12 best full-coverage foundations we tested for 12+ hours of perfect skin

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 deep-diving into the makeup minefield of liquids to powders and drugstore to high-end for quite some time.

If you’re noticing fine lines or wrinkles, you may be on the hunt for the best full-coverage foundation for mature skin, likely something with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and make the skin more supple. Or, the right full-coverage foundation with SPF can grant your skin with added protection following your moisturizer and primer.

I’m not jazzed about cake-y, mask-like foundations (FYI, we should all pass on this one), and have been testing the best full-coverage foundations for more than four years: swatching, swiping and stippling on options from brands — including Estée Lauder, Tarte Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury and, of course, others — to assess which actually feel breathable.

Good news: the list you’ll find below is bringing all of the formulations worth your hard-earned coin directly to your screen so all you have to do is shop and swipe on once your new bottle is safely stashed in your makeup bag. Or, at the very least, on your bathroom counter.

For a full-coverage overview on full-coverage foundations, I pulled back the curtain on how to properly shop for and apply your go-to makeup base, as I called upon some best-in-class makeup pros to round out this review.

Hey, I’ve been a Sephora store squatter since middle school, so I’m well-versed in the world of foundations. But, one size doesn’t fit all, so it’s important to find the best formulation for your skin type. That’s why, after years of research and testing, I categorized each full-coverage foundation for you: bottle by bottle so you can easily browse and shop for your next best makeup purchase.

Best Full-Coverage Foundation Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with her Airbrush Flawless Foundation. It has that full-coverage charm without being cake-y or showing natural imperfections I want to smooth over. It’s constantly the one I reach for if I’m taking plenty of photos, too — 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).

It truly has that airbrush finish that allows me to apply it on days when my tinted moisturizer isn’t what I want. Despite its natural matte finish, it does have a hint of radiance to it, allowing it to look like your actual skin and not a liquid mask you’re smearing onto your face.

Not only does it last for an impressively long amount of time (more than 12 hours!) but it feels weightless on the skin, even though it has a heavier consistency. Oh, and when some of the liquid foundation finds its way into my bright-white sink and needed a few scrubs to completely remove, you know the staying power is real.

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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Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid

The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid is designed to provide a luminous and hydrated complexion, which is exactly why it appealed to me. Admittedly, hyaluronic acid is one of my most-used ingredients because of how supple it makes my skin, which is why it would be an excellent choice for mature skin.

Mature skin, which often experiences noticeable fine lines and wrinkles, needs a hydrating ingredient like hyaluronic acid to make the skin appear more supple. Think: filling up a wrinkly, deflated balloon with a douse of water to quench its thirst.

This foundation is perfect for anyone — mature or not — who wants to enhance their skin’s radiance without sacrificing coverage. It blends seamlessly into the skin when I apply it, creating a smooth, glowing look that lasts for hours. Of course, the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, keeping my skin well-nourished and plumped throughout the day. It offers that full-coverage complexion while being buildable, so it’s excellent for a variety of users. Oh, and that natural-looking glow is a checkmark in its favor.

The HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation excels in evening out my skin tone while allowing the natural texture of my skin to shine through (aka, it doesn’t create that cake-y mask that nobody wants). Whether you’re after a subtle, glowing finish or prefer to layer it for more coverage, the foundation adapts effortlessly.

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Best Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Color-Correcting Full-Coverage Foundation Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Color-Correcting Full-Coverage Foundation Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is a versatile, multi-purpose makeup product that combines the benefits of a foundation, skincare and sunscreen into one easy application — the ultimate trifecta. It’s designed to provide full coverage while still looking natural, and offering a smooth, radiant finish. It features a color-correcting formula that helps neutralize redness, dark spots and other imperfections, so it’s especially fitting for anyone who struggles with discoloration or hyperpigmentation.

Best of all, its broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection ensures that the skin is shielded from harmful UVA and UVB rays, offering an extra layer of defense against sun damage. Even though I swear by my facial sunscreens, the fact that this offers additional protection is the icing on the cake.

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, the CC+ Foundation works to hydrate and improve the skin’s appearance over time. I’ve been using the brand’s iterations of SPF-infused foundations for a while, and this is by far my favorite. It always creates an approachable glow, while smoothing out imperfections. By far, it’s one of the most versatile on this list.

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Best Drugstore Full-Coverage Foundation: e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation

Found: one of the most viral beauty brands that’s *actually* worth the hype. Yes, I reviewed the smorgasbord of e.l.f. Cosmetics and yes, it’s fully worth the praises beauty enthusiasts worldwide have been singing.

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation is that smoothness-giving formulation that balances your skin tone with a natural glow. It provides medium to full coverage, which is versatile for a variety of skin types and occasions, be it the office or a wedding. Its satin finish is spectacular; it creates a soft, dewy look that enhances my skin’s natural texture without feeling heavy or greasy. I find it provides a fresh appearance for a fraction of the price of other full-coverage foundations on this list.

I will say, I accidentally ordered the incorrect shade at the jump. I have fair skin with neutral undertones and the fair range was way too light. I, surprisingly, landed in the “light” range, which ended up matching me well. I’d likely shade “up” if you can, so long as your undertone is the right shade.

It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, so its formula nourishes and hydrates my skin while delivering excellent coverage. It applies well and is incredibly lightweight once blended, which makes it comfortable to wear all day (and yes, it lasts for 12+ hours!)

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Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Dry Skin: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless 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 Full-Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation is the brand’s latest innovation that I reviewed, clad with a high-performance formula designed to deliver a flawless, natural finish that lasts throughout the day. This foundation provides full coverage while maintaining a lightweight feel and is excellent at helping to mute out the appearance of pores.

Candidly, it’s not as hydrating as some other full-coverage foundations on this list, but it’s great for those seeking a smooth, even complexion without feeling heavy. That impressive second-skin technology creates a noticeable seamless blur effect that minimizes the appearance of imperfections. The result? A finish that’s both comfortable and breathable.

I’d say it’s the most fitting for oily or combination skin types due to its matte finish and oil-controlling properties. Whether you’re aiming for a full-glam look or just want a light touch of coverage, this foundation adapts to your desired finish, and does so beautifully.

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Best Full-Coverage Powder Foundation: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation

Queen RiRi doesn’t disappoint, with the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation the most seamless pressed powder foundation I’ve used in a while. Its versatile, high-performance finish delivers a flawless matte look with a lightweight feel, effectively canceling out excess oil, especially on the forehead.

Its buildable coverage is premier, and I love how it evens out my skin tone, blurs imperfections. It also leaves a smooth, airbrushed effect without feeling heavy on the skin.

Something I also noticed: the formula is finely milled, which helps it seamlessly blend into my complexion. It creates a supremely natural, soft-focus finish that looks fresh throughout the day.

Rihanna, known for her commitment to inclusivity, made sure the foundation caters to a diverse range of skin tones. Impressively,, product is available in more than 50 shades, making it accessible for various undertones, from fair to deep skin tones. If you’re looking to accurately match your natural skin color or wish to create a slightly darker or lighter tone for contouring, this compact has you covered — litrerally.

This foundation creates a shine-free finish that really stays in place throughout the day. Its oil-absorbing properties make it a standout among some others, which is great for my combination skin. Its lightweight texture doesn’t clog my pores or cause breakouts, either.

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Best Lightweight Full-Coverage Foundation: HUDA BEAUTY Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation

The HUDA BEAUTY Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation is (1) the ideal size to toss into your makeup bag and (2) a slept-on foundation. Why aren’t more people talking about this?

It offers medium to full coverage, which I find perfect for smoothing out imperfections and evening out my skin tone without feeling heavy or cake-y. The formula is infused with blurring technology that helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and blemishes, so you’ll receive a soft-focus effect. With its natural finish, it always makes my skin more radiant than before and is one of the easiest to blend and apply. If you want a fresh look that’ll last all day, this foundation is exceptionally versatile.

One of the standout features of the Easy Blur Foundation is its long-lasting wear. It’s specially formulated to resist fading, so it remains intact for hours while still maintaining that flawless, airbrushed effect. The buildable coverage always allows me to manipulate and blend where I please, whether I want a more natural, dewy look, or if a full-coverage matte finish is what I’m going for.

Additionally, the HUDA BEAUTY Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation is enriched with nourishing ingredients, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and comfortable. It’s also noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts, which is a blessing for sensitive skin. For a high-end foundation, it’s also offered at a more forgiving price point than some others in the $40+ range.

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Best Full-Coverage Matte Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation always gives me a dose of nostalgia. I remember my elementary school days of going to the mall with my mom, stopping at the Macy’s beauty counter and watching her excitedly ask for the Double Wear foundation. For years, it has been a legacy product — and entirely worth it.

The foundation is renowned for its long-lasting, full-coverage formula that has a known ability to resist fading, transfer and smudging. I love wearing this foundation when I know I need an oil-resistant finish to last me from early mornings to late evenings. It’s also offered in a wide range of shades to accommodate various skin tones. Not to mention, it’s buildable to ensure the final coverage is customizable from user to user.

Despite its full-coverage name, it’s particularly lightweight, which I love in matte foundations especially. It feels comfortable on the skin, blends seamlessly and is oil-free, which my combination skin drinks up. It’s not fragrance-free, but there’s not a strong, odious scent that would steer me away from using this full-coverage smoothing base.

Unfortunately, this foundation is void of a pump applicator, so I have to pump out the product from its bottle onto the backside of my hand. It’s not messy, luckily, but just something to note. I usually pump out liquid foundations and other makeup products on my hand (consider it my painter’s palette), so this isn’t a complete dealbreaker.

I’ve also found this foundation to be sweat- and humidity-resistant that makes it perfect for any weather condition you’re stepping out into. For a beautiful matte base that allows other products, like your concealer and powder, to glide on like a charm, this foundation has that it-factor.

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Best Long-Wearing Full-Coverage Foundation: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full-Coverage Foundation

I remember my days in high school when every beauty guru on YouTube was raving about the Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full-Coverage Foundation. Sure, it was around an era when full-on makeup looks were more in trend, but this foundation was raved-about for a reason: it covers up a whole lot and comes in a shade for everyone.

This foundation is highly-pigmented without feeling paint-like, aside from being a long-wearing option that delivers a natural, full-coverage finish. The Amazonian clay ingredient helps balance oil production and provide hydration, so it’s great for dry, combination and oily skin types alike. My sensitive skin didn’t break out from it, either.

Known for its ability to stay put for up to 16 hours without fading, creasing or transferring, its seamless matte finish looks good even hours later. Truthfully, any full-coverage foundation I tested needed to last the entire day in order to make this list’s cut, but this one really earned extra points for its ability to not budge, even with a brief touch of my face. However, it’s not stubborn enough to leave a residue on my face even after I use makeup remover.

It covers up blemishes well but it’s not going to completely reverse their appearance. I appreciate this, though, as too heavy of a finish would look too cake-y. This one does just enough to cover how I want it to, while looking natural and leaving a balanced end result.

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Best Brightening Full-Coverage Foundation: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

The beauty of the LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation is that it’s a skincare-infused foundation that’s at a reachable price point and delivers — no joke — a near flawless complexion. It also grants my skin with a divine radiance each time, thanks to vitamin C landing in its ingredient list.

I’ve never used a foundation that includes vitamin C before this one, and it’s also packed with other nourishing ingredients, including turmeric, ashwagandha and hyaluronic acid, which provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating benefits. Together, these ingredients help balance and improve the skin’s appearance, making it a great choice for those looking for skincare benefits, radiance and an even complexion once fully blended.

With a medium-to-buildable coverage formula, this foundation offers a natural, radiant finish that evens out skin tone while allowing the skin to breathe. It is designed to suit a wide range of skin types, from normal to dry, and even those with sensitive skin like me who can enjoy its gentle formulation. The serum-like texture glides smoothly onto the skin, creating a dewy, soft finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cake-y. The lightweight formula adapts well to different skin tones and is available in an extensive range of shades to ensure a match for many complexions.

Giving users the best of both worlds with its skincare-makeup hybrid formulation, it provides long-lasting wear, staying in place throughout the day without fading or settling into natural lines. The foundation is also free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates, as well and — the best part — is available at Credo Beauty (aka, the gold standard in clean beauty products, if I do say so myself). Its versatile formula ensures a radiant, healthy-looking finish. In other words, it’s the bomb dot com.

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Best Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF: Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 30

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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How I tested

My skin is sensitive and combination, 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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FAQs on Full-Coverage Foundation

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,” Natalie Dresher, a professional makeup artist who specializes in special event and bridal makeup, told Post Wanted. “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.”

How to find the right shade for your skin tone

Particularly for full-coverage foundation, it is incredibly important to find the right shade tone, or else your makeup will look very unnatural.

“Finding the right shade for your skin tone starts with finding out your undertone, which is either warm, cool or neutral,” Brandy Allen, celebrity makeup artist, shared. “An easy way to find what your undertone is by looking at your veins in natural light. If your veins have a greenish color, you have a warm undertone. On the other hand, if your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If you are having a hard time determining which color your veins are, you most likely have a neutral undertone.”

What to look for in a full-coverage foundation for dry skin

“When looking for a full-coverage foundation for dry skin, I would recommend looking at foundations that are light in texture and won’t cling on to any dry patches,” Allen said. “Typically, those lighter weight foundations are easier to blend and won’t emphasize dry patches on the skin. I would recommend people with dry skin to stay away from full-coverage foundations that have a very matte finish, as matte can have a very drying effect on the skin.”

What’s more, plenty of full-coverage foundations have hyaluronic acid – a known ingredient that aids in hydration, and one that I swear by.

What to look for in a full-coverage foundation for oily skin

For those with oily skin, Allen always recommends looking for foundations that have a more matte finish.

“Typically the ingredients found in matte foundations are good at controlling oil in the skin and have long staying power,” she explained. “This combination of oil control and long-lasting features allow you to not have to touch up your makeup very frequently if at all. I also recommend you use a tool (brush or sponge) when applying the foundation to avoid the oils on your finger from going onto the face. “

What to look for in a full-coverage foundation for combination skin

Looking for a full-coverage foundation for combination skin is really about looking for a product that will help balance out your skin.

“Typically, when someone has combination skin it means that different parts of their face are drier and/or oiler than others,” Allen added. “Therefore, a foundation that doesn’t emphasize dry patches, won’t slide away from being too oily, and is packed with high-quality skincare ingredients is the best way to go.”

What to look for in a full-coverage foundation for mature skin

When someone has mature skin. you’ll want to look for a foundation that does not emphasize fine lines, wrinkles, and have a heavy feel to them.

“I would recommend a foundation with more of a hydrating/dewy finish,” Allen recommended. “Foundations that have a more lightweight texture and feel to them will also be good for mature skin as it won’t settle into fine lines and will be easy to blend.”

What to look for in a full-coverage foundation for acne-prone skin

For acne-prone skin, always go for a foundation that is noncomedogenic and is more lightweight in texture and feel – something you can still get even if a foundation is full coverage.

“This combination of lightweight texture and noncomedogenic allows the foundation to not clog your pores which could potentially lead to skin breakouts,” Allen explained.

What to look for in a full-coverage foundation for sensitive skin

“When you have sensitive skin it is always best to use products that are free of any ingredients that could potentially irritate your skin,” Allen noted. Some common key words to look for to ensure this are “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic” or “non-comedogenic.”

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 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 testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, 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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