15 Best Liquid Foundations For Full Coverage To Try In 2023

Cover the imperfections and get that flawless finish with these liquid foundations.

Reviewed by Nyssa Green, Makeup Artist
Written by Shalini Roy
Edited by Srijita De, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Shatabdi Bhattacharya  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

The best liquid foundations are the MVP of any makeup routine. They not only cover the dark spots and blemishes on your skin but also add a natural glow. Liquid foundations help enhance your skin tone and leave you with a bright and flawless look. So, choose a liquid foundation according to your skin type and undertone and let it work its magic! But getting your hands on the right and suitable liquid foundation can be tricky. Worry not! Our list will narrow down your search and help you find the perfect product for your skin. Swipe up!

Top Picks
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Best For Natural Finish:Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup
Price on Amazon
Best Matte Finish Formula:Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation For Combination/Oily Skin
Price on Amazon
Best For Oily Skin:L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation
Price on Amazon
Best Moisturizing:Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Wear Foundation:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Price on Amazon
Best For Buildable Coverage:e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
Price on Amazon
Best Illuminating Formula:L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation
Price on Amazon
Best Hypoallergenic:bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Hydrating Tint:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Price on Amazon
Best Transfer-Proof Formula:Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation Makeup
Price on Amazon

15 Best Liquid Foundations For All Skin Types

1. Best For Natural Finish:Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup

4.4
Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation Shades - 220 Natural Beige Image: Maybelline

If you are looking for a lightweight foundation in a wide range of shades, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup is your best bet. It provides poreless full coverage effortlessly. This is the best matte liquid foundation available that is available in all skin tones. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this liquid foundation review.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Suitable for normal to oily skin type
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Natural finish
  • Oil-free
  • Covers blemishes
  • Evens out the skin texture
  • Light to medium coverage
  • Dries quickly
  • Blends well

Cons

  • Does not come with a pump dispenser

protip_icon Pro Tip
Check for a shade by swatching it directly on your jawline to see if it matches both your face and neck.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 112,048 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Price at the time of publication: $6.2

2. Best Matte Finish Formula:Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation For Combination/Oily Skin

4.5
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation Image: Revlon

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation For Combination/Oily Skin has a cult following. This oil-free foundation is specially designed for oily and combination skin. The lightweight formula blends like a dream to deliver a flawless matte finish for up to 24 hours. It is buildable from medium to full coverage. It is formulated with salicylic acid to control sebum and create a poreless finish. This foundation with SPF 15 has you covered for a gorgeous radiance throughout the day. The best part? It is available in 43 shades. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product.

Pros

  • Lasts up to 24 hours
  • Medium to full buildable coverage
  • Covers blemishes and pores
  • Does not cause breakouts or accentuate wrinkles
  • Matte finish

Cons

  • Does not come with a pump dispenser
  • Strong fragrance
  • Not suitable for use in summer

protip_icon Pro Tip
For minimum coverage, everyday natural look, mix a few drops of this foundation with a moisturizer or serum for a dewy look.

Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 15,543 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $7.49

3. Best For Oily Skin:L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Makeup

4.3
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup Image: L'oreal Paris

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Makeup has a lightweight and long-wearing formula that creates a demi-matte finish. It claims to last up to 24 hours. It protects your skin from sweat, heat, and humidity with its oil-free, creamy formula. The liquid blurs imperfections to deliver smoother, clearer skin. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product.

Pros

  • True matte finish
  • Suitable for oily skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Lightweight formula
  • Easily blendable with fingers
  • Travel-friendly tube packaging

Cons

  • Dries up very quickly, making it hard to blend
  • Creases under the eyes

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply a layer of translucent loose powder on the T-zone to prevent excess oiliness during the day.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 19,807 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $10.97

4. Best Moisturizing:Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

4.4
Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation Image: Covergirl

Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is an all-in-one product for your skin. Its anti-aging formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that moisturize your skin and improve its texture. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines effectively. This 3-in-1 foundation is a must-have in your bag to battle against dehydrated, aging skin.

Pros

  • Lightweight formula
  • Easy to apply
  • Does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles
  • Reduces the appearance of blemishes and pores
  • Moisturizes skin
  • Full coverage
  • Suitable for dry skin
  • Long-wearing
  • Cruelty- free

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
To make your foundation look like second skin, apply it while your moisturizer is still damp.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 33,556 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $11.77

5. Best Long-Wear Foundation:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Heat-resistant, waterproof, oil-free – Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup foundation is all you need to make your skin look flawlessly matte. This lightweight long-lasting foundation lasts for 24 hours. It comes in a wide range of shades that blur imperfections and uneven skin tone with their buildable coverage. No matter where you go or what you do, this foundation for acne-prone skin is all you need to oomph up your look.

Pros

  • Sweat- and humidity-resistant
  • Medium to full buildable coverage
  • Does not look cakey
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Does not crease or cause breakouts

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $32.95

6. Best For Buildable Coverage:e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation builds from sheer to full coverage to deliver a gorgeous semi-matte finish. This lightweight and oil-free liquid foundation evens out your skin tone and smoothens its texture. The highlight of this liquid foundation is its creamy texture that makes it easy to apply without creasing or flaking. It is available 40 shades that range from luminous to matte finishes. People of all skin tones can find their match to get seamless, radiant-looking skin.

Pros

  • l Easy to apply
  • l Blends easily
  • l SPF 15
  • l Natural dewy finish
  • l Does not dry out your skin
  • l Vegan
  • l Cruelty-free
  • l Comes with a pump dispenser

Cons

  • Not very long-wearing
  • Might cause breakouts on sensitive skin
  • Greasy texture
Why It’s Worth Buying: With 17,899 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Price at the time of publication: $6

7. Best Illuminating Formula:L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

4.1
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation Image: L.a. Girl

If parabens are a no-no for you and you are looking for an ideal full-coverage liquid foundation, go for L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation. It is lightweight and contains antioxidants that hydrate your skin and improve its skin texture, making it comfortable to wear all day. Its illuminating formula of the matte liquid foundation delivers a glamorous, natural-looking finish.

Pros

  • Imparts a natural glow
  • Moisturizes skin
  • Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
  • Available in a wide range of shades
  • Does not crease or get patchy
  • Does not settle into pores
  • Matte finish
  • Comes with a pump dispenser

Cons

  • Can cause a bit of shine
  • Does not cover pores or blemishes entirely
  • Not long-wearing
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 5,067 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Price at the time of publication: $5.25

8. Best Hypoallergenic:bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

4.5
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream Image: Bareminerals

The search for a hydrating liquid foundation ends here. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is an oil-free foundation that boosts your skin’s hydration by 215%. It is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as it is an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. It is a non-chemical, mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30. It has a sheer to medium buildable coverage that adds a natural-looking sheer glow to your skin.

Pros

  • Moisturizes skin
  • SPF 30
  • Sulfate-, paraben-, and phthalate-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Keeps skin hydrated for up to 12 hours
  • Travel-friendly packaging
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Tested by dermatologists

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: The overwhelming 6,547 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Price at the time of publication: $22.5

9. Best Hydrating Tint:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

4.3
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint – Nude Image: Neutrogena

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is the best drugstore liquid foundation that you can pick to moisturize your dry skin and get a glamorous and healthy glow. Its water-gel formula is infused with hyaluronic acid that quenches your skin’s thirst for up to 24 hours. This foundation for dry skin is also lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin types.

Pros

  • Softens the skin
  • Does not settle into fine lines
  • Hydrates skin
  • Suitable for dry skin
  • Available in 10 different shades

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 8,502 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $9.72

10. Best Transfer-Proof Formula:Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation Makeup

4.2
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation Image: Nyxcosmetics

Nyx Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation Makeup amplifies your style game and takes it up a notch. This long-wearing liquid foundation for oily skin is all you need to cover imperfections and get glowing skin on the go for 24 hours. Its creamy formula is available in various shades to match your complexion, control shine, and give you a refined matte look.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Waterproof and non-transferable
  • Matte finish
  • Full coverage
  • Controls oil
  • Suitable for oily skin
  • Cruelty-free and vegan

Cons

  • l Not long-wearing
  • l Might dry out dry skin
Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received 12,920 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Price at the time of publication: $11.65

11. Best In Budget:Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation

4.5
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup Image: Maybelline

Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation helps you achieve an airbrushed and poreless finish. This moisturizing formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and blends well to deliver full and luminous coverage. Its breathable texture feels lightweight and soft on the skin. This flawless finish foundation is available in a wide range of shades for every skin tone.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for normal and sensitive skin
  • Creamy and smooth texture
  • Easy to blend
  • SPF 24 PA++
  • Affordable
  • Does not dry quickly on application
  • Fragrance-free
  • Comes with a pump dispenser

Cons

  • Average staying power
  • Not flash-friendly during night time use
  • Not suitable for summers
Price at the time of publication: $8.95

12. Best Foundation With SPF:L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup

4.4
Foundations For Dry Skin - L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup Image: Loreal Paris

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup is formulated with 40% pure water, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It hydrates your skin instantly and gives you a luminous look. Its Liquid Light Technology imparts an instant glow to your skin. This buildable coverage foundation stays put for 8 hours and is available in 15 shades.

Pros

  • Imparts a natural glow
  • SPF 20
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Smooth formula
  • Comes with a pump dispenser

Cons

  • Not buildable or full coverage
  • Low staying power
  • Difficult to blend
Price at the time of publication: $11.97

13. Best Organic Formula:Shimarz Mineral Liquid Foundation

3.9
Shimarz Mineral Liquid Foundation Image: Shimarz

Organic, vegan, gluten-free – Shimarz Mineral Liquid Foundation is everything you need to get a glowing, glamorous look while keeping your skin away from all harmful chemicals. It is enriched with natural plant ingredients and suitable for all skin types. The waterproof liquid foundation covers up imperfections, redness, and the signs of aging effectively. This is a natural finish foundation with a smooth formula that ensures full, shine-free coverage along with protection from the harmful UV rays.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Free from harmful chemicals
  • Smooth and creamy formula
  • Hides dark circles, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles
  • Long-wearing

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $28.93

14. Best Skin Nourishing Formula:Burts Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup

4
Burts Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup Image: Burts Bees

Burts Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup is another natural liquid foundation on the block. It is formulated with ethically sourced meadowfoam seed oil, which is moisturizing and nourishing. It is buildable enough to blur out imperfections and give your skin a flawless radiance. This is a lightweight liquid foundation formula that does not look cakey or heavy on the skin and is available in 18 gorgeous shades to match your skin tone.

Pros

  • Paraben- and SLS-free
  • Free from synthetic fragrances
  • Medium to full buildable coverage
  • Hydrates skin
  • Comes with a pump dispenser

Cons

  • Not suitable for dry or sensitive skin
Price at the time of publication: $29.99

15. Best Travel-Friendly:Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup

4.4
Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup Image: Clinique

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup is the perfect foundation for blemish-prone skin. This oil-free liquid foundation works wonders in preventing blemishes and giving your skin a smooth, matte finish. It conceals imperfections, prevents breakouts, and neutralizes redness to deliver moderate natural-looking coverage. It also feels weightless and smooth on the skin.

Pros

  • Covers acne, blemishes, and redness
  • Smooth matte finish
  • Lightweight
  • Just a little product required per use
  • Travel-friendly packaging

Cons

  • Might look cakey if layered
  • Does not control oiliness on the skin
Price at the time of publication: $21.95

Buying a liquid foundation can be a little tricky. That is why we have talked about a few things that you need to consider before buying a liquid foundation for your skin type in the next section. Check it out! 

Buying Guide For Liquid Foundation

What Does A Liquid Foundation Do?

Liquid foundations are available in oil-, water-, and cream-based formulations. Some of them can be built to create light to full coverage. They are also easy to blend. Liquid foundations hydrate dry skin and impart a natural radiance to your skin. They also cover fine lines and wrinkles effectively. Hence, liquid foundations, with their multiple benefits, are the best choice.

Is Liquid Foundation Ideal For All Skin Types?

Liquid foundation is available in a wide range of formulas for all skin types. Name the skin type, and you have one specially formulated for it. 

  • If you have oily skin, always pick an oil-free liquid foundation that will control the oil secretion on your skin and keep you shine-free for hours. Go for a foundation that does not clog your pores or makes you look chalky.
  • If you have dry skin, look for a liquid foundation formulated with glycerin or hyaluronic acid that can keep your skin moisturized for long hours. It gives your skin a dewy, satin-matte finish that is nourishing, as well.
  • There are liquid foundations specially formulated for acne-prone or combination skin types, too. Pick a low-concentration salicylic acid-based foundation that is free of silicones, alcohol, mica, and fragrance. This helps you prevent acne and breakouts. A foundation that delivers an oil-free, matte finish is the best bet for such skin types.

Now, let’s answer the biggest question that must be on every beginner’s mind.

How To Apply A Liquid Foundation?

Applying liquid foundation requires some skill. However, it is not that difficult when you pick the right shade and formula. Some easy steps to apply liquid foundation to your face are:

  1. Cleanse and moisturize your face.
  2. Take the adequate amount of foundation on the back of your hand and dab it gently in dots all over your face.
  3. Use a beauty blender, sponge, brush, or your (clean) fingertips to blend it evenly.
  4. Make sure to blend the foundation into your hairline and the edges of your face. Use a damp sponge, if required.
  5. Wait for the foundation to dry completely before gently patting some setting powder over it with a puff.

The Bottom Line

Foundations are a great way to cover the blemishes, dark spots, and other imperfections. They help to even out the skin and act as a base for your makeup. The best liquid foundations blend well on the skin, provide great coverage, and camouflage imperfections. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup offers a wide shade range and is non-comedogenic, while the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation For Combination/Oily Skin controls sebum and imparts a gorgeous radiance. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Makeup provides long-lasting coverage and a semi-matte finish, best suited to oily skin. They give your skin a flawless look, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, some liquid foundations also moisturize the skin and make you look radiant. The buying guide above will help you pick the best foundation for your skin type and tone.

Infographic: Different Ways To Use A Liquid Foundation

The following infographic will help you understand the multiple ways in which your liquid foundation can be utilized. It shows that a liquid foundation can be used as a multipurpose makeup item. You can use this product to conceal, contour, and also as an eye primer to create a smooth and flawless base.

Different-Ways-To-Use-A-Liquid-Foundation-1

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

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Download Infographic in PDF version

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shalini Roy, is a makeup enthusiast who loves experimenting with new and trendy products and reviewing them for her reader. She has researched multiple online platforms and reviewed several reliable user feedback to prepare this list of the best liquid foundations. These foundations help cover your blemishes, enhance your skin tone, and help you attain that perfect glow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does liquid foundation last?

Based on the frequency of usage, water-based liquid foundations can last up to 1 year. In comparison, oil-based foundations can last up to 18-24 months.

Which is the best liquid foundation?

The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation provides a flawless matte look. Its buildable coverage help blur imperfections and uneven skin tones.

How do I get full coverage without looking cakey?

Here are a few tips to get flawless coverage:
• Moisturize your skin thoroughly with a lightweight moisturizer.
• Prep your face with a hydrating primer.
• Pick medium coverage foundations.
• Use a sponge to apply the foundation evenly all over your face.
• Apply a setting powder set the makeup look.

How do I know what my undertone is?

Check your veins – if your veins look blue or purplish, you have a cooler undertone. If you have greenish color veins, then you may have a warm undertone.


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