15 Best Medium Coverage Foundations to Get a Luminous Finish

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 08, 2024
best medium coverage foundations
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Acing light and natural-looking makeup sets the tone for the days when you want to look fresh and breezy. With some of these best medium coverage foundations, you can create a smooth and polished base for dewy makeup looks. These foundations can even out your complexion and conceal imperfections to give your skin a glassy appearance. Our findings show that a medium coverage foundation can be used to build coverage that complements your skin tone and enhances the application of makeup products. So, you can use these foundations to match your natural skin shade without making your skin feel heavy or cakey. 

Medium coverage foundations can be a tricky makeup essential to buy. Hence, we have curated a list of some of the best ones so you can ace soft and delicate makeup looks naturally. Let’s explore.  

15 Best Medium Coverage Foundations

e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation is an ideal pick to refine uneven skin tone and texture. This liquid foundation features a smooth blend of glycerin to give your skin a quick boost of hydration, leaving it fresh and plump. With a neat, buildable formula, this satin foundation helps create a uniform base for the rest of your makeup. So, on days when you want to flaunt a subtle beauty look, this beautiful semi-matte finish adds a perfect touch of sheer. Shine on with this cruelty-free foundation curated to enhance your innate charm.

 

Pros
  • Creamy consistency
  • Blendable formula
  • Lightweight
  • Vegan
Cons
  • Unpleasant smell
  • Most Lightweight

    Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation

    Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation
  • Experience the perfect balance of coverage and natural radiance with Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation. Ideal for those seeking medium coverage, this foundation effortlessly evens skin tone while providing a lightweight, breathable feel. Enriched with SPF 25, it offers essential sun protection, ensuring your skin stays flawless and shielded from harmful UV rays. Achieve a smooth, velvety finish that lasts all day, enhancing your natural beauty without compromising comfort. Discover confidence in every drop with this medium coverage foundation.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and breathable texture
    • Medium coverage for a natural look
    • SPF 25
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Evens skin tone
    • Enhances natural radiance
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • BEST Natural FINISH

    LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation

    LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation
  • Discover LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation, a game-changer in the world of medium coverage foundations. This innovative formula effortlessly blends into your skin, providing a natural, soft-focus finish that lasts all day. Its lightweight texture allows your skin to breathe while offering just the right amount of coverage to even out imperfections. Perfect for a polished everyday look, this foundation enhances your natural beauty without feeling heavy or cakey. Experience the flawless complexion you deserve with LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation.

    Pros
    • Lightweight formula
    • Long-lasting coverage
    • Blends seamlessly
    • Natural finish
    • Broad range of shades
    • SPF protection
    Cons
    • Shades can be improved
  • Revlon Age Defying 3X Foundation

    Revlon Age Defying 3X Foundation
  • Pamper your skin with this lovely foundation by Revlon. The beauty of this foundation is that apart from accentuating your facial appearance, it also moisturizes and smoothens your skin evenly. With an added SPF formula, you can rely on it to protect your skin from sun exposure and inflammation. It features an age-defying formula and is a great addition to upgrade your anti-aging skincare routine. Our observations of this product indicate that you can use this product for medium to full coverage looks. Suit yourself and flaunt unique makeup looks with this versatile product.

     

    Pros
    • Lifts the skin
    • Long-lasting
    • Anti-aging formula
    • Glides smoothly
    • Rich texture
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for oily skin types
  • e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation

     e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation
  • A luminous complexion is what this foundation by NYX Professional Makeup offers. With the layerable texture of this foundation, you can build the coverage as per your liking and blur the imperfections effortlessly. This creamy foundation comes in handy to prepare a perfect canvas for flawless makeup application, so go all in and spruce up your soft makeup looks. You’ll love how seamlessly this blends to reflect your natural beauty and glowing skin tone. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your favorite daily wear foundation.

    Pros
    • Glowy finish
    • Seamless blend
    • Wide range of shades
    • Moisturizing formula
    Cons
    • May feel a bit greasy
  • Best Antioxidant Properties

    Laura Geller Double Take Baked Full Coverage Foundation

     Laura Geller Double Take Baked Full Coverage  Foundation
  • This powder foundation by Laura Geller is a treat for your skin. Infused with nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, centella asiatica extract, and camellia sinensis leaf extract, this foundation hydrates and renews dull and dehydrated skin. The soothing properties of these agents also soothe inflamed and chapped skin to rejuvenate your skin texture for immaculate makeup looks. You’ll fall for this glow-up essential, as it’s handmade to elevate your skincare game.

     

    Pros
    • Light texture
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Antioxidant properties
    • Smooth application
    Cons
    • Light coverage
  • Best Range of Shades

    NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation

    NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation
  • MISTINE Magic Air Cushion Foundation melts into your skin to enrich your natural skin texture. Infused with magic ingredients, hyaluronic acid, cistus monspeliensis extract, and white lotus extract, this product keeps your skin oil-free and fresh to elevate your modest makeup looks naturally. It offers long-lasting coverage and effectively conceals blemishes, acne spots, and pigmentation. Featuring a lightweight and smudge-proof formula, you can bid smudging worries goodbye with this product that is designed to add elegance to your extended outings and special events. 

     

    Pros
    • Breathable formula
    • Blends seamlessly
    • Alcohol-free
    • Long-lasting
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for dry skin
  • Best Moisturizing Formula

    Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

    Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
  • With this nude foundation by Wander Beauty, offering an undetectable finish, you can conceal dark spots, blemishes, and discoloration to get a smooth complexion. This liquid foundation is enriched with vitamin-rich ingredients, including gotu kola, passiflora, black currant, lotus, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide that stimulate collagen production and enhance cell turnover to make your skin youthful and supple. The antioxidant properties of this foundation soothe acne-prone skin and keep it fresh and clean. When we tested this product, we found that it can be used on mature skin.

    Pros
    • Lightweight texture
    • Travel-friendly
    • Gluten-free
    • Free from mineral oil
    • Dermatologist-tested
    Cons
    • Defective container
  • Best Alcohol-free Formula

    Ruby Kisses Mineral Powder Foundation

    Ruby Kisses Mineral Powder Foundation
  • Featuring a delicate formula, the powder foundation by Ruby Kisses enhances the clarity, tone, and texture of the skin. It offers medium coverage that can be built to cover age spots, sunburns, acne marks, and blemishes without making your skin feel sticky or messy. This foundation is also a good pick to cover wrinkles and fine lines to flaunt a younger-looking complexion. You can use this foundation to craft subtle and delicate makeup looks, as this comes in many natural-looking shades.

     

    Pros
    • Blends nicely
    • Smooths your skin
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Gentle formula
    Cons
    • Inefficient packaging
  • Best Waterproof Formula

    Focallure Poreless Liquid Foundation

    Focallure Poreless Liquid Foundation
  • You’ll fall for the weightless texture of this liquid foundation by Focallure. This matte foundation covers dark circles, puffiness, and dark spots to brighten your complexion. With a vitamin-E-rich composition, this foundation features moisturizing properties to give you a natural finish. You can give your skin a break with the breathable formula of this product that doesn’t clog your pores. Set a polished base for your special makeup looks without weighing down your skin. You can also wear this foundation while enjoying your time at the beach or pool — this is designed to be your go-to for unblemished fun moments.

     

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Oil-free formula
    • Glides smoothly
    • Radiant finish
    Cons
    • Lighter Coverage
  • Best Blendable Formula

    Ruby Kisses Mineral Powder Foundation

    Ruby Kisses Mineral Powder Foundation
  • The Long-wear Weightless Foundation by Bobbi Brown is a beauty essential for creating your personal fashion statement. It has a feather-light consistency that fills in the inconsistencies of your skin texture to create a smoothening effect. The natural matte finish of this foundation is suitable for all day wear, so you don’t have to worry about doing quick touch-ups. You can let this foundation sit on your skin comfortably as it defines the contours of your face without accentuating pores or bumps. So, embody confidence with this product offering long-lasting coverage and SPF 15 sun protection.

     

    Pros
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Evens skin tone
    • Blends smoothly
    • Non-greasy formula
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Best Hypoallergenic

    Maybelline New York Super Stay 24H Skin Tint

    Maybelline New York Super Stay 24H Skin Tint
  • Infused with vitamin C, this creamy foundation by Maybelline diminishes blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots to give your skin a radiant finish. The antioxidant formula of this foundation makes it stand out as it not only blurs skin imperfections but also keeps toxins and impurities at bay. You can use this lightweight beauty for bright and dewy looks that add to your chirpy mood. Available in 18 shades, you can get the best one to enrich your skin tone naturally.

     

    Pros
    • Antioxidant-rich formula
    • Radiant finish
    • Breathable formula
    • Long-lasting
    • Blends seamlessly
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for extremely dry skin
  • Almay Clear Complexion Makeup

     Almay Clear Complexion Makeup
  • Designed to suit all skin types, this foundation by Almay adds a healthy glow and youthfulness to your skin. The key ingredients, salicylic acid, and aloe, prevent breakouts and balance the sebum production, leaving your skin oil-free and clean. Featuring a non-comedogenic formula, this product satiates your craving for gentle makeup application without leading to breakouts. Make your skin healthy and strong with this foundation working its magic to calm and soothe your skin. The soft matte finish of the foundation helps pull off subtle makeup looks and slay the day. 

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Smooth application
    • Buildable formula
    • Paraben-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for light undertones
  • FV SK-Forever Waterproof Skin Nourishing Liquid Foundation

    FV SK-Forever Waterproof Skin Nourishing Liquid Foundation
  • FV Waterproof Liquid Foundation is meant to enhance your experience with foundations. You can say goodbye to cakey and heavy skin textures with this beauty blending in your skin evenly. The medium coverage it offers is what you need to conceal imperfections and attain a flawless skin tone. Allow your skin to breathe at ease and get a picture-perfect complexion with this dewy foundation. With a waterproof formula, you can add a touch of glow to your beach and pool adventures. 

     

    Pros
    • Long-lasting coverage
    • Waterproof
    • Absorbs evenly
    • Smooth texture
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for oily skin
  • Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Gel Foundation

    Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Gel Foundation
  • Achieve a naturally flawless complexion with this gel foundation by Chantecaille. Infused with antioxidants like rosemary, green tea, and rice bran, this oil-free foundation prevents free radical damage to slow down premature aging of the skin. The adjustable coverage of this foundation covers fine lines and dark spots without making your skin look cakey or powdery. Featuring a matte finish, it blends into your skin nicely, making it soft and dewy for a radiant makeup look. So, enjoy classy makeup looks with this lightweight beauty accentuating your glow.

     

    Pros
    • Lightweight formula
    • SPF protection
    • Blends evenly
    • Phthalate-free
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • A bit pricey

    How to Choose the Best Medium Coverage Foundations?

    1. Assess Your Skin Tone

    One of the most important factors to consider before buying the best medium coverage foundation is whether it complements your natural skin tone. Check the undertone of your skin to get a natural-looking finish. To begin with, you can go for liquid and semi-matte formulas in shades like tan, and semi-tan as these work beautifully for warm skin tones. However, if you have a cool undertone, you can go for ivory, beige, etc. to avoid looking pale and ashy.

    2. Check the Ingredients

    To set a smooth base for your makeup products, you should ensure the ingredients used to formulate the medium coverage foundation don’t have drying effects on your skin. You should avoid using foundations that contain parabens, sulfates, silicones, alcohol, mineral oil, and phthalates, as these may dry and irritate your skin and make your makeup look cakey and dull.

    3. Assess Your Skin Type

    Consider your skin type before picking a foundation. If you have a dry skin type, prefer foundations that feature moisturizing consistencies so that your face doesn’t look dehydrated, as that may cause creases in your makeup. However, if your skin is oily, you should go for liquid formula foundations so that your skin feels light and oil-free.

    Conclusion

    Soft and subtle makeup looks add a touch of glimmer to your daily makeup looks. They resonate with your minimalistic mood. However, the varying formulas and shades of foundations can be overwhelming to choose from. These best medium coverage foundations offer the perfect coverage you need to make your daily beauty moments easy and breezy. You can radiate a natural-looking glow without making your skin feel heavy or cakey. So, create a flawless canvas for your unique makeup looks and flatter glassy appearance effortlessly. 

    FAQ's

    How is medium coverage foundation different from full coverage foundation?
    Medium coverage foundations enhance the natural tone and complexion of your skin and offer light and subtle coverage. Full coverage foundations are used for proper coverage and heavy makeup looks.
    What skin types can use medium coverage foundation?
    All skin types can use medium coverage foundation. However, it’s better to do a patch test to ensure that a particular foundation doesn’t cause irritation or allergy.
    Do medium coverage foundations have a buildable formula?
    Yes, medium coverage foundations have a buildable formula to add more coverage.
    Are medium coverage foundations suitable for sensitive skin?
    Yes, medium coverage foundations are suitable for sensitive skin but you must ensure it doesn’t contain allergens and a lot of chemicals.
    Can medium coverage foundations be used for everyday makeup looks?
    Yes, medium coverage foundations are perfect for everyday makeup looks.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our in-house makeup expert, loves to go for minimal touch-ups on casual days. She says that natural-looking makeup is the perfect way to spruce up your daily makeup looks. She adores medium coverage foundations as they help her flaunt soft and delicate skin texture without making her skin look unnatural. However, she couldn't find the right formula and shade to suit her subtle taste. After testing different medium coverage foundations, she bumped into Wander Beauty Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation, and she can’t help but love it for its lightweight texture and gluten-free formula. It’s a compact size, so she carries it with her for picture-perfect complexion.

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More