The Top 8 Best Foundations for Hyperpigmentation

Show dark spots who’s boss with these color-correcting formulas that create a flawless finish.

Updated October 31, 2023
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. See our review process here.
Woman applying foundation to her skin

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
Advertisement

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
Advertisement

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
Advertisement

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

Read More

Looking for more makeup tips? Check out the best lipstick shades for medium skin tones.

The Top 8 Best Foundations for Hyperpigmentation