How To Flawlessly Apply Full Coverage Foundation

We love no makeup-makeup, but when it comes to getting seriously flawless skin, nothing beats a pore-perfecting, full coverage foundation. These high-pigment bases have everything covered – from surprise blemishes to post-Friday night fatigue – and their selfie-enhancing properties mean you’ll be completely hooked. But, how do you get a full coverage foundation to look completely natural? It all comes down to two things: the formula you use and the way you apply it. Don’t stress; we’ve got your drama-free guide to creating the dreamiest canvas, whether you’re working some everyday glam or getting ready for a big night out.

1. Prime to Perfection

Real talk: if you want skin to look totally flawless, you will need to use a good makeup primer. Our pore-perfecting, skin-smoothing Lasting Matte Primer is perfect for that filtered-in-real-life look. Starting from the centre of your face, blend it outwards to instantly smooth your complexion. Then, apply a little extra to your t-zone and any other areas that tend to be oily by midday. Plus, because it smooths away shine and gives your makeup something to grip onto, this lightweight primer keeps full coverage foundation locked down for longer.

2. Conceal and Correct

Give full coverage foundation an extra boost by prepping your skin with a colour corrector. We love Insta Conceal and Correct Palette; a trio of pastel cream concealers that nix the appearance of dull skin, dark circles and redness. Dab the green over angry blemishes, pat the peach pigment underneath your eyes, and use the lavender to add a little luminosity wherever you need it. (All over? Us, too.)

3. Apply Full Coverage Foundation

The best base for full coverage is a buildable formula, like Lasting Matte Foundation, as it lets you control the finish, ensuring skin still looks ultra-natural. The hydrating mousse texture feels light and airy, drying down to a powder finish that lasts and lasts (and lasts), keeping skin shine-free from day to night. Can you tell we’re obsessed?

4. Delete Dark Circles

If you still need some extra coverage under your eyes, reach for Lasting Matte Concealer. It’s a lightweight liquid that gets rave reviews for its full and flawless, dark circle-deleting powers. Apply it in an upside-down triangle, with the base tracing your lower lash line and the tip touching the centre of your cheeks. Then, lightly tap with your ring finger to blend. Tired eyes, sorted.

5. Do Believable Bronzing

Finally, bring your features back into focus by finishing your base with our velvety, matte Natural Bronzer. Sweep it only where the sun naturally hits your face, like the top of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the centre of your chin and along your cheekbones. That’s your full coverage look covered…

Want more makeup inspiration? Take a look at our complete guide on how to apply bronzer or discover the ultimate smokey eyes tutorial to team with your full coverage foundation. Plus, head to the Rimmel London Instagram to see endless looks and trends, and check out our colour correctors 101 for more quick skin tips.