These Foundations Are Airbrushed Skin in a Bottle (2025)

We're going to let you in on a secret: The best medium-coverage foundations make it easy to achieve a Goldilocks glow: Your complexion looks like your skin, but better, with a perfectly blended base that’s neither too opaque nor too sheer. The only question is, how can you tell which foundations offer true medium coverage, without testing out a slew of them—and spending a lot more than the cost of porridge? Enter the pros. In search of the best medium-coverage foundations on the market, we turned to three makeup artists who know their dewy finishes from natural ones, and blanche at the risk of recommending anything cakey.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation, $69
• Best Blurring: Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation, $54
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation, $49
• Best Radiant Finish: Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin-Perfecting Foundation, $58
• Best Dewy Finish: Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation, $49
• Best Natural Finish: Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation, $52
• Best for Dry Skin: Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30, $56
• Best for Mature Skin: Clé De Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 25, $138
• Best Budget: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation, $24
• Best Multitasker: Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick, $52

Ahead, find the nine medium-coverage foundations that have a permanent place in makeup artists’ kits (and in Allure editors’ hearts) and prepare to put your best face forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can you tell if a foundation is truly medium coverage?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

Why it’s worth it: Armani Beauty’s featherlight Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation is “a staple in any makeup artist’s kit,” says Chelsea Roach, based in Orange County, California. Ward agrees: “This is a top-tier option,” he says. “Its silky, lightweight formula offers buildable medium coverage that blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving a flawless, radiant glow. It enhances the skin’s natural beauty without feeling heavy or cakey, making it perfect for all skin types, including mature skin.” Though it’s a bit of a splurge, Ward insists that the foundation’s smooth, airbrushed finish makes it a worthy investment. Plus, where else can you find Armani’s patented micro-fill technology, which helps the product melt into the skin for a smoothing, pore-blurring touch?

Tester feedback: “In college, I used to go to the department store and collect free samples of this foundation to tide me over—I've been using it that long,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “It's the perfect foundation: It gives me enough coverage to conceal breakouts and dark spots, but never feels heavy or looks overly matte on my skin. I do experiment with other formulas now, but this is my ride-or-die.”

Key ingredients: patented micro-fill technology, glycerin, cyclomethicone | Finish: luminous | Shades: 40

Best Blurring: Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Why it’s worth it: For medium coverage with benefits, Roach recommends this Nars' Best of Beauty-winning multitasking salve, a.k.a. the Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation. “This foundation is a makeup-hybrid skincare formula,” Roach says. Infused with skin-loving ingredients that read like a recipe for an Erewhon smoothie (think biomimetic oats, milk thistle, and cacao peptides) the foundation leaves the skin with a glass-skin glow. “It blurs imperfections and smooths texture thanks to its photochromic technology and a light-reflecting complex,” Roach explains.

Tester feedback: "Listen, I'm a lightweight foundation/skin tint girlie, so when I hear medium coverage, I need it to bring its A-game and disguise most of my redness, discoloration, pores, and occasional blemishes—and Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation scores a touchdown," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "It provides the ideal, evening base for the products I'll apply over it, like contour and blush. While my current shade (Deauville) looks a little ghostly at first (a.k.a. when I took my after photo), it really allows my other face formulas to shine/pop." Han adds that she prefers to use a Beautyblender over a foundation brush for a properly even, diffused finish.

Key ingredients: biomimetic oat, Japanese lilyturf, cacao peptides, milk thistle | Finish: natural | Shades: 46

Best for Sensitive Skin: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Why it’s worth it: Launched in 2022, the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation is “a relatively new addition to the market, but it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best,” says Roach—and that’s not just among makeup artists. The foundation from Lady Gaga’s makeup brand achieved super virality on TikTok after its launch, drawing buzz for its 51-shade range and skin-care-grade ingredients. Made with signature complexes and fermented arnica, “This foundation helps reduce redness, even skin tone, and protect the skin from environmental stress,” Roach says. Allure editors and readers stand by the hype: The lightweight foundation picked up a Best of Beauty Award in 2023 and a Readers’ Choice Breakthrough Award in 2024.

Tester feedback: “I love how velvety the formula feels on the skin and how it blends out matte,” says Blay-Tettey. “I have oily skin, so the fact that I wore this all day and didn't look like a grease ball at the end of the day is a testament.”

“Even though it’s buildable, I usually only apply a single layer (with my fingers) and after my concealer is on, I’ll go back in with a makeup sponge (love you, Beautyblender) to even out the dewy finish. It wears well, but I always notice near the end of the day, it starts to sheer out, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something super long-wear. Shade matching-wise, I know it’s the bare minimum to expect a brand to have my exact shade, but I really like that this foundation is truly a perfect match to my fair skin and neutral undertone. (I’m shade 120 Light Warm, by the way.)”

Key ingredients: fermented arnica, Intellizen 7 complex, BioFerment 7 complex | Finish: natural | Shades: 51

Best Radiant Finish: Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin-Perfecting Foundation

Why it’s worth it: When makeup artist Patrick Ta launched his first liquid foundation in 2024, the formula had Allure editors all aglow. Enriched with lightweight, high-shine emollients, the Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin-Perfecting Foundation bottles the lit-from-within glow Ta gives clients like Salma Hayek and Joan Smalls. It’s available in 30 shades and packed with ingredients that give skin the star treatment, so to speak: hyaluronic acid and plant-derived squalane for hydration, plus kombucha to brighten the skin tone. “Its finish is not wet, glittery, or greasy—it’s more like the delicate shine of a ribbon,” senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor says. “After applying, I stood in front of the window to ‘find my light.’ It took no effort whatsoever.”

Tester feedback: “I rarely feel comfortable applying a foundation with my hands, but this formula blended perfectly using just my fingertips. I love how lightweight and breathable it is—and I really can't overstate how easy it is to blend," says associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey. The finish is skin-like, not too dewy or too matte. It played well with the rest of my makeup and didn't feel cakey after I finished my full beat.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, plant-derived squalane, kombucha | Finish: radiant | Shades: 30

Best Dewy Finish: Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation

Why it’s worth it: For those who prefer light, dewy coverage that can easily build, Charlotte Tilbury’s customizable formula is just the thing. "It has the versatility of a primer, the mega-watt glow of a highlighter, and the perfecting properties of your favorite digital filter," Tilbury previously told Allure. Made with custom airbrush polymers to blur the pores and glossy oils to help the skin reflect light, the foundation also contains porcelain flower to brighten the complexion. And, darlings (as Charlotte would say), you should see how it bathes the skin in a soft-focus glow.

Tester feedback: “I have three non-negotiable requirements for foundations: It has to be glowy, it has to be lightweight, and it has to look as close to real skin as possible. Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter easily meets all three," says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “With a light touch and buildable finish, this formula is able to even out all my dark spots and redness without being caked or slathered—and the finish is a glass-skin lover's dream seeing as it does double duty for highlighter.”

Key ingredients: mica, glycerin, squalane | Finish: radiant | Shades: 12

More medium-coverage foundations we love:

Best Natural Finish: Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation

Why it’s worth it: It's a little uncommon for a foundation to be presented in a tube but trust that Trinny London's BFF All Day Foundation is the real medium-coverage deal. Similarly (though more low-key) to a ceramide moisturizer, this breathable, natural-matte base helps smooth and soothe skin. And despite being coined as a matte formula, it doesn't cling to dry spots or pill when layered with other makeup. Another key ingredient is niacinamide, which hydrates while curbing excess sebum—in other words, you can expect no creasing, caking, or careless movement throughout the day.

Editor’s tip: If, by chance, you're looking for lighter, more hydrating coverage, BFF De-Stress is so yours. It's a tinted serum that leaves skin looking plumper and brighter.

Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, pro-ceramide, noni leaf extract, vitamin E | Finish: natural matte | Shades: 18

Best for Dry Skin: Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30

Why it’s worth it: Want to know how a real fashion icon of New York City gets flawless medium coverage and a skin-like finish? Psst: “I use this foundation on my client Jenna Lyons,” says Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City. “It has a light-to-medium, fresh, dewy coverage that is buildable to a full-medium coverage.” What Spickard loves most about the Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation is its knack for delivering a natural-looking glow—perfect for that casually cool, no-makeup makeup look. “It really does look like skin, while also evening out skin tone and any imperfections,” Spickard says. On an even brighter note, the foundation is enhanced with SPF 30.

Editor’s tip: If you fall in love with the formula, Jenna Lyons-style, consider layering it with the Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer SPF 25. One of Allure’s favorite primers for mature skin, the primer—like the foundation—has niacinamide and fermented kefir to support the skin’s microbiome.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, fermented kefir | Finish: glowing | Shades: 30

Best for Mature Skin: Clé De Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 25

Why it’s worth it: Yes, anything from Clé De Peau Beauté is a splurge, but rest assured: The Radiant Cream Foundation “is definitely worth the price tag,” Spickard insists. Hear him out: “With mature skin, you want to add freshness, dewiness, and radiance, because oftentimes it can appear dull,” Spickard says. “This has a gorgeous, radiant, fresh finish without being too glowy or ‘wet’ looking.” Hydrating and plumping, the dermatologist-approved formula is infused with chestnut rosa fruit extract and argan oil to moisturize skin and blur the look of texture and fine lines. Plus, it has SPF 25 to offer a dash of sun protection (on top of your usual sunscreen, of course—SPF-infused makeup alone doesn’t cut it, darling).

Tester feedback: “Depending on my client’s skin type, I can forgo powdering because the finish is dewy but not aggressively so like some formulas are,” makeup artist Fiona Stiles previously told Allure. “With dewy foundations, it’s a delicate balance between glowy and shiny. This one strikes the perfect balance.”

Key ingredients: potentilla erecta root extract, chestnut rosa fruit, argan oil | Finish: radiant | Shades: 20

Best Budget: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

Why it’s worth it: You don’t have to visit your local drugstore for a high-quality base: LYS Beauty’s Triple Fix Serum Foundation is “an amazing budget-friendly option that delivers high-quality results,” says Marquis Ward, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “It provides buildable medium coverage with a natural, radiant finish while incorporating skin-care benefits.” Made with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and turmeric to brighten and soothe, the Best of Beauty winner also harnesses ashwagandha to tame signs of aging. With all that at $25 a pop, “This is a great choice for everyday wear without breaking the bank,” Ward says. Plus, it has an impressive, 35-shade range.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, turmeric, ashwagandha | Finish: natural | Shades: 35

Best Multitasker: Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick

Why it’s worth it: Dior’s multitasking foundation stick can be used as a foundation or as a concealer. In a compact format that’s easy to stash in a purse or bag, the product can also be used for touch-ups on the go—even if you’re going to the beach since the formulation is resistant to heat and humidity. “I love the ease of a foundation stick,” Roach says, listing this as her go-to pick. Infused with flowery ingredients such as iris extract and fig blossom, “The formula is soft and lightweight and gives you a natural, blurred finish,” she continues. “It’s also long-wearing and very hydrating.”

Key ingredients: iris extract, barbarian fig blossom, sunflower seed wax | Finish: luminous | Shades: 16

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if a foundation is truly medium coverage?

According to Ward, medium-coverage foundations sit between sheer and full coverage. “They even out skin tone while still allowing some natural features, like freckles, to show through,” he says. He adds that true medium-finish foundations are often labeled as “buildable,” meaning you can apply extra layers as needed, without making the foundation look heavy or cakey. “If you’re shopping online, check for terms like ‘natural finish’ or ‘lightweight but buildable,’” Ward advises. When testing in person, he recommends swatching a small amount onto the skin and checking to see if the formula blurs imperfections without fully masking the skin. “Reviews and before-and-after photos can also help gauge coverage before purchasing,” he says.

Meet the experts

• Chelsea Roach, a makeup artist based in Orange County, California
• Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Marquis Ward, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best medium-coverage foundation, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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