Selecting the perfect 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 someone who’s 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.
In this edition: the very best full-coverage liquid foundations after two years of consistent testing.
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 tested dozens of foundations to put together a comprehensive list of the best ones worth your money. No more sifting through shades or spending big bucks, only to discover your new foundation only lasts for two hours and becomes cake-y.
“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, in explaining what makes a full-coverage foundation actually full coverage.
“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.”
Sephora
Price: $$
Lady Gaga may be performing “Poker Face” on stage, but she sure knows how to dish out a foundation to help you achieve your most flawless face yet. And, because the formulation was “Born This Way,” it’s surely worth the “Applause.” OK, enough Gaga puns.
The HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation with Fermented Arnica isn’t only my most-used foundation as of late but it’s the one that has received the most compliments when worn (and that’s how you know a standout foundation from the pack, TBH). It never creases, is featured in a generous shade range and even helps to reduce redness — something I noticed immediately.
It’s also hypoallergenic, so not only is this long-wearing foundation one that’ll flatter any skin tone but it’s apt for sensitive skin. It’s easy to apply to your face and blend with a brush, and it’s simply too good not to try at least once. In short, add it to your cart and thank me later.
Sephora
Price: $$$
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 cake-y or flake-y. 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 me a subtle glow, this is the usual suspect I reach for — especially during the daytime. This foundation also makes my skin appear smoother whenever worn, a bonus if you want to help reduce the appearance of pores.
For more to shop, check out our Charlotte Tilbury review — featuring an interview with Miss CT herself.
Sephora
Price: $$
Truth be told, I could make a TED Talk advocating how much I love Anastasia Beverly Hills (well, actually, my full brand review is pretty much that). The brand continues to hit it out of the park — and not just with its top-rated Brow Wiz ($25). Though, that’s one I swear by, too.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is fairly priced compared to other formulations tested and, while the appearance of fine lines isn’t completely mitigated as I may like, it’s one of the best for balancing the skin. Most importantly, it never irritates my skin and has been my go-to before consistently trying out brands for two years; this exact foundation was my go-to in high school, there for me through prom days and the cap-throwing graduation ceremony.
Better yet, its shade range is quite generous, the bottle looks spectacular on your makeup vanity and it lasts pretty much all day, though sometimes I have to use a pressed powder if I tend to get oily. Overall, it’s a gentle, trusty formulation worth adding to your shopping cart, along with the A30 Pro Domed Kabuki Brush ($24) — probably my favorite tool ever.
Ulta Beauty
Price: $$
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 an acne-flare up or blemish, I resort to this particular formulation.
Part of the reason why it performs beautifully on the skin 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 its 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 helping to make 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.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
I can’t be the only one whose mom dragged them to the Macy’s counter when they were little (specifically, the Lancôme counter) for their usual stock-up. When I started wearing pressed powder and some eyeshadow, I eventually enjoyed my somewhat-regular mall trips, and then saw how its array of face products swayed more toward clients with mature skin.
Though I’m in my early 20s, I can see why the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is a favorite among those in their 40s to 60s. It’s versatile, serves as a wonderful base for the rest of your makeup and includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and cover lines and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 27, resulting in a silky natural glow that is especially suited toward those with duller or less plump skin.
Ulta Beauty
Price: $$
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 tested.
To set the record straight, I don’t have completely oily skin. I do, however, tend to get oily throughout the day at times, and this foundation didn’t budge. Insightfully, it flaked a bit on where my skin is ultra-dry, making me tangibly notice how much better it performed on the oilier parts of my face.
It’s another foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, but I found it to stay on for more than eight hours without smearing or sweating off. Its inclusion of antioxidants also help 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.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
Chances are, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation is one that would come out of the mouth of any makeup artist you talk to (I’d confidently bet money on this) when on the subject of wedding day foundations. It’s a standout for sure, though pricier than most. But, it’s worth every penny.
What impressed me the most? It’s not as thick as other full-coverage foundations tested, but it’s ability to balance out my skin tone upon first application gives it that wow-factor. Of course, it’s buildable, but that’s up to personal preference. It gives your skin the ideal no-makeup makeup look that you’ve been seeing all over social media, too.
What’s more, its shade range is pretty expansive, the foundation is oil-free and offers that your-skin-but-better look. You’ll be speechless during your first pass of this beauty gem, and wanting to continue repurchasing its one-of-a-kind formula.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
I’m not going to lie, matte makeup isn’t really my jam. I don’t love shiny foundations either, but a formulation that offers a well-balanced, slightly radiant finish is more my speed. However, the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation didn’t make my fair skin look washed out. Instead, it felt like I was balancing my skin tone while treating my face to an array of benefits.
Because it contains both hyaluronic and SPF 30 in its formulation, this skincare buff was over-the-moon (in fact, SPF 30 is what dermatologists recommend using). It’s quite the spend — the most expensive on this list — but if you really want a wealth of benefits, it’s worth the buy.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it has a near-weightless feel that made it stand out from the rest of foundations during the testing process. It’s more lightweight, so keep that in mind, but an alluring option nonetheless.
Sephora
Price: $$
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 and, as soon as I tried it 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 to feel heavy. It also lasts for the entire work day.
With vegetal squalene, it helps moisturize the skin — making it a top option for combination or dry skin types, especially. Though it isn’t the best at keeping your skin oil-free as the day progresses, its formulation is worth the hype (and, the pump is one of the most ergonomic I’ve used).
Sephora
Price: $$$$
The PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Foundation is just as riveting as the brand’s array of beyond-gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and is one of the best brands I’ve tested for full-glam looks. In short, you’ll want to do a major shopping spree before your next date night or formal occasion.
Not only is its packaging second to none — even the box it comes in! — but its ability to serve as the longest-lasting foundation I tested is exemplary. Specifically, it consistently upheld from 5:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., coming in clutch on my commute to work, the eight-hour work day and for events happening in the nighttime.
It’s the ultimate splurge, too. It’s closest in formulation to the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation, but a bit more lightweight and longer-lasting.
Sephora
Price: $$
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 flaked on me but never seemed to make my skin feel oily as the day progressed.
It’s 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 indefinitely).
Sephora
Price: $$$
Shop the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 if you’re looking for a bit more skin protection than your typical run-of-the-mill foundation. Though the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation includes the dermatologist-recommended SPF count of 30, your makeup should never replace applying a facial sunscreen and this one, in particular, had a noticeably elegant finish following my skincare. It’s also much more affordable than YSL’s formulation.
While I didn’t find it to be completely long-lasting (or should I say, as long-lasting as I would have liked), it’s true-to-full-coverage, easy-to-blend design makes it one I continue to reach for. It also helps to correct your undertone, helping to make my skin appear less red.
Sephora
Price: $$
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.
Sephora
Price: $$$
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 to if I’m taking plenty of photos that day — 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 (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 one worth the try.
Victoria Giardina
My skin is sensitive and partially dry though it can have its oily moments, so it took me exactly two 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:
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.
“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.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
Selecting the right foundation may seem like a daunting task with all the options available. There are cream, stick, and liquid formulations, just to name a few. They also come in varying degrees of coverage.
Foundation can give you an even base for the rest of your makeup. You have to choose the foundation that best suits your skin's needs. The right coverage will be able to hide all of your blemishes, even your skin tone, and cover imperfections to create an overall smooth and even complexion.
A full-coverage foundation is often a great choice, even if you don't always want a full-glam look. We are going to go over the different coverage levels. You will have a better understanding of the foundation before selecting the one for you.
There are three main foundation coverage levels: light, medium, and full. Not everyone requires the same level of coverage. Here are the differences in the formulations.
The most skin-like choice is a light coverage foundation. These formulations offer subtle coverage without completely concealing every blemish. Light coverage is ideal for those who don't like how makeup feels on their skin.
Your skin will still show through the foundation, and you won't feel like it's clogging your pores. Tinted SPF, BB creams, and CC creams are a few alternatives for a sheer foundation.
Medium coverage gives you a natural skin finish but still provides enough coverage to give you an even complexion. Some formulations allow you to build up the coverage as needed. You can also sheer out a medium coverage foundation if you don't want a lot of product on your skin. When you use a liquid formula, you can also combine it with a moisturizer when you want light coverage.
A full-coverage foundation is the best option if you want your skin to look flawless. This type of coverage is designed to cover the skin completely. Full coverage, like medium coverage, is also buildable. You can either put more on or add moisturizer to thin it out a little. It's fantastic for those who are going to be on TV, have their picture taken, or simply prefer complete coverage.
HIDE Premium Foundation provides medium to full coverage. It's easily buildable to fit your needs. Plus, it's weightless, so it doesn't feel like other full coverage foundations. The custom oil-free formula is also made to resist sweat and won't clog your pores. You’ll forget you're even wearing foundation! If you want a flawless natural finish, this foundation is for you.
There are many different kinds of full coverage foundations. You can get this level of coverage in cream, stick, and liquid formulations.
Liquid foundation is the most hydrating out of all the options. The standard base for a liquid foundation is a water or silicone mixture. Some formulations are oil-based, but this isn't ideal for most skin types. The pigment is the key ingredient in a liquid foundation because it's what evens out your skin tone.
Most liquid foundations are easy to build up the coverage. You should be able to layer it to create your own custom coverage. This formulation also allows you to mix in additional skincare ingredients like SPF. You can also use moisturizer to thin it out if you want a lighter coverage. You can't use moisturizer to sheer out cream or stick formulations.
A liquid foundation can work for any skin type. If you have oily skin, you'll need an oil-free formulation, like the one HIDE offers. Oil-based foundations will make oily skin even shinier, and they won't provide coverage that lasts throughout the day. HIDE works on all skin types and will last for 12+ hours. You'll never have to worry about it breaking apart or sliding off your face.
A cream foundation is a kind of makeup base with a thick, cream-like consistency. This type of foundation offers a lot of coverage and a matte look. Cream formulations are generally long-lasting and are on the drier side. They work well for people with combination to oily skin types.
The full coverage it provides is one of the main benefits of using a cream foundation. People with acne scars or blemishes often have a hard time covering up these imperfections without seeming cakey. You can achieve a natural-looking finish with a cream foundation, but it is easy to start looking like you have too much makeup on your skin.
Plus, a thick layer of foundation can make your acne worse. You don't want to wear a cream foundation every day, all day, because it doesn't do a great job at allowing your pores to breathe. When your pores become clogged, blemishes can form, and that's probably the last thing you want.
A stick foundation formulation is similar to cream but slightly drier. This type of foundation has a high amount of pigment, which gives you a full coverage look. However, when you don't use a high-quality stick formulation, you may get sub-par coverage.
One of the benefits is that it's convenient, portable, and effective for a woman on the run. Stick foundation is also ideal for those with combination to oily skin because there's not a lot of added hydration. This formulation won't look very good on people with drier skin who need all the moisture they can get. Some stick foundations can dry out quickly and drag on your skin or get chalky.
Similar to cream foundation, stick formulations can be a lot on your skin. They don't allow it to breathe and can lead to more breakouts. To avoid this, always make sure you are using a high-quality product and take it off completely at the end of the day.
When you find a full coverage foundation, you have to know how to apply it to achieve flawless-looking skin. You can follow these simple steps to get great results.
Your skin has to be prepped before you can apply your foundation. Cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash and apply moisturizer. You don't want to skip this step, especially if you have dry skin.
Moisturizing will help prevent your makeup from clinging to dry patches. It will also fill in any fine lines so your foundation will go on smooth and even. You can also use any other skincare products you usually use, but allow it to soak in for 15 minutes before applying your foundation.
When it comes to applying foundation, you need either a foundation brush or a makeup sponge. A brush can sometimes leave streaks and lines on your face. If you're new to makeup, it may be best to start with a sponge.
You always want to wet your sponge and squeeze out any excess water. Next, dab on your foundation and begin bouncing the sponge over your face. You don't want to drag or rub the product in since it won't lead to an even finish. Dabbing the product in will disperse it evenly and allow you to build up the coverage.
Make sure you blend the foundation out to your hairline and jawline. You can follow it with your concealer to cover imperfections like dark circles. Now you're done with your base makeup! You can also apply a translucent powder if you want an extra matte finish.
A full-coverage foundation is great for covering any imperfections and giving you an even complexion. A liquid formulation is the most customizable and can work on any skin type. HIDE foundation will still allow your skin to breathe while providing excellent coverage.
Get the look at HIDE using our full coverage foundation. Your skin will look smooth and flawless all day.
Sources
What type of skin do I have? List of skin types and their signs | Medical News Today
Types of Acne Blemishes | NYU Langone Health
The Importance of Moisturizing | UTMC