Mastering a full coverage foundation application can feel tricky. You want to achieve a smooth, stunning, evenly-toned complexion with no blemishes in sight—but at the same time, you don’t want it to look like you’re wearing a ton of heavy face makeup. What does it take to hit that harmonious balance?
The answer: a flawless foundation look all comes down to pairing the perfect lineup of products with the right set of tools and expert techniques. Luckily, we’ve got you covered (literally) with this step-by-step makeup tutorial to help you nail that non-cakey, full beat, foundation application that still delivers that natural-looking, skin-like finish you crave.
What Is Full Coverage Foundation?
Unlike sheer or medium coverage foundations that allow your natural skin to peek through, full coverage foundation creates a more opaque layer that can help to mask the appearance of discoloration, blemishes, or skin texture.
Full coverage foundations are often formulated with a higher concentration of pigments, resulting in a foundation that can help to cover skin imperfections. The increased pigment load is what distinguishes full coverage foundation from light coverage foundations.
Most full coverage foundations come in various finish options:
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Matte finish: helps to control shine and works well for oily skin types
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Dewy finish: helps to add luminosity to the skin and works best for dry or mature skin
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Natural or satin finish: strikes a balance between matte and dewy for a skin-like appearance
Who Should Use Full Coverage Foundation?
Full coverage foundation can be beneficial for various individuals and situations! If you’re someone who prefers to cover skin imperfections you may have such as acne, discoloration, or skin texture, then full coverage foundation may work best for you and your desired makeup look. One thing to note is you do not need to have skin imperfections to use a full coverage foundation—anyone can use one! If you’re someone who likes the look of a flawless, even base then you may prefer more coverage over less coverage.
Another thing to consider is the occasion. Some people may prefer less coverage or lighter coverage foundations on a day-to-day basis, but if there’s a special occasion you’re getting ready for then people often opt for more coverage so their makeup lasts longer throughout the day or night
Step 1: Start with a Clean Base
First things first: a flawless-as-e.l.f. foundation application starts with your skincare. Before you begin applying makeup, it’s important to cleanse your skin and do a skincare routine that suits your skin type; this will help buff away dead skin cells from the surface, remove excess oils from the skin and add moisture back to those dry areas to create a smooth base.
If you’re not sure about what products will cater to your skin type, checkout our guide: e.l.f.'s Skincare Routine Quiz: How to Use It & Why We Love It to master the use of our skincare quiz! This will help to create a completely personalized skincare routine, to ensure a flawless, clean, hydrated, and dewy base!
Step 3: Choose the Right Makeup Tools
A stunning foundation application all starts with the right set of tools. There is a big debate about whether you should be applying foundation with a sponge versus a makeup brush. While it really comes down to personal preference, we actually recommend you use both.
First, use a plush makeup sponge, like our Total Face Makeup Blending Sponge, to tap foundation into your skin. It features slanted sides that hug the curves of your face for effortless blending and a smooth application, plus a precision point for concealing imperfections.
Next, use a makeup brush, like our Triangular Buffing Foundation Brush , to really smooth things over. This brush features three edges to help seamlessly blend out your look for an even finish.
Step 4: How to Apply Full Coverage Foundation
When applying a full-coverage foundation, an important rule of thumb is to remember that less is more. Start with just a little bit of product to avoid looking cakey, then blend it out to all areas of your face (don’t forget about your neck, ears and hairline) for a smooth, even application. You can always add more foundation until you achieve that perfect coverage.
Pro Tip: If you apply and blend out your foundation but it still looks streaky and uneven, you may be using the wrong foundation shade.
Looking for the best foundation for full coverage? e.l.f. has a few medium-to-full coverage foundations to choose from, all of which are blendable and buildable to help you create a seamless, second-skin look:
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For medium-to-full coverage and weightless all-day wear, Flawless Lightweight Liquid Foundation goes on silky smooth and naturally blends into skin (it’s hydrating, too).
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For fans of makeup-skincare hybrid products, our Hydrating Camo CC Cream SPF 30 is a full coverage, hydrating color-correcting foundation that delivers a semi-matte finish, plus your broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection in one step.
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For more of a medium-coverage vibe, Soft Glam Satin Foundation is super breathable and hits that perfect sweet spot between full beat and barely there.
Step 5: Reduce Shine with Setting Powder
Want that dreamy, airbrushed finish? Set your foundation for long-lasting wear with a setting powder like Halo Glow Setting Powder. It will help blur the appearance of fine lines and pores and give your complexion a smooth, soft-focus look. It also adds a subtle glow while reducing unwanted shine.
To apply, you have two options: swirl your Powder Blurring Brush in the product, tap off excess powder, then apply onto your face and neck. Or you can use a Halo Glow Triangle Powder Puff by dipping the puff into powder, tapping off excess then gently pressing the puff onto your skin with a tapping motion. Like applying foundation, similar rules apply with loose powder—less is more to start in the application department!
Step 6: Lock In Your Look with Setting Spray
For long-lasting, full-coverage foundation makeup that looks anything but dull, get your beat on-lock with a misting of Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray. Featuring a shockingly fine mist, this bi-phase makeup setting spray has a makeup-gripping water phase and a moisturizing oil phase to lock down your makeup while delivering a dewy finish.
To use, shake the setting spray to activate the bi-phase formula, then mist it all over your face from six inches away (keep your eyes and mouth closed).
Tips on How to Make Full Coverage Foundation Look Natural
It’s super important to ensure a color-match when using full coverage foundation. Using a formula that is too light or too dark is an easy giveaway to an unnatural look. If you’re not sure how to pick your shade, we’ve got you covered! Check out our guide: How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade
Besides shade matching, another challenge with full coverage foundation is achieving maximum coverage while maintaining a natural, skin-like appearance. Here are some tips on how you can accomplish this:
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Apply your foundation in thin layers, building up only where more coverage is needed.
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Try and choose foundations with a more natural or satin finish
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Use a damp makeup sponge to help press any left over foundation into the skin after application.
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Avoid heavy powder all over; instead, use a light dusting only where needed (typically T-zone)
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Try a setting spray that provides a "dewy" or "luminous" finish to add dimension back to the skin
Tips on Removing Full Coverage Foundation
Removing makeup thoroughly at the end of each day is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing any blemishes that may arise overnight from leaving makeup on.
This is where double cleansing comes in—a two-step cleansing method that begins with a cleansing balm which effectively dissolves and lifts away oil-soluble impurities like foundation, sunscreen, and sebum that water alone cannot remove and quickly following with a facial cleanser to wash away any remaining makeup. Double cleansing is particularly beneficial for those who wear full coverage makeup as it provides a gentle yet thorough cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Coverage Foundation
Q: What Does Full Coverage Makeup Mean?
A: Full coverage makeup refers to products with formulas that provide maximum pigmentation, to help conceal skin imperfections with just a swipe. Full coverage products are often made with thicker formulas and packed with pigmentation in order to cover up any blemishes, breakouts, discoloration, or redness. Typically with full coverage formulas, a little goes a long way and they tend last longer throughout the day, requiring less touch-ups. While full-coverage formulas are often thicker, with the right tools and application techniques, your skin will look flawless instead of carrying a cakey look or heavy feel.
Q: How Do You Apply Full Coverage Foundation Without Looking Cakey?
A: When working with full coverage foundation, it’s important to remember less is more. Since most full coverage products are buildable, we recommend starting with a small amount and then adding more as you see fit. After applying your foundation, check to make sure it’s been spread evenly and blended out smoothly. To avoid a cakey-looking complexion, it’s important to remember to apply a thin layer and blend, blend, blend!
Q: Is It Better to Apply Foundation with a Brush or Sponge?
A: When it comes to picking out your go-to tools, the decision is totally up to you! You can choose whichever tool your prefer, but if you’re looking for our expertise we recommend using both! Start by blending our your foundation with a sponge and then help to smooth over your complexion with a dense blending brush.
Q: Do You Apply Foundation to the Whole Face?
A: Yes! Unlike other base products, such as concealer, foundation is meant to be applied to the whole face (don’t forget to blend into the hairline and down the neck as well!). If you were to only apply foundation to certain areas, your look would most likely look patchy, uneven, and messy. By applying foundation to the whole face, you can ensure even coverage and a smooth, flawless complexion.
Q: What Is the Best Full Coverage Powder Foundation?
A: If you’re looking for a full coverage powder foundation, look no further than our beloved Camo Collection. Available in 24 shades, our Camo Powder Foundation makes it easy to find your perfect match. This full coverage powder is long-lasting, thanks to it’s primer-infused formula. Camo Powder Foundation has that perfect buildable coverage that we mentioned above, helping to give you that natural, airbrushed finish.