Have you noticed dark spots popping up on your face recently? This is called hyperpigmentation, and while it’s a harmless condition that happens when excess melanin forms deposits on your skin (often caused by UV rays), it can be tricky to disguise with makeup. Luckily, with the right foundation, you can cover them up completely without looking like you’re wearing a mask made of makeup.
If you’re unsure of where to start, keep scrolling. We’ve curated a list of the top eight best foundations for hyperpigmentation, each with unique formulas and benefits so you can find the one best suited for your skin. Whether you’re looking for long-lasting coverage, a hydrating formula with a dewy finish, or even a foundation with built-in skincare that fades dark spots over time, our eight picks has something for every skin type and tone.
For years, Dermablend has been a go-to for those with hyperpigmentation, and it continues to be one of the most dermatologist-recommended brands on the market. Its Camo line was designed to cover hyperpigmentation and age spots, and there's a liquid, powder, and even matching concealer to choose from. Dermablend products are great for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic, and the SPF 25 helps to prevent more dark spots from developing.
What We Like
▪ Exceptional dark-spot coverage
▪ Non-cakey
▪ SPF 25
What We Don’t
▪ Thick consistency
▪ Can be tough to find the right shade
For those with deeper skin tones, the Black Opal Total Coverage Concealing Foundation may be the key to the perfect complexion. Of the more than 700 reviews on Amazon, 90% recommend this product to a friend based on its matte finish, impeccable coverage, color matching, lightweight feel, and the surprisinfly low price point. The buildable formula allows you to customize your coverage level.
What We Like
▪ Low price point
▪ Can double as a concealer
▪ Excellent skin tone-matching
What We Don’t
▪ Can be a bit drying
▪ Applicator can degrade over time
Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation has long been a staple in many makeup kits for years because of its long-lasting finish that covers just about everything without making it obvious. The Double Wear Stay in Place Liquid Makeup takes that one step further, adding long-lasting wear, so that it can effortlessly cover everything from varicose veins to, yes, hyperpigmentation, without budging. The 6,500-plus perfect 5-star reviews on Amazon rave about the stay-in-place formula and superior coverage.
What We Like
▪ Long-wear formula
▪ Great for oily skin
▪ Excellent coverage
What We Don’t
▪ Can be hard to get out of the bottle
Think you have to break the bank to get a high-quality foundation with great coverage? Think again—this e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation offers high-end coverage at a bargain price point. It currently has over 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and customers can’t say enough good things about the smooth application, natural-looking satin finish, and flawless coverage. The best part? The price.
What We Like
▪ Low price point
▪ Natural semi-matte finish
▪ Hydrating
What We Don’t
▪ Thick formula
▪ Strong fragrance
When you suffer from dark spots and uneven skin tone, you might feel forced to cover your face in a thick layer of liquid foundation. But this Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation is here to help you think outside the bottle. The buildable coverage ranges from sheer to full, and the unique formula acts as a foundation and setting powder in one.
What We Like
▪ Great for oily skin
▪ Matte finish
▪ Buildable coverage
What We Don’t
▪ High price point
▪ Can be drying
Why just cover up dark spots when you can fade them while you conceal them? This Clinique Even Better foundation has a dermatologist-developed formula that visibly reduces hyperpigmentation in just 12 weeks. The hydrating formula goes on smoothly and looks like your real skin, but better. Several of the over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon call this their favorite foundation of all time. The SPF 15 helps to prevent future discoloration.
What We Like
▪ Great for dry skin
▪ Reduces dark spots
▪ SPF 15
What We Don’t
▪ Thin formula
▪ Not as long-lasting
If you’ve been thinking about trying a CC cream for a while now, now is the time to take the plunge. This IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is the perfect combination of color-correcting cream, full-coverage foundation, hydrating serum, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. This stuff is basically a one-stop shop for combating hyperpigmentation.
What We Like
▪ Color-correcting
▪ Full-coverage
▪ Hydrating serum
▪ SPF 50+
What We Don’t
▪ Pump can break easily
Get precision coverage exactly where you need it with this Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation Stick. The full-coverage, oil-free stick formula keeps you matte and flawless for up to 24 hours, and the built-in kabuki brush makes application a breeze. The versatile design can also be used to conceal, contour, and highlight.
What We Like
▪ Up to 24-hour wear
▪ Stick formula
▪ Built-in brush
What We Don’t
▪ Can be hard to spread
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