16 Top Medium-Coverage Foundations
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Are you searching for that perfect balance between flawless skin and a natural, effortless look?
Medium-coverage foundation is your best bet to achieve a smooth, even complexion while still allowing your skin’s natural beauty to shine through!
But with a multitude of medium-coverage options available on the market, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right one, especially if you’re a newbie at makeup.
Don’t worry!
In this article, we’ve listed down the best medium-coverage foundations that are gaining immense popularity in the makeup world today.
From lightweight liquid products to weightless powder ones and everything in between, you’ll surely find the product that suits your liking!
Read on and unlock the power of medium-coverage foundations to achieve flawlessly radiant and beautifully natural skin!
- Creates an even, flawless base
- Free of phthalates, harsh dyes, parabens, and fragrances
- Comes in 31 shades to suit different skin tones
- Gives you even-toned skin
- Designed to lend a noticeable glow to your skin
- Lightweight texture
- Infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe, hepes acid, and vitamins B5 and E
- Light and smooth formula
- Dewy finish
Table of Contents
What Are Medium-Coverage Foundations?
Medium-coverage foundations offer a seamless finish by providing a moderate level of coverage.
These foundations strike a delicate balance, allowing the skin to breathe while still providing ample coverage for blemishes, redness, or discoloration.
They effectively even out skin tone, blur minor imperfections, and lend a healthy radiance to the face.
What sets medium-coverage foundations apart is their ability to create a smooth canvas without appearing heavy and cakey.
Additionally, many of them come with added skincare benefits because they’re formulated with ingredients that provide hydration and offer SPF protection.
How To Find the Top Medium-Coverage Foundation
Finding the top medium-coverage foundation can be an exciting journey toward achieving the smooth, gorgeous complexion of your dreams.
Here are some tips to guide you in your quest:
Consider Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is crucial when selecting a foundation.
When looking for the right foundation to match your skin type’s needs, there are certain keywords to look for in each foundation product’s label to ensure they’re your right match.
Here’s a guide to which keywords you should search for based on your skin type:
- Normal skin — Most products will likely suit your skin type, so you can feel free to choose a foundation based on your preferences.
But to guarantee comfortable wear, look for a foundation that’s lightweight and long-lasting with a satin finish.
- Combination skin — Your foundation should have a balanced formula. It should have oil-controlling and hydrating capabilities to prevent excess shine in oily areas of your face and offer hydration in dry areas.
A product with a matte finish is good for your skin type, but it shouldn’t be overly drying.
- Dry skin — The foundation you choose should be moisturizing and nourishing.
Additionally, because dry skin can look dull or patchy, you’ll want a medium-coverage foundation that offers a dewy finish.
- Oily skin — For oily skin, the right foundation is oil-free. This means it won’t add even more shine to your face.
Plus, it should have a matte finish that controls greasiness.
In addition to your skin type, you might also want to look for foundations that are formulated to address or conceal skin issues like acne and signs of aging.
Here are the keywords you should look for in terms of skin issues:
- Acne-prone skin — Make sure to choose a foundation that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and further contribute to the formation of acne.
Ideally, it should also have a breathable formula with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
- Mature skin — For this issue, select a foundation with anti-aging properties. It should also have a dewy or satin finish because mature skin tends to be dull and dry.
Medium coverage to conceal imperfections without settling into lines, SPF for sun protection
Match Your Foundation to Your Skin Color and Undertones
To ensure the foundation you choose harmonizes with your skin color, we recommend swatching foundation shades on your jawline or wrist in natural light.
This lets you see how well the color blends with your skin tone.
Opt for a shade that disappears into your skin rather than one that creates a stark contrast against it.
Be sure as well to choose a shade that matches your undertones (cool, warm, or neutral).
- Warm undertones (hints of yellow or peach) — Look for foundation shades labeled “warm” or “golden.”
- Cool undertones (hints of pink or blue) — Choose foundation shades labeled “cool” or “rosy.
- Neutral undertones (a mix of warm and cool undertones) — Seek foundations that are “neutral” or “beige.”
Assess the Foundation’s Type, Finish, and Coverage
Medium-coverage foundations are available in various formulas, including liquid, powder, and cream.
Each formula offers distinct characteristics and textures, so choose the one that aligns with your skin type and preference.
- Liquid — povides natural and buildable coverage
- Cream — offers a slightly thicker consistency for added hydration
- Powder — has a dry, lightweight consistency and helps control excess oil
Additionally, medium-coverage foundations can provide different finishes.
We’ve already discussed which finish goes with which skin type, but you can also pick it based on the overall look you want to achieve.
- Dewy — gives your skin a radiant, luminous look
- Matte — offers an airbrushed, polished appearance
- Satin — strikes a balance between dewy and matte, providing a natural, semi-matte appearance
Lastly, check the coverage level on the product label or description to ensure it falls within the medium range.
Some products offer buildable coverage. Some may offer light to medium coverage, which is best for natural looks, while others provide medium to full coverage, which is suitable for more dramatic makeup styles.
Top Medium-Coverage Foundations
Ready to see the finest medium-coverage foundations on the market?
Scroll down and take your pick from our list!
Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation is one of the best medium-coverage foundations for oily skin that has garnered significant attention in the beauty community!
Key Benefits: Stops shine; blurs pores; provides all-day wear
Features:
- Matte finish
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
With its positive reviews and affordable price point, it’s no surprise why this foundation has become a go-to option for many makeup lovers!
One of the standout features of this medium-coverage liquid foundation from Maybelline is its exceptional ability to control shine.
The oil-free product ensures that your skin remains fresh and matte throughout the day, even in hot and humid weather conditions.
For those concerned about clogged pores and potential breakouts, the non-comedogenic formula of this foundation brings peace of mind. It is designed to prevent pore blockage, allowing your skin to remain blemish-free.
Also, if you’re struggling with visible pores, this product is totally one of your best allies because its coverage delivers an impressive pore-blurring effect.
It effortlessly minimizes the appearance of pores, resulting in an airbrushed and picture-perfect complexion!
Looking for the foundation with the best coverage? Look no further than Covergirl’s wrinkle-defying medium-coverage foundation!
Key Benefits: Diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles; protects the skin from sun damage; offers hydration
Features:
- Infused with hyaluronic complex, vitamin C, and SPF 28
- Cream formula with a dewy finish
- Medium to full coverage
If you’re seeking the best medium-coverage foundation for mature skin, this product is a worthy addition to your beauty routine!
The Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation is undeniably a standout contender for the title of the top medium-coverage foundation.
Offering medium to full coverage, it expertly conceals imperfections, leaving a flawless and evenly toned complexion.
Also, this lightweight cream formula delivers a dewy finish that’s just the right amount of glowy without veering into the greasy territory.
It can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking both coverage and age-defying benefits.
And because it has a hyaluronic complex and vitamin C, it doesn’t just cover up flaws; it actively hydrates your skin and diminishes skin aging imperfections!
Plus, it packs SPF 28 to shield your skin from sun damage — making it a vital part of any anti-aging routine!
Enjoy a radiant and healthy-looking complexion with one of the best light- to medium-coverage foundations for dry skin from Lancôme!
Key Benefits: Hydrates the skin; improves the skin’s appearance; ensures lasting wear; doesn’t transfer or create a mess
Features:
- Infused with SPF 27, hyaluronic acid, and mandelic acid
- Dewy finish
- Paraben-free
Go about your day confidently by wearing Lancôme’s Ultra Care & Glow foundation!
This medium-coverage foundation stands out with its remarkable ability to hydrate the skin, leaving it supple and nourished.
Because it contains hyaluronic acid and mandelic acid, it delivers deep hydration while promoting smoother and more youthful skin.
The radiant dewy finish of this foundation also adds a beautiful luminosity to your complexion.
For light coverage, just apply it with your fingers or a damp sponge. But if you prefer medium coverage, apply this with a brush in a stippling motion.
And if you apply this product, you can expect it to stay put even in the most humid weather — no fading or transferring to your clothes! Its long-wearing formula guarantees that your makeup remains intact for extended periods.
Suffer from different skin issues? This foundation from Hide comes to the rescue with its exceptional medium coverage that conceals all sorts of imperfections!
Key Benefits: Evens out skin tone; covers blemishes; hydrating; long-wearing
Features:
- Oil-free
- Soft matte finish
- Lightweight formula
Say goodbye to foundations that fade quickly and hello to one that lasts for 12 hours!
No one wants to be weighed down by heavy makeup. The lightweight texture of Hide’s premium medium-coverage foundation ensures that it feels oh-so-comfortable on the skin.
Additionally, among the many things that we love about this product is its ability to even out skin tone and effectively cover blemishes. Its formula provides a smooth and flawless canvas, reducing the appearance of imperfections.
It’s even designed to last for over 12 hours, resisting oil and sweat effortlessly.
And this foundation is also one of the top medium-coverage foundations for combination skin that prevents excess shine and hydrates the skin at the same time.
Looking for the best medium-coverage foundation for dry skin that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? This product from E.l.f is a must-have!
Key Benefits: Improves uneven tone and texture; ensures all-day wear; hydrates the skin
Features:
- Semi-matte finish
- Supercharged with glycerin
- Cruelty-free and vegan
This product enhances your complexion with a smooth and blendable formula. Definitely a great buy!
Whether you’re dealing with redness, discoloration, or fine lines, this foundation provides medium to full coverage that creates a smooth and even canvas.
It offers a seamless finish that blurs imperfections, giving your skin a flawless appearance.
Not only that, this product also boasts impressive all-day wear, ensuring that your makeup stays intact from morning to night.
Moreover, it contains glycerin, which is considered a superhero when it comes to moisturizing the skin. Aside from providing hydration, it also helps create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
In search of the best medium-coverage drugstore foundation? You should definitely try L'Oreal’s amazing foundation!
Key Benefits: Locks in moisture; doesn’t clog pores; blends seamlessly into the skin
Features:
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid for moisturization
- Smooth liquid formula
- Alcohol- and fragrance-free
If you have concerns about clogged pores or looming breakouts, this foundation brings good news!
As a foundation, the L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation performs like a dream.
Its blendable formula allows it to meld seamlessly into the skin, offering coverage so natural-looking that folks won’t be able to tell you’re wearing it.
Considered one of the top medium-coverage foundations, it does more than just cover blemishes; it cares for your skin too!
Formulated with a moisturizing cream and hyaluronic acid, it allows you to say goodbye to dry, flaky patches!
Also, it’s alcohol and fragrance-free, making it an ideal choice for beauties with sensitive skin.
On the hunt for a foundation that not only provides incredible medium coverage but also protects the health of your skin? Revlon’s Natural Finish Foundation is a must-try!
Key Benefits: Goes on smoothly; creates an even, flawless base; shields against environmental damage
Features:
- Contains vitamin E
- Free of phthalates, harsh dyes, parabens, and fragrances
- Comes in 31 shades to suit different skin tones
Allows your skin to breathe while still offering excellent coverage!
The Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Foundation is the perfect blend of makeup and skincare. It has a lightweight formula that offers a seamless, natural finish that’s virtually undetectable.
Its medium-coverage formula goes on smoothly and blends invisibly to even out your skin tone weightlessly.
And the best part? You can build it up, depending on what your day (or night) calls for.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there. Infused with vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, it not only beautifies your skin but also shields it against environmental damage.
This product goes beyond traditional coverage to provide transformative benefits for your skin!
Key Benefits: Visibly refines skin tone and texture; offers impressive hydration; minimizes pores
Features:
- Infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe, hepes acid, and vitamins B5 and E
- Light and smooth formula
- Dewy finish
Boasting great coverage and skincare benefits, this product deserves to be in your makeup bag!
As the name suggests, this foundation helps you achieve a “your-skin-but-better” look.
Its medium coverage strikes the perfect balance between concealing imperfections and letting your skin’s natural beauty shine through.
The light consistency of this foundation makes it a dream to apply. It effortlessly glides onto the skin, melting seamlessly for a natural and weightless feel.
The result? A radiant, dewy finish that leaves your skin looking fresh and luminous.
It’s also packed with hyaluronic acid, aloe, HEPES acid, and vitamins B5 and E, which work together to refine your skin tone and texture over time.
No more thick or cakey foundation — this product gives you comfortable and breathable medium coverage like no other!
Key Benefits: Visibly smoothens skin texture; minimizes pores; hydrates and plumps; non-irritating
Features:
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, squalane, and vitamin B5
- Non-comedogenic
- Creamy formula
Besides offering excellent coverage, this product also gives your skin a hydrating and nourishing boost!
With its vegan, cruelty-free, and creamy formula, this foundation from Kosas is the top natural medium-coverage foundation!
It provides natural-looking medium coverage that evens out your skin tone and conceals imperfections without feeling heavy or cakey.
The magic of this foundation lies in its formula, which contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, squalane, vitamin B5, arnica, and caffeine. These work to visibly smoothen your skin’s texture and minimize pores.
Moreover, it hydrates, brightens, and plumps up your skin, all while providing non-irritating coverage.
One of the best medium-coverage foundations for acne-prone skin, Focallure’s foundation hides imperfections without clogging your pores!
Key Benefits: Lasts all day; looks completely natural when applied; evens skin tone
Features:
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Sheer matte finish
- Enriched with vitamin E
This product stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking a breathable formula!
Focallure’s liquid foundation ensures all-day wear. Its lightweight yet resilient formula adheres to the skin, providing a flawless finish that remains intact for hours.
The beauty of this foundation lies in its versatility.
It provides medium to full coverage that’s buildable. Whether you’re looking for a light, natural look or seeking to cover more noticeable imperfections, this foundation has got you covered.
The result is a seamless, sheer matte finish that looks as natural as your own skin.
In addition, it’s formulated to be oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for various skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can expect this product won’t exacerbate existing skin concerns once applied!
Seeking the best medium-coverage foundation that gives you a radiant, camera-ready complexion? The search is over with Wet n Wild’s Photo Focus Liquid Foundation!
Key Benefits: Long-lasting; moisturizing; prevents flashback in photos
Features:
- Dewy finish
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben- and gluten-free
Maintain your flawless finish throughout the day with the help of this one-of-a-kind foundation product!
Nothing beats the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation when it comes to longevity.
It gives you that coveted dewy glow and ensures it stays intact throughout the day. Its skin-perfecting formula also provides a second-skin look while preventing a white cast, so you can be sure you always look incredible in photos.
Plus, it’s also buildable, which means you are in control of customizing the coverage to suit your needs.
Free of parabens and other harmful ingredients, it won’t irritate your skin, which is why reviewers often say it’s the top medium-coverage foundation for sensitive skin.
Look fresh and radiant every day with this product!
Key Benefits: Melts into the skin; gives you a smooth base; feels light when worn
Features:
- Oil-free
- Crafted with murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter
- Vegan and paraben-free
Want to invest in the best light- to medium-coverage foundation? Don’t look past Physicians Formula’s incredible product!
Achieving the desired coverage level is effortless with this foundation because it’s super buildable!
Prefer a natural-looking base? Want more coverage for specific areas with blemishes? Whatever your needs, this foundation’s light to medium coverage can do the job.
Even better, it feels weightless, so you can wear it every day with total comfort.
Moreover, the nourishing butters it contains help condition and nourish the skin, enhancing its overall health and radiance.
This medium-coverage foundation from Smashbox Studio is all about giving you a flawless finish without any compromises.
Key Benefits: Never settles into pores and lines; controls oil and shine; doesn’t transfer
Features:
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Oil-free
- Matte finish
If you’re aiming for a poreless, shine-free finish, this foundation can do an outstanding job!
The Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Wear Hydra Foundation offers medium to full coverage that never settles into pores and lines, ensuring a smooth, even canvas.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, it keeps your skin nourished while controlling oil and shine. The result is a matte finish that looks as fresh at the end of the day as it did at the start.
What’s even more amazing is this product is also transfer-resistant, meaning it stays put without smudging or fading.
Its oil-free formula means it doesn’t add any extra shine or oiliness to your complexion, making it ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
Hate it when your foundation looks and feels cakey? You won’t have to worry about that with Catrice’s ultra-lightweight foundation!
Key Benefits: Lasts for several hours; nourishes the skin; helps you achieve a base that looks like your real skin
Features:
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid and watermelon seed oil
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Lightweight texture
For a high-performing product you can rely on even during the most hectic days, get this foundation from Catrice!
A medium-coverage foundation that stays put for hours. this is an excellent choice for those with busy lifestyles or a preference for a reliable base that lasts from day to night.
One of the most impressive things about this product is that it gives you a real-skin finish.
Instead of looking heavy or cakey, this foundation blends smoothly and evenly into the skin, mimicking the appearance of a naturally flawless complexion.
Plus, as the name suggests, this product provides much-needed hydration to the skin. It has hyaluronic acid and watermelon seed oil, which help replenish and lock in moisture, keeping the skin nourished.
Affordable and reliable, you can bet on the Kiss New York Professional Liquid Foundation for gorgeous skin!
Key Benefits: Controls shine; covers pores; makes the skin feel soft and smooth
Features:
- Enriched with green tea extract
- Velvet finish
- Lightweight formula
No more worrying about large pores or oiliness — this foundation has got you covered!
Kiss New York’s liquid foundation is a game-changer in the world of medium-coverage foundations.
Its advanced formula controls shine, conceals under-eye circles, and minimizes pores, resulting in a blemish-free base.
It also provides intense hydration while effectively controlling shine. This dual action ensures a fresh and matte complexion, making it a perfect choice for those with combination or oily skin.
Also, the addition of green tea extract in its foundation adds an extra layer of skincare benefits.
Apart from protecting your skin from environmental damage, it also soothes inflammation and maintains a healthy complexion by reducing the visibility of redness and promoting a youthful glow.
Love a medium-coverage foundation that stays all day? Try this product from NYX!
Key Benefits: Smooths out your skin’s texture; gives you even-toned skin; provides a noticeable glow
Features:
- Cruelty-free
- Radiant, dewy finish
- Lightweight texture
Enjoy a luminous glow like never before with this foundation!
This foundation from NYX is a dream for concealing uneven skin tone and smoothing out bumpy, textured skin.
If you’re battling with these problems, this product can easily cover them up and instantly boost your confidence.
In addition, the dewy finish of this foundation creates a natural-looking radiance that enhances your skin’s appearance, making it look fresh and hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Medium-Coverage and Full-Coverage Foundations?
Medium-coverage foundations offer enough coverage to give you a smoother, more even complexion.
However, they still allow some of the skin’s natural texture and characteristics to show through, resulting in a more natural look and breathable feel.
On the other hand, full-coverage foundations provide a higher level of coverage, aiming to completely conceal any imperfections, discoloration, or blemishes on the skin.
Full-coverage foundations tend to have a thicker consistency and a heavier texture, as they are designed to create a more uniform, polished appearance.
What’s the Best Way To Apply Medium-Coverage Foundations?
The best way to apply medium-coverage foundations is to start with clean, moisturized skin.
Use a damp makeup sponge or a brush to dot the foundation onto your face and blend it outwards from the center.
Focus on areas that need more coverage, and gradually build up if desired. Set with a translucent setting powder for guaranteed longevity.
Let Your Natural Skin Shine Through With the Top Medium-Coverage Foundations!
Finding the perfect medium-coverage foundation is key to achieving a radiant complexion.
With the right product, you can conceal any imperfections while highlighting your natural beauty.
So go ahead and select the top medium-coverage foundation from our top picks!
Using any of these products, you can enhance your skin’s natural glow and confidently showcase your gorgeous features.
Looking for More Foundation Recommendations?
Check these out:
- 14 Foundations for Rosacea: Find the Best One for You!
- 11 Oil-Based Foundations for All Skin Types
- 9 Drugstore Powder Foundations To Try