As someone who has struggled with severe acne scarring since my teen years, I know how much the right makeup can improve self-confidence. After wasting too much time and money on formulas that sank into my pockmarks rather than concealing them, I finally found my holy grail in Dermablend.
Over the last 5+ years, I‘ve tested at least 15 of Dermablend‘s foundations, concealers, setting powders and primers specifically designed for covering tattoos, dark spots, rosacea, acne scarring and other skin imperfections. Compared to drugstore brands claiming "full coverage" (that showed all my uneven texture!), Dermablend flawlessly masks and smoothes without ever looking fake.
As you evaluate whether Dermablend is right for your skin issues, keep reading for my honest first-hand review based on years of wear-testing. I‘ll compare specific products on coverage amount, feel, shade range, best skin type matches and value. You‘ll also get application tips from pro makeup artists that ensure the products actually look natural!
Overview of Dermablend‘s Key Claims and Products
Before diving into my in-depth product breakdown, here’s a quick intro to Dermablend’s origins and top products:
- Founded in 1981 by a dermatologist and makeup artist – the goal was clinical coverage that nourishes skin
- Offers foundations, concealers, powders and primers – everything needed for head-to-toe coverage
- Claims up to 16 hours of transfer-resistant wear – works all day with careful prep and setting
- Well-known for covering tattoos, dark spots, rosacea and intense pigmentation issues
- Products feel weightless and breathable – avoid heavy, congested feeling
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic – won‘t clog pores or irritate
- 30+ versatile foundation shades – match more skin tones
- Earn rewards like free samples and gifts – loyalty program for return shoppers
While Dermablend has a clinical heritage for severe skin concerns, the brand has expanded to offer more lightweight coverage catering to everyday users as well. But those with serious scarring or pigmentation issues tend to most appreciate the flawless coverage.
Keep reading for my breakdown of over 10 Dermablend complexion products I‘ve personally tested on my very fair, scarred skin…
Best Dermablend Foundations Tested
A good base is crucial for seamless coverage. Here are my top 3 Dermablend foundation picks after testing 7 different options from their line:
1. Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation
- Best for dry or mature skin
- Dewy finish
- Medium, buildable coverage
- Lightweight serum texture
I love this for casual days when you want to even tone without feeling foundation on your skin. The smooth liquid formula hydrates my dry areas instead of clinging. I prefer to apply with a dense brush for a natural look. With mature skin at age 39, this doesn‘t settle into my fine lines.
Coverage Rating: 6/10
Shades Available: 15 fair to deep tones
Price: $39 for 1 oz
2. Flawless Creator Foundation
- Best for normal to oily skin
- Matte, yet feels weightless
- Buildable medium-full coverage
- Oil-free liquid formula
I wear this foundation formula to the office or for date nights thanks to its budge-proof coverage staying put on my combination skin for 10+ hours. I mix it with primer first to maximize smoothness over my scars. Despite being matte finish, it never looks flat or cakey even with multiple layers.
Coverage Rating: 8/10
Shades Available: 20 mostly light to tan
Price: $40 for 1 oz
3. Cover Creme Foundation
- Best for severely scarred skin
- Opaque, masks everything
- Creamy yet lightweight
- Full matte coverage
When I want close-up photo ready skin that hides every last mark, the Cover Creme whips out the heavy artillary. Despite being insanely pigmented, it doesn‘t feel thick or greasy. I use a damp beauty sponge to press it into skin. This also available in an incredible 30 shades from albino to ebony.
Coverage Rating: 10/10
Shades Available: 30 inclusive tones
Price: $39 for 0.95 oz
Best Dermablend Concealers Tested
For spot-correcting imperfections instead of overall coverage, Dermablend makes effective concealers ideal for the under eyes, blemishes and localized pigmentation issues like melasma.
1. Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer
- Covers dark circles extremely well
- Stays put all day without creasing
- Thick, concentrated formula
- Easy squeeze tube for application
I consider this mandatory for weary mornings when you look a bit "hungover" no matter how well-rested you feel. Just a tiny amount makes my bluish undereye circles look brightened while somehow not settling into fine lines. I warm it between fingers before lightly tapping over makeup.
Coverage Rating: 9/10
Shades Available: 16 versatile tones
Price: $28 for 0.16 oz
2. Quick Fix Concealer Stick
- Super blendable and buildable
- Perfect purse / travel companion
- Easy twist-up stick use
- Matte yet never cakey result
I always have a Quick Fix stick in my handbag to swipe on throughout the day if an unexpected blemish pops up. The chubby design makes touch-ups so simple. With a good prep routine, I can layer it without it appearing heavy or obvious over makeup. My shade is the Elusive 10N.
Coverage Rating: 7/10
Shades Available: 10 mostly light tones
Price: $26 for 0.1 oz
How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?
While Dermablend offers some seriously potent coverup formulas, even their most opaque foundation won‘t mask texture and dimension. So realistic expectations are key for a natural result!
According to celebrity makeup pro Mario Dedivanovic:
"Using too much [foundation] can make skin look cakey and overdone. Sheer-to-medium coverage is ideal for everyday wear on most skin types and conditions."
Most people actually need only light to medium coverage for a flawless-looking complexion. So consider opting for Dermablend‘s lighter coverage foundations first. Their versatile pigments allow you to spot conceal on top as needed without getting heavy.
Follow these expert tips for identifying your ideal coverage level:
Sheer to Light Coverage
- Evens skin tone
- Minimizes pores
- Reduces redness
- Ideal for young, clear skin
Light to Medium Coverage
- Conceals minor imperfections
- Minimizes dark circles
- Blurs acne and spots
- Works for most skin conditions
Full Coverage
- Camouflages intense scars
- Covers port wine stains
- Masks tattoos
- Corrects melasma pigmentation
And always remember when using fuller coverage formulas like Dermablend – less is more for avoiding cake face!
How To Apply Dermablend Flawlessly
It‘s crucial to master proper application technique with Dermablend‘s highly pigmented formulas. Caking and creasing can happen easily if you don‘t prep skin properly and blend in thin layers.
I spoke to LA celebrity makeup artist Etienne Ortega to get his top tips for flawless wear:
"Prep with a hydrating primer even if you have oily skin. This prevents the foundation clinging to dryness which emphas insures smooth blending. Always start with a thin layer to avoid thickness, then you can concealer layer and build coverage over top where needed."
Here is a step-by-step application guide:
- Prime – Apply primer focused on dry areas and areas needing more coverage
- Spot Conceal – Use a color corrector and concealer brush to neutralize discoloration
- Buff Foundation – Use a damp blender sponge in thin layers over face
- Spot Touch-Up – Dot extra foundation on as needed for flawless texture
- Powder T-Zone – Set oiliest areas (but avoid where very dry)
- Setting Spray – Mist all over to meld layers and prolong wear
And remember to exfoliate and moisturize diligently before makeup application. This removes flaky skin that clings to texture and creates an even canvas.
Does Dermablend Actually Improve Skin?
What I appreciate most about Dermablend (beyond the coverage!) is how the brand uses skin-nourishing ingredients despite the high pigmentation. So unlike some theatrical makeup brands masking skin, Dermablend provides skincare benefits.
All foundations and concealers are spiked with antioxidants, soothing botanicals and hydrators.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamin E
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Sodium hyaluronate
- Jojoba esters
- Glycerin
- Grapeseed extract
These ingredients boost moisture, soften skin and protect against environmental aggressors like pollution that can darken hyperpigmentation. So while the makeup provides immediate flawless coverage, it also treats the underlying skin conditions.
I credit Dermablend with keeping my acne scars from worsening over the years thanks to their nourishing formulas. The coverage masks while the skincare nourishes!
Does Dermablend Makeup Actually Last 16 Hours?
Dermablend claims their coverage lasts up to 16 hours without fading, transferring or rubbing off. Based on my testing, I find you realistically get 8 to 12 hours of perfect wear before some breakthrough shine peeks through on oilier zones.
Achieving such long perfect coverage requires diligent prep and setting:
- Use mattifying primer on oiliest areas
- Set liquid makeup with loose powder
- Use setting spray to meld layers
- Blot oil throughout wear time
With optimal prep, Dermablend outlasts comparable brands that fade or slip off quicker. For example, the Smoothing Liquid Camo foundation lasted 11 hours on my combo skin verses Estee Lauder Double Wear fading after 8 hours.
Just know touched-up powder may be needed for a full 16 hours of oil control and perfect wear time.
How Dermablend Compares to Other Full Coverage Brands
While no brand offers effects truly comparable to Dermablend for covering intense skin flaws, many brands provide fuller coverage that rivals boutique lines.
Based on my experience, here is how Dermablend stacks up:
| Brand | Coverage Amount | Skin Type Match | Shade Range | Price Per Oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermablend | Up to total | Most | Excellent | $36-39 |
| Estee Lauder DW | Full | Oily | Good | $43 |
| Too Faced Born | Full | Dry | Fair | $42 |
| Tarte Amazonian Clay | Medium-Full | Combo | Fair | $39 |
| L‘Oreal Infallible | Full | Normal | Good | $13 |
| Maybelline Superstay | Full | Oily | Excellent | $8 |
In terms of seriously flawless, opaque coverage Dermablend still reigns supreme. But many drugstore brands like L‘Oreal and Maybelline offer nearly as stunning coverage for literally a fraction of the cost. Estee Lauder and Too Faced feel more lightweight though don‘t conceal as thoroughly.
Pros vs Cons of Dermablend Makeup
Based on my first-hand testing, here are the key pros and cons of these cult-favorite coverup cosmetics:
Pros
- Provides clinical-level coverage
- Large inclusive shade range
- Skin-nourishing ingredients
- Feels weightless despite pigment load
- Covers everything imaginable
- Earn free gifts through rewards program
Cons
- Requires learning curve for application
- Not as beginner-friendly as some competitors
- Relies heavily on proper prep and setting
- Can look cakey if too much applied
- Pretty expensive compared to drugstore
As my experience shows, the exceptional coverage power comes at a price both financially and in terms of application mastery. Novices may want to start with a lighter coverage foundation they can build gradually. And alway remember – less is more with Dermablend!
Where To Buy Dermablend Makeup
You can shop the full line on the Dermablend website, plus they offer discounts not available elsewhere like 20-25% off special product categories each month.
Many products are also sold nationally at major beauty retailers like:
- Ulta
- Macy’s
- Sephora
- Walmart
I suggest comparing prices between the official site and stores then using Rakuten to earn cash back on all beauty purchases!
Bottom Line: Is Dermablend Worth It?
If you struggle with serious skin conditions like acne scarring, rosacea, pigmentation, port wine stains or tattoos, Dermablend is absolutely worth investing in. Their coverage power, shade range and skin-loving properties are unmatched.
However, the average woman looking for a basic complexion enhancer may find the brand overkill. In that case, L‘Oreal, Maybelline and CoverGirl offer stellar coverage at more wallet-friendly pricing.
No matter your personal reasons for seeking fuller coverage, hopefully my first-hand Dermablend reviews give you the details needed to decide which products could boost your complexion confidence!
