17 best full coverage foundations that won't look cakey
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Best full coverage foundation overall
Best full coverage foundation for dry skin
Best full coverage foundation for oily skin
I'm of the opinion that full coverage foundations should not be left in the noughties. They're not only perfect for when you're in the mood for a full beat moment, but also for whenever you have anything major in your social calendar. I'm thinking weddings, hen-dos, birthdays and days when you're updating your LinkedIn pic with the ultimate corporate girl headshot.
Forget about the drying, creasing and pore-clogging formulas of the past. Today's best full coverage foundations are anything but cakey. There's a common misconception that such formulas aren't breathable and don't offer a “natural finish”, however, there's a handful of weightless foundations that will make you forget that you're wearing a full face of makeup in the first place (Estée Lauder, we're looking at you) – but cover practically everything.
And if you're wondering whether a full coverage foundation will suit your skin type, there's good news to be had. Aesthetician and makeup artist Erica Marie Gatt (whose clients include Vanessa Hudgens, Sofia Vergara and Kim Kardashian) says that full coverage foundations can be used on all skin types, as long as you choose the right formula for your skin type and individual needs.
“For dry or mature skin, I love a luminous finish with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This provides a dewy look that's still full coverage, and helps to prevent the foundation from settling into fine lines and wrinkles,” she told us. “If you have oily skin, use a matte foundation, which controls excess sebum while giving you a healthy glow without looking shiny.”
If you tend to have acne or frequent breakouts, the expert recommends looking for hydrating, non-comedogenic formulas, which will care for your skin whilst preventing the development of further breakouts.
And don't be tempted to go gung ho and pack on the pigment. “Less is more. Start small and build up your coverage to achieve a more natural look,” says Erica. “Using too much product at once can lead to caking. Reach for a liquid or cream based foundation, which will offer qualities similar to a moisturiser, so that you can achieve a more natural and radiant finish.”
Of course, as with most beauty shopping feats – especially where makeup is concerned – it’s not easy to sift through every product out there and figure out what’s best for your own individual skin type and concern. Enter, stage right, our guide to the best full coverage foundations, from Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless to the iconic Estee Lauder Double Wear.
SKIP TO: Our reviews | How to choose the right full coverage foundation | How do you get flawless full coverage foundation?
How we tested best full coverage foundations:
Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR beauty team has tested hundreds of full coverage foundation formulas, from budget options to premium buys. We've made sure to test said formulas on a variety of skin types and skin tones, all the while accessing the shade range, the finish and the feel on the skin. Find out more about how we test here. After something else? Shop the best powder foundations, the best drugstore foundation, the best oil-free foundations and read our Il Makiage foundation review.
Meet the experts
- Terry Barber, director of makeup artistry at MAC Cosmetics.
- Leandra Kis, makeup artist at London's immersive makeup experience, Beam.
- Erica Marie Gatt, aesthetician, makeup artist and founder of EM SKIN.
Reviewed, the best full coverage foundations…
Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
- Best for: Smoothing and hydrating.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shades: 50.
- Size: 30ml.
- Tester: Shaunelle Harrydass-Clark, GLAMOUR's Intern.
Why we love it: “After testing, I found that this was surprisingly long-lasting, hydrating and felt super lightweight throughout the day. For everyday wear, one pump gave me more than enough coverage that carried me through a full day, without sliding off or separating. Plus, the online quiz paired me with the most perfect shade match.”
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Best full coverage foundation for dry skin
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
- Best for: Hydrating and minimising the look of fine lines.
- Skin type suitable for: Dry.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shades: 44.
- Size: 30ml.
- Tester: Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
Why we love it: “When it comes to creating a flawless, poreless makeup look, there aren't many beauty brands that do it better than Charlotte Tilbury. Available in a wide range of shades, this full coverage foundation is a favourite among beauty editors for a reason. It's formulated with a hydrating blend of skincare-like ingredients that help it stay radiant all throughout the day and night, particularly on dry skin.”
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Best full coverage foundation for oily skin
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
- Best for: Being water, sweat, heat and humidity-resistant.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shades: 49.
- Size: 30ml.
- Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Why we love it: “I've been reaching for the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation for a really long time, mostly when I'm going out at night, having my photo taken or after reassurance that my makeup will not budge. The cult-favourite Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup by Estée Lauder didn't disappoint in my mind: water, sweat, heat and humidity-resistant with a buildable coverage and SPF10. While I still wear a face sunscreen underneath, it's nice to have some added protection.”
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4/17Best lightweight foundation with full coverage
KVD Beauty Good Apple Full-Coverage Serum Foundation
- Best for: Being transfer-proof and minimising imperfections.
- Skin type suitable for: combination skin.
- Finish: Natural.
- Shades: 40.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: “I am so obsessed with this KVD foundation launch – so much so that, even as a lightweight foundation stan, I've been using it everyday since it landed on the GLAMOUR beauty desk. It serves exactly what is promised: full coverage with a natural finish and a lightweight serum foundation feel. I use one pump across my entire face and it covers my dark circles and acne scars with no problem. It's transfer-proof, which I really rate, and the fact that it's infused with apple extract means it's good-for-skin as well as being good for your makeup.” – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR'S Senior European Commerce Editor.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
- Best for: Blurring, smoothing and even-ing skin tone.
- Skin type suitable for: Oily or blemish-prone.
- Finish: Semi-matte.
- Shades: 25.
- Size: 35ml.
Why we love it: Blurring the look of imperfections for up to 12 hours with Precision Blur Technology, this velvet-matte foundation stars a blend of hyaluronic acid and soothing phytoglycogen for a hydrated, smooth and supple complexion. It also features bixa orellana, a plant that's rich in antioxidants and vitamin E to protect skin from free radicals and reduce excess sebum and shine. Minimising the look of redness, discolouration and hyperpigmentation, its non-slip formula means it won't fade or settle into any expression lines.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Best for: Blurring, lessening the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin type suitable for: Mature.
- Finish: Soft-matte.
- Shades: 40.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Yep, we couldn't not include the award-winning Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in this edit. A flawless-looking complexion in a (chic) bottle, this silky formula works to blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and imperfections. Melting into your skin upon application, it uses Armani's Micro-fil technology to help increase your natural radiance, while providing all-day hydration.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation
- Best for: Blurring, lessening the look of blemishes and uneven texture.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Semi-matte.
- Shades: 30.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Created with the brand's professional makeup artists, this vegan full coverage formula is powered by the brand's Micro-Skin System Technology, designed to move with your skin for a virtually undetectable finish. Waterproof, sweat-proof and transfer-proof, this foundation prevents cracking and patchiness whilst delivering an even, skin-like base. Plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable.
VIEVE Skin Nova Complexion Balm
- Best for: Hydrating and luminosity.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Natural and radiant.
- Shades: 20.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Inspired by the brand’s best selling Skin Nova (a seriously glow-giving primer), this everyday foundation brings medium-to-buildable coverage in a stretch formula, meaning that it works to quickly adapt to your skin tone. With hydrating hyaluronic acid, plumping polyglutamic acid and brightening niacinamide, you can guarantee your friends will be asking how your skin looks so good.
Kosas SPF 25 Revealer Skin Improving Foundation
- Best for: Brightening, plumping, nourishing.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Natural, second-skin finish.
- Shades: 36.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Positively packed with skincare ingredients, this formula stars effortlessly buildable coverage that looks natural, without creasing or caking. Not budging for up to 8 hours, your skin will look bright and glowing, thanks to the potent blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, squalane, vitamin B5, arnica and caffeine. We mean, wow. It’s also formulated with SPF 25 and artemisia flower extract to shield the skin from the sun’s rays, plus blue light and pollution — and it’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and clinically tested.
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
- Best for: Soothing and smoothing.
- Skin type suitable for: best foundation for combination skin.
- Finish: Natural.
- Shades: 48.
- Size: 28ml.
Why we love it: Starring a botanical blend of soothing and nourishing white water lily, lotus and gardenia, this kind-to-skin foundation is brilliant for keeping your skin happy and comfortable for all day wear. With an innovative serum-like texture, it gracefully glides across the skin, smoothing and blurring uneven texture, enlarged pores and imperfections in its wake. A little goes a long way too, thanks to the mess-free, doe-foot applicator - and apparently 1 dot is all you need to cover your entire face.
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream
- Best for: Hydrating, colour-correcting.
- Skin type suitable for: Dry or combination.
- Finish: Semi-matte.
- Shades: 29.
- Size: 30g.
Why we love it: A full coverage and colour-correcting foundation in one, this hydrating cc cream is perfect for dry or combination skin types. Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30 (although you still need a dedicated face SPF underneath your foundation, friends) plus nourishing vitamin B5 and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this is your fast track to a smooth, even and protected base. It also stars tremella mushroom, which helps to plump and slow down production of melanin, which is ideal for those with hyperpigmentation.
Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation
- Best for: Hydrating and brightening.
- Skin type suitable for: Dry and dull.
- Finish: Luminous.
- Shades: 33.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Delivering buildable medium-to-full coverage, this glowy weightless foundation provides up to 15 hours of hydration, making it ideal for parched skin. It also features vitamin C to help brighten and increase your complexion's clarity over time, and silver ear mushroom extract, which works to keep your skin smooth and supple while softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And if that wasn't enough? Light-reflecting powders create a soft-focus effect to diffuse the appearance of imperfections, while Super Clear Crystal Pearl reflects the light for an immediate luminous effect.
Satin Silk Longwear Foundation
- Best for: A lit-from-within glow.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Satin.
- Shades: 30.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a full-coverage foundation that sits somewhere in-between matte and dewy, we recommend this gorgeous formulation by Irish beauty brand Sculpted by Aimee. Silky smooth and lightweight, the formula is really easy to build to your desired level of coverage, and skin-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E ensure you’re left with a natural-looking glow that lasts all day.
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Liquid Foundation
- Best for: Long-lasting, budge-proof wear.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shades: 39.
- Size: 35ml.
Why we love it: Huda Kattan knows a thing or two about full coverage foundation, and her #FauxFilter offering provides 24-hour waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, humidity-proof coverage that promises to go the distance. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so there’s no need to worry about it clogging pores. If you're heading to warmer climes or just need that reassurance that your makeup will *not* budge, turn to this.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
- Best for: Smoothing, diffusing, reducing shine.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Soft matte.
- Shades: 50.
- Size: 32ml.
Why we love it: If you’re the sort of person who flits between wanting light, medium and full coverage depending on your mood, Rhianna’s debut foundation will be right up your street. The formula comes in 50 shades which were carefully curated with the help of women with hard-to-match skin tones who previously found it hard to find their perfect match. Buildable without being cakey or flaky, RiRi really created something special here. Plus, the staying power is fantastic too.
MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
- Best for: Hydrating, conditioning, regulating oil production.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Soft-matte.
- Shades: 67.
- Size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Sure, this may be an oldie but it’s definitely a goodie – a true icon of the beauty world, Mac’s Studio Fix is an exceptionally hard working long-wear formula that comes complete with oil-control technology and a buildable medium-to-full coverage. With a seriously impressive shade range, it’s the original all-inclusive, colour-true formula that we urge everybody to try.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
- Best for: On-the-go coverage.
- Skin type suitable for: All.
- Finish: Soft-matte.
- Shades: 32.
- Size: 7.2g.
Why we love it: Combining the power of a concealer and liquid foundation, this bestseller foundation stick provides a long-lasting, full coverage finish that blurs everything from dark circles to blemishes and pigmentation. Delivering high coverage that lasts for up to 12 hours, it's a favourite among makeup artists and editors alike, particularly due to how convenient it is to carry with you everywhere you go.
How to choose the right full coverage foundation
First, it’s about making sure you're investing in the right shade – because there's nothing worse than buying a product that ends up being slightly off. But believe it or not, that elusive perfect match does exist for everybody, it’s just a case of finding it – and while we’re used to colour-matching along the jaw line, Terry Barber, director of makeup artistry at MAC Cosmetics, believes there’s actually a more effective way to do it.
“If your skin is uneven, I would recommend colour matching somewhere in the middle of the face. I know that we’re supposed to match it to the jaw line, but I actually prefer to do it on the cheek bone, in between the two tones of the face,” he says. “That way, you can check how it's reacting to the darker area and how it’s reacting to the lighter area – because what you don’t want to happen is to have a perfect match in the centre, and then it be ashy or a different colour around the edges of the face.”
How do you get flawless full coverage foundation?
“I would use a hydrating serum or moisturiser to prep the skin first, alongside a primer,” says makeup artist Leandra Kis. “I would then use a foundation brush (my favourite is the Spectrum Collections KJH Number 8 Brush) to ensure maximum coverage from the foundation.”
Leandra reveals that her next step would be to gently dab a damp beauty blender over the face to blend the product into the skin more thoroughly and to remove any excess product. “I would focus on the areas where you really need coverage; usually the centre of the face around the nose and cheeks is where we have more redness. Remember, a little product goes a long way, so try not to use more than one pump to avoid looking too cakey.”
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