12 Best Foundations For Covering Rosacea

Fresh Foundation

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Rosacea can be the ultimate confidence killer. The inflammatory skin condition causes flushed, red skin and often visible blood vessels on the face. I’ve had rosacea since I started college, and it began to affect me so much that I refused to go anywhere without makeup on. I only recently got over that anxiety in the past two years (I’m 26 now). The American Academy of Dermatology says the skin condition affects more than 14 million people in the U.S. If you’re struggling with rosacea and want to use makeup to help cover it, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of foundations out there that are full coverage and will hopefully help you regain some of your confidence. Keep reading for selections that can fit into all budgets.

Best Foundations For Covering Rosacea:

I’m going to start off with my holy grail foundation, the only one I’ve EVER found that matches me perfectly. Yes, you read that right. I wear shade Oslo in the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation, ideal for folks with super oily skin. It applies like velvet, and the coverage is insane. You can build it up without worrying about the formula drying down, something I’ve found happens with a lot of matte foundations. It’s one of the most expensive selections on this list, but it’s worth every penny.

Milani, in my opinion, is one of the most reliable drugstore brands when it comes to makeup. The Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer works double duty to cover all your redness and blemishes at a price that won’t keep you up at night. It’s medium to full coverage, depending on preference, with a matte finish. The formula is waterproof, sweatproof, and the ultimate multitasker.

The Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is an editor favorite for a reason. It has over 18,500 (!!) reviews on Ulta, with 11,500 of those rated five stars. Reviewers rave about how easily the foundation blends and how smoothly it goes on–plus how intensely pigmented it is. With coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid, the hydrating formula is long-wearing and photo-friendly, meaning it won’t create harsh flashback. You really can’t go wrong with this one!

Another solid drugstore pick, NYX’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation with vitamin E, is full coverage and a matte finish to cover redness in the blink of an eye. It comes in 45 different shades and is good for all skin types, but especially oily. Don’t forget to pay attention to your undertone when picking a new foundation! A lot of brands show which shade goes with which undertone, making the task a lot easier. Click here to find out if you’re warm, cool, or neutral-toned.

Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Weightless Foundation is made from a cold fusion process that makes the formula extra silky and smooth. It’s got a natural-matte finish with medium coverage that you can build up as much as you need. Marine sugarcane algae extract, and mineral powder help reduce shine, while glycerin provides hydration. The formula also contains SPF 15 for sun protection.

When Maybelline says this stuff is “super stay,” they mean it. One Ulta reviewer said the Super Stay Foundation lasted through a snowstorm after they were pelted with icy snow and didn’t budge for hours. I used to mix this with the Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation (last year when it was a different formula), which was a winning combination. Super Stay has excellent coverage and doesn’t feel cakey. There’s also a powder version of it that I use over my NARS foundation.

The Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Liquid Foundation, made by the one and only Rihanna, will forever be a favorite in the beauty community. This broke barriers when it was released in 2017 with 40 shades, as so many brands were mainly catering to those with fairer skin and did not provide nearly enough options for people with darker skin. This foundation gives medium-to-full coverage with a matte finish, and it feels like you’re not even wearing any makeup. I hope you’re ready for compliments!

I have one word for the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation: luxurious. The 24-hour wear makeup is oil-free, non-creasing, and humidity-resistant (looking at you, people in Southern states!). It’s also acnegenic, meaning it won’t cause breakouts and won’t clog pores. The bottle, in general, is also gorgeous and would look aesthetic on any makeup desk. It’s one of the pricier options on the list.

The Lancôme Teint Idole Matte Foundation is another foundation that makes me feel like royalty. Teint idole translates to “complexion idol” in French, and boy, is that accurate. This was my go-to before switching to NARS, and I can attest to the light-as-air coverage. A little goes a long way, especially when you’re applying it with a beauty sponge.

On the hunt for something less messy and ultra travel-friendly? Look no further than the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation Stick. Because of how easy it is to apply, you’re in charge–it’s a foundation you can’t mess up. It glides on like butter, leaving a natural, skin-like finish. Reviewers compare the simple and beautiful application to Hourglass’ Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick. I’d say that’s a pretty good compliment.

The L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation offers buildable coverage and contains three oil absorbers that resist water, sweat, and transfer. It’s infused with SPF 25, so you’ve got an extra dose of sun protection for your beautiful face. Lightweight, breathable and comfy, this foundation is yet another drugstore find that you won’t regret buying.

Juvia’s Place is known for breaking boundaries and creating ultra-inclusive shades. The I Am Magic Foundation caters to folks of all skin tones, delivering intense, lasting coverage at an affordable price. The formula leaves a velvety finish without pesky creasing or caking. This is a great pick for those looking to support a blossoming brand that’s changing the beauty landscape for the better.


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