Our Favorite Medium-Coverage Foundations to Build Up or Sheer Out 

We’re all about versatility in our makeup routines, from multipurpose makeup sticks that can be swiped on the eyes, lips and cheeks to medium-coverage foundations that you can layer for a full glam look. Today, we’re talking about the latter. Medium-coverage foundations are some of our favorite foundation formulas because their coverage level is completely customizable — you can tap on a sheer layer with a wet makeup sponge for minimal coverage, dab it on with a brush for true medium coverage or apply multiple layers to achieve full coverage. To shop some of our favorite medium-coverage foundations and find formulas that will work well for your skin type, keep reading.

The Best Medium-Coverage Foundations

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

A true makeup artist staple, this foundation offers a glowy, medium-coverage finish that looks like a second-skin. Even if you add an extra layer to get more coverage, the effect is flawless and non-cakey. This foundation is oil-free and a great pick for all skin types. 

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Serum Foundation

This foundation combines medium coverage with a glowy, radiant finish and a host of skincare benefits. It has a serum base that’s infused with hyaluronic and mandelic acid to simultaneously hydrate and smooth your skin overtime. It’s suitable for all skin types, and because it includes SPF 27, it’s ideal for those looking to get some UV protection in their makeup routine.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Blendable Foundation

If you’re looking for a foundation that offers buildable, medium coverage but feels like you’re wearing nothing on your skin, this is our pick. The lightweight, breathable fluid is easy to blend and build to your desired coverage level without looking or feeling heavy. It’s available in 47 shades with a wide range of undertones and pigments, making it a solid pick for any skin tone and skin type. 

Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

A favorite for normal to oily skin types, this foundation keeps shine in check during the day and is easy to build for your custom finish. It feels lightweight and won’t clog your pores, and it comes in 40 shades with a diverse range of undertones. 

Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Moisturizer

Give your skin a dewy, supple glow with this medium-coverage foundation. Infused with kombucha filtrate and marula oil, it hydrates and blurs pores for up to 24 hours. We love it worn alone on dry skin types, but those with oily skin types will want to set shiny areas with powder after applying.

MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation

Get breathable, flexible coverage with this easy-to-build foundation. The non-comedogenic formula moisturizes skin with a blend of squalane and grapeseed oil, and matches a wide variety of skin tones with an impressive range of undertones, from true olive to pink. Reviewers say this foundation works best for dry and mature skin types. 

HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

With a natural finish and medium coverage, the Haus Labs foundation is a versatile pick that reviewers say feels lightweight and doesn’t appear greasy, even on oily and combination skin types. It contains antioxidants and fermented arnica, which helps diminish the appearance of redness.