Our Guide to Full Coverage Foundation What It Is and Our Best Application Tips
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:
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 2: Prime Your Skin
Next, it’s time to prime! Don’t skip this step—applying a face primer before your foundation helps lock makeup in place for a transfer-resistant, long-lasting look. It also helps to smooth your complexion to perfection, so the rest of your makeup application to follow is effortless. A gripping primer is your best bet for holding on to full-coverage base makeup. Our best-selling, fan-favorite Power Grip Primer is sticky-as-e.l.f. and gives skin a long-lasting, naturally dewy finish. If you want added brightening benefits, Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide helps to even out skin tone while delivering that same dewy finish you love. Looking for more of a matte look? Power Grip Matte Primer helps minimize the look of excess shine for a smooth, matte finish.
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 sponge, like our Pillow Puff Foundation Sponge, to tap foundation into your skin. Its soft, dense foam absorbs minimal product and helps with streak-free, even application for a seamless finish. Next, use a makeup brush, like our Smooth Swipe Foundation Brush, to really smooth things over. This brush has soft, dense bristles and hugs the contours of your face 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:
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:
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.
