Shopping for the right foundation finish can be a difficult task. With so many options it’s hard to know where to begin, but right here is great start!
When it comes to foundations one size does not fit all. It’s important to find a formula that works with your skin not against it, ensuring you get the best possible result. But, how do you choose? The answer is right here…
How to pick the finish for you…
• Consider how important coverage is to you. If you have clear skin you may not need a full coverage foundation, so a sheer or dewy finish may be perfect. But, if you have acne-prone skin, you may be more comfortable with the coverage a matte finish has to offer.
• Think about the texture of your skin. If you’re not a fan of your skin looking shiny then a sheer or dewy finish may not give you the look you want. And likewise, if you don’t like your skin to look flat and without a glow, avoid a matte finish.
• Longevity should also be on your radar. Matte finishes will last longer than a sheer finish, so if topping up isn’t for you, go for satin or matte.
Some people will know right away, which foundation they should go for; others like myself, may find that they could wear a few. And, that’s crucial to remember, you can whatever finish you like, it’s subjective. Now, let’s get some more info and see what they look like on!
What is a sheer finish? The main things to know about sheer finish foundations is that they look natural on the skin and feel ultra lightweight. Designed to even out minor imperfections, sheer finish foundations allow your skin to shine through, enhancing your skin rather than masking it. Sheer finish foundations are more like moisturisers with a subtle tint.
Who should wear a sheer finish? Sheer finish foundations can be worn by all skin types, however they’re usually best suited to dry and combination skin types that like natural coverage and a lightweight feel. If full coverage isn’t important to you, then a sheer foundation may be just what you’re after.
Who should avoid a sheer finish? All skin types can wear a sheer finish foundation, however those with oily skin may find it makes their skin look greasy. Coverage will also sway people away from a sheer foundation, as it is very minimal; but, if you have problematic skin that you don’t want to overload, a sheer foundation could be perfect (pair it with a mattifying powder to minimise excess oil).
Our Pick:
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Tinted Gel Cream SPF30
The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue was the first foundation to pop into my head when I thought sheer finish. A cult favourite, this foundation is everything you could want in a sheer foundation; lightweight, comfortable and super hydrating.
With sheer-to-light coverage, I wear this foundation at the weekend when I want to give my skin a break from heavy duty makeup. Perfect for evening out skin tone, correcting minor imperfections and making skin look healthy; the Complexion Rescue is a great no makeup, makeup option.
Infused with marine botanicals, which replenish, mineral electrolytes that energise; and heart-leaf globe daisy, which protects against oxidative stress; the Complexion Rescue is as much skincare as it is makeup.
What is a dewy finish? When you think dewy finish, think glowing and youthful-looking skin. Dewy finish foundations allow shine through, giving skin a post-facial type glow that exudes radiance and luminosity.
Who should wear a dewy finish? A dewy finish foundation is best suited to those with dry or mature skin (without pronounced wrinkles) as they reflect light, which softens the skin and creates a youthful glow.
Who should avoid a dewy finish foundation? Some people find that dewy foundations can look wet on the skin, especially if their skin is already oily. Also, as dewy finish foundations are all about enhancing the skin’s radiance, they can draw attention to blemishes and deep wrinkles, so acne-prone/oily skin and mature skin with deep wrinkles may want to avoid.
Our Pick:
Laura Geller Baked Liquid Radiance Foundation
If you want coverage but hate the feeling of heavy makeup, then this foundation is made for you. The Baked Liquid Radiance Foundation has a second-skin feel, and leaves skin with a beautiful flawless glow that is both comfortable and natural. This dewy finish foundation is perfect for days that you want your skin to look like skin, but want more coverage than a sheer foundation has to offer.
Crafted with aloe vera juice and an essential oil complex, in a water-rich formula, the Baked Liquid Radiance Foundation will soothe and moisturise your skin while you wear it, ensuring your skin feels as good as it looks.
What is a satin finish? A satin finish foundation is right in between dewy and matte. Considered the most common foundation finish, a satin finish isn’t as flat as a matte finish or as shiny as a dewy finish, it hovers perfectly in between.
Who should wear a satin finish? All skin types will enjoy a satin finish, however oily skin types will reap the benefits of pairing it with a powder. Also, mature skin may find that satin finishes look best, as they won’t accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.
Who should avoid a satin finish? Everyone can wear a satin finish, however it does have a heavier feel on the skin, which may be off-putting for some.
Our Pick:
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Natural Perfection – Skin – Fusion Texture SPF20
Newly launched, the Lingerie de Peau Foundation has become my go-to foundation in record timing. Why I hear you ask? Well, the first time I tried this foundation I was inundated with compliments on how great my skin looked, so as you can imagine it quickly became a firm favourite.
The Lingerie de Peau Foundation definitely leaves the skin glowing, however it doesn’t dry shiny, which makes it the perfect satin finish pick. Formulated with skin-fusing technology (inspired by the world of fabric), this glow-enhancing foundation is definitely in it’s own satin league; offering good coverage and radiance that doesn’t look shiny or greasy. Deep in the formula are mesh correcting pigments and powders, which leaves the skin looking… well, there’s only one word for it: flawless. And, you don’t have to take my word for it, even mega blogger A Model Recommends is obsessed; read her rave review here.
What is a Matte finish? Matte finish foundations have no shine to them and tend to dry flat, which makes them ideal for oily skin types as they reduce the appearance of pores.
Who should wear a Matte finish? Oily and combination skin types will benefit most from a matte foundation, as they last longer on the skin and help to minimise the appearance of pores and imperfections.
Who should avoid a matte finish? Dry skin and mature skin with wrinkles may want to steer clear of matte finish foundations, as the formula will cling to, and accentuate problem areas. Also, if full coverage isn’t for you, matte finish foundations may feel too heavy.
Our Pick:
DIOR Diorskin Forever Foundation SPF35
When a foundation has been around for as long as Diorskin Forever has, you know it must be good. Recently reformulated, this matte foundation is loved by many, including me.
The new formula has so many amazing additions that make it the perfect pick for someone looking for a matte, long-wearing foundation with excellent coverage. Firstly, a Poreless Effect skincare essence helps to minimise the appearance of pores. Secondly, an Activ-Mat™ complex does exactly what it says on the tin, it keep skin matte and shine free. And last but certainly not least, a combination of Wear-Lock™ polymers ensure the foundation stays perfectly in place all-day long.
I personally like to wear Diorskin Forever on days that I may be out of the house all day, and unable to touch-up my makeup. I know when I apply this in the morning, my skin will still look great come 5pm.
Now that you’re all clued up on foundation finishes, which is for you? Tweet me at @EscentualCeryn or comment below!
But unlike sheer options, which are typically more forgiving if the color, finish, or texture isn’t a spot-on match, finding your perfect full-coverage foundation can be more challenging. Put simply, these formulas show up more on the skin meaning it’s extra important to ensure you find one that suits your complexion and skin type best. So, we put dozens of full-coverage foundations to the test in our lab in NYC . We evaluated them based on coverage, texture, wear, finish, and transfer resistance —and ahead, we're sharing which ones outperformed their competition.
"Full coverage foundation offers a heavier finish and is often used to conceal blemishes or discoloration in the skin," says Misha Shahzada , celebrity makeup artist. "Some people just like the way a heavier foundation looks regardless of their skin underneath."
There’s no denying that skin tints and sheer foundations have captured the hearts of makeup lovers over the last few years. But while such complexion formulas dominate the trends, let’s not forget how valuable a solid full-coverage foundation can be. Whether you have acne, redness, or hyperpigmentation that you like to conceal, or a full-glam look is more aligned with your aesthetic, a foundation that offers more coverage can be more favorable.
Best Overall
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$49
View On Nordstrom
$49
View On Bloomingdales
$49
What We Like
Great blendability
Comfortable, balanced feel on skin
Strong transfer resistance
What We Don't Like
Can emphasize dry patches slightly
This is, without a doubt, one of the most popular full-coverage foundations on the market, and for good reason. Despite having a pretty thick texture which often makes for a cakey finish, it blends out beautifully on the face and can create a natural-looking base—if used properly. It can cling to dry patches, which is pretty common with full-coverage foundations—but if you properly exfoliate and moisturize before using it, you’ll be able to yield a smooth, full-coverage result that appears skin-like and most importantly, lasts.
In addition to revering its long-wearing ability, we appreciated that it passed the transfer test with perfect scores—this is especially important if you have oily skin and struggle with your foundation migrating or breaking apart. It also comes in a pretty extensive shade range that's well dispersed across the skin tones, which is especially important for foundations that offer lots of coverage and won't be forgiving if your shade doesn't match your skin color.
Who It's For
If you’re looking for a matte, full-coverage foundation that will last all day and night without creasing or fading, we can’t recommend this one enough. Though we think it's ideal for those with oily or balanced skin, it's also a good choice for those with dry or combination skin, so long as you properly exfoliate and moisturize prior to application. Essentially, it's for people who want coverage, longevity, and perhaps a little slice of luxury—we can't ignore how gorgeous the bottle is.
Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Luxe
Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation
Bluemercury
View On Dermstore
$139
View On Walmart
$115
View On Nordstrom
$139
What We Like
Lightweight texture
Buildable coverage
Natural, glowing finish
Comfortable feel on skin
What We Don't Like
Transfers just slightly
Shade range needs work
It’s not often that cushion foundations provide significant coverage, but this one can be layered and built up to go from fairly light coverage to offering enough coverage to completely even out your complexion. Aside from experiencing a bit of transfer, our experience with this foundation was overwhelmingly positive. We loved the natural, glowy finish, how easily it blended into the skin, and how weightless and comfortable it felt when applied. It completely covered redness while maintaining a skin-like appearance and didn’t settle into pores or fine lines.
One thing we're not impressed by is the shade range—it's very limited. While the colors are fairly flexible because it doesn't offer full-on coverage right off the bat, we would still like to see the brand expand the range significantly.
Who It's For
If you’re sensitive to the feeling of makeup sitting on your skin but you still want to wear a product that you can build up for total coverage, this is a fantastic option for you. It's great for people who crave versatility out of their makeup—it can be used on days when you don't want or need complete coverage, but it can also be layered up to offer you the covering capabilities when you want it.
Finish: Natural | Number of shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1
Ulta
View On Amazon
$11
View On Ulta
$9
View On Target
$11
What We Like
Buildable coverage
Mousse-like consistency
Easy to blend
Extensive shade range
Oil-free
What We Don't Like
Can look heavy on dry patches
Gets a bit greasy on oily skin throughout the day
With a unique mousse-like consistency and incredible buildability, this budget-friendly foundation quickly became a favorite during testing. With one pump, we were able to blend out the formula seamlessly with a brush and a sponge to yield medium coverage that nicely canceled out redness in the skin. A second layer allowed us to achieve completely full coverage that totally blurred the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. We love that it sets down to a natural matte finish that doesn’t look dry or radiant—it’s truly somewhere in the middle. The mousse-y texture is easy to blend, though it is slightly thick and can look heavy if you have obvious dry patches on your skin. To avoid this, we recommend gently exfoliating and moisturizing prior to application. It’s also worth noting that it can start to look a bit greasy on oily skin throughout the day, so we recommend setting it in place with powder if you tend to get oily in your T-zone.
All-in-all, we were extremely impressed by this foundation. It provides excellent coverage, has a beautiful, natural-looking finish, and comes in 45 shades that range from fair to dark in a variety of undertones.
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Who It’s For
This foundation is a great choice for anyone who wants a full-coverage formula at an affordable price tag. Although it can get a bit greasy throughout the day, it’s oil-free, making it a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin types who want to avoid pore-clogging oils. We think all skin types can wear this pick so long as you prep and set it accordingly.
Finish: Natural matte | Number of shades: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Milani's Conceal and Perfect Foundation Is Great for All-Day Glam
Best Long-Wearing
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation
Sephora
View On Amazon
$57
View On Sephora
$57
View On Ulta
$40
What We Like
Budge-proof once applied
Sets down quickly
Looks pretty natural on the skin
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Transfers just slightly
Another incredibly popular full-coverage foundation, this one stands out for its long-wearing capabilities. Once applied to the skin, it’s not going anywhere. So, it’s no surprise that it performed beautifully in our transfer test and resisted creasing and fading as we wore it.
As for coverage and finish, the coverage is full and can be built up or sheered out depending on your preferences, and the finish is matte but not flat. Though it can cover pretty much anything, it manages to maintain a true skin-like appearance. We also love that it layers nicely with the makeup you apply on top of it. And if you've tried this foundation in the past and found it to be a bit heavy, we recommend giving it another go—it was recently reformulated and now offers the same coverage and longevity with a much more lightweight and breathable texture.
Who It's For
If you’re in need of a foundation to last you through a long day or a special event, we think you’ll really enjoy this one. Though it has a matte finish and is great for oily and balanced skin, it also works beautifully on dry skin. Plus, it's sweat-proof and water-proof, so if you live in a hot or humid climate, it has your name written all over it.
Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
These Are the 9 Best Foundations With SPF—And We've Tried So Many
Best Shade Range
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$69
View On Ulta
$69
View On Nordstrom
$69
What We Like
Lightweight texture
Easy to blend
Smooth, skin-like finish
What We Don't Like
Creases a bit
Pat McGrath Labs nailed the shade selection of this foundation. In addition to creating shades that vary in depth, there's also a vast range of undertones to cater to a large spectrum of skin tones. Even better? The formula looks stunning on the skin and performs beautifully. While it’s not marketed as a full-coverage foundation, it’s extremely buildable and can be layered on to create a pretty full-coverage look. After applying just one coat, it worked beautifully to even out the complexion while maintaining a natural appearance that didn’t lean overly matte or dewy.
While we did notice a bit of creasing in the smile lines, it wasn’t significant and could likely be avoided by setting the area with powder. Considering the inclusive shade range, airbrushed finish on the skin, and long-wearing nature of this formula, we highly recommend checking it out.
Who It's For
If you struggle to find foundations that match your skin tone, give this pick with a great range a try. It's also an excellent choice for people who can't stand the feeling of heavy makeup on their skin. Though many full-coverage options can feel a bit heavy on the skin, this one is an exception—it feels weightless without sacrificing coverage.
Finish: Natural | Number of shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Lightweight
Estée Lauder Double Wear Powder Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$49
View On Ulta
$52
View On Dermstore
$49
What We Like
Feels lightweight on the skin
Can be layered up for additional coverage
Creates a natural matte finish
What We Don't Like
Transfers quite a bit
Could provide more coverage
One layer of this full-coverage powder foundation will provide light coverage, while additional layers will build up the pigmentation to offer much more covering ability. We loved the buildability and how well it evened out the complexion, but we would have liked to see just a bit more coverage on top of the discoloration. If you want to opt for powder foundation but need additional coverage, you can always conceal blemishes first and then apply the powder.
In terms of the finish on the skin, it looks completely matte without appearing dry or cakey. It layered nicely on top of moisturizer and didn’t crease or fade as we wore it. Keep in mind that it did rub off quite a bit onto the blotting paper during the transfer test, so we recommend setting it in place with a setting spray.
Who It's For
Powder foundations are excellent for people with oily skin or those who dislike the feeling of liquid products on their face—and if you’re looking for a powder formula with great coverage, this one is Byrdie-approved. It's also ideal for anyone who wants additional coverage on top of their liquid foundation.
Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 31 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best for Oily Skin
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$18
View On Ulta
$40
View On Walmart
$40
What We Like
Feels lightweight on the skin
Blends into the skin effortlessly
Stays in place once applied
What We Don't Like
Could have more coverage
We’d be surprised if you're not already familiar with this iconic foundation from Fenty Beauty. Aside from helping to set the industry standard for shade range inclusivity, this one also has a loyal fan base who praise it for its formula. We can see why it’s so well-loved, thanks to how blendable it is, how comfortable it is on the skin, and how it's almost completely transfer-proof (it's a great example of a transfer-resistant foundation). It didn’t crease or fade and we loved how skin-like it looked.
If we could change one thing about it, it would be the level of coverage. Despite being marketed as a full-coverage foundation, one tester struggled to get it to fully cover her melasma. The good news is it builds well and can be layered with concealer, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for us.
Who It's For
This is a great option for a wide range of foundation-wearers. It comes in a very extensive shade range, feels comfortable on the skin, builds up nicely, and offers a matte finish. It's suitable for everyday wear and for achieving a more perfect look, making it a versatile option to have in your makeup stash.
Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 59 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
BYRDIE / BIANCA LAMBERT
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
It's Official: These Are the Best Drugstore Foundations for Oily Skin
Best for Dry Skin
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm
Sephora
View On Sephora
$43
View On Ulta
$41
View On Target
$43
What We Like
A little bit goes a long way
Can be applied mess-free with fingertips
Excellent coverage
What We Don't Like
Some people might find the texture to be a bit heavy on the skin
After going viral on TikTok a while back, we were curious to see if this foundation balm lives up to the hype—and it does. It provides complete coverage in just one layer, a little bit of product goes a very long way, and it can be applied using your fingertips, a brush, or a sponge, without the mess that liquid and powder formulas can create. Despite having a matte finish, we found that our skin looked and felt more hydrated after applying it, and we appreciated that it set in place and didn’t crease as we wore it.
While we didn't dislike texture, some online reviewers claim that it feels a bit thick and heavy on the skin. If you’re sensitive to that, we recommend applying it in light layers using a damp sponge.
Who It's For
Liquid and powder foundations can be messy—raise your hand if you've ever been victimized by a major spill in your makeup bag. We have! This option is great for those who crave mess-free products because the balm can't spill and it can be applied using whatever your desired application method is. It's also a good choice for anyone seeking a formula that provides ultra-full coverage that doesn't crease or fade.
Finish: Matte | Number of shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
The Best Cream Foundations That Blend Seamlessly Into Skin
Best with SPF
Kosas Revealer Foundation SPF 25
Sephora
View On Sephora
$42
View On Nordstrom
$42
View On Kosas.com
What We Like
Gorgeous, natural finish on the skin
Easy to blend
Doesn’t settle into lines or pores
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
Finding a great full-coverage foundation that includes SPF can be tricky, but this one is fantastic. It’s formulated with zinc oxide as well as niacinamide and squalane for hydration benefits. The texture is lightweight, creamy, and easy to blend, and the finish on the skin is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect midpoint between matte and dewy, and it creates a gorgeous veil of coverage on the face. During testing, we were impressed by how well it covered minor redness and discoloration, though we noticed that we would need additional concealer to fully cover under-eye circles. We also appreciated that it didn't settle into fine lines or emphasize texture. Though it did transfer a bit, we think this would be mitigated by lightly setting it with powder.
Who It's For
If you're someone who likes a no-fuss beauty routine with products that help you combine steps, this is the full-coverage option for you. It's great for a wide range of skin tones and skin types, and it's formulated with niacinamide and SPF so you can get skin benefits in addition to the coverage you crave.
Finish: Natural | Number of shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
We Found 10 Rosacea-Friendly Foundations That Correct Color and Aren't Irritating
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