13 Best Foundations For Hyperpigmentation And Blemishes In 2023
Formulations that help correct skin tone and cover blemishes for that flawless look
Tina TempestMakeup Artist & Hairstylist
Expertise: Makeup & Hairstyling
Experience: 26 years
Tina Tempest is a highly qualified makeup artist and hairstylist. She is extremely passionate about helping women feel confident and beautiful through the power of makeup. Tina teaches makeup artists and women from all backgrounds through h... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
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In spite of the fact that hyperpigmentation sounds startling, it’s more normal than you might suspect and it can be combated with the best foundation for hyperpigmentation.
Dark areas and age spots on your skin may be a result of exposure to the UV rays of the sun, aging, hormones, or acne. While traditional and modern remedies and medicines may assist with handling pigmentation issues, foundations can tackle this problem instantly, albeit temporarily.
However, you do need to pick the right foundation based on your complexion and skin type. The best one for you will give a buildable and complete coverage and be easy to blend into the skin. The perfect foundation can positively assist with concealing hyperpigmentation and imperfections while providing a flawless complexion and youthful glow. To help you find the right product, we have listed the top 13 foundations for hyperpigmentation.
In This Article
13 Best Foundations For Hyperpigmentation And Blemishes
1. Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Foundation – 25N | Natural Beige
Image: Dermablend If hyperpigmentation is taking over your face, a maximum coverage foundation will help you reduce the appearance of patches and spots. Dermablend’s professional cover creme foundation is one such beauty product that effortlessly conceals skin imperfections like dark spots, scars, burns, birthmarks, vitiligo, and pigmentation. The formula contains high-performance pigments with a lasting power for up to 16 hours, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft while keeping it hydrated with ingredients like kaolin and beeswax. The product is dermatologist-tested and helps strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, surface barrier. It also does not contain phthalate, paraben, SLS, fragrance, and triclosan. Watch this video to know more about the product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free formula
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Offers sun protection
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Contains mineral oil
Review: A reviewer says, “I am 78 and absolutely love the Dermablend Cover Creme. It perfectly conceals the discoloration and redness in my skin, leaving it with a flawless finish. The product is amazing for my age spots and blends seamlessly into my skin. Its longevity is also great. It’s my absolute go-to.
Pro TipWarm the Cover Creme by rubbing it in a circular motion around the back of your palm before applying it to your face. Set your foundation with setting powder to last up to 16 hours. Always use a face primer to keep your foundation in place all day.
2. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation – 302 | Creamy Natural
Image: L’oreal Paris The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover foundation blends seamlessly into your skin,quickly making you realize, it’s probably the best. The creamy formula provides full coverage and helps minimize the appearance of blemishes, dark spots, and other skin imperfections. Best suited for light and medium skin tones, this foundation does not look cakey and instead offers a smooth and natural finish. With glycerin as one of the ingredients, this product keeps your skin soft and supple and provides ample hydration.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to apply
- Creamy texture
- 24-hour staying power
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It may not be transfer-proof
Review: According to a tester, “The L’Oreal Infallible Total Cover Foundation provides game-changing coverage that lasts through every busy day. A little bit goes a long way with this product and it stays put without settling into creases or fine lines. It is my absolute go-to for rejuvenated skin and flawless finish!”
Pro Tip3. Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation – Deep 3
Image: Mineral Fusion If you have tanned skin with golden undertones, you should give this shade a try. Enriched with rich pigments, it offers a flawless finish and full coverage to correct uneven pigmentation, blemishes, and dark spots. Enriched with vitamin C and E, it provides antioxidant protection and keeps your skin calm. Aloe roots, licorice root, and cucumber exhibit soothing properties. Additionally, the hydrating and nourishing formula contains red tea, sea kelp, white tea, and pomegranate that fight against free radical damage and enhance skin radiance. And don’t you worry about skin safety as this foundation does not contain paraben, gluten, phthalate, fragrance, and talc.
Pros
- Vegan
- Buildable
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Does not settle into fine lines
Cons
- It may not be suitable for dry skin
Review: A reviewer opines, “Switching to Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation from my previous foundation was a great move. It suits my skin tone perfectly and provides decent coverage. The best part is it does not settle into my wrinkles. Quite happy and satisfied with the overall outcome!”
4. COVERGIRL Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation – Tawny | 765
Image: Covergirl Want skin so radiant and glowing that hyperpigmentation takes a back seat for good? Give this foundation from Covergirl a shot. It offers flawless coverage while masking dark spots and pigmentation issues. Antioxidants like vitamins B3, B5, and E make the skin look younger, firmer, and healthier instantly. With broad-spectrum SPF 20, the foundation keeps your skin protected against UV rays and prevents skin tanning. With a dewy finish, you get a medium coverage to a buildable full coverage with this foundation that works best when applied using a dampened sponge.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Oil-free formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Offers SPF protection
- Controls skin’s shine
Cons
- May not be available in many shades
Review: A user writes, “This foundation from Covergirl has impressed me with its formula. It is lightweight and offers medium coverage while blending seamlessly. It smells pleasant as well! But I must say the shade range needs improvement.”
Pro Tip5. tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation – Rich Honey
Lightweight, full coverage, and natural ingredients are the features that make this tarte foundation worth pursuing! With a triple whipped mousse texture, this featherlight formula glides smoothly. Ingredients like Amazonian clay, mineral pigments, and vitamin E make this foundation hydrating, comfortable to wear, rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and soothing. If you want a spotless and airbrushed look with a sheer, velvety finish, this oil-free product is something that will make you happy. Your blemishes, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation patches will be covered and it will reduce the signs of skin aging instantly. And for sensitive skin types, this full-coverage formula is safe as it does not contain paraben, phthalate, mineral oil, triclosan, SLS, and gluten.
Pros
- Vegan
- Natural blend
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof formula
- 12-hour long wear
- Broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection
Cons
- Slightly expensive
6. Laura Geller New York Baked Balance-N-Glow Foundation
Image: Laura Geller The Laura Geller New York Baked Balance-N-Glow Foundation is a two-in-one foundation that color-corrects and brightens the complexion in a single step for radiant skin. It helps to achieve a natural glow and a smooth base and doesn’t look cakey. This highly-pigmented foundation has a smooth and silky texture that self-adjusts to the skin tone. Its formula has a hint of pearls for an all-day natural glow. It contains Vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin, even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and protect skin from damaging free radicals.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Highly pigmented
- Color-correcting properties
- Self-adjusts to the skin tone
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Does not provide full coverage
Review: A user says, “This Laura Geller foundation is my absolute personal favorite! As someone with mature and aging skin, it is very difficult to find the suitable makeup products. However, this baked foundation is a total game-changer. It provides buildable coverage to even my skin tone and enhances it with a youthful glow.”
7. Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation – 48 | Light
Image: Kat Von D If a foundation can cover up a tattoo, just think about the coverage it would provide for other skin imperfections. Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, discoloration, or blemishes, this foundation by KVD provides full coverage instantly. A small amount of this product can work wonders and help you achieve spotless radiant skin that lasts all day. Its creamy texture blends effortlessly into your skin and delivers a matte finish that does not fade for a long time. And to keep your skin younger and firmer, this matte liquid foundation is not formulated with alcohol, oil, fragrance, sulfate, phthalate, and paraben.
Pros
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof
- Transfer-resistant
Cons
- Some may find it slightly expensive
8. BLK/OPL Total Coverage Foundation – Beautiful Bronze
Image: Blk/opl Part foundation and part concealer, this Black Opal foundation is one of the best pressed powder foundations that help blurring major skin flaws. Formulated with skin-protecting minerals, this dermatologist-developed formula fights free radicals and environmental aggressors. It offers powerful results in camouflaging and correcting skin imperfection, including dark spots, acne scars, and pigmentation. Try a dampened sponge to apply this foundation as it will conceal spots with precision and let you achieve a velvety smooth finish.
Pros
- Buildable
- Blends well
- Hypoallergenic
- Strong staying power
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It contains paraben
Review: A tester opines, “The BLK/OPL Foundation is my savior! Its shades match well and offer a seamless finish. A little goes a long way with this product and it lasts for months. While the product is not completely transfer-proof, it does not cause too many concerns in that area. Definitely a beauty must-have!”
9. Cover | FX Power Play Foundation – N20
Image: Cover | Fx For those with light skin with neutral undertones, the N20 shade of this Cover | FX Power Play Foundation is what you need. It gives you full coverage with a matte finish and blends seamlessly into your skin. While it blurs skin imperfections, it also fights environmental stressors with active ingredients like fermented algae extract to combat free radicals and environmental aggressors. Rice bran wax makes the formula creamy, while rice hull powder helps in absorbing oil and sweat from your skin without taking away any moisture. Gluten, fragrance, paraben, mineral oil, sulfate, phthalate, and talc are not included in the formula of this foundation, making it suitable for combination and oily to sensitive skin type.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lasts all day long
- Non-comedogenic
- Weightless formula
Cons
- Specially formulated for oily skin
Review: According to a reviewer, “The Power Play Foundation is a holy grail for all makeup lovers! It offers an effortless blend and is perfectly suitable for my fair and freckled skin. The product provides medium coverage but lets my natural beauty shine. There is no creasing even after all-day wear.”
10. Hide Premium Liquid Foundation
Image: Hide Hide anything with the Hide Premium Liquid Foundation! This foundation conceals skin flaws while keeping a natural appearance and texture. Its oil-free composition is designed to withstand perspiration; it does not clog your pores. This foundation helps balance out skin tone and conceals dark spots, acne, scars, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and other flaws. It is lightweight, breathable, and moisturizing, and is designed to provide flawless coverage for 12+ hours.
Pros
- Full coverage
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Buildable
- Customizable coverage
- Natural finish
- Offers a matte look
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
Review: A tester states, “This liquid foundation from Hide Premium has completely exceeded my expectations! It is my go-to product for medium to full coverage. It conceals my hyperpigmentation properly and feels lightweight and natural on my dry and sensitive skin.”
11. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer – Creamwhip (VF-G)
Image: Clinique The Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation, which is also a concealer, works tremendously well to camouflage discoloration and imperfections. Upon application, the color might appear deeper, but it takes the right shade and texture once blended and dried. If you are light skin tones with cool neutral undertones, this foundation’s shade, Creamwhip, will not let you down. With smooth coverage, this moisturizing formula delivers a natural finish without clogging the pores. A great choice for those who prefer products that fulfill multiple makeup purposes, this foundation doubles as a concealer too.
Pros
- Lightweight finish
- Full coverage
- Sweat-resistant
- 24-hour long wear
- Free of phthalate, paraben, and fragrance
Cons
- It may not be ideal for sensitive skin
Review: According to a user, “The Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer in Creamwhip (VF-G) offers great coverage for hyperpigmentation and stubborn acne. This skin savior is my favorite makeup pick for regular use. It looks completely natural and feels great on the skin.”
12. Estee Lauder Double Wear Camouflage Foundation
Image: Estee Lauder The Estee Lauder Double Wear Camouflage Foundation is a long-lasting, flawless foundation that delivers complete coverage wherever it is required. It contains powerful ingredients such as silica which is essential for collagen formation. It covers any skin defects and blemishes on the face or body, such as scars, fine lines, sun spots, and other hyperpigmentation. It protects your skin from the sun with SPF 15 and delivers a natural matte finish. The non-acnegenic formula is suitable for all skin types. Its compact and easy-to-carry design makes it travel-friendly as well!
Pros
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting wear
- Dermatologist-tested
- Full coverage
- Non-acnegenic
Cons
- Can transfer a bit
Review: A reviewer writes, “The high coverage foundation from Estee Lauder has amazed me completely. The product conceals my melasma and dark spots flawlessly. A camouflage formula indeed! It is lightweight and its natural matte finish suits my skin perfectly. Apply it with a blending sponge for the perfect finish.”
13. Becca Ultimate Coverage 24 Hour Foundation – Linen
On the hunt for a non-acnegenic foundation? You should give a chance to this foundation that won’t clog pores, making it less likely to cause acne and breakouts. It is formulated with treated pigments that help conceal uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, skin imperfections, and redness. While keeping your skin healthy, this foundation provides full coverage and its shade offers a natural finish to those with the lightest beige with neutral undertones. To keep your acne-prone skin safe, it does not contain paraben, phthalate, sulfate, gluten, mineral oil, and fragrance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Breathable formula
- 24-hours staying power
- Transfer and water-resistant
Cons
- It might take time to dry
Review: A tester says, “The Becca Ultimate Coverage Foundation is my top pick. The full coverage offers my skin a great finish, even when I am a bit pale. It does not transfer on clothes and is ideal for days when I have to wear a mask. It makes my skin appear flawless but the shade range could be better.”
If you need help choosing the right foundation for hyperpigmentation, take a look at our buying guide to make a wise decision.
How To Choose The Best Foundation For Hyperpigmentation
- Coverage
Foundation that offers full and buildable coverage is the right option for those who want to cover hyperpigmentation. With maximum coverage, the dark spots and patches will be camouflaged effectively.
- Skin type
Choosing a foundation as per your skin type is important. If you have oily skin, opt for powder foundation or ones that offer a matte finish. For dry skin types, cream and liquid foundations are good options as they blend easily and keep your skin moisturized. If you have sensitive skin, pick foundations that do not contain harmful chemicals and are oil-free. Not all foundations have the same texture, some are liquid or cream and others can be pressed powder or travel-friendly stick foundation. Liquid foundation gives a matte finish with a soft dewy glow, which is mostly suitable for all skin types. Powder and stick foundation too provide a matte finish, but they are best suited for oily skin type. And for dry skin, a cream foundation is the perfect choice.
- Skin undertone
Knowing your skin’s natural undertone prevents shade difference issues. Foundation with a hint of pink work well for cool undertones, while golden or yellow-based undertones fall under the warm-toned spectrum. Those with neutral undertones are a combination of the two. If you are still confused, check your veins color on the wrist. Purple/blue veins means you have a cool undertone, olive indicates a warm undertone, and blue/green veins show a neutral undertone.
- Longwear
If you want those pigmented patches to be hidden, you should choose foundations with strong staying power. It will avoid the appearance of uneven discoloration once the foundation begins to fade.
So, have you decided which product to bring home? Now, it’s time to understand how to apply foundation to blur hyperpigmentation.
How To Cover Hyperpigmentation With Foundation
Step 1: Examine the areas you want to cover.
Step 2: Apply a concealer onto your pigmentation spots.
Step 3: Now, pick a foundation that is suitable to your skin type and tone. Apply it all over your face using your fingers, brush, or a sponge. You can also dampen your sponge for easy blending.
Step 4: It is all about blending the makeup into your skin. After the blending process, allow your makeup to rest for a few minutes.
Step 5: Apply foundation or concealer for more coverage if the brown patches are still visible.
Step 6: Give a final touch-up by gently blending out the edges again.
Infographic: Factors To Consider Before Buying Foundation For Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, or dark patches and spots on the skin, is a common condition due to acne, hormone changes, aging, or exposure to UV rays. Worry not! You can instantly conceal the uneven skin tone with the right foundation. Check out the infographic below to pick the best product for hiding dark, pigmented patches. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Exposure to sun rays can cause dark spots on the skin and this condition is known as hyperpigmentation. Traditional topical medications and home remedies can assist but not clear the issue. Foundations instantly hide those blemishes and pigmentation, provide complete coverage, and blend easily into the skin. If you want a long-lasting coverage, the Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Foundation – 25N | Natural Beige is the one to go for. The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation – 302 | Creamy Natural is hydrating and has a lightweight formula, while the Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation – 48 | Light offers high coverage matte finish. These foundations are cruelty-free, vegan, and lightweight. Some products might be greasy and may not suit all skin types. However, check out the reviews and buying guide to pick the right foundation based on your complexion and skin type to prevent shade difference issues.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury is a makeup enthusiast who has conducted extensive research to bring you this list of the best foundations for hyperpigmentation. She has analyzed numerous user reviews and trustworthy product listings to recommend the best products. This article also includes a buying guide and mentions the pros and cons of each product to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a foundation cover hyperpigmentation?
Yes. Foundations that provide full coverage can cover hyperpigmentation and other skin flaws.
How long does it take to lighten hyperpigmentation?
If you receive proper treatment, it takes 3-12 months to lighten hyperpigmentation. Till then, the beauty industry has many safe foundations and concealers to cover the imperfections instantly.
Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?
Hyperpigmentation is caused due to excess production of melanin and when you treat this skin condition, it boosts cell turnover. This leads to pigmented cells being pulled to the surface of your skin, making them appear darker. So, yes, hyperpigmentation gets darker before it fades which means they are prepared to shed away.
Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation?
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is good for your skin. And yes, it can help to minimize the look of blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
Does wetting your sponge before applying foundation cover hyperpigmentation better?
Yes. A wet sponge is ideal for covering hyperpigmentation and dark spots. They offer maximum coverage and make the foundation look flawless.
What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?
The best way to get rid of hyperpigmentation are:
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Retinoid-based skincare products
• Dermabrasion
