breathable. It uses blurring microspheres that diffuse light to create a soft focus effect. Parabens and sulfates, as well as phthalates, are left out of the formula.
Pros:
- Airless tip minimizes air exposure and eliminates dripping — safe for travel!
- Feels light and weightless
Cons:
It’s there!
Available at: Sephora
10. Tarte Face Tape Foundation
The Foundation Version Of Your Favorite Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is undoubtedly the most well-known concealer for its amazing coverage. Why not grab the foundation as well? It’s powered by snow mushroom to hydrate skin while providing a natural matte finish and contains apple fruit extract to protect skin against free radicals!
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Available in two sizes
Cons:
- Only available at two retailers
It’s there!
Available at: Tarte, Ulta
Other Full-Coverage Funds We Love:
You are looking for more product recommendations? You can find more of our picks here:
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team strives to highlight products that readers might find useful or interesting. This includes face masks, self-tanners and Lululemon style leggings. The selection of products and services is not meant to be an endorsement by Us Weekly or any celebrity mentioned in this post.
Shop With Us may receive products from manufacturers to test. Us Weekly also receives compensation from the manufacturer for products featured in our articles. This does not influence our decision on whether or not a product is recommended or featured. Shop With Us operates independently of the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!
