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24 Best Foundations & Concealers to Cover Dark Spots: Reviews & Buying Guide

by  Doris Harris -  Last Updated On 30th December 2020
Best Foundation to Cover Dark Spots

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When the skin is injured, sometimes it overreacts with hyperpigmentation.

Acne scars and age spots are examples of this problem.

It takes time for the discoloration to fade.

In the meantime, you can use one of the best foundations to cover dark spots.

Full-coverage makeup will make the blemishes disappear, at least for a while.

How do you cover dark spots with foundation?

If you’d like to enjoy a flawless complexion when you look in the mirror, follow the steps.

To cover up dark spots with foundation, you need to start with a primer.

A primer prepares the skin for all the makeup you’re going to wear.

It keeps the makeup from sliding off because it reduces oil production. It also tightens up the pores and smooths the texture.

Next, you can use a color-correcting concealer to neutralize the dark spot.

For example, peach works well on light skin tones, bisque on medium, and orange on deep skin colors.

Green corrects redness from rosacea and pimples. Then, yellow disguises bluish dark circles under the eyes.

You may have to experiment with different shades until you find what works best for your situation.

After that, it’s time for a foundation to hide dark spots.

Blend it well with a sponge or brush.

Once it sets, use regular concealer to touch up any visible imperfections.

Finally, wrap up with a powder to set the makeup (1).

You can also use a setting spray for maximum wear time.

Quick Comparison

If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.

24 Top Foundations & Concealers for Dark Spots (2021 Update)

Now, I’ll show you the best base makeup for hyperpigmentation.

1. Dermacol Make-up Cover Full Coverage Foundation

Let’s begin with Dermacol. It’s a product used in Hollywood for professional photography and video.

The formula is 50% pigment, which gives it the ability to hide scars, bruises, and dark spots.

Even a thin layer is enough to get the job done.

The waterproof makeup resists sweat and rain alike. Plus, it has SPF 30 sunscreen.

Thankfully, it’s not hard to find a match for most skin tones.

The only downside is that it comes in small tubes.

2. Dermablend Cover Creme with SPF 30

Dermablend is the main competitor of Dermacol.

They make a variety of foundations, body makeup, and concealers for dark spots, tattoos, and so on.

For the best results, you need to use their translucent setting powder on top. It assures that the makeup lasts up to 16 hours.

Otherwise, you can expect only 12 hours of wear without powder.

The Cover Crème foundation is best for dry to normal skin. It leaves the skin soft and avoids flakiness on the cheeks.

Moreover, it’s free of artificial fragrances and non-comedogenic. That’s good news if you’re prone to acne.

If you’ve never used a cream foundation, you might need a little practice with this one. It comes with a small spatula to scoop it from the jar.

Warm it in your fingers before you apply it.

3. Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo with SPF 25

Dermablend’s Liquid Camo is also suitable for dry skin. It disguises rosacea and hyperpigmentation without aggravating the problem.

It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and tested to be safe for sensitive skin.

What’s more, it’s smudge and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours if you set it with the translucent Dermablend powder.

4. Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation

Allure gave a Best of Beauty Award in 2018 the Dermablend for this foundation.

That’s because it’s one of the best kinds of makeup to cover dark spots or melasma.

The hypoallergenic formula is perfect for acne-prone skin.

You can also thin it with serum or moisturizer if you need extra hydration or less than full coverage.

5. Dermablend Quick-Fix Body Makeup Foundation

Some people have dark spots on their hands and other parts of their bodies, not just their faces.

That’s where this body makeup comes in handy.

It’s in a stick format that’s as easy to apply as putting on lip balm. If you set it with powder, it becomes water-resistant, and it won’t smudge or rub off on clothes.

Yes, you can use it to hide tattoos and birthmarks.

And it also has sunscreen from the intense concentration of mineral pigment in it.

6. Dermablend Quick-Fix Full Coverage Concealer

Although this article is to review foundations for dark spots, I couldn’t resist mentioning this concealer.

It’s the perfect companion to all the Dermablend foundations above.

Use it to fix undereye circles, blemishes, and pimples.

It stands up to high humidity and won’t transfer once it’s set with powder.

7. Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Someone asked me which is the best makeup for someone with brown age spots.

They were referring to mature skin with wrinkles, too.

In that case, I’d recommend trying this liquid foundation. The collaboration between Olay and Covergirl created an anti-aging makeup that instantly improves the complexion.

It smooths wrinkles and de-emphasizes the appearance of age spots and dark circles.

While you wear it, Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid promote healthier, younger skin.

It comes in several different shades that are all cruelty-free.

The only cons are that they all include parabens plus an artificial fragrance.

8. Dinair Airbrush Makeup Foundation

If you use airbrush makeup, check out this rub-proof and water-resistant foundation.

The matte finish lasts up to 24 hours. The full coverage is excellent for hiding all sorts of hyperpigmentation.

Plus, it’s free of silicone, talc, oils, and parabens.

If you can’t find the exact shade you need, you can blend colors.

9. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation is what you need on a summer vacation. It resists high humidity, perspiration, and heat.

The satiny finish stays in place for up to 15 hours. It won’t rub off on clothes, either.

The makeup is free of oils and artificial fragrances to protect sensitive skin as well.

10. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup

How about diamonds for your face?

This creamy foundation features micronized diamond powder. They reflect light to create a subtle sheen that doesn’t look glittery.

Instead, the radiance makes the complexion appear younger. Dark spots and wrinkles are much less noticeable.

Women who tested it said that it instantly improved their appearance.

The foundation begins with medium coverage, but it’s buildable to full. It comes in a compact with a mirror and an applicator sponge.

There are 16 shades available.

11. Shiseido Spots Cover FOUNDATION

Shiseido of Japan makes this full cover foundation in tones that flatter Asian skin.

It’s creamy and comfortable to wear.

They recommend it for covering melasma, liver spots, bruises, and more.

12. Isdinceutics Skin Drops Face and Body Makeup Foundation

Here’s a liquid foundation that only takes a few drops to cover a large area.

It feels ultra-lightweight but offers full coverage for up to 12 hours.

When it sets, it leaves the complexion velvety and matte. Meanwhile, plant-based moisturizers make the skin soft.

The only disadvantage is that it’s available in just three shades.

13. Maybelline Super Stay Liquid Foundation

Are you curious about the best drugstore foundation for hyperpigmentation?

Some would say it’s Maybelline’s Super Stay.

That’s because it offers full coverage for up to 24 hours. It provides outstanding performance at an affordable price.

The lightweight liquid is oil-free, and it won’t clog pores. It’s hard to believe that it works just as well as some creams.

Also, there are many shades available to match every skin tone.

14. Revlon ColorStay Foundation

Revlon also makes a top-notch drugstore foundation for dark spots.

It’s suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin. Plus, it helps reduce shine.

Like Maybelline’s makeup, it lasts up to 24 hours. But the breathable foundation doesn’t cake or crease even if you build the coverage.

It’s available in 16 shades.

15. Revlon Youth Fx Fill + Blur Foundation

Those with mature skin and dark spots might like to try this foundation from Revlon.

It eliminates signs of aging in seconds.

The full-coverage formula has micro-fillers and optical diffusers. With them, it hides hyperpigmentation and disguises lines and wrinkles.

It also offers SPF 20 sunscreen.

Choose from a dozen shades that won’t settle into lines.

16. Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation

If you want to cut down on the number of products you apply in the morning, here’s a shortcut.

This medium to full-coverage foundation has SPF 50 sunscreen. Also, the formula comes with antioxidants to prevent premature aging.

Blend it with a sponge to get perfect results.

It disguises both uneven texture and discoloration. But it shouldn’t trigger acne or rosacea.

17. KIKO MILANO – Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer

Here’s a liquid foundation that doubles as a spot concealer. It’s suited for normal to oily skin.

The applicator has a rounded tip to touch up blemishes and a flat part to cover large areas.

It sets to a satin matte finish that lasts for hours.

The cruelty-free makeup doesn’t contain parabens, either.

18. Catrice | HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

Catrice’s makeup comes in 24 shades. It’s not hard to find the color you need.

The dropper applicator keeps the mess to a minimum. Once you put on the foundation, it mattifies oily skin and disguises blemishes in a way that looks natural.

Moreover, the vegan formula provides coverage that lasts up to 24 hours.

19. L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation

Did you know that this foundation is one of the easiest to customize? If you need a specific color, it’s straightforward to blend.

The bottle has a pump top for precise dosing.

Plus, you can purchase a white foundation mixer to alter any of the 15 shades available.

It’s designed for sensitive skin, and it’s free of parabens.

20. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid

As long as you have combination or oily skin, you’ll do well with the Infallible Pro-Matte formula.

Otherwise, it’s going to look too dry as it’s very good at soaking up oil.

The medium to full coverage lasts all day, especially if you set it with powder.

21. Tarte Amazonian Foundation SPF 15

Tarte’s Amazonian Clay is pricey yet popular. I realize that there are diehard fans who won’t use anything else.

As for the benefits, there are many.

First, it lasts up to 12 hours.

Next, it has mineral pigments that provide sunscreen. If you have oily skin, it reduces shine with Amazonian Clay.

Finally, it’s enriched with antioxidants and free of oils, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and other problematic ingredients.

22. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation

What if I told you this makeup is bioluminescent? What does that mean?

Well, it doesn’t mean that your skin will glow in the dark. But it does explain how the foundation imparts radiance to your complexion.

It also contains micronized diamonds that reflect the light. In that way, it minimizes wrinkles and dark spots.

If you have mature or sun-damaged skin, this is one of the best foundations for you.

What’s more, it features SPF 50 sunscreen. That is all-day protection.

Lastly, it’s supplemented with seven fermented ingredients that heal the skin. They literally reverse signs of aging.

23. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation

The NYX matte liquid foundation isn’t lying when it says it can’t stop. You will need makeup remover to take it off.

Not only is it waterproof, but it also reduces shine for up to 24 hours.

If you need long-wearing makeup, you should try this one. It’s non-comedogenic and surprisingly lightweight for the benefits it provides.

The formula is suited for normal to oily skin, and it comes in a wide variety of shades.

24. Smashbox Studio Skin 15-Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation

Forget the Instagram beauty filters. You don’t need them if your foundation works as well as this one.

It contains light-diffusing beads that filter out blemishes to perfect your complexion.

You’ll look dewy fresh up to 15 hours after you put it on.

The only con is that the coverage starts at medium. You’ll need to layer it for full coverage.

Conclusion

Don’t let the dark spots bother you any longer.

Use a full-coverage foundation that conceals blemishes and makes your complexion radiant.

If you discovered makeup today that makes you happy, please tell us about it in the comments below.

Also Read: Top Foundations for Pale Skin with Pink Undertones

Source:

1. https://lifehacker.com/the-best-way-to-conceal-dark-spots-and-blemishes-1825998099 by A.A. Newton, published May 15, 2018, accessed March 24, 2020

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