9 Best Medium Coverage Foundations in 2023

Don’t like a full face of makeup but need some coverage on your skin? Luckily we found the best medium coverage foundations!

1. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation – $43.00

Our #1 Choice!

This foundation is classic staple for makeup junkies.  As we try new foundations over the years, we always come back to this one for medium coverage, and it has yet to let us down.  The finish is a combination of natural and matte and feels satin-like.  It is easy to apply, stays perfectly in place, and really does work for all skin types.  Plus with 50 shades to choose from, this foundation has a match for everyone.  Also, one of our readers, who is a meteorologist, emailed us saying this is her all-time favorite foundation to wear when giving her weather reports on television!

Purchase Here:

Make Up For Ever Sephora

2. Tarte Cosmetics Rainforest of the Sea water foundation – $39.00

Our Choice For:  Dry Skin Types

This water-based formula blends beautifully and has a naturally radiant finish, almost dewy.  We love how this bottle uses a dropper rather than a pump, no mess and easier to control how much product you are using.  This foundation is moisturizing, making it ideal for dry skin types, and it does not crease or cling to dry spots.

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Tarte Sephora

3.  KVD Vegan Beauty True Portrait Medium Coverage Shake Foundation – $37.00

Our Choice For:  Oily Skin Types

This foundation is brand new in 2020! This is a great product for those who like minimal makeup and prefer a natural and sheer finish.  The coverage is medium but easily buildable (in fact, a little goes an extremely long way so be careful!), and the consistency is liquid to powder.  A flat-top kabuki brush gave us the most flawless results.

Pro Tip – Shake VERY well before use! Otherwise it will come out too watery.

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4. Lorac POREfection Foundation – $38.00

The POREfection Foundation by Lorac provides buildable medium coverage, is suitable for all skin types, and contains SPF 20.  It probably has the best coverage out of all the foundations on this list in terms of ability to cover up imperfections.  Qualities that stood out to us include long-lasting, good for sensitive skin, and one pump of product is enough for the entire face.

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5. smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation – $36.00

This foundation is the real deal.  To those with oily skin types, do not let the “hydrating” description scare you.  The finish is not fully matte, but more like a satin or demi-matte, so it’s still hydrating while not being drying.  The staying power is unparalleled and will last even in hot and humid weather.

Pro tip – It dries a little quickly so apply/blend in sections!

Purchase here:

smashbox Ulta Sephora

6. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Powder Foundation – $45.00

Our Choice For: Clean Ingredients

This pressed powder is ultra-light and allows the skin to breathe while still providing the perfect medium coverage.  It does not sink into lines, dry out, or appear cakey but rather leaves a smooth finish.  We recommend applying this foundation with a powder brush.  Besides as foundation, we love using this powder as a touch-up treatment for shine or also on top of a bb cream as a setting powder.

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7. Maybelline New York Dream Radiant Liquid Foundation – $10.98

Our Choice For: Drugstore Brand

Maybelline has done it again!  We don’t know how they come out with such quality foundations at an affordable price, but we aren’t complaining.  This foundation has a natural finish that will leave your skin very fresh looking.  After wearing it for a full day, we could not believe how well it held up!  There was no separation or cakey look.  Two pumps, or a little less, will give you a great medium coverage.

Pro Tip – This foundation is great for dry skin types but if you have very dry skin, we recommend mixing a dab of moisturizer in with the product.

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8. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup – $39.50

Our Choice For:  Mature Skin

Two words:  brand loyalty.  The fact that countless reviews mention using this product for 30, 40, and even 50 years says something!  This foundation provides a smooth and flawless finish that lasts all day.  The creamy texture is not greasy and easy to apply, giving a flawless, radiant finish.  It does a fantastic job covering flaws, as well as smoothing your complexion.  Give it a try, and you might be hooked for life!

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Elizabeth Arden Amazon

9. Benefit Cosmetics Hello Happy Air Stick Foundation – $32.00

This foundation is so new that there are barely any reviews out there.  But fear not, we tested it out for you!  On first attempt, we found that it settled into fine lines a bit. But on second attempt using it on top of moisturizer and primer, this foundation stick glided right on, was easy to blend out, and did not accentuate any lines.  This foundation blurs your pores, contains SPF 20, and has a natural, matte finish.

Purchase Here:

Benefit Ulta Sephora