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During the summer months, and even throughout the year we are constantly searching for the perfect foundation or products in general or some sort of coverage to give us the illusion of perfect skin. At times it can be a bit pricey if we are often buying new products to try out to find what works for our skin and our complexion depending on the time of the year. High-end products like anything else are great but sometimes purchasing products that won’t break the bank is the way to go.

When getting my makeup done a few times a year, I have learned some tips from makeup artists that have worked for not only myself but others as well. For starters, if a foundation is not noted as “full coverage” on the bottle, do not worry. You can still use your favorite brand for a full look, just use it as normal and layer with concealer, specifically a drugstore brand.

If you do have a high-end foundation this is a good hack to make your foundation last way longer. The second hack is using your concealer as a foundation. I know it might seem as if you would not get the same coverage but trust me it works miracles! A good concealer can serve as a great alternative to the foundation for a night out, especially for those girls that do not like the feeling of skin makeup but still want flawless skin.

1. COVERGIRL CLEAN MATTE BB CREAM

Any type of BB cream can easily become one of your favorite beauty staples and easily your best friend. I was never one to opt for a lighter coverage face makeup, I would always have a full glam on, no matter what I was doing that day. But after living in New York for a few years, minimal makeup is all the rage so I decided to give it a try.

Now BB cream can serve more than one obvious purpose. For starters, you can use it as a way to even out your skin tone, use it as SPF (some have it), and whereas an everyday alternative than foundation. This particular one is a miracle worker, it is supposed to be a lighter coverage but you can easily layer it for flawless skin that does not clog your pores or make you feel like you are wearing a thousand pounds of makeup. It also is vegan and cruelty-free which makes it that much more amazing!

2. L’OREAL INFALLIBLE PRO-MATTE FOUNDATION

This is one of the og favorites that I have had in my makeup bag for over 5 years. You can never go wrong with purchasing this, a little goes a long way so a full bottle will last up to six months (and I used mine pretty much every day). It is a medium to full coverage foundation, but I always find that you can get by without even applying concealer because it covers up scars and acne that well. The best part is that the foundation is true to last up to 24 hours, I have had some crazy nights that I have not washed off my makeup (don’t be like me) and the makeup has pretty much stayed on my face. 

3. L’OREAL TRUE MATCH

Another one of my favorites that I have used for as long as the Infallible one. This is more of a buildable coverage but still gives amazing flawless porcelain skin coverage. It is definitely a dewy finish, but with a good powder, you can take it down a notch.  Since it does not dry up quickly, it is super easy to work with because it gives more flexibility to work slowly when applying your makeup. 

4. MAYBELLINE FIT ME MATTE AND PORELESS

This was one of the first foundations I started with when I started wearing makeup but have kept it in my collection for years. It is so affordable and gives you pretty good coverage despite the price tag. I believe it is more of a lighter coverage but you can definitely build up to your desired fullness. It will not feel heavy on your skin whatsoever, and will not melt off your face which is why I love this one for doing day makeup but particularly in the summer months.

5. MAYBELLINE FIT ME CONCEALER 

This was the first makeup product that I was allowed to wear growing up and a staple. I have heard people compare it to the Nars radiant concealer but I have not tried it out. But I will say that it is very good for spot cover-up. If you want to hide scarring or anything of the sort it works perfectly. It is easily blend-able and works well with any other products. The only thing I would have to say is that it does waste rather quickly if you are using a lot of it and every day, you will probably have to purchase another within a week or two. 

6. NYX CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP ALL DAY MATTIFYING POWDER

I know what you’re thinking, and of course I had to hop on this trend when I saw everyone using it on Tik Tok. This product is the absolute best to blur out any imperfections! I didn’t really have high hopes when I purchased it but WOW! I normally only use powder around my t-zone so when I did the full day wear test it surpassed my expectations. It made my pores invisible and I did not get oily one bit, meaning no need to reapply throughout the day!

7. L’OREAL INFALLIBLE FULL WEAR WATERPROOF CONCEALER 

Now, this is a full coverage concealer that you can absolutely use in place of foundation. It lasts a while and you do not need so much since it is blend-able and covers all imperfections. This paired with the foundation I mentioned above is an amazing combination that is worth every penny. I love to use it as an eyeshadow primer, shape my brows, and to highlight. Since it is a bit denser than the others.

8. COVERGIRL TRUEBLEND UNDERCOVER CONCEALER 

This one is very similar to the More than Concealer I mentioned above. Both are extremely very well made products. Also, it photographs very well and covers up as well as brightening the areas you want. The only difference I have noticed is that it dries extremely quickly, so working in sections is best for this formula or else you will not be able to blend as easy. With over 30 shades to choose from, it is perfect for many skin tones!

9. L.A. GIRL HD PRO CONCEALER 

So many people love this item for good reason! It is so affordable for starters and it comes in many an abundance of colors, highlighter, and color correcting. It is not as heavy as the two previously mentioned above but it will last all through the day and night. You can also use it for cream contour and works just as good as the more expensive ones. One downside to the product is that the applicator is designed as a paintbrush which is not ideal but a great product that’ll last you months.

10. COVERGIRL CLEAN MATTE CONCEALER

Another CoverGirl recco! Surprise surprise! I love this line CoverGirl created since it’s main focus is all about skin! This summer I’ve been loving letting my skin breathe and be natural. But… I cant lie, sometimes I wake up and my eye bags are more purple than Barney. Okay maybe I’m exaggerating but this really helps conceal any imperfections but still come off as having that “clean girl look”.

CONCLUSION

Face makeup can be such a hard thing to come by. Finding the perfect products that will give you the coverage you want, not cause breakouts, and have your color can sometimes seem impossible to find. But with trial and error, you will be able to find everything you are looking for. I hope this list gives your search a great start.