How To Choose The Right Foundation Coverage For Your Skin

Before I learnt how to do makeup professionally, I didn’t know foundations had different types of coverage. All I knew back then was just Mary Kay Liquid Foundation…lol. However, after my makeup training, I realised that foundations did not only come in different shades but also in coverage. So, this post is basically for makeup beginners/enthusiasts.

Foundation Coverage means how the foundation will conceal the skin and it ranges from sheer to full coverage. You’ll most likely have different types of foundation for different occasion like a sheer coverage for everyday wear and medium/full coverage for events or date nights. I wear medium coverage foundations most of the time because of the build-able coverage and how they help conceal my dark spots without looking powdery or cakey after use. However, that’s just one of about 4 types of foundation coverage.

Now, let’s talk about the different foundation coverage:

• Full Coverage Foundation : This is very opaque (not transparent) and is used to cover birthmarks, vitiligo, hyper-pigmentation and scars. For general makeup use, it can contain up to 35% pigment. It covers all imperfection on the skin, leaving it looking like a dream, even without the use of a concealer.  It’s great for special occasions and available in a dewy or matte finish. The only downside to full coverage foundation is that it may feel heavy on the skin compared to the other foundation types and may lead to clogging pores and breakouts if the skin isn’t cared for properly.

• Medium Coverage Foundation : This level of opacity will cover freckles, discolorations, blemishes and red marks left by pimples. It contains 18–23% pigment and provides you with enough coverage to hide all those pesky skin imperfections without giving the “cakey look”. You can purchase it in a matte/velvet finish (great for oily skin) or dewy/glowy finish(great for dry skin). It provides the perfect amount of coverage to be used as an everyday foundation.

• Sheer Coverage Foundation : This is the most transparent coverage and it contains the least amount of pigment. It will not hide discolorations on the skin; however, it can minimise the contrast between the discolouration and the rest of the skin tone. It provides minimal coverage but more coverage than both BB/CC cream. It helps provide the skin with a more even looking complexion but may not fully conceal dark spots or other skin imperfections. You can pair it with a color corrector to help address those unwanted imperfections. Great for those who want to wear makeup, but don’t like to look like it. Usually available in a dewy finish.

• Light Coverage Foundation : This level of opacity can cover unevenness and slight blemishes, but is not opaque enough to cover freckles. It contains 13–18% pigment. BB (Blemish Beauty) Cream is a tinted moisturizer (think lotion with color) that is used to even out, hydrate and protect the skin from the sun (most come with SPF). BB Creams are a great option for those who want to achieve “the no makeup” makeup look effortlessly.  It can be applied with your fingertips, brush or a beauty blender and usually ranges in shades from “Fair to Deep Dark”.

And there you go! Understanding the above will guide you to select the best foundation makeup, one that is just right for the coverage you need. Note that the type of coverage you choose is mostly dependent on your skin type, texture and basically personal preference. Which foundation coverage is your fave? Which one do you wear currently? Please share with me in the comments.

Hugs and Kisses,

Missglam.