The Best full coverage drugstore foundations (2023)

Best Affordable Foundations That Can Cover Everything From Blemishes, Acne Scars, Redness, Hyper Pigmentation…

One thing we can all agree with; a flawless makeup look starts with a good foundation.

Whether you are having a special occasion or you need to cover some annoying blemishes, full coverage foundation is the way to go.

Drugstore makeup brands have been stepping up their game lately.

That means you don’t have to spend a fortune at high end stores to get a good
foundation that doesn’t settle into your pores.

In fact, many drugstore brands offer inexpensive high coverage foundations that can perform very well without separating on the skin.

We’ve rounded up the best full coverage drugstore foundations for normal, oily, dry or combination skin. These foundations are all cheap, yet they perform well on skin.

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☑️ This specific foundation is the most popular with our readers.

It’s a great foundation and it’s also one of the most affordable foundations you can find! It has a lot of 5-star reviews and it’s available in 40 shades .

Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation

milani foundation

I used this foundation on many special occasions and I was really pleased by the coverage.

It has a thick formula so I like to blend it with a sponge which gives a natural finish. It comes in 45 shades, making it easy for anyone to find the best match.

It gives the skin a satin finish, and it looks beautiful in pictures too.

Make sure to moisturize your skin before applying foundation to avoid your makeup from looking dry.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation

rimmel lasting finish foundation

This foundation competes with many high-end ones for its finish and wear time.

It has a light formula that blends easily into the skin without making you look cakey.

It doesn’t dry out the skin, and it gives the right amount of coverage. I highly recommend giving it a try!

You can also layer this foundation to get a light or medium coverage depending on the look you’re going for.

L.A. Girl Cosmetics Pro Coverage Illuminating Foundation

L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

Try this foundation from LA Girl cosmetics for a glowy, medium-to-full coverage foundation.

For pale people, this foundation comes in a white shade that can be used to lighten foundations.

Just mix a small amount with any dark foundation to get more shade options.

The formula is so creamy, and it blends easily into the skin, giving it a dewy effect that lasts very well too.

If you’re looking for a foundation that makes your skin look dewy but not oily, this one is a must-try.

Tip: Mix your foundation with water to make it look natural and dewy. If you have dry skin, mix your foundation with a face oil for a glowy look.

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation 

physicians formula the healthy foundation

I love the fact that this foundation is Infused with Hyaluronic Acid. It gives the skin a beautiful satin finish, and it doesn’t accentuate dryness.

It gives medium coverage that can be buildable too. I like how lightweight the formula is and I think it would work great for mature skin too.

My only complaint is the shade range! I think they need to add more shades so that everyone can find a perfect match.

Make sure to choose the exact shade match for your undertone so that your makeup doesn’t end up looking pink or grey.

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

 

This foundation offers buildable coverage and a natural dewy finish that works well for dry skin.

Make sure to layer it as applying too much at once might give the skin a cakey look.

Powder products such as bronzer and blush apply easily on top of this foundation. It doesn’t leave the skin feeling tacky and it last well without fading or moving.

Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundations For Oily Skin

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin SPF 15

revlon colorstay liquid foundation

For a foundation that stays put and feels lightweight, the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Makeup is a great choice.

It’s reasonably priced and it is one of the best oil-free full coverage drugstore foundations. It is made to control oil and shine throughout the day.

It covers skin imperfections while staying natural looking, so you get flawless skin without feeling over the top.

If you have extremely oily skin, set it with your favorite setting powder to make it last all day.

L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation

l'oreal infallible foundation

This foundation has a very thin, liquid formula that blends easily into the skin.

It can hide everything from blemishes, redness or hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

It provides oil control and it’s also long-lasting. Great for date nights or pictures when you need to look your best!

Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation SPF 50

maybeline dream urban foundation

The Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation provides high coverage and a natural finish that’s long-lasting.

It also has SPF 50 to help protect against sun damage.

This foundation will give you flawless-looking skin just like celebrities’ makeup and it’s also enriched with antioxidants to protect against pollution.

Just set it with your favorite setting powder, and you’re good to go!

To get a long-lasting look, you can apply it on top of a primer. Don’t forget to choose the right primer that works with a silicone based foundation.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can't Stop Won't Stop Full Coverage Foundation

This foundation has a lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin.

It covers redness and uneven skin tone very well, and it gives the skin a matte finish. 

It’s also buildable, so you can sheer it out to get medium coverage.

It comes in a variety of shades, and it’s one of the best long-lasting foundations at the drugstore.

I like to wear it during the summer whenever I need a full-coverage look as it does last well on the skin.

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Makeup

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage  foundation

Your skin is your canvas, and Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Makeup gives you a beautiful base to complete flawless looks.

Maybelline offers a nice range of foundations, and this one is absolutely the best for opaque coverage.

It’s very pigmented, and it gives the skin a semi-matte finish. It works great for normal, oily, or combination skin.

One thing I’ve noticed is that it oxidizes so I recommend choosing a lighter shade.

Tip: To get a natural makeup look, mix your foundation with moisturizer.

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

rimmel stay matte foundation

The Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation has an interesting moussy texture that feels lightweight.

It’s oil-free, and it comes in 23 shades. A little goes a long way with this foundation, so you only need a tiny amount to cover the entire face.

It gives the skin a nice matte finish, and it doesn’t look cakey or heavy.

It might cling to dry patches if you have any, so it’s best suitable for normal to oily skin.

To make your foundation look the best, check these tips on how to prevent foundation from separating on your nose.

e.l.f, Flawless Finish Foundation

elf flawless finish foundation

This foundation applies beautifully, and it gives a medium to high coverage without looking heavy.

It also comes in a pump which is the best hygienic packaging.

I like the semi-matte finish it gives to the skin, and I think it’s a great product for such a low price. It is amazing how cheap this foundation is yet it performs well on the skin.

COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation

covergirl trublend matte foundation

This has been my go-to foundation for quick and easy looks.

I love the natural matte finish it gives to the skin.

It wears beautifully on the face without feeling super heavy.

It’s also long-lasting, and it’s available in 40 shades, which makes it easy to find your perfect match.

You can wear it during hot days in summer as it doesn’t separate quickly.

Get ready for compliments when people notice how airbrushed your complexion looks!

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation

revlon photoready foundation

If you’re into silky finishes, this foundation is a must-try. It’s lightweight, easy to blend, and covers imperfections very well.

It’s available in 31 shades which are divided into cool, warm, and neutral undertones.

I like the fact that it doesn’t emphasize pores or wrinkles.

To get a long-lasting look, you can also use it with a primer. Choose a primer that works with a silicone-based foundation to avoid foundation separating.

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation 

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

This little gem is an oldie but a goodie. It’s one of the best matte full coverage foundations at the drugstore.

It’s very lightweight, it stays on, and it feels like a second skin.

Oily skin people might like it because it gives a matte finish without accentuating the pores.

It’s available in 40 shades, making it possible for everyone to find their perfect match.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

l'oreal infallible pro matte foundation

Another oil-free full-coverage foundation is this gem from L’Oreal.

It provides a beautiful velvety finish that makes your skin stay shine-free throughout the day.

It comes in 22 different shades perfectly tailored for all skin tones.

I always reach for this foundation as much as some of my high-end options.

It blends easily, and it’s also buildable, so you can sheer it out for a natural everyday look.

Catrice | HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

catrice foundation

This full-coverage foundation from Catrice has a dropper for easy application.

It has a lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin. It sets quickly into a matte finish providing a full coverage look.

It lasts well, and it doesn’t separate during the day, which makes it a great choice for a special occasion. I like to set it with a translucent setting powder for an extra long-wearing look.

best drugstore makeup base for a flawless look

Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundation For Combination Skin

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation

wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation

The Wet n Wild photo focus foundation has been very hyped up all over social media for a simple reason: it performs like many high-end foundations, and it’s so affordable (only 5$)!

It has a lightweight formula that blends easily with a brush or a sponge. It’s one of the best full coverage foundations for combination skin.

The finish is NOT 100% matte; it gives a satin finish that looks like skin but better. It works so well to cover redness and blemishes without looking heavy on the skin.

It does have a bit of a smell when applying it. However, the smell disappears when it dries down.

Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundations For Normal Skin

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation is a weightless full-coverage foundation that provides complete coverage in an easy-to-blend formula.

It allows the natural feel of your original skin when applied correctly.

Be sure to prepare your skin well before applying, as this foundation might cling to dry patches.

Blend it with a beauty sponge on top of your moisturizer and set it with your favorite setting powder for a long-lasting look.

Best For Mature Skin

Physicians Formula Super CC+ Color-Correction + Care Cream

Physicians Formula Super CC cream

This one is also for people who like to have an SPF in their foundations.

It gives the skin a semi-matte finish and doesn’t emphasize pores or fine lines.

The Physician’s formula Super CC+ color correction + care cream covers a lot with a little and stays put all day.

Depending on your skin type, you might need to use a moisturizer under your CC Cream. Hydrating your skin before makeup helps to give the complexion a healthy look.

Related: Primer vs. CC Cream

L’Oreal Pro Glow Foundation

l'oreal pro glow foundation

This lightweight foundation from L‘Oreal offers buildable coverage with a natural dewy finish. It’s very comfortable to wear, and it’s long-lasting.

It goes on super smooth, and it leaves the face feeling so soft.

It doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, making it a great choice for dry or mature skin.

It’s also very hydrating, and because of its luminous finish, it might need a minute to set before applying any matte or shimmery bronzer or highlight on top of it.

It’s such a great foundation for a minimalist makeup look too!

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

You want a cushion foundation that covers your skin flawlessly?

The L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation is a nice choice!

It’s lightweight, and it’s one of the  Best dewy full, coverage drugstore foundations.

It gives a luminous finish to make your skin look more healthy.

I think this is a great foundation for dry and mature skin. 

The formula blends seamlessly into the skin and feels weightless all day.

Are you looking for a powder foundation? Check our guide to the best powder foundations for mature skin.

Best Drugstore Full Coverage Stick Foundations

Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup

Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup

You know that feeling when you are almost ready to go out, and your skin is not looking good?

That’s when stick foundations come to the rescue!

The Revlon Photoready Insta-Fix makeup is easy to apply, blend, and even touch up.

The creamy formula provides medium to full coverage with a lightweight feel on the skin.

It’s also a versatile product that can conceal blemishes and dark spots.

Maybelline New York Fit Me Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation

Maybelline New York Fit Me stick foundation

If your skin is looking dull and tired, try to achieve a flawless base with the Maybelline Fit Me shine-free Stick foundation.

It’s a full-coverage foundation that won’t take forever to apply.

This stick will make your skin look the best, even if you don’t have time for priming.

 Just swipe it and f you have very oily skin set it with your best setting powder for a matte finish that lasts all day.

Best Drugstore Full Coverage Powder Foundations

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Mattifying Powder Foundation

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Origin Mattifying Powder Foundation

If you are looking for a powder foundation with shine control, this one from burt’s bees is a nice option.

It’s lightweight and has a nice formula that keeps your skin fresh all day long. Plus, it’s easy to apply with its soft, velvety texture.

I know how hard it is to find natural makeup; this foundation has 100% natural ingredients.

Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Powder Foundation

maybelline new yrok powder foundation

If you want to look your best, this powder foundation from maybelline is a must-have in any makeup bag.

It works great for touch-ups or a full coverage look.

The lightweight formula won’t make your skin feel heavy or cakey like many other powders.

Final Thoughts On Best Full Coverage Drugstore Foundations.

If you prefer natural-looking foundations but still need extra coverage, these products are for you!

Picking a full-coverage foundation that suits your skin type is an important step in your makeup routine.

If you have dry or mature skin, avoid matte foundations, which can look heavy and emphasize wrinkles. Choose a hydrating foundation that feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines.

For more suggestions, check these foundations that work well for dry and mature skin.

On the other side, if you have oily skin, pick a matte foundation that controls shine throughout the day.

Avoid heavy formulas and choose a lightweight foundation if you have big pores. Check this guide on the best foundations for large pores.

A full-coverage foundation with a damp sponge can make it look more natural.

In fact, it can help the product melt into the skin, giving a flawless look without being over the top.

How Do You Make Your Full Coverage Foundation Look Flawless?

Full coverage foundations tend to look heavy on the skin if they are not applied correctly. To make your foundation look flawless, exfoliate your skin before applying makeup. This step can help to eliminate the dead skin cells so that makeup doesn’t cling to them.

The second step is to apply a moisturizer, wait until it gets fully absorbed by the skin, and then follow with a primer.

Choosing a primer depends on your skin type, so pick a lightweight one that doesn’t crumble under makeup.

Apply your foundation with a damp sponge or a kabuki brush, depending on your needed coverage. Tap to blend and avoid dragging the foundation on the skin.

Work in layers, and don’t apply too much all at once. Start by applying a tiny pump to the skin and add more to the areas where you need more coverage.

Finish with a setting powder and spray to lock everything into place.

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Claire is a beauty enthusiast and lover of all things makeup. Her blog is a resource for makeup tips and tricks, product reviews and beauty tutorials.

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