You might sport that barely there, glowy makeup look on most days, but some situations call for foundations with more coverage. Maybe you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, or you’re going to a party after work, and your go-to tinted moisturiser just doesn’t cut it in these instances. That’s when you might reach for something with full coverage. While there are plenty of options available, finding a base that meets all of your needs can be tricky. To make things easier, we tried and tested a range of foundations – here’s our edit of the best ones, ranked according to their coverage.
Combining the benefits of skincare and makeup, this foundation comes packed with plant-based prebiotics that help balance the good and bad bacteria on skin. They are said to boost skin health, while the makeup pigments mask blemishes, lines and pores. Not only does it feel light on the skin, this formula also leaves you with a healthy glow.
Coverage Level: Light
Great For: Work appointments and/or Zoom meetings
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to K-beauty cushion compacts, and now Korean skincare brand Sooryehan has recently launched its makeup line in Singapore too. Combining three different powders to provide a fresh, radiant and smooth finish, this metal cushion also has Biosaccharide Gum-1 to keep skin well hydrated. Its patented metal plate preserves the foundation’s moisture level and temperature, keeping it fresh for the user. The buildable blend also lets you decide how light or heavy your coverage should be.
Coverage Level: Light
Great For: Day-time touch-ups while on the go.
Want skin that looks “real” but better? Reach for this non-drying yet lightweight foundation. Unlike other regular foundations, this doesn’t leave any of that heavy feeling, even at the end of a long work day. For a sheer finish, apply a small amount all over your face. On days when you want more coverage, go ahead and apply one or two more layers, and consider it sorted. The best part? It gives you a natural and well-rested glow.
Coverage Level: Medium
Great For: Work-from-home days
A luminous formula that’s worth its weight in gold. Infused with skin-loving ingredients such as 24K gold and white peony extract, this liquid foundation blends seamlessly to nourish and hydrate, while offering a buildable light to medium coverage. It feels weightless and comfortable on skin when applied, and disguises imperfections without settling.
Coverage Level: Medium
Great For: Smoothing the look of rough skin texture
After three years of research, The Foundation, which launched five years ago, now comes in a new and enhanced formulation. Its latest iteration boasts Cle de Peau Beaute’s exclusive ingredient called Precious Lakesis Complex, which has precious lakesis extract from the mastic trees in Chios, Greece to provide supercharged skincare benefits for all wearers. Besides giving you a lit-from-within glow, The Foundation also enhances skin’s elasticity, promising a firmerlooking face. Over time, you might notice that dryness, wrinkles and fine lines become less visible, while a more youthful-looking complexion is revealed.
Coverage Level: Medium
Great For: Those who desire a soft, radiant and dewy finish
Here’s why Dior Forever Skin Glow feels so hydrating on the skin: 86 per cent of its formula is made up of floral extracts such as hibiscus sabdariffa flower and iris florentina. You can also count on this foundation for a radiant glow – it promises to give your skin a well-rested appearance. The natural dewy finish makes this a good choice for anybody who wants skin that looks and feels well hydrated.
Coverage Level: Heavy
Great For: Travelling on an overnight flight
Touted as a “high-performance” and “highly sophisticated” formula, Chanel’s Ultra Le Teint Fluide lives up to its claim by keeping shine at bay, thanks to its Perfect Skin complex that is highly resistant to water, sebum and sweat, and Luminous Perfection Soft-Focus powder. The result? An airbrushed complexion that feels silky soft throughout the day. Its fresh and powdery perfume-like fragrance elevates the application process, turning it into a pampering and luxurious experience. Applying the creamy product onto your skin is easy and – even better – the foundation leaves an ultra-matte finish that those with oily skin will be thankful for.
Coverage Level: Heavy
Great For: Long-lasting coverage on a hot and humid day
A foundation that withstands Singapore’s humidity and helps your skin stay shine-free sounds like a pipe dream. Not when it comes to M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, which gives you a smooth and flawless finish with every swipe. Its mattifying properties make this compact a great option for T-zone area touch-ups without ruining your makeup. Visible pores are also instantly concealed, leaving you with a camera-ready complexion for the festive celebrations.
Coverage Level: Heavy
Great For: Looking your best on a date night