What kind of coverage do you prefer in a foundation?

I like buildable, medium coverage; I want to feel like I can stretch it out or build it up but not that I have to use the smallest amount (nor that I have to use a lot to get higher coverage).

— Christine

22 Comments

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Sarah Avatar

I have actually switched to Erborian Bare Skin Protector which basically just makes makeup application easier and makes my skin appear more even and I love it. So I think the answer is the lightest coverage possible.

Mariella Avatar

I like sheer/natural to almost medium. The only thing I really “need” to cover is some broken capillaries on my cheeks (once Covid is over, I’ll probably go for another laser “zapping” – I didn’t wear foundation for about 2 years after the first one!). So if I can cover that, I don’t really need foundation anywhere else (I suppose that’s the “silver lining” of mask wearing). Shiseido used to make the perfect foundation for that purpose – “Sheer and Perfect” – but, of course, it has been long discontinued, like EVERYTHING I like best (MAC recently seems to have discontinued Full Fuchsia lipstick, which has been around for years; they discontinue it just after I “discover” it and how much I like it).

DVa Avatar

I agree.
Medium build-able for the most part but for those days I want a lighter, or dewier complexion etc. I have alternative options. I have an assortment of all levels of coverage in my stash but find I almost never reach for the full coverage stuff anymore.

Celeste Cirinna Avatar

For the last few years, I have been taking care of my skin, and using copious amounts of sunscreen. Instead of needing full coverage, I only need light to medium coverage now.

Lune Avatar

Light coverage! Sometimes I feel like all companies claim their foundations are medium or full coverage. I feel like the weird one who doesn’t want a ton of coverage. I can’t make the higher coverage stuff look natural on my skin (unless I sheer it out with moisturizer or liquid illuminator which means it’s not a high coverage formula anymore!)

Ana Maria Avatar

I prefer a medium-full coverage, but in a buildable formula. I feel that this gives me the most versatility from a foundation. I can sheer it out with a moisturizer to get a BB cream, use a thin layer for everyday medium coverage and build a second layer when I need extra coverage or a perfected look.

kjh Avatar

Sheer to light in liquid, possibly a tad more in powder. KGD works and is very skin-like. I have liked a few BBs,CCs and got the Saie at the S sale. Big hate. Big no. Will be my first return since time immemorial. Oy. Way too thick and oil slick. What planes of your face? I already have to wear a mask. What do I need another one for?

Latika Avatar

I love a thin consistency
PMG
Armani maestro
Water weight
TF traceless

I bought the NARs glow booster I love it but not a foundation to me – I have to put something over it even a powder foundation
I want to try the new Fenty that’s my type of foundation

Jen Avatar

Generally I prefer light/sheer to medium coverage. I’m kind of ruddy so I like to have something that evens out my skin tone but I don’t worry if my freckles still show. For the day to day I’ve been using the new one from Fenty and so far I’m liking it. I do have a full coverage foundation from Tarte that I love because it’s the closest match to my skin tone but I don’t reach for it often as it feels like full coverage calls for more of a full face of color than what I normally do. When I do use it I might thin it some with a bit of facial oil.

janine Avatar

Light-medium. I have some sun spots but they are light and I have dark shadows under my eyes but I feel no need to cover it all.

I love foundations that dry down like Chanel les beige and allow powder bronzer and cream highlight etc to be applied without a coating of powder.
Actually using concealer spot coverage works good as anything.

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