Medium Coverage Foundation Guide
If you’re searching for a comfortable foundation that you can build up when you need to cover those pesky imperfections, we’ve got you covered. Medium coverage foundations strike the perfect balance of breathability and buildability, giving you anything from a skin-like finish to a smooth, flawless base.
At Maybelline, we’re fiercely loyal to medium coverage foundations: they come in a range of finishes to suit every skin type and they’re perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect medium coverage foundation for oily skin, dry skin or something in between, Maybelline experts break down their much-loved formulas below.
What is medium coverage foundation?
Foundations are formulated to give different coverage, ranging from sheer to full coverage. Medium coverage foundation sits somewhere in the middle. Sheer coverage foundations are closer to a skin tint or BB cream, helping to unify skin tone but maintain a dewy finish. On the other hand, full coverage foundations deliver more pigment and higher coverage to visibly correct imperfections and leave the skin looking flawless. With a medium coverage foundation, you get the control to build more coverage as you apply, helping you achieve a blurred, polished effect with a radiant, natural-looking finish.
Choosing a medium coverage foundation
The best medium coverage foundation is largely subjective – it all depends on your skin type and whether you’re looking for a dewy, luminous, matte or semi matte finish. For example, dry skin types tend to prefer a dewy medium coverage foundation that nourishes the skin without clinging to dry patches. Meanwhile, oily skin types will benefit from a medium coverage foundation that blurs the skin and reduces unwanted shine.
To help you find your perfect medium coverage foundation, we’re taking a closer look at some of Maybelline’s most popular formulas below.
Superstay Lumi-Matte Foundation
A harmonious blend of luminous and matte, this medium coverage foundation has a light-as-air-feel while providing up to 30 hours of wear. Superstay Lumi-Matte Foundation is sweat-proof, waterproof and transfer-proof, giving you the high performance of a full coverage foundation without ever looking cakey or heavy on the skin. Plus, its non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types and gives a lightly mattified finished with a diffused glow. Want to choose the right foundation colour for your skin tone? Our foundation finder tool is easy to use, mobile-friendly, and takes seconds.
Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow
The beloved Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow offers the benefits of four products – primer, concealer, highlighter and BB cream – in one convenient step. This lightweight medium coverage foundation imbues the skin with a natural-looking glow – perfect for skin that’s on the dry side or looking a little lacklustre. Ideal for anyone looking for a shortcut to their usual makeup routine, the in-built sponge allows for easy application and seamless blending – so you can build to your desired level of coverage.
Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Anybody with dry skin will tell you that foundation application requires a bit of finesse. Dry, rough patches can make it feel like your skin is ‘drinking’ your makeup, so it’s important to find a formula that hydrates the skin while giving enough coverage. If you have been searching for your next medium coverage foundation for dry skin, consider the hunt over. Lightweight, oil-free and available in 24 unique shades, Fit Me® Dewy + Smooth Foundation is formulated to smooth skin texture and deliver a naturally luminous finish on normal to dry skin types.
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Oily skin also has its individual challenges when it comes to foundation. Since the skin naturally produces more oil, this can lead to unwanted shine across the t-zone and cause makeup to slide off throughout the day. Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Foundation is one of the best medium coverage foundations for oily skin because its lightweight non-comedogenic formula refines pores without clogging them. Formulated with micro powders, this foundation blurs pores, controls shine and gives the appearance of gently mattified skin.
