If you're someone who suffers from hyperpigmentation, scarring, dark circles, or redness, then you may be on the market for an affordable full coverage foundation that does exactly what it's supposed to, and it can be quite hard to find exactly that when there are lots of drugstore foundations that are sheer, or aren't as buildable as they say they are. But you don't need to give up yet. If anyone has told you that the best full coverage foundations are only in Sephora, or if anyone has judged your drugstore purchases with the words, “Well, you get what you pay for,” feel free not to believe any word they’ve said!

Related: The 10 Best Full Coverage Foundations of 2019

There are always amazing products out there for a cheaper price that work just as well as any $50 splurge, so believe us when we tell you that you don't need to search any longer for that coveted eraser-like foundation you've been looking for. We've done the hard work to make it easy for you: Here's our list of the 10 best full coverage drugstore foundations that will give you the best bang for your buck.

If you’re looking for a long-wearing, full coverage foundation, then you’ve found it. NYX Professional’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation comes with a pump for easy application, and goes on smooth and creamy without feeling too thick. It also controls shine and keeps your skin looking smooth and matte throughout the day, which is perfect if your skin leans more towards the side of being a bit oily. This foundation is also water- and transfer-proof, but specially formulated so that it’s noncomedogenic, meaning that it doesn’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. Another great selling point is that it is completely vegan, so it was made with no animal by-products, which is another great perk of this foundation from this cruelty-free brand.

Available in a whopping 45 shades broken into cool, neutral, and warm undertones, you’re sure to find your perfect color. For drier skin types, layering a good moisturizer, or moisturizing primer beneath this foundation will get you a more comfortable finish, as its lightweight, matte formula tends to be a bit drying on non-oily types. This also means that using a brush may cause it to look a bit streaky, so it’s best to opt for your fingers or a sponge for the most even application.

Key Features
  • Lasts up to 24-hours
  • Waterproof & transfer-proof
  • Lightweight formula
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Waterproof, vegan
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Available in 45 shades
  • Cruelty free and vegan
  • Long-lasting
Cons
  • Can be drying due to lightweight, matte formula
  • Applies best with a sponge or fingers

Fit Me Matte + Poreless is another Maybelline liquid foundation that does it all. It covers well while leaving a remarkably smooth finish, and as the name says, it will leave you fully matte and wonderfully poreless. This foundation is mainly formulated for normal to oily skin types and comes in 40 beautifully-blurring and blendable shades that feature micro-powders to control any rogue shine or oiliness while during your wear. Because of the built-in powders, it stays on the skin for as long as you’ll need, without requiring that inconvenient midday touch-up.

As lightweight as the formula is, it won’t feel like much is on your skin, so there’s no need to worry about it feeling heavy throughout the day. It also isn’t watery, but has a smooth consistency that will provide an even application. But be aware that on certain skin types, it may crease or start breaking up, so just be sure to set the foundation with some powder to ensure that it continues looking fresh, and you’ll be good to go!

Key Features
  • Ideal for normal to oily skin
  • Controls shine
  • Dermatologist and allergy-tested
  • Lightweight formula that minimizes pores
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Oil-free
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Lightweight formula
  • Oil-free
  • Doesn’t clog pores
Cons
  • Not as suited for dry skin types
  • Can be messy to apply due to pump-less packaging

This Covergirl full coverage liquid foundation will deliver a beautiful matte finish without feeling too drying or looking to cakey. And this Trueblend foundation lives up to name by feeling soft and smooth as it goes on to give you that easily-blendable base.

Their formula is made with flexi-hold technology, which ensures that the foundation feels wearable while having a long-lasting look on the skin for comfortability and durability throughout your day or night for up to twelve hours, even in hot weather. So if you’re worried about full cover foundations that might be too heavy on your skin, that’s not happening here, because it’ll feel as light as if there’s nothing on your face. And if you have oily skin, then even better. The mattifying powders will control any shine that would otherwise crop up throughout your wear, and minimize pores for a picturesque finish you won’t even need to powder over. And available in 40 different shades, you’re sure to find the best match for you!

Key Features
  • Available in 40 shades
  • Lasts for up to 12 hours
  • Pore-minimizing and oil controlling formula
  • Transfer-resistant
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Oil-free, with mattifying powders
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Transfer-resistant
  • Oil-free
  • Provides comfortable wear
Cons
  • Not as suited for dry skin types

LA Girl’s Pro Coverage High Definition Foundation is great if you love a more glowy look that won't slip and slide on you, but will stay put where you need it to. This illuminating liquid foundation also comes with a pump, as it has a thin formula that goes on like water, making it very hydrating for skin types that might be on the drier side. It even works well for those with oily skin, if you find that those thicker, more oily foundations don’t work so well for you. And while you wear it out, LA Girl’s formula also has built-in antioxidants to help improve the look of your skin, which not many other foundations do!

Even more, the shade range now comes in a white shade made specifically for mixing. Whether your summer tan fades, or you find that you need a lighter color than the dark one you have, just mix it with the white shade to take your summer shade into fall and winter. The brand even has multiple Matte Mixing Pigment shades, like blue, to neutralize warmer tones to make them cooler, and an orange and yellow to warm up cooler tones. You can use these in accordance with the Pro Coverage Foundation to get you to your perfect shade all year round!

Key Features
  • Lightweight formula provides all-day wear
  • Added antioxidants to help improve skin
  • Provides an illuminating finish
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Formulation: Paraben-free, lightweight
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Paraben & cruelty-free
  • Lightweight formula
  • Comes in a white shade to promote mixing
Cons
  • Thinner, watery formula
  • Only 16 shades to choose from

This foundation is a great way to tackle two steps of your makeup routine at once to rightfully get you the bang for your buck. It is a liquid foundation that can also serve as concealer, so it’s perfect if you have dark circles, redness, or dark spots you need to cover quickly.

With its pump applicator, it’s easy to use straight from the pump to swipe on with your fingers, or squeeze onto the back of your hand where you can pick it up with a brush. A little goes a long way with this product, and one full pump is enough to cover your whole face. Because of its creamy consistency, it’s easily blendable, and isn’t drying for those colder winter months, and gives your skin a great smooth finish that looks great in photos, which makes it best for normal to dry skin. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last as long on oily-skin types, so if you have oily skin, a setting spray and a good powder can provide longer wear.

Available in 29 shades, this foundation is great for many different skin tones and undertones to give you a warm glow that’s perfect for special events or a night out.

Key Features
  • Rich and creamy formula
  • Available in 29 shades
  • Versatile; can be used as foundation or concealer
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Concealer included
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Easy to apply with fingers, sponges, or brushes
  • Water-resistant
  • Cruelty-free
Cons
  • Thick consistency
  • Not long lasting on oily skin
  • Can oxidize on certain skin tones

Winner of Allure’s Best Beauty Award, Maybelline New York’s Superstay Full Coverage Foundation is another powerful, long-lasting foundation that brings you up to 24-hour wear. With a full-coverage, lightweight and oil-free formula, this pump-foundation will be easy to apply, and won’t clog your pores the way some thicker foundations do. If you work in sections, you’ll notice that a little products goes a long way to get you that flawless, natural-finish look that’ll last all day and night. And no matter the heat, this Superstay Full Coverage Foundation lives up to its name, as it stays in place, and doesn’t budge under those hot summer days with triple-digit heat.

This foundation is available in 28 shades, but be aware that certain shades can be known to oxidize on the skin, meaning that it could darken in color after you apply. If this worries you, then just be sure to test out a shade a bit lighter before you buy, or try out a smoothing primer to prep the skin and keep it moisturized so no oxidation occurs while drying, and you’ll be good to go!

Key Features
  • Covers imperfections with a seamless finish
  • Lightweight, but high-impact coverage
  • Oil-free and dermatologist tested
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Oil-free
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Winner of Allure’s Best Beauty Award
  • Lasts up to 24 hours
  • Dermatologist tested
Cons
  • Can oxidize on skin
  • Can be harder to work with, as it dries quickly

If you are looking for a foundation that will give you total control, this NYX drop foundation already has you in mind. Another lightweight, but high-impact formula, this foundation comes in a variety of 30 shades to perfectly match your skin tone. The innovating glass-dropper packaging is meant to assist you in making it easier to have better control over how much product you can work with, so if you prefer to have a sheer foundation some days, and more coverage on others, then this product was made for you. It dries down to a flawless matte finish the more drops you apply. Those with more oily skin have a wonderful time with this liquid foundation, as it glides on the skin like water and smooths out the face for an airbrushed illusion. For those with drier skin, a cream-based or balmy primer will do the trick to prevent the foundation from potentially breaking up, and keep those dry patches hidden.

Because of its lightweight formula, it may be fast-drying and harder to blend out with something other than the recommended buffing brush, like NYX’s Total Control Drop Foundation Brush. For people who love to use sponges for their foundation application, it is best to pat the product directly onto your skin as opposed to rubbing it out to give you the most full coverage look.

Key Features
  • Buildable; allows sheer-to-full coverage
  • Soft, matte formula
  • Glass dropper provides better control of product
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Vegan, cruelty-free
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Vegan formula
  • Glass dropper offers full control of product amount
  • Cruelty-free
Cons
  • Applies best with NYX’s accompanying foundation brush
  • Formula can be watery and drying

This lovely foundation provides great coverage that feels amazing on your skin all day and night. If you have ever heard of Revlon’s ColorStay Whipped foundation, then you have hit the jackpot once again. It seems the previous fan-favorite has been new and improved with this revamped version of the old. Just like L’Oreal Paris’ own Total Cover foundation, Revlon’s Full Cover foundation is also a creamy, lightweight mousse formula in a tube packaging, which is perfect if you dislike most lightweight foundations that can become too watery, and thus, drying. If you instead want that creamy, easily-blendable feel without the heaviness, Full Cover’s got your back (and front).

Available in 16 shades, Revlon’s Full Cover foundation is made with time-release technology that will balance out the look of your skin to keep oils at bay, and your makeup looking tip-top for up to 24 hours. As it does come in a tube packaging, it can be messy to apply, so be careful when squeezing out the product. Due to its mousse texture, make sure to properly prep and set your skin with this foundation to avoid any unwanted sheering out of the product, and you’ll be good to go all night long.

Key Features
  • Lasts for up to 24 hours
  • Lightweight mousse texture provides velvety finish
  • Shine & oil-free, water-based formula
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Oil-free
  • Consistency: Mousse
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Comfortable, hydrating formula
  • Long-lasting
  • Easily blendable
Cons
  • Only 16 shades to choose from
  • Can be messy due to tube packaging
  • Mousse texture can sheer out on certain people

You may have heard of this cult-classic before, and it's still worth noting years later. This liquid foundation offers a natural-looking, buildable coverage that's proven to last. It comes in 24 shades and claims to last up to 24 hours, which is more than enough to keep your skin looking flawless with its smooth matte finish for the normal workday or night out. Now with a pump applicator, it is easy to apply with whatever tool you want to use, and contains an ample 20 SPF in the dry-skin formula, and SPF 15 in the oily-skin formula to keep your skin protected during those hot days.

For those of you who worry about skin compatibility, Colorstay also comes in two formulas: one for normal to dry skin, and one for oily/combination skin. Depending on what type of help you need, this makes it easy to choose which foundation is right for you and is even perfect to layer with a moisturizer underneath to give off an extra luminous glow, or set it with powder to keep it fully matte. But do be wary if you have sensitive skin, as this rich, long-lasting formula can also potentially cause break outs on certain skin types.

Key Features
  • Natural-looking, long-wear foundation
  • Buildable coverage
  • Protects your skin with SPF 20
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: With salicylic acid
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 20
Pros
  • Oil & shine-free formula made with water
  • Comes in two different formulas depending on your skin type
  • Pump applicator makes it easy to apply
Cons
  • Thick formula
  • Not as compatible with sensitive skin

Get up to 24 hours of full coverage wear with L’Oreal Paris’ Total Cover Foundation. It goes on creamy and smooth, with a lightweight feel that will provide a natural finish that’s not too shiny or too matte. The line has foundations for both those finishes in Pro-Glow and Pro-Matte, although the coverage doesn’t promise to deliver the way that Total Cover does. It glides over any hyperpigmentation, scars, dark circles, or redness you’ll need covered. For the best application method, L’Oreal recommends using their Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender sponge to give you the most flawless look.

Do be wary of the packaging, as it comes in a squeeze-tube, so it can be messier to apply than other foundations that come with pump packaging. And because of the creamy but lightweight formula, it may not be as compatible with drier skin types, as some have noticed that it clings to dry patches, so be sure to layer a good moisturizer underneath to give your skin some extra love.

Key Features
  • Up to 24 hours of wear
  • Lightweight formula
  • Covers imperfections with a natural finish
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Long-wear, high-pigment
  • Consistency: Mousse
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Natural finish
  • Easily-blendable mousse formula
Cons
  • Can be messy due to tube packaging
  • Only 12 shades to choose from
  • Not as compatible with drier skin

Because there are so many foundations on the market right now with so many ways to use and wear, it's important to know what is out there and to figure out exactly what you need.

Different Types of Foundation

Most foundations tend to be liquid formulas, which work best to glide onto the skin to blend out seamlessly, and are often easy to package and store away. But there are other types, such as stick foundations, which come in twist or push-up tubes like a large chapstick; powder forms, that usually need an additional brush to apply; and even cream or mousse consistencies, that come in squeezy tubes or in jars.

Most full coverage foundations tend to be on the creamier, thicker side, as they need to be able to fully cover any imperfections you’ll probably want covered, so there are a couple of brands that have created revolutionary lightweight formulas that still deliver just as much impact. Many of these will come in liquid formulas packaged in glass or plastic jars that come with an attached pump. These are the best, as they allow for the most fuss-free application, where you can easily squeeze it onto your hands and apply it directly to your face, or onto your brush or sponge.

Related: The 10 Best Liquid Foundations of 2019

The Importance of Foundation Finish

Just as there are different foundation formulas, there are multiple finishes that you can choose from to give you the look you want. Usually, many foundation brands stick to the main three finishes: matte, natural or dewy. If you have oily skin, you may be more interested in a matte finish, as it blurs and smooths out your skin to a nice, suede-like texture that does great to combat oil that might try to crop up later in the day. If you have normal, or combination skin, where are you don't stray too far from one side or the other, then a natural finish would suit you by not being overly drying the way a matte finish could be, or make you look as greasy as a dewy finish might leave you. If you prefer the glow, and your skin leans more towards the drier side, then a dewy, illuminating foundation will be right for you, as it's typically more hydrating than other finishes.

Remember: Foundation Is What You Make It

Again, because most full coverage foundations deliver that high impact of color, many are typically formulated with a matte finish. But the great thing about foundation is, it is only one step in your make up routine, and if you've bought a finish you don't particularly like, or on certain days find that you'd like a different one, then you can layer a moisturizer, illuminator, or hydrating primer underneath to give you more of a glow, or layer powder on top to set your makeup in place, blurring the finish, and complete your look with a setting spray to make it last all day.

Makeup is only what you make it, whether you like it to be versatile and buildable, or for it to give you that photoshoot-ready glam. Either way, we've got you covered with our list of the ten best full coverage drugstore foundations, where you're sure to find the right product for you.

Resources— Style Craze, In Style

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