Admit it: There have definitely been moments when hyperpigmentation has waged a lengthy war and won against your favorite concealers and foundations that promise medium-to-full coverage but fail to deliver. When this happens, the blame shouldn’t be placed on the health of your skin (hyperpigmentation is a natural occurrence, especially among those with naturally tan and deep skin tones), but it can be disheartening to work with. As a dark-skinned woman who, over time, has developed dark spots around the nose, mouth, and eyes from sun exposure and other natural environmental aggressors, I’ve had more than enough experiences with foundations that don’t pull off the vanishing act on my pesky problem areas.
There have, however, been a few that have completely beaten the odds, giving me and others in a similar boat the even, healthy-looking complexion we desire. Below is your ultimate Who What Wear guide to the best medium-to-full coverage foundations on the market, according to thousands of reviews, makeup-artist endorsements, and photographic proof on all skin tones. From drugstore brands to luxury buys, these are the foundations that will prove all naysayers wrong, supplemented by tips and tricks from celebrity makeup artists that will make them worth the investment. Keep scrolling!
According to celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh, rather than relying entirely on concealer or bronzer to help even out the skin tone, you should find a foundation that mimics your natural shade. “It will be easier to blend and look more natural and less orange,” says Quynh. She recommends a simple but effective process: applying the foundation to the forehead, cheeks, and skin before buffing and blending the product outwards, reaching up toward the hairline and the center of the face. You should aim for most of the color from the product to be centered where the sun naturally hits the face for an even complexion. Don’t forget to continue blending down the neck! Below, discover the 15 makeup artist– and editor-approved foundations that will quickly and easily conceal your pesky hyperpigmentation.
Who What Wear beauty editors can’t stop raving about this foundation, and neither can thousands of five-star reviews. Customer review: “I don’t know why I waited so long to try this foundation. It is so nice—it blends seamlessly, and it looks natural like skin with just enough coverage to make you look flawless. I am a huge fan.” Pro: Offers skin-like, buildable coverage. Con: High price point
Here’s a foundation that combines skincare and technology for a smooth, airbrushed finish that hides all your dark spots. Customer review: “This is hands down the best foundation I’ve ever used. Finding a shade match for very fair, cool-toned skin can be a struggle but the shade Oslo was perfect. I also struggle with dry skin, texture, and redness and this foundation takes care of them all while looking natural and lightweight.” Pro: Uses advanced light-reflecting technology. Con: Not entirely transfer-resistant
This foundation by Make Up For Ever combats hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and rough patches all day. Customer review: “Bought this several months ago and I cannot ever find one thing wrong with this foundation. It perfects your skin but you can’t see it ON your skin! It truly is undetectable and the coverage perfection. Not too full, not too light. Even on my dry skin, it just looks so good. I find myself reaching for it all the time. Highly recommend!” Pro: Blendable true-to-skin finish. Con: Difficult to shade-match for deep-toned skin
Like all Haus Labs makeup products, the Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation protects the face inside out with the key ingredient of skin-loving fermented arnica. Customer review: “My favorite foundation that I’ve ever tried. I have pretty oily combination skin with a little texture and the finish of this product doesn’t emphasize the texture at all. It still gave me a bit of a glow as well. It wears well throughout the day.” Pro: Buildable coverage. Con: Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Smashbox’s long-lasting oil-free foundation leaves a lightweight, gorgeous finish that’s ideal for all skin types. Customer review: “I am so picky about foundation, and I’ve repurchased this foundation several times. It leaves a beautiful natural finish on the skin, and is not too heavy. It lasts all night and doesn’t get super cakey. My absolute favorite!!” Pro: Oil-free, sensitive-skin-safe formula. Con: Limited shade availability
Makeup artists everywhere are loving this ultra-hydrating foundation that uses hyaluronic acid to lock moisture into the skin. Customer review: “I really struggle with finding the best foundation. Most have left my skin dry looking. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint for dry skin goes on so smooth and blends into your skin without drying it out. Skin looks flawless and very hydrated. I won’t use anything else! Coverage is great!” Pro: Incredibly hydrating. Con: Reapplication throughout the day is required
This is the absolute best full-coverage, cream-based foundation for melanated skin with hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, or dry spots. Customer review: “Black Opal Total Coverage is perfectly designed to bronze brown, chocolate, and all deep skin tones. Works effortlessly alone or in combination with any liquid, powder, or pressed powder to reveal a flawless finish. It is certainly the African American go-to product so smoothly textured making the application process easy, and for women who love a dewy finish, it doesn’t disappoint. A little goes a long way. Blemishes and under-eye circles disappear and all you’re left with is a clear complexion.” Pro: Covers hyperpigmentation for deep skin tones. Con: None
This multipurpose balm blends seamlessly into the skin for natural-looking coverage, disguising imperfections and pores. Customer review: “I have acne-prone skin and scars from previous breakouts. This makeup helps to smooth my skin and it lasts all day. I always dampen my foundation brush before applying to help thin it a little. It doesn’t take much at all. And that makes it set and look nice and smooth. This makeup lasts me more than twice as long as any other base, and it looks better too.” Pro: Long-lasting formula. Con: High price point
If you have sensitive skin, you should consider adding this cream foundation balm by KVD Beauty to your makeup routine. Customer review: “Love this so much! Another win for KVD foundation, I also love the Lock-It Foundation. A little goes a long way and it doesn’t feel to heavy on my face. This is full coverage and it goes on so nice and creamy, makes it easy to blend. Love it!” Pro: Easy-to-blend maximum coverage. Con: Product shifts slightly throughout the day
What’s better than a product that features both a foundation and a finishing powder for a natural-looking full-coverage finish? Customer review: “I have tried so many foundations and skin tints, and this is hands down the best product I have ever bought. It looks and feels like your skin only better and blurs pores. If you have combination skin and struggle with larger pores pls try this. I wish I would have tried it sooner.” Pro: Multitasking product. Con: Somewhat oily finish
This classic BareMinerals powder foundation has been a longtime favorite among beauty enthusiasts and editors. Customer review: “I have been wanting to try the Loose Powder Mineral Foundation for a while but was always hesitant. I finally purchased it and do not regret it at all. I was surprised by the coverage and the color was a perfect match. Blends easily and stays put.” Pro: Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Con: Settles into fine lines
Fashion Fair’s Crème to Powder Skin Foundation applies and blends into the skin like a dream while looking like a blemish-free second skin. Customer review: “I love this creme-to-powder foundation. It’s super blendable and makes my complexion look flawless! It’s also buildable. The shade is so perfect and matches perfectly! This is definitely my fave.” Pro: Blends seamlessly into the skin. Con: Limited shade availability
Mented Cosmetics’ Skin by Mented foundation gives its wearer lightweight, smooth coverage that’s easy to blend. Customer review: “This foundation is the real deal! Perfect match, beautiful color, non-drying and doesn’t make my skin oily, easy application, gives a nice buildable coverage that you can customize for a natural casual look or a glam full makeup look, and it doesn’t give a creepy makeup appearance. This stick holds a nice amount of makeup too!” Pro: Lightweight and easy to blend. Con: None
This foundation stick is easy to blend and applies smoothly as the perfect product for a photo-ready finish. Customer review: “I’m pleasantly surprised with this foundation stick. I wanted something easy and not messy like liquid foundation, so tried to give this a try. I just swiped it on my face and blend in with a beauty sponge and it blends so easily. So happy with this!” Pro: Skin smoothing and blurring. Con: Slightly greasy finish
Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick is formulated with clean, skin-loving ingredients. Customer review: “If you have dry, mature, and very pale skin this is the stick foundation for you! It needs to be applied with a light touch because it’s very creamy and spreads like a dream without settling into any dry patches or lines. Is it pricey? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely!” Pro: Skin-like, dewy appearance. Con: High price point
This weightless, waterproof foundation is a fast and easy choice for your makeup fix while on the go. Customer review: “High coverage. Natural finish. Been my go-to foundation for years. I buy nude and light beige and mix them up. Wish there were more neutral shades but I will wear this for years to come. Perfect for full face high coverage or spot concealing.” Pro: Long-lasting coverage. Con: Not ideal for dry skin
Fashion Fair’s SkinFlex Stick Foundation offers lightweight medium coverage that’s long-lasting and incredibly hydrating. Customer review: “I love this foundation. I’ve steered away from foundation for years because I never found a shade that truly matched, and those that did were either too oily or way too drying for my combination skin. This foundation is perfect in every way. The coverage is great, I’d say medium coverage, but doesn’t feel heavy on my face and doesn’t crease after wearing for seven hours.” Pro: Highly pigmented formula. Con: Transfers
If you’ve been in the market for a stick foundation that completely blends into the skin, this one has a good chance of becoming your new go-to. Customer review: “I have tried many stick foundations ranging from drugstore to high-end. This one by far is the best. The formula is really creamy and blends out easily. My favorite uses for this foundation is when I am in a rush and need nice coverage quick! It does last all day with and without a powder.” Pro: Quick and easy to blend. Con: Strongly fragranced
