Three of the best full coverage foundations

Full coverage foundation used to be a product saved for photo shoots and nights out, when softer lighting would make it look like perfect skin. Now, it has become a daily staple for many, especially during the winter when there is more to conceal and you want a heavier base to team with your heavier coat and scarf.

Full coverage foundation isn’t going to look like fresh, flawless skin in daylight, but some days we want to wear it anyway, for sheer love of makeup, because we feel in need of the coverage, or any reason in between. If you like a ‘natural’ but flawless look, pair a sheer, glowing foundation with a hardworking concealer. If you want the drama of a full face of makeup, the below four foundations are exactly right for you.

Full coverage can be unforgiving and is sadly more compliant when applied to younger, oilier skin. If you're more mature, but still want to wear it, moisturise richly and apply a primer with the smoothing heft of silicone to keep your base where you want it. To prevent an overdone look, build several thin layers until you like the effect rather than applying a lot from the outset. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation (€48) is frankly gorgeous – it doesn't look like a mask and blends beautifully. It manages to glow even with a semi-matte finish. The lightest and darkest skins may not be catered for, however.

Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation (€36 from the Brown Thomas Beauty Lounge) is the fullest coverage foundation to hit Ireland since Estée Lauder Double Wear, and is even more pigmented and effective than Double Wear (a long time national favourite) for coverage. The shade range is enormous and completely inclusive. I found that a primer is essential with this base. If you neglect to apply one, settling, movement and oil breakthrough (in oilier skins) will disturb the flawless finish after a few hours. Work with it quickly, though, because once it sets, it really sets. It is best pushed gently over the skin with a fluffy brush or sponge.

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I find that L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation (€12.99) applies best with a damp sponge, pressed into the skin rather than pulled across it. As is often the case with more affordable foundations, the shade range is somewhat limited. If you can find a match, though, the coverage is excellent.

After trying new cult favourite Bare Minerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation (€33) several ways, I've found that it looks best applied with fingers and then buffed over with a clean, dry fluffy brush. The coverage is buildable to full, and again, a primer will help greatly to ensure a smooth, flawless finish, no matter your skin type. There is a shade here for the darkest and the lightest skins, and everyone in betwee.