How long should you wear full-coverage makeup?

You can wear full coverage makeup all day, but make sure to remove it before going to bed. This will give your skin a chance to breathe and rejuvenate during your sleep.

How do you remove full-coverage makeup?

When removing full-coverage makeup, start by tackling the eye makeup and lip color. A makeup remover is a good first step to take off your foundation. Then follow up with a cleanser that's designed to remove makeup, like a cleansing oil or balm. After this, place a warm washcloth on your face, wipe it clean, and follow up with a moisturizer to lock nutrients into your clean skin.

The 19 Best Full-coverage Makeup Products of 2023

The 19 Best Full Coverage Makeup Products, Tested by Experts — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Don’t get us wrong, we love a naturally glowy no-makeup makeup look as much as the next person, but some situations call for products with a bit more concealing power. Maybe we didn’t get enough sleep the night before, or we just noticed a few new zits cropping up—and in these cases, a tinted moisturizer just isn’t gonna cut it. That’s where our hero full-coverage makeup products come into play.

Full-coverage makeup has come a long way over the years. Today, many foundations and concealers offer the same skincare benefits and buzzy ingredients as our favorite creams and serums, and there are plenty of products specially formulated for each skin type, skin concern, and desired finish, and in a range of price points to boot. Still, with so many products out there (and so many reviews to sift through) it’s not easy to know which ones are the real deal and which ones will leave us a dry, cakey mess. Fear not—we did all the homework for you.

The ultimate guide to the very best full-coverage makeup awaits, below.

4.2

Sephora

View On IHerb

What We Like

Long-wearing
Smooth, matte finish
Layers well over and underneath other products

What We Don't Like

Can feel heavy

Becca Cosmetics' Best-Selling Foundation Is My New Go-To for Full Coverage

What do buyers say? 83% of 800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Becca’s Ultimate Coverage 24 Hour Foundation has great reviews across the board, and for good reason—it really does it all. Formulated to work for all skin types, this long-lasting liquid foundation perfects blemishes, redness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture without clogging your pores.

Though it offers full coverage for a full 24 hours, its natural finish is breathable and flexible, so it won’t settle into pores and lines or clump around dry patches by the afternoon. Plus, it’s available in an impressive 42 shades, meaning that everybody gets to enjoy this flawless goodness.

becca cosmetics ultimate coverage 24 hour foundation — Byrdie / Khera Alexander

What Our Testers Say

"After wearing it for several hours, the 24 Hour Foundation stayed put without any discoloration, accentuating textured areas of my skin, or looking dry because of its ability to keep my skin matte." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

Courtesy of The Ordinary

View On Ulta

What We Like

pH balanced
Won't cake or settle into fine lines
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Texture is a little runny

Beloved skin-care brand The Ordinary is best known for its wallet-friendly yet high-quality assortment of serums, oils, and peels, but we’re quite fond of its two foundations, the Serum Foundation and Coverage Foundation, too. When it comes to full-coverage makeup, the Coverage Foundation is a solid choice for a lightweight, heavily-pigmented formula that blends in seamlessly to the skin.

Available in 21 different shades, it effectively conceals dark circles, spots, and blemishes and reduces the appearance of pores. And much like its serum-inspired sister, it still manages to apply delightfully creamy and leaves behind a soft, semi-matte finish with just the right amount of glow. And, seriously, the price just cannot be beaten.

Price at time of publish: $8

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Walmart

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What We Like

Buildable
Long-wearing
Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin

What We Don't Like

Heavily fragranced

This drugstore foundation from L’Oréal is a godsend for your skin and your wallet. Its medium-to-full buildable coverage seamlessly blends in to conceal any imperfections, leaving you with a refreshed, natural finish that lasts for the entire day. Despite its coverage power, it’s wonderfully breathable and lightweight, and its non-comedogenic oil-absorbing formula makes it suitable for all skin types. And for the price? It’s a no-brainer.

Though we’re wearing this one year-round, we consider it the ultimate summertime foundation. The formula’s three different oil absorbers not only keep you looking fresh and shine-free, but they resist sweat, water, and transfer. And the bonus SPF 25 makes it the perfect choice for a day spent poolside or at the beach.

Price at time of publish: $16

4.7

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Flannels.com

What We Like

Buildable
Blends into skin seamlessly
Blurs pores and fine lines

What We Don't Like

Can be a little drying

This luxurious foundation from legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath may be on the pricier side, but we promise, it’s worth every single penny. A favorite of Byrdie senior editor Hallie Gould, this long-wear formula provides the most stunning, radiant finish. The formula uses unique polymers that provide lasting lightweight wear with a smooth-to-the-touch feel, and even though it’s coverage is considered sheer to medium, its amino acid-treated pure pigments allow this creamy magic to build to your desire, while the formula’s Diamond Core Powder Technology smoothes and blurs the appearance of fine lines, pores, and imperfections.

We love some bonus skincare, too, and this foundation’s Vita-Serum Complex moisturizes and helps fight the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Available in 30 shades, this product is definitely a worthy investment. You’ll be savoring this one to the very last drop.

Price at time of publish: $68

4.8

Ulta

View on Ulta View On QVC View On Tartecosmetics.com

What We Like

Good color payoff
Coverage lasts all day
Easy to blend

What We Don't Like

Can feel heavy

Key Ingredients

Shea butter is a plant lipid that comes from African shea tree nuts and is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It's used to help moisturize, nourish, and soothe the skin.

I Tested Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer and Didn't Need a Touch-Up All Day

You can’t Google the word “concealer” without being bombarded by rave reviews of Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer. This cult-favorite full-coverage concealer comes in 35 different shades that cover, smooth, and blur dark circles, fine lines, and other imperfections. The vegan formula is also infused with “tape technology” that instantly brightens, lifts, and firms the skin. It’s essentially an eye lift in a tube—how could we resist?

While it may sound heavy-duty, it provides a silky-smooth finish thanks to shea butter and mango seed butter, which moisturize, condition, and protect the skin against free radical damage. Plus, the addition of licorice root extract helps to color correct and brighten dark spots, making sunspots a thing of the past.

Price at time of publish: $31

What Our Testers Say

“The biggest takeaway from wearing shape tape is how my skin looked lifted immediately after applying, and the fact I was able to use it to highlight my features too, was a big win in my opinion.” — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

4.3

Macy's

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What We Like

Has skincare benefits
SPF 50
Blurs pores and fine lines

What We Don't Like

Few shades available

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air) making them plump.

This best-selling color-correcting cream from IT Cosmetics truly does it all, and has Gould’s approval to back it up. This full-coverage formulation creates a natural, semi-dewy finish that color corrects, conceals dark spots, and blurs the appearance of pores for all skin types. It’s also infused with skin-care greats such as collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to provide smoother, firmer, and more hydrated skin. Plus, it provides powerful SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays.

The only caveat? This product could definitely benefit from a shade range expansion. It’s currently only offered in 12 different shades, and when so many other brands are now offering 30+, we hope to see IT Cosmetics do the same.

Price at time of publish: $44

revlon ColorStay Makeup Longwear Liquid Foundation

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What We Like

Keeps skin matte all day
Helps treat acne breakouts
SPF 15
Wide shade range

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

Oily- and combo-skinned folks, rejoice. This oil-free long-wear foundation from Revlon is made just for you, specifically designed to keep oil and shine at bay. With lightweight medium-to-full buildable coverage, it provides a smooth, natural matte finish. What makes this a real winner, though, is the addition of salicylic acid, which helps control oil production and reduces the appearance of pores.

Said to be “life-proof,” it boasts a full 24 hours of wear that lasts through anything. Plus, it’s formulated in 43 different shades and offers SPF 15 protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Price at time of publish: $14

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Target View On Tartecosmetics.com

What We Like

50 shades
Hydrating formula
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

Few deep shades

The world collectively cried tears of joy when Tarte launched a foundation version of its beloved Shape Tape Concealer, the Face Tape Foundation, back in 2019. Another favorite from Gould, this long-wear, full-coverage liquid foundation is an absolute must for dry skin, packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom extract, and antioxidant-rich apple fruit extract. It provides a natural matte finish that never leaves the skin looking dry and effectively covers and blurs the appearance of redness, dark spots, pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that this formula is also waterproof, sweatproof, transfer-proof, and vegan. Not to mention, the shade range is unbeatable, available in a whopping 50 different shades with five undertones.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

Courtesy of Ulta

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What We Like

Buildable
SPF 25
Calms redness
Covers everything

What We Don't Like

Few shades available

If you have sensitive skin, finding a foundation that won’t cause a reaction or breakout can take a lot of trial and error. However, Dermablend’s Smooth Liquid Foundation with SPF 25 is a solid choice if you’re looking for buildable coverage with a matte finish.

A favorite of Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue, this liquid formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and sensitive skin-tested and approved. Thanks to the brand’s Camo-Pigment Technology, it provides 16 hours of fade- and transfer-proof wear while weightlessly masking redness, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, acne scars, and even birthmarks. To top it all off, it provides SPF 25 protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Price at time of publish: $38

4.9

View On Sephora View On Fentybeauty.com

What We Like

Blurs pores and fine lines
Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin
Holds up in heat and humidity
Wide shade range

What We Don't Like

Can be a little drying

Years since its initial launch, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation continues to hold its status as a cult favorite, and rightfully so. One of Gould’s picks, this full-coverage formula offers a matte finish that smoothes texture, diffuses pores, and fights shine like a pro, but still feels lightweight and breathable. Because it’s oil-free, those with acne-prone will benefit from its ability to cover blemishes without irritation, and its climate-adaptive technology makes it sweat- and humidity-proof, so it won’t clog your pores no matter how gross it is outside.

Of course, we can’t fail to mention that it’s available in a total of 50 shades—one of the first foundations to do so—so there’s a shade for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $39

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Buildable
Skin looks glowy
Has skincare benefits

What We Don't Like

Few shades available

Believe us when we say Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation is, truly, magic. Loved by Xue, this buildable coverage liquid foundation provides a gorgeous demi-matte finish and boasts plenty of skincare benefits. Formulated with buzzy ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it creates a lit-from-within effect and helps to reduce the look of discoloration, spots, and lines over time, while concentrated mushroom extract works to hydrate, improve firmness, and tighten pores.

This formula is fit for all skin types, but its ability to effortlessly camouflage tougher-to-conceal skin concerns make it a solid choice for those dealing with acne-scarring—in fact, it promises to reduce the appearance of acne in as little as nine weeks.

Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation

Courtesy of Milk

View On Sephora

What We Like

Feels weightless
Blurs pores and fine lines
Soft-focus finish

What We Don't Like

Product is runny

If the matte-est of matte skin is what you’re looking for, look no further than Milk Makeup’s Blur Liquid Matte Foundation. Free of oil and silicone, this water-based formula packs serious pigment in just one swipe, yet still manages to capture a lightweight serum-like feel. Available in 24 different shades, it instantly blurs and covers pores and other imperfections, leaving behind an ultra-matte soft-focus finish—ideal if you’re expecting to be photographed. Just keep in mind, this might not be suitable for drier skin types.

Price at time of publish: $40

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Smooth Foundation

Ulta

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What We Like

Dewy yet full coverage
Hydrates
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

Dewy foundations have a reputation for being lighter in coverage, but not this top-rated favorite from Maybelline. The Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation provides exactly what the name implies: a dewy (yet not overly dewy) finish and smooth skin. Fit for normal to dry skin types, the formula hydrates rough patches with vitamin E while evening out the skin tone and concealing spots and dark circles with long-lasting, buildable coverage.

Price at time of publish: $9

3.9

it cosmetics your skin but better foundation

Courtesy

View on Ulta View On Amazon

What We Like

Has skincare benefits
A little goes a long way
Covers acne smoothly without flaking

What We Don't Like

Settles into fine lines

Key Ingredients

Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant's inner gel mucilage (the part that's used in skin care products) is made up of 99.5% water.

The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare Is Super Lightweight

Now, it’s not uncommon for a foundation to be infused with skin-loving ingredients, but IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare is the ultimate fusion of makeup and skincare. A favorite of Byrdie associate editor Holly Rhue, this buildable coverage foundation will even out skin tone and cover imperfections while its skin-loving ingredients get to work. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera instantly hydrate and smooth out the skin, while hepes acid provides gentle exfoliation to brighten the complexion. Vitamins E and B5 further moisturize and support the skin barrier while fighting free radicals.

So, not only does this foundation give you an instant radiant glow, but it works to boost the overall health of your skin over time, too. We also love that it comes in 40 shades, which is a much more inclusive range than the brand’s beloved CC cream.

Price at time of publish: $44

What Our Testers Say

"In three words, IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation is hydrating, buildable, and a staple product. I can see myself using this for everything from weddings and celebrations to a special treat to help myself feel my best at home." — Rachel Charlene Lewis, Product Tester

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Juviasplace.com

What We Like

Applies smoothly
Mattifies
Makes skin look like skin

What We Don't Like

Not for acne-prone skin

These foundation sticks from Juvia’s Place don’t mess around: They glide on creamy, leaving behind a weightless, skin-like texture, but are highly-pigmented to seamlessly cover dark spots, blemishes, and other imperfections. Because they’re infused with shea butter, they’re lusciously blendable and won’t ever leave you dry or cakey, but they’re also formulated with oil-controlling ingredients to keep you shine-free all day long. And for the price? You can certainly afford to snag a few of the 30 available shades for highlighting and contouring purposes, too.

Price at time of publish: $16

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Natural | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.2

Sephora

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What We Like

Covers everything
Brush included
Silky, weightless feel

What We Don't Like

Silicone-based formula

This foundation from Kevyn Aucoin may technically be considered a balm, but don’t be fooled—it has some serious coverage power. This dreamy formula applies as a silky balm, as its name intends, but delivers a natural matte finish with buildable, full coverage. You can rely on it to neutralize redness and cover blemishes without even a hint of cakiness, and it boasts skin-protecting hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado oil to keep skin hydrated and protected, rather than dry you out like many of the full-coverage foundations out there.

Bonus? It comes with its own specially-designed brush—a pretty awesome one, at that—to ensure an effortless application. A little goes a long way, too, so you can justify the higher price point knowing this pot will last you for quite some time.

Price at time of publish: $57

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Convenient for travel
Long-wearing
Blurs pores

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

Pressed powder can be full-coverage, too, and this velvety smooth version from Make Up For Ever certainly does the trick. Suitable for all skin types and available in 30 different shades, this sleek compact instantly blurs pores and smoothes imperfections while providing a natural matte finish that bends and breathes with your skin. And even though we love the fact that it can easily be tossed in your bag to reapply whenever needed, it’s not necessary—this stuff keeps you fresh-faced for up to 12 hours.

Price at time of publish: $40

4.4

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Has skincare benefits
Lightweight texture
Hydrates

What We Don't Like

Expensive per ounce

It’s not easy to find a serum-like foundation that offers adequate coverage, but this formula from Ilia does just that. While it’s considered medium coverage, it can easily be built up to fuller coverage to blur away imperfections and minimize the look of pores. It certainly doesn’t hurt that its clean formulation is packed with plenty of hydrating ingredients like aloe, squalane, rosehip, jojoba, and marula oils that melt into the skin to soothe irritation and even out the complexion.

Price at time of publish: $54

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Ulta

What We Like

Easily accessible at drugstores
Wears comfortably
Clean, nourishing formula

What We Don't Like

May settle into fine lines

Clean beauty doesn’t necessarily have to come with a hefty price tag, and this foundation from drugstore favorite Pacifica proves it. This medium-to-full coverage formula will leave you with a flawless finish, providing a natural, radiant glow and effectively masking the appearance of pores. It’s also packed with good for you ingredients like moisturizing hyaluronic acid, balancing coconut water, and antioxidant-rich rose leaf extract—a major plus.

What this Byrdie-approved clean formula doesn’t contain is a long list of ingredients that aren’t so kind to your skin: silicone, parabens, phthalates, talc, BHA, BHT, petroleum, and drying alcohols, and it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. But what we love most of all? The fact that we can attain healthy, beautiful skin and not break the bank.

Price at time of publish: $16

What to Look For in Full-Coverage Makeup

Shade

Picking the right shade for your skin can come with trial and error. To find the right shade, test shades in multiple spots on your face, especially if you have an uneven skin tone. You will need to see how that shade reacts to darker and lighter areas of your face so you don’t have a color that blends in with one part of your face and not another. You should swatch shades on your jawline, cheek, forehead, and neck to make sure the color is a good match for you.

Finish

Full-coverage makeup comes in different finishes and the one that works best for you will be determined by the type of look you want to have. A matte finish will give your skin a more polished, airbrushed look, while a foundation with a dewy finish will give more a sun-kissed glow. You also opt for a more natural finish if you are a fan of the no-makeup-makeup look.

FAQ

How long should you wear full-coverage makeup?

You can wear full coverage makeup all day, but make sure to remove it before going to bed. This will give your skin a chance to breathe and rejuvenate during your sleep.
How do you remove full-coverage makeup?

When removing full-coverage makeup, start by tackling the eye makeup and lip color. A makeup remover is a good first step to take off your foundation. Then follow up with a cleanser that's designed to remove makeup, like a cleansing oil or balm. After this, place a warm washcloth on your face, wipe it clean, and follow up with a moisturizer to lock nutrients into your clean skin.

The 17 Best Foundations of 2023

Best Overall

Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage 24 Hour Foundation

Best Budget

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

Best Drugstore

L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Best Splurge

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Best Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Best CC Cream

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

Best for Oily Skin

Revlon ColorStay Makeup Longwear Liquid Foundation

Best for Dry Skin

Tarte Face Tape Foundation

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Best for Acne Scars

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

Best Matte Finish

Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation

Best Dewy Finish

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Best Skin-Care Infused

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare

Best Stick

Juvia's Place Shade Stick Foundation

Best Cream

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Foundation Balm

Best Powder

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation

Best Serum Texture

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

Best Vegan Formula

Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation

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