The best covering foundations in the UK 2023

Science is always innovating to make you more beautiful. The covering foundation takes over from the classic foundation and has the power to spread evenly over all or part of the face. The result: a natural-looking complexion and hidden imperfections. Say goodbye to the mask effect of yesteryear. Find out how to choose your coverage foundation.

Black Up High Coverage Cream Foundation 1
7/10

Best value for money

Black Up High Coverage Cream Foundation

The best coverage foundation in 2021

Get a luminous, blemish-free face with Black Up Teint. This high-coverage foundation forms a thin layer on the skin that will smooth your complexion while hiding imperfections. It provides maximum comfort, like a second skin.

24,59 £ on Marionnaud

Black Up's Cream Foundation has a soft, creamy texture that spreads easily and evenly over the entire face while concealing skin irregularities, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Enriched with micronized pigments, it leaves the skin luminous and perfectly pure. In addition, Black Up's Cream Foundation also has excellent staying power throughout the day.

Oil-free and fragrance-free, Black Up Cream Foundation is recommended for skin with a dry tendency, thanks to its creamy formula. For an ideal effect, apply the foundation evenly over the entire face. Use the same cream to apply to areas that need correction: fine lines, areas of depigmentation, blackheads or scars.

KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB 2
8/10

Best value for money

KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB

The best entry-level coverage foundation

For full coverage, what better than this liquid coverage foundation? In fact, KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB hides skin imperfections for smoother, clearer skin.

See price

Forget about your imperfections with KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB Liquid Coverage Foundation. With its restorative, brightening and moisturizing composition, it corrects and conceals all our little imperfections. It can cover fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, acne marks, red blood, etc. For a complete coverage, it allows you to obtain a perfect and unified complexion. It makes your skin clearer and whiter.

KFiAQ brand provides a very dense brush for easy application of the coverage foundation. The product gives the skin a smooth and silky finish. When used with foundation, the KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB ensures a glowing complexion from within and a perfectly flawless finish.

ARMANI POWER FABRIC Long-Wear High Coverage Foundation 3
9/10

Best value for money

ARMANI POWER FABRIC Long-Wear High Coverage Foundation

The best high-end coverage foundation

Like the famous Armani jacket, Armani Power Fabric Foundation will dress up your complexion in an elegant way and make you irresistible in your surroundings. This product will quickly become a must-have for your daily beauty routine.

34,79 £ on Marionnaud

This fluid foundation is so light, you won't feel its presence. With excellent coverage, it does not leave a plastered or shiny feeling and produces a matte effect on the skin. On the other hand, its active agents make the skin luminous and unified, and erase all traces of fatigue. With its long-lasting effect, the Armani Power Fabric Foundation stays with you all day without needing to be touched up.

Apply your foundation to the main areas of the face and then spread it with a brush so that it covers the entire face evenly. You will see that the product penetrates and spreads very quickly, and gives a beautiful luminosity to your skin. Your skin becomes smooth, clean and perfect. This foundation is ideal for dry skin and leaves it feeling comfortable.

YVES SAINT LAURENT High Coverage Foundation 4
8/10

A great choice

YVES SAINT LAURENT High Coverage Foundation

A foundation for all skin types

Yves Saint-Laurent has prepared this high-coverage foundation for when you want a flawless complexion 24 hours a day. ENCRE DE PEAU ALL HOURS FOUNDATION combines excellent coverage with long wear that lasts up to 24 hours.

31,91 £ on Marionnaud

Encre de Peau all hours Foundation brings together all the best foundations on the market. It is non-greasy and provides a matte effect all over the skin, hides imperfections and gives a smooth and luminous appearance for 24 hours. Its texture is soft and unctuous and does not produce a mask effect. At the same time, the product is water resistant and protects the skin from UV rays and other external aggressions.

Encre de peau All Hours Foundation is applied to a makeup base and then spread with a blender or fingertips. For a better effect on imperfections, you can then go back to it for a finishing touch. Day or night, Encre de peau All Hours Foundation will be your best beauty ally.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best covering foundation

Any specific needs?

The best coverage foundation in 2021

The best entry-level coverage foundation

The best high-end coverage foundation

A foundation for all skin types

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best covering foundations

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Black Up High Coverage Cream Foundation 5
7/10
KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB 6
8/10
ARMANI POWER FABRIC Long-Wear High Coverage Foundation 7
9/10
YVES SAINT LAURENT High Coverage Foundation 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Black Up High Coverage Cream Foundation
KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB
ARMANI POWER FABRIC Long-Wear High Coverage Foundation
YVES SAINT LAURENT High Coverage Foundation
Get a luminous, blemish-free face with Black Up Teint. This high-coverage foundation forms a thin layer on the skin that will smooth your complexion while hiding imperfections. It provides maximum comfort, like a second skin.
For full coverage, what better than this liquid coverage foundation? In fact, KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB hides skin imperfections for smoother, clearer skin.
Like the famous Armani jacket, Armani Power Fabric Foundation will dress up your complexion in an elegant way and make you irresistible in your surroundings. This product will quickly become a must-have for your daily beauty routine.
Yves Saint-Laurent has prepared this high-coverage foundation for when you want a flawless complexion 24 hours a day. ENCRE DE PEAU ALL HOURS FOUNDATION combines excellent coverage with long wear that lasts up to 24 hours.
Format
Cream
Liquid
liquid
INK
Coverage
Total
Total
Totale
Total
Volume
30 ml
30 ml
30 ml
25 ml
Effect
smoothing
whitening and brightening
smoothing
-
Skin type
Normal
All
all
all

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Buying guide - covering foundation

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How to choose your covering foundation

Before you buy a full coverage foundation, check these things to find the perfect formula and shade for you:

#1 - The formula of the covering foundation

Is it right for your skin? If your facial skin is generally dry, choose a liquid or sticky foundation, as it will be creamy and have the most hydrating properties. If your skin is oily, opt for a powder foundation that will help absorb excess shine, leaving a matte finish.

#2 - The ingredients

In addition to checking the shade and formula, be sure to read the ingredients to get the most out of the product. Do you have acne-prone skin? Use a foundation that contains anti-acne salicylic acid. Dry, flaky skin? Look for serum-based products that will help you stay hydrated. And if you don't feel like putting on sunscreen before applying foundation, find a formula that already contains at least 15 SPF.

#3 - Make sure the product you want to buy is compatible with your other beauty products

In fact, if you use multiple products at the same time and each of them contains irritating ingredients, there could be a cocktail effect that can assault your skin.

#4 - The budget

Be sure to check your budget before you start looking for your coverage foundation. This will save you a lot of time when selecting.

The different types of covering foundation

There are mainly two types of covering foundations, liquid foundations and stick foundations. These two types of foundation are the only ones that are consistent enough to provide full coverage. The other types of foundation (especially powder foundation) offer mostly light to medium coverage and rarely full coverage.

Liquid coverage foundations

These usually come in bottles or tubes. Coverage can range from super sheer to full. Because of their texture, liquid foundations are easy to blend and the coverage can build up gradually. Another great thing is that you can easily mix 2 different shades to get the perfect match. This type of foundation is particularly popular.

Benefits:

  • The moisturizing ingredients in liquid foundations help hydrate dry skin.
  • If you have a unique skin tone, you are more likely to find a match with a liquid product than a powder foundation.
  • It's easier to apply and blend a liquid product onto the skin than it is to apply a powder foundation, especially for a beginner.
  • Liquid foundations are very effective at producing a luminous finish.
  • They also do a good job of filling in and hiding fine lines and enlarged pores, at least temporarily.

Disadvantages:

  • Liquid foundations can take on a shiny, wet look if there is perspiration or excess oil on the skin.
  • If the foundation formula doesn't match your skin type, it will give your makeup a plastered look.
  • High-coverage liquid foundations can clog pores and accentuate blemishes over time.

Who is it for?

Liquid foundation is most effective when used on medium to dry skin. It moisturizes and provides excellent coverage for fine lines.

Covering foundation in stick

Stick foundation offers the best coverage against blemishes and breakouts. This formula is ideal for on-the-go touch-ups because of its compact packaging. It has a thicker consistency, so you need to find the right shade for easy application.

Benefits:

  • They are easy to carry: the stick fits very easily into toiletry bags. They are ideal if you want to travel.
  • A thicker, heavier texture that helps cover blemishes. It also gives very rough or reddened skin a more even color and texture.
  • This type of coverage foundation works well on acne, acne scars, wine stains, as well as for very dark circles.

Disadvantages:

  • Due to their thicker texture and rich pigment concentration, stick foundations require a lot of blending for a natural look. If you want to cover a larger area, such as the entire under eye area, they may not be the best choice for a natural look unless they are extremely well blended.
  • Stick foundations have a thicker texture that can more easily settle into fine lines and end up accentuating them.
  • The thick texture of stick foundations can also clog pores and potentially cause breakouts.

Who is it for?

Coverage stick foundations are suitable for people who have acne or acne spot problems. They offer medium to full coverage and work best on non-oily skin.

A longer makeup routine

Full coverage foundations are supposed to cover everything. This means that all the natural colors and shadows on your face will be masked, so you'll have to go back with blush and contour to sculpt your natural features. And that, of course, is going to take a lot more time than a no-coverage foundation routine.

How to get the perfect makeup?

Full coverage makeup should be synonymous with perfection. It starts at the time of purchase: you need to find the right shade of coverage foundation for your skin tone. This is a must. This will ensure that your final look is satisfactory. You also need to be well-equipped and well-informed before you try: you need to have the right brushes and technique to blend and apply foundation coverage and achieve a successful makeup look. Watching makeup tutorials might be a great idea.

Finishing Counts

For a successful makeup look, don't neglect the finish. Whether it's a shimmer, a glow or a subtle luminosity, define what type of finish you want and then choose your foundation accordingly. A matte foundation to avoid reflecting light? Semi-matte? Or illuminating for a fresher glow.

Choose a coverage foundation that provides a barrier

These days, all foundations contain some amount of SPF and they add an extra layer of protection against UVA/UVB rays. Remember, UV rays are the main cause of a multitude of skin problems such as premature aging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So choose foundations with SPF coverage.

A word of warning though: foundation is not a substitute for moisturizer or sunscreen, so don't leave these products out of your routine.

Full coverage foundation or BB cream?

Covering foundation

Often applied as a makeup base, full coverage foundation is one of the most sought after cosmetic products. It can camouflage small imperfections on the face or body. Its main difference from a simple foundation is that it corrects and evens out your skin tone.

There are several reasons why using a concealer foundation is beneficial. Generally, a few drops are enough to cover your skin. In addition, a covering foundation can be used as a sun protection for sensitive skin. The only downside is that it complicates your beauty routine if you have oily or blemish-prone skin.

BB cream

The blemish and balm or BB cream is a rather particular foundation, which comes to us straight from South Korea. It offers more advantages than a simple covering foundation and is more effective in camouflaging redness. Used as a make-up base, BB cream is suitable for those who like to apply make-up quickly. It is also very practical for moisturizing the skin thanks to the cucumber extracts that compose it.

The BB cream has anti-aging properties and contains vitamins A, B and E, which help reduce oxidative stress on the skin. But like any cosmetic product, the BB cream suffers from certain defects. If the cream is applied to oily skin, it can cause irritation, which can lead to additional acne. Some BB creams also have a watery touch that can dry out the skin or give it an orange tone.

Verdict

If you want to moisturize your skin more, BB cream will meet your needs. However, if you have large pores, acne-prone skin or skin that is too shiny, applying a full coverage foundation is the best option.

Why buy a full coverage foundation?

To conceal imperfections

For some people, facial imperfections are more visible than for others. If this is the case for you, a full coverage foundation can help you hide them discreetly. Indeed, it gives a bluffing result without giving a "plaster effect". The polymers in the product give a smooth, silky effect to the skin, hiding any pimples and other annoying spots.

To treat lesions

Full coverage foundation contains healing and antibacterial ingredients. If your skin is sensitive and prone to redness or acne, it will be very useful. Thus, it will gently provide a corrective care to your face. It also has a soothing effect as you will feel more alive without those orange peels and blackheads that make you feel ashamed.

To hide a tattoo

In some contexts, such as a job interview, tattoos are not easily tolerated. You can easily hide them by using a covering foundation. Thus, you will be able to pass your interview serenely.

To mattify the skin

The covering foundation can help you to give brightness to your skin without making it shine. In fact, by applying it, you will get a smooth skin texture and tightened pores since it is both a moisturizing and mattifying product. As a result, your skin will be beautified and smooth.

To look less old

If you have wrinkles on your face, a full coverage foundation will take care of hiding them. Thanks to it, your dull skin will quickly regain its radiance. In the end, your face will look younger because of its composition. Indeed, a foundation contains antioxidants and other anti-aging ingredients, which makes it even more essential especially for those who want to relax the skin of the face without assaulting them.

The best brands of covering foundations

In our opinion, the best brands of covering foundations in 2022 are :

L'Oréal Paris
Phoera
NYX
Maybelline New York
Revlon

This French brand has an international reputation. It has branches all over the world. This complete beauty care company is the most demanded in the world, combining the latest technology with the highest quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty in mass without losing its value and always putting luxury first.

Phoera is a brand you can count on. Its everyday products will become your reference, because of the striking results they offer. Its advanced formulas guarantee products that stay in place all day and can even accompany you from day to night.

NYX Professional Makeup is certified and recognized by PETA as a cruelty-free brand, and offers a wide range of vegan products. It was founded in Los Angeles by Toni Ko in 1999. With a wide selection of makeup and incredible formulas that rival those of more expensive lines, NYX offers incredible quality at ridiculously low prices.

Founded in 1915 in New York, Maybelline has become one of the best known and most popular cosmetic brands in the world. We particularly appreciate the long-lasting nature of its products.

Revlon has built a long-standing reputation as a color authority and beauty trendsetter in the world of color cosmetics. Since the groundbreaking launch of the first opaque nail polish in 1932, Revlon has provided consumers with innovative, high quality products, performance and sophisticated glamour.

What is the price for a covering foundation

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
7 £ to 15 £
Mid-range
15 £ to 20 £
High-end
more than 20 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Start with clean skin.

Your foundation will never look as good as the skin underneath, so it's essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine. Just before applying foundation, it's important to cleanse your skin to help prevent clogged pores and remove any dirt that may dull your natural glow. Next, gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead, dry skin cells that can make foundation look uneven or flaky. Finally, apply a moisturizer; foundation holds up better on hydrated skin.

Take the time to apply a primer.

A

primer may add an extra step to your makeup routine, but it will go a long way toward making your foundation look flawless, as it transforms your skin into a perfectly smooth surface. If you have skin issues such as redness, dullness, or uneven pigmentation, a color-correcting primer helps even out your skin tone for a more true-to-life hue.

Do not apply too much foundation at once.

Always

start

by applying a little foundation, then add more until you get the right texture for your skin

.

Work from the inside out.

Concentrate foundation in

the center of your face where redness and blemishes tend to be more of a problem. Apply just a dab of foundation on each side of your nose, in the center of your forehead and chin, then blend outward.

Apply setting powder.

To

avoid run-outs, apply setting powder after you've finished blending in foundation

.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , lemagbeaute.com
  2. , oh-gaby.com
  3. , unebellepeau.com
  4. , cosmopolitan.fr
  5. , feminimix.com
  6. , labelleadresse.com
  7. , marieclaire.fr
  8. , magazine-avantages.fr
  9. , sephora.com
  10. , wikihow.com
  11. , aufeminin.com
  12. , elle.fr
  13. , marieclaire.fr
  14. , cosmopolitan.fr
  15. , beaute-test.com
  16. , ricaud.com
  17. , urlittlefeather.com
  18. , femmeactuelle.fr
  19. , maybelline.fr
  20. , vogue.fr
  21. , nocibe.fr
  22. , beaute.fr
  23. , sephora.fr
  24. , shopibest.com
  25. , amazon.co.uk
  26. , lucette.com
  27. , eau-thermale-avene.fr
  28. , amazon.co.uk
  29. , m.youtube.com
  30. , bourjois.fr
  31. , eau-thermale-avene.fr
  32. , clarins.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Black Up High Coverage Cream Foundation 9
Black Up High Coverage Cream Foundation
KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB 10
KFiAQ Phoera KF-PDWB
ARMANI POWER FABRIC Long-Wear High Coverage Foundation 11
ARMANI POWER FABRIC Long-Wear High Coverage Foundation
YVES SAINT LAURENT High Coverage Foundation 12
YVES SAINT LAURENT High Coverage Foundation

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