The best of both worlds. Isn’t that what we want when we choose our foundation formula?

Light-coverage foundations boast a dewy finish, moisturizing ingredients, and a five-minute makeup routine. On the other hand, a full-coverage foundation gives us that airbrushed look.

When choosing the right foundation for your skin type, there are benefits to different formula options. But with the right techniques and the right ingredients, the best of both worlds is closer than you think…

Full-Coverage Foundation vs. Light-Coverage Foundation

Let’s simplify your makeup choice with a few key differences between full-coverage and light-coverage foundation.

Light-Coverage Foundation

When most people think about a light-coverage foundation, they think about a breathable and buildable formula. For makeup minimalists, this often looks like a tinted moisturizer or highly absorbent foundation that fits well with a “no-makeup makeup” routine.

The ideal light-coverage foundation adds a bright sheen to your complexion, but it doesn’t necessarily cover up blemishes or age spots. It’s often preferred by those with aging skin because it doesn’t sit heavily on the face or dry out the skin.

Full-Coverage Foundation

On the other hand, a full-coverage foundation is used to even the skin tone and cover up blemishes. It should have more of a creamy consistency with a matte finish, which is helpful for those with naturally oily skin. Ideally, you want your full-coverage foundation formula to cover acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and scars without appearing cakey or heavy.

Full-Coverage Foundation Guide

Cover scars, smooth hyperpigmentation, and even the skin tone. Those are the most common goals of people who prefer full-coverage foundation.

Full-Coverage Foundation Benefits

Here are just a few benefits you can expect from a full-coverage foundation.

 

• Cream formulas. These formulas help to balance out oily skin. They’re also easy to apply, easy to blend, and last longer than a tinted moisturizer or lightweight formula.

 

• Matte finish. A full-coverage foundation is often recommended for acne-prone skin, and not just to hide scars and pimples. The right formula can provide a long-lasting matte finish, which hides an oily forehead or T-zone.

 

• Easy to blend. A full-coverage foundation is great for women who want to experiment with makeup trends. It’s easy to blend with contour and provides a sleek finish for other makeup products, like cream blush and luminizer.

Full-Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin

One common misconception about mature skin is that you shouldn’t wear a full-coverage foundation. As you age, your skin naturally loses moisture. This means the cakey matte finish (common with full-coverage formulas) can settle into fine lines.

But the problem here isn’t the type of foundation, it’s the formula. Chemical-based makeup products tend to clog pores and dry out the skin. But a nontoxic foundation made with real ingredients should elevate and even hydrate your complexion.

We find that women with mature skin prefer full coverage since it evens the skin tone and hides age spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. Many women have just never experienced a formula that works well with their skin type.

Full-Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, a full-coverage foundation may be the best option for you. The formula is creamy with a matte finish, so it can cover shiny spots and give you an airbrushed look. For acne-prone skin (and if you’re worried about clogged pores), we always recommend lightweight natural ingredients (like aloe vera and jojoba oil, which conform easily to your natural skin).

Full-Coverage Foundation Application Tips

To really lean into the full-coverage application, we recommend you start with a makeup primer and cream concealer. The makeup primer provides added moisture and increases the wear time of your makeup. With the right ingredients, it can also help smooth fine lines and support healthy skin. Use the concealer to spot treat acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation before applying your foundation. You can also use it as a highlighter.

Light-Coverage Foundation Guide

Hydration, a five-minute makeup routine, and bright application. These are the main reasons why women love a light-coverage foundation.

Light-Coverage Foundation Benefits

If you love the dewy makeup trends or a no-nonsense five-minute makeup routine, you’ll also love light-coverage foundation.

• Bright and dewy finish. The goal of a light-coverage foundation isn’t to change your skin tone, but to add a bright sheen to the surface. You’ll notice a natural glow that’s easy to highlight with luminizer and other products.

• Moisturizing formulas. Since there’s less pigment in a light-coverage foundation, it’s more moisturizing. These formulas sink into the skin, rather than sitting on top of it.

• Won’t settle into fine lines. Since light-coverage foundation is a more watery formula, it’s less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

• No makeup artist needed. Choosing a light-coverage foundation is much easier than choosing a full-coverage one. If you’re a makeup beginner or simply don’t want to go to the trouble of excessive color matching, this is the formula for you.

Light-Coverage Foundation for Mature Skin

The light-coverage formula is most commonly recommended for mature skin. It’s easy to apply, shouldn’t settle into fine lines, and provides extra moisture. But we want to make sure you’re still choosing the right formulas to meet your makeup goals.

If your goal is to cover up hyperpigmentation and age spots, you might prefer a clean-ingredient full-coverage foundation, paired with a hydrating makeup primer. This should give you a little more coverage without creasing or drying out your skin.

If your goal is to add a little glow to your face with just a five-minute makeup routine, the light-coverage option might be best.

Light-Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin

It’s sometimes assumed that light-coverage foundation isn’t good for oily skin because it highlights your natural glow. But this isn’t necessarily true (and if you love light-coverage foundation, there are ways to find a happy medium).

The moisturizing and watery formula that typically comes with light-coverage can improve skin texture and reduce breakouts over time. It’s less likely to clog pores and feels more breathable on the face. To combat any extra oil, you can use a powder to finish the look. Choose a sheer makeup finishing powder or use mineral makeup. You can even try out the look with a mixture of arrowroot powder and cocoa.

Light-Coverage Foundation Application Tips

It’s best to apply light-coverage foundation with your fingers or with a makeup sponge. If you want to cover up blemishes or hyperpigmentation, start with a cream concealer and spot treat any problem areas. Then, apply the foundation to your cheeks and blend outward.

The One Thing Every Foundation Should Have in Common: Healthy Ingredients

If you feel like your foundation choice isn’t meeting your goals, it may not be the formula that’s the problem. It could be the ingredients.

When you want to achieve hydrated skin and great coverage with breathable makeup, you need nutrient-dense ingredients to get you there. Most foundations use preservatives, petroleum, fillers, and silicones as their main ingredients. These can clog pores or seep into the skin and change the skin barrier.

Instead, healthy ingredients (like aloe vera juice, squalane, and shea butter) should nourish your skin, let it breathe, and provide the perfect balance of hydration and coverage.