How to Choose the Right Foundation Coverage for You | e.l.f. Cosmetics (2025)

There are three main foundation coverage types—sheer/light coverage, medium coverage

and full coverage—and each one has its own purpose and allows you to create different

looks. Each coverage level can come in a variety of formulas- including liquid, pressed

powder, loose powder, cream and more.

Many foundations offer buildable formulas (especially the light and medium coverage

foundations), which allow you to layer during application and create your desired look.

Want to create the minimal “no makeup” makeup look? Reach for a light coverage foundation—they are breathable, lightweight, and deliver a sheer tint of color to your skin for a more natural, glowy finish. Light coverage foundations are the most skin-like and they’re usually buildable, making them perfect for blurring minor blemishes and redness while still letting your natural complexion shine through (we see those freckles!).

Try e.l.f. light coverage foundations:

● Your skin but better: our Halo Glow Liquid Filter enhances the overall look of your skin and delivers a soft-focus, effortless radiance. This multi-purpose liquid glow booster can be used four different ways : wear it alone as a sheer coverage foundation; over or under makeup; mix it with your favorite foundation; or use it as highlighter.

For the days you want a little more than a sheer coverage, but aren’t going full-beat, medium coverage foundation is just right. It delivers more pigment with a slightly thicker formula than light coverage foundation but without feeling heavy or looking cakey. Medium coverage foundation gives you “just right”, buildable coverage that evens out the look of your complexion and is perfect for everyday wear.

Try e.l.f. medium coverage foundations:

● Our Soft Glam Satin Foundation is a hydrating liquid foundation that delivers that perfect medium, buildable coverage with a long-lasting, satin finish. No cakiness here—the breathable formula feels as good as it looks!

● For a fresh, airbrushed finish that stays put, our primer-infused Camo Pressed Powder Foundation gives you that medium buildable coverage for a blurred, even complexion without the shine.

Full coverage foundations are packed with the most pigment, making them your best choice if you’re going for a full-glam, long-lasting look. Thanks to their thick formulas and more opaque finishes that have literally got you covered, full coverage foundations are also great for concealing blemishes, readiness, discoloration and even sometimes tattoos.

Try e.l.f. full coverage foundations:

● For the fans of makeup-skincare hybrid products, try our Camo Hydrating CC Cream and Camo CC Cream. They help hydrate and smooth the appearance of skin, while delivering full coverage, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, and color-correcting benefits. Not sure how to apply CC Cream? Learn more here.

When it comes to choosing a foundation and a level of coverage, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. The best foundation for you really depends on what type of skin you have, how you want the foundation to feel on your skin, and your desired final makeup look.

Also, don’t feel like you need to pigeon hole yourself into just one of these coverage options—different occasions can call for different formulas! For example, you may want to use lighter coverage foundation as your everyday go-to, and opt for a full-coverage formula when you’re getting glammed up at night.

If you’re not sure where to begin, consider starting with a lighter coverage, buildable foundation like our Halo Glow Liquid Filter , which will allow you to create a more sheer look from the get-go, then build-up more coverage if you want to. The more product you apply, the more full-coverage your look will be.

Pro tip: The tools you use to apply your foundation may impact how thick the formula applies on your skin, as well as the coverage level. Try switching between a foundation brush and makeup sponge to see which application method gives you the desired look and feel you’re after.