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Byrdie
It offered full coverage without budging or caking.
According to celebrity makeup artistMisha Shahzada, full-coverage foundations offer a more opaque finish than other foundation types.
So, we put several full-coverage foundations to thetestin our lab in NYC.
PHOTO: Sephora
We evaluated each based on coverage, shade range, texture, wear, finish, and transfer resistance.
And ahead, were sharing which ones outperformed their competition.
In addition to admiring its wearability, we appreciated that it passed the transfer test with perfect scores.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
There was no foundation transfer when I used a blotting paper, so it has great staying power.
To avoid accentuating dry patches, we recommend gently exfoliating and moisturizing prior to system.
And did we mention it comes 45 shades that range from fair to dark in a variety of undertones?
Mia, tester:The foundation feels weightless.
Aside from experiencing a bit of transfer, our experience with this foundation was overwhelmingly positive.
It completely covered redness while maintaining a skin-like appearance and didnt settle into pores or fine lines.
Though it can cover pretty much anything, it maintains a true skin-like appearance.
We also love that it layers nicely with the makeup you apply on top of it.
It now offers the same coverage and longevity with a much more lightweight and breathable texture.
Michelle, tester:The foundation blended easily and felt like a second skin.
My skin looked natural and it evened out my skin tone.
The formula looks stunning on the skin and performs beautifully.
PHOTO: Milani Cosmetics.
Alyssa, tester:I absolutely adore the finish of this product, but I knew I would.
My skin truly looks airbrushedit’s the perfect amount of satin and matte finish.
This looks like my skin, just a way elevated version of it.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Joy Kim
The skin finish is completely matte without appearing dry or cakey.
It layered nicely on top of moisturizer and didnt crease or fade as we wore it.
Sunita, tester:This product looked natural, and I was able to control the coverage.
During testing, it didnt crease or fade, and we loved how skin-like it looked.
If we could change one thing about it, it would be the level of coverage.
Despite being marketed as a full-coverage foundation, one tester struggled to get it to fully cover hermelasma.
Surfina, tester:I would recommend this product to anyone who doesn’t have blemishes or dark patches.
Anyone with pretty good skin wanting to look more polished would benefit from this product.
Despite its matte finish, we found that our skin looked and felt more hydrated after applying it.
We appreciated that it set in place and didnt crease as we wore it.
If youre sensitive to that, we recommend applying it in light layers using a damp sponge.
It did a great job of hiding my blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
PHOTO: Bluemercury
Its formulated withzinc oxideas well asniacinamideandsqualanefor hydration benefits.
We also appreciated that it didn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize texture.
Though it did transfer a bit, we think this would be mitigated by lightly setting it with powder.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Lee, tester:My face was glowing, even-toned, and, dare I say, stunning?
I would still need concealer, but this foundation did an incredible job evening out my skin.
“I highly recommend prepping the skin very well beforehand (consistent exfoliating, moisturizing, etc.)
as this will offer a smoother surface for a more flawless foundation finish,” says Shahzada.
“Apply the foundation in layers instead of a large amount from the start.”
Vargas suggests focusing on the areas youd like to conceal, as they require more coverage.
“Remember to blend the foundation down the neck and onto the ears for a seamless look.
Once applied, locking your base in place withsetting powderand a long-wearingsetting spraycan make all the difference.
But dont overdo ittoo much product can lead to heaviness and may make your makeup break down.
Austen Tosoneis a beauty writer and content creator based in NYC.
She updated this story in 2024.
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Byrdie / Tamara Staples
PHOTO: Pat McGrath Labs
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie
Byrdie
