Full Coverage Foundation for Complexion Perfection

If you’re after a full coverage foundation, we show you how to ace that base! From redness and dullness, to uneven skin tone and breakouts… Sometimes you just want a foundation that works hard for its money and covers it all! We pick our favourite full coverage foundations, as well as tips on how to apply it correctly — stick with us, we’ve got you covered. 

What is full coverage foundation?

As the name suggests, full coverage foundation has a richer and more opaque texture, designed to cover the skin completely. It’s the best option if you want a completely flawless face #nofilterneeded. If you choose a full coverage foundation you should expect it to blur imperfections, conceal blemishes and leave your skin with a picture-perfect finish. High coverage foundation can be used every day or just for special occasions when you need a photo-ready ‘full beat’. It is also popular with pro makeup artists working on TV and fashion shoots, as it produces a smooth finish, looks good on camera and covers up any sweat. And the good news? Formulas have come a long way since the heavy, cakey ‘mask-like’ formulas of old, with the best ones now designed with hydrating ingredients to help the skin glow. 

Is full coverage foundation suitable for all skin types?

Whatever your skin type, there is a full coverage foundation out there for you. Dry skin was once the most difficult skin type to work with — mainly because some brands’ formulas would not settle in well over lines and wrinkles, as well as making flaky patches look more pronounced — but that’s no longer the case.  

Thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid (recognised for its hydrating benefits, as it works by pulling moisture from the air and into your skin), several foundation formulas are full of this powerhouse ingredient, making full coverage foundation for dry skin a breeze. 

As for oily skin, there are plenty of matte full coverage foundation formulas available, which use lightweight powders to soak up excess shine and oil throughout the day. 

Finally, if your skin is a combination of the above two, there are plenty of full-coverage foundations designed to suit combination skin, which use light-reflecting pigments to make your face look instantly brighter and softer, as soon as you blend it on.  

Read: Foundations for Mature Skin – Everything You Need To Know 

Full coverage foundations to look out for

Ideal for all skin types, Everlasting Foundation is a long-wearing and hydrating product enriched in plant extracts to deliver a variety of skincare benefits. The lightweight texture contains bamboo powder to help mattify the skin and absorb excess oil, quinoa to deeply hydrate, and organic oat sugars to instantly lift and tighten facial contours for a flawless complexion. 

Best for balanced or dry skin (but it also works on oily skin when set with powder), KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm glides over the skin so easily and instantly covers up all skin imperfections. A very hydrating balm, this full coverage foundation lasts all day. 

Infused with apple extract to help nourish skin, Good Apple minimises the appearance of pores and gives skin a smooth, healthy look. 

When it comes to luxury, this La Prairie product is one of the best we have ever come across when it comes to a full coverage foundation. From age spots and pimples, to dry areas and under eye bags, skin is instantly transformed in one fell swoop.  

Infused with Caviar Extract, La Prairie Skin Caviar Complexion Concealer Foundation SPF 15 luxury foundation leaves skin looking soft and dewy, and requires only a very small amount, so it will last you a long time. The luxurious cream emulsion offers full coverage and the concealer camouflages under-eye circles and other imperfections.  

How to use full coverage foundation: a step-by-step guide

To achieve the best foundation coverage, it is so important to ensure the skin is well prepared prior to makeup application. Bridal make-up artist Hayley Clarke (hayleyclarkemakeupartist.com), a former senior lead artist for Charlotte Tilbury, gives a step-by-step guide on how to apply full coverage foundation effectively. 

“First of all it’s important to cleanse your skin prior to makeup application. I would highly recommend using a primer on top of your moisturiser to prep the skin first. This will ensure the skin is kept hydrated and will help the foundation to sit well on the skin throughout the day. I recommend products with hyaluronic acid in them to keep the skin hydrated from morning to night!”  

“I would also like to mention that the tools you use also have a big impact on the foundation’s appearance. A stippling brush is great for building coverage and a flat foundation brush is good for a softer look.  I highly recommend the Real Techniques Expert Face brush to apply foundation for a softer and buildable finish. I start with the cheeks with circular motion application of product and work my way around the forehead, chin, neckline and nose. Keep tapping under your chin and jaw to seamlessly blend the foundation’s edges.”  

“Finally, I like to add powder on the T-zone area (nose, forehead and chin) to reduce shine and pores.” 

Read: How to Use Setting Powder 

Now you’ve got the know-how — have fun experimenting with your full coverage foundation. If you go to your nearest Clarins counter, our friendly team will be more than happy to help you select your shade and offer more tips and advice on how to apply it. 

Read next: How to Apply Foundation Like a Pro