We tested full-coverage foundations to find the 15 best for all skin types

Selecting the best full-coverage foundation can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. What shade will match best, especially when ordering online? Is liquid foundation the right choice for me instead of powder? What about SPF? Seriously, where do I begin?!

All of these questions are valid — believe me. As someone who loves trying new makeup brands (and who’s also a sucker for pretty packaging), I’ve been wanting to dig into the makeup minefield of liquids to powders and drugstore to high-end for quite some time.

RELATED: Best makeup primers we reviewed

Whether you’re seeking out top-rated foundations specially designed for mature skin or others to help hydrate your dry skin, this guide is for you.

Naturally, I’ve tested dozens of foundations to assemble a comprehensive list of the best ones worth your money. No more sifting through shades or spending big bucks to discover your new foundation only lasts for 2 hours before becoming cakey.

“A full-coverage foundation has more pigment in it, therefore fully masking blemishes or marks on the skin, and evening out all discoloration, whether it’s due to the person’s veins, hyperpigmentation or rosacea and redness,” Natalie Dresher, bridal and special event makeup artist, told the New York Post.

“I believe an ideal foundation should last on the skin for 12 hours perfectly for the typical, nonprofessional consumer,” Dresher added. “This means that it will last for a full work day, for a night out or a typical day of being out and about.”

Best Full Coverage Foundations

Best Foundation Overall: HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Lady Gaga may be performing “Poker Face” on stage, but she sure knows how to dish out a foundation to help you achieve your most flawless face yet. And, because the formulation was “Born This Way,” it’s surely worth the “Applause.” OK, enough Gaga puns.

The HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation with Fermented Arnica isn’t only my most-used foundation as of late but it’s the one that has received the most compliments when worn (and that’s how you know a standout foundation from the pack, TBH). It never creases, is featured in a generous shade range and even helps to reduce redness — something I noticed immediately.

It’s also hypoallergenic, so not only is this long-wearing foundation one that will flatter any skin tone but it’s apt for sensitive skin. It’s easy to apply to your face and blend with a brush, and it’s simply too good not to try at least once. In short, add it to your cart and thank me later.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 51 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Tarte Face Tape Foundation

What’s great about the Tarte Face Tape Foundation is how natural and smooth your skin will look after, which is especially great for anyone with bumpy or acne-prone skin. If my skin happens to have a flare-up or blemish, I resort to this particular formulation.

Part of the reason why it performs beautifully is likely its patented Tape Technology that “helps smooth texture and blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles,” per the brand. I totally agree with this claim, and it also is great at wicking off sweat or moisture when worn in hot temperatures.

Though it has a heavier and stickier feel, it’ll do the job of making your skin feel like it’s not bumpy, hiding the blemish you have with flying colors. With a wide shade range — oh, and its top-rated Shape Tape Concealer ($31) following suit — you’ll be reaching for this quite often.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 51 Shades | Finish: Natural Matte | Good for: Acne, Redness

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Best Foundation for Mature Skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation

I can’t be the only one whose mom dragged them to the Macy’s counter when they were little (specifically, the Lancôme counter) for their usual stock-up.

When I started wearing pressed powder and some eyeshadow, I eventually enjoyed my somewhat regular mall trips, noticing how its array of face products swayed more toward clients with mature skin. Though I’m in my early 20s, I can see why the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is a favorite among those in their 40s to 60s. It’s versatile, serves as a wonderful base for the rest of your makeup and includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate and cover lines and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 27, resulting in a silky natural glow that is especially suited for those with duller or less plump skin.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 30 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: Oily, Combo, Mature Skin

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Best Lightweight Foundation: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation

There’s a high chance that the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation would be recommended by any makeup artist (I’d confidently bet money on this) when on the subject of wedding day foundations. It’s a standout for sure, though pricier than most. But, it’s worth every penny.

What impressed me the most? It’s not as thick as other full-coverage foundations tested, but its ability to balance out my skin tone upon first application gives it that wow-factor. Of course, it’s buildable, but that’s up to personal preference. It gives skin the ideal no-makeup makeup look that you’ve been seeing all over social media, too.

What’s more, its shade range is pretty expansive. The foundation is oil-free and offers that your skin-but-better look. You’ll be speechless during your first pass of this beauty gem and will want to continue repurchasing its one-of-a-kind formula.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 40 Shades | Finish: Natural, Luminous | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Long-Wearing Foundation: PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Foundation

The PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Foundation is just as riveting as the brand’s array of beyond-gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and is one of the best brands I’ve tested for full-glam looks. In short, you’ll want to do a major shopping spree before your next date night or formal occasion.

Not only is its packaging second to none — even the box it comes in! — but its ability to serve as the longest-lasting foundation I tested is exemplary. Specifically, it consistently upheld from 5:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., coming in clutch on my commute to work, the eight-hour workday, and for events happening in the nighttime.

It’s the ultimate splurge, too. It’s closest in formulation to the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation, but a bit more lightweight and longer-lasting.

Price: $$$ | Shade Range: 33 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Foundation for Dry Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation

Ranked as the best foundation for dry skin overall in our review, the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation is lightweight (yet still full-coverage, depending on how much you’d like to apply) and — the best part — never looks cakey or flakey. It has one of the most elegant finishes I’ve tried in a foundation, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid in its ingredient list (aka, the dermatologist-approved superstar that just keeps on giving).

When I want something that’s easy to blend but gives a subtle glow, this is the usual suspect I reach for — especially during the daytime. The foundation also makes my skin appear smoother, a bonus if you want to reduce the appearance of pores.

For more to shop, check out our Charlotte Tilbury review — featuring an interview with Miss CT herself.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 30 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: Dry, Combo, Normal Skin

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Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation

Truth be told, I could make a TED Talk advocating for how much I love Anastasia Beverly Hills (well, actually, my full brand review is pretty much that). The brand continues to hit it out of the park — and not just with its top-rated Brow Wiz ($25). Though, that’s one I swear by, too.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is fairly priced compared to other formulations tested and, while the appearance of fine lines isn’t completely mitigated as I would like, it’s one of the best for balancing the skin. Most importantly, it never irritates me and has been my go-to before consistently trying out brands for four years; this exact foundation was my favorite in high school, there for me through prom days and the cap-throwing graduation ceremony.

Better yet, its shade range is quite large, the bottle looks spectacular on your makeup vanity and it lasts pretty much all day, though sometimes I have to use a pressed powder, as I tend to get oily. Overall, it’s a gentle, trusty formulation worth adding to your shopping cart, along with the A30 Pro Domed Kabuki Brush ($24) — probably my favorite tool ever.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 38 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: Anti-Aging, Sensitive Skin

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Best Foundation for Oily Skin: Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation

When I used to watch makeup tutorials on YouTube (the “beauty guru era of 2012,” as I like to call it), Smashbox was always presented as a top brand for camera-flashing moments and long-day wear. That still holds true, but there’s something about its Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation that helps to absorb more oil than other foundations I’ve tested.

To set the record straight, I don’t have completely oily skin. I do, however, sometimes tend to get oily throughout the day, and this foundation doesn’t budge. It flaked a bit where my skin was ultra-dry, making me notice how much better it performed on the oilier parts of my face.

It’s another foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, but I found that it stayed on for more than eight hours without smearing or sweating off. Its inclusion of antioxidants also helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors. With a chic bottle and trusty formula, it’s worth a shot, especially if you have oily skin.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 31 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Matte Foundation: Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation

I’m not going to lie, matte makeup isn’t really my jam. I don’t love shiny foundations either, but a formulation that offers a well-balanced, slightly radiant finish? More of my speed. However, the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation didn’t make my fair skin look washed out. Instead, it felt like I was balancing my skin tone while treating my face to an array of benefits.

Because it contains both hyaluronic and SPF 30 in its formulation, this skincare buff was over-the-moon (in fact, SPF 30 is what dermatologists recommend using). It’s quite the spend — the most expensive on this list — but if you really want a wealth of benefits, it’s worth the buy.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I found that it had a near-weightless feel, making it stand out from the rest of the foundations during the testing process. It’s more lightweight, so keep that in mind, but an alluring option nonetheless.

Price: $$$ | Shade Range: 40 Shades | Finish: Matte | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Foundation for Combination Skin: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation

The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation is one of the best foundations for dry skin you’ll find, offering a complexion-smoothing effect that mitigates pores and aims for that second-skin look. It also nurtures and hydrates dry skin areas while diminishing the look of any oil.

Not only is it simple to blend and lasts for the entire day but it allows my skin to feel like porcelain, while looking like my skin all the while. It never breaks me out, never streaks or fades, and is one of the trustiest formulations that’ll give your skin that smooth-canvas feeling.

Price: $$$ | Shade Range: 40 Shades | Finish: Matte | Good for: Natural, Oily, Combination

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Best Foundation with SPF: Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15

If you’re searching for a foundation that seamlessly matches your skin tone, this new weightless formula is worth considering. With a range of shades from extra light to deep, Bobbi Brown’s philosophy is to enhance natural beauty rather than mask it. This foundation aims to even out your skin tone without completely concealing every “flaw,” giving you a more natural look.

“I tested three different shades, from Neutral to Warm Porcelain to Warm Ivory, and found that my fair skin preferred the slightly warmer -026 Warm Ivory for summer,” Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce writer/reporter, shared. “As my skin lightens in winter, I plan to switch to Neutral Porcelain.”

On days when she prefers a minimalist approach, this foundation is ideal — it feels almost weightless and provides broad-spectrum SPF 15 for sun protection. “When I want more coverage for evening outings, this may not be my first choice, not due to the formula itself but because of my coverage preferences,” she added. “I may not be as confident as a Bobbi Brown woman, but I’m working on it. The foundation blends effortlessly into the skin, offers a silky smooth finish, and stays put all day while locking in moisture. Overall, I highly recommend it.”

Price: $$$ | Shade Range: 42 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Buildable Foundation: MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation

True story: I met the one and only Mario Dedivanovic (the man, the myth and the legend behind the MAKEUP BY MARIO brand) to celebrate the launch of his SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation. As soon as I tried the formula for the first time, I loved how plump and hydrated my skin looked.

Its quality and ability to blend exceptionally well makes me believe it should be on par with those priced around $50 to $60 (though, I’m absolutely not complaining). It’s a staple for anyone seeking an effective full-coverage look without wanting a heavy feel. It also lasts for the entire workday.

With vegetal squalene, it moisturizes the skin, making it a top option for combination or dry skin types. Though it isn’t the best at keeping your skin oil-free as the day goes on, its formulation is worth the hype (and, the pump is one of the most ergonomic I’ve used).

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 30 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: Natural, Oily, Combination

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Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Queen RiRi has more to show than her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance. Her brand, Fenty Beauty, has one of the most coveted foundations in the industry with its Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.

TLDR: you won’t find a more generous shade range (and this goes for most of the brand’s products) that not only lasts for the entire day but also offers the most subtle of matte finishes. This is wonderful for my preferences, as I don’t love a full-matte look. It’s great for any skin type, too, as it never flakes on me and doesn’t leave my skin oily as the day progresses.

Its formulation doesn’t lean lightweight or heavy; it’s the perfect Goldilocks foundation. Perhaps this is why it has a grandeur appeal to the masses (and one I’ll continue to recommend).

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 51 Shades | Finish: Matte | Good for: Oily, Combo, Normal

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Best Foundation for Humidity: Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is one I find in every pro’s toolkit, simply because it has a unique ability to cover your skin’s imperfections on a “thicker” level, helping to produce more full-glam looks with ease, as opposed to more buildable formulas that take a few passes.

Listen, I used this foundation in all temperatures (including 90-degree days in Arizona) and it didn’t leave my skin. Generous shade range aside, its hyaluronic acid-infused, hydrating formulation is fairly priced compared to others tested, and also wonderful to travel with.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 43 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

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Best Foundation for Photoshoots: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with her Airbrush Flawless Foundation. To be totally candid, it’s the heaviest foundation I tested, so it may not be for everyone, but it’s the one I reach for if I’m taking plenty of photos — whether it’s a headshot, a family party, or any other paparazzi-filled event (and by paparazzi, we mean the BFF who knows how to get all the angles in record time).

Not only does it last for an impressively long amount of time (more than eight hours!) but it feels weightless on the skin, even though it has a heavier consistency. I don’t know what magic Queen Charlotte put in this formulation, but it’s a surefire standout and worth trying.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 40 Shades | Finish: Matte | Good for: All Skin Types

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How we tested

My skin is sensitive and partially dry though it can have its oily moments, so it took me exactly four years of testing (aka, ransacking Sephora and Ulta Beauty for the best on the market) to test each one consistently. Here’s an overview of what I looked for while applying:

• Price: Regardless of budget, there’s no sense in splurging for a high-end foundation if it won’t last for hours. Though a good foundation is worth the investment, I kept the price in mind for each product tested.
• Hourly check-ins: Every hour on the hour, I looked in the mirror and checked my face to ensure there were no signs of the liquid foundation transferring off my skin or looking cakey.
• Ease of application: If the makeup brand has a matching foundation brush, I tested it out with the product, too. Within each product review below, I took note of how easy it was to apply and blend.
• Shade selection: Though I have fair skin, it’s important to detail if each brand has a realistic, extensive selection of darker shades and peachy and olive undertones. This information is rated for each product below.
• Consistency: I tested each foundation with the same concealer, translucent loose powder, bronzer and blush each day — all of which I’ve been using for years. This ensures there wasn’t an outside variable impacting how each foundation looked.
• Noteworthy features: From iconic packaging to its creaminess and smooth feel, I jotted down anything that stood out to me.

For a closer look, I have some drier spots around my nose, on my chin and above my eyebrows. But, even if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, our roundup of the best foundations can still be helpful.

That said, we have you covered — literally. If you’re looking for lighter coverage, check out our roundup of the best tinted moisturizers, along with the best makeup primers and best setting sprays we reviewed to prep and finish off your look.

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How to properly apply full-coverage foundation, per a pro

“I personally use a brush using downward strokes to not disturb any vellus hairs on the face and then I personally like to blend in any rough ‘edges’ or ‘lines’ with a damp sponge,” Dresher explains. “Damp sponges do thin out the product so I wouldn’t use a sponge directly under the eyes or on any areas where coverage is desired.”

For specific options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best foundation brushes. We also included an easy-to-read table highlighting the top picks in this review at a glance.

Our top picks compared, at a glance

Brand	Ranking	Price	Why to Buy
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA	Best foundation overall	$$	Offers a balanced, naturally radiant finish that’s long-wearing and won’t crease; Generous shade range; Hypoallergenic, so especially fitting for sensitive skin types
Charlotte Tilbury (Beautiful Skin)	Best foundation for dry skin	$$$	Has an elegant finish that never cakes or flakes; Includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, much like some of your skincare; Offers a hint of a subtle glow — a nice touch after application
Anastasia Beverly Hills	Best foundation for sensitive skin	$$	Long-lasting, gentle formulation that does a great job of helping the skin to appear more balanced; Pretty generous shade range
Tarte	Best foundation for acne-prone skin	$$	Helps eliminate the appearance of acne, bumps and imperfections with its refining feel once applied; Offered in a generous shade range; Wonderful to use when in hot temperatures
Lancôme	Best foundation for mature skin	$$$$	Naturally silky finish, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid to help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles; Includes SPF 27 for some skin protection (though you’ll still want to apply a facial SPF before your foundation)
Smashbox	Best foundation for oily skin	$$	Wonderful at helping to absorb oil (and excess oil) if worn throughout the day; Impressively long-wearing and easy to apply and blend
Armani Beauty	Best lightweight foundation	$$$$	Balances the skin upon first pass (bonus: it’s also buildable); Generous shade range; One of the most acclaimed for wedding day makeup and recommended by professionals
Yves Saint Laurent	Best matte foundation	$$$$	Helps reverse the appearance of dull skin, even though it’s matte (and that’s a feat to beat); Includes both hyaluronic acid and SPF 30 in its formulation — the dermatologist-recommended count to use for sun protection; Generous shade range
MAKE UP FOR EVER	Best foundation for combination skin	$$$	Absorbs and blends extremely well; Waterproof and helps blur pores; Generous shade range
Bobbi Brown	Best foundation with SPF	$$$$	Weightless and moisturizing; Easy to blend into the skin; Provides broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection; Suitable for all skin types, from oily to dry, and controls oil
MAKEUP BY MARIO	Best buildable foundation	$$	One of the easiest to blend and is long-lasting; Doesn’t make the skin feel heavy
PAT McGRATH LABS	Best long-wearing foundation	$$$$	Generous shade range; Ideal for all-day events, while still offering full-coverage; Not as thick as other foundations tested so it won’t feel heavy on the skin
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna	Best shade range	$$	Has the widest shade range among all foundations tested; Effective for all skin types, as it doesn’t flake or make the skin oily
Dior	Best foundation for humidity	$$	Lasts in extreme heat and stays put for the entire day; Doesn’t make the skin appear oily, which is especially ideal for oily or combination skin types; Generous shade range
Charlotte Tilbury (Airbrush Flawless)	Best foundation for photoshoots	$$$	True to its full-coverage name; you won’t need more than one pass of this formulation when applied; Generous shade range; Long-lasting and feels weightless on the skin

Buyer’s Guide

Ahead, find your one-stop-shop for purchasing a full-coverage foundation:

• Texture: Whether dispersing the foundation into the palm of your hand or directly onto the face and blending it out with a sponge or makeup brush, texture can make all the difference. This is largely dependent on the ingredient. For example, hyaluronic acid helps smooth the skin and may be best for dry skin types.
• Wear: Given that we’re talking about full-coverage foundation here, the formulation should last nearly all day. This is also dependent on your climate and if you’ll be retouching your makeup throughout the day.
• Coverage: Full-coverage foundations won’t offer the same lightweight finish as a tinted moisturizer would, but most should be buildable, depending on how much you disperse. Our advice is to apply the foundation with one pump all over the face, and then experiment with two or three more pumps.
• Finish: Some prefer a matte finish while others like a bit of a glow. Our picks are diversified to meet the needs of every shopper. Plus, the look can be slightly muted down with pressed powder or amplified with a dewy setting spray.
• Transfer resistance: This is where a good makeup remover comes into play. To avoid rings of foundation on the collar of your shirt, be sure to fully remove makeup. It’s best to apply your makeup with a robe you can easily take off.

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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