The 11 Best Medium Coverage Foundations

Finding your perfect medium coverage foundation is a little like finding your soulmate. It can be a long, disheartening process but worth it in the end when you find the one for you. A bit too enthusiastic? Well, maybe a little but it can be tedious trying various formulas, shades and finishes to determine which is perfect for you. 

A medium coverage foundation is the best of both worlds: not too sheer that it won’t cover those blemishes and dark circles, but not too heavy that you feel like you’re wearing makeup. The good news? There are plenty to choose from to suit all skin types and tones. The tricky news? You’ve got to try and find the one that suits you best, but that’s where we come in. Whether you have oily skin or dry skin, we’re here to help you on your search for the best medium coverage foundation that provides decent wear whilst still looking natural — without ever looking cakey. 

A skincare-powered — vitamin E, jojoba oil, and a 10% hyaluronic acid to be exact — foundation that’s got buildable coverage to give you a radiant finish with decent coverage. 

If you’re looking for coverage whilst still wanting a lightweight formula, this is the one. It gives a dewy but not wet finish and minimises redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes well.

Elf know how to nail a beautiful formula at an affordable pricepoint. This foundation has great medium coverage that can be built to a full coverage without looking cake-y, and has a semi-matte, natural-looking finish. 

The name doesn’t lie, this balm is yummy indeed. The most unique texture of the bunch, this is for people who don’t love traditional foundations. It has a balm-powder texture that blurs imperfections and leaves a matte finish. 

This one is a little more full coverage than others but it’s worth mentioning as a medium coverage foundation as a little goes a long way, so a small dab is ideal for a medium coverage. It gives a natural finish whilst expertly covering blemishes and hyperpigmentation. 

If you love Estée Lauder Double Wear but don’t always want something with so much coverage, try this one on those days instead. It has all of the same great qualities — natural finish, non-drying, and comfortable wear — while being more light to medium coverage. 

This one takes some getting used to but it’s worth it — trust us. It’s a balm-like texture that has medium to full coverage, which gives an  impressively natural, lightweight finish. The trick is to use a little and melt it into the skin.  

Looking for a long-lasting formula? This is the one. It’s medium coverage, but can be built to full in areas where it’s needed a little more. The shade selection is also fantastic, boasting 50 options. 

Medium coverage foundation and dry skin don’t always go hand-in-hand, but this hydrating formula makes that a possibility. It’s hydrating, lightweight and gives a luminous finish, living up to its name. 

If you’re after long-lasting yet hydrating, this foundation — which comes in 44 shades — delivers, thanks to the lightweight, yet buildable formula containing rosehip oil. 

Matte foundation folks, this is going to be your new favourite. It has a natural-looking matte finish, which is perfect for oily skin types looking to minimise pores.