How to Wear Light Coverage Foundation

Let’s be honest: Sometimes, a full-coverage foundation just isn’t necessary, especially if heavy makeup is not your forte. If you’re looking to keep things nice and light in the makeup department for your everyday look, you may want to consider trying a light coverage foundation on for size. After all, you don’t need a thick layer of foundation to look your most beautiful. In fact, there are plenty of occasions where you might want to rock a beauty look that includes a foundation with more natural-looking coverage. That’s where light foundation can save the day. Keep reading to find our best sheer coverage foundation picks, plus a few tips on applying this beauty staple. 

WHAT IS LIGHT COVERAGE FOUNDATION?

First things first, let’s talk about what light coverage foundations really are. Simply speaking, they’re foundations that are formulated to provide a thinner layer of coverage on your skin. A far cry from full-coverage foundation, a sheer coverage foundation offers a more natural finish. So, while it might blur your imperfections, it won’t hide a major breakout or cover up your pretty freckles. With sheer foundation available in liquid and powder formulas just like full-coverage options, you’re still able to find the right option for you.

Since these foundations aren’t as heavy on the skin, they’re the perfect choice for many different skin types and occasions. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you might be inclined to reach for a foundation that will fully cover up any surface-level insecurities. However, a foundation that’s more lightweight or sheer may be better to help minimize clogged pores that can lead to breakouts in the first place. 

WHAT IS THE BEST FOUNDATION FOR A NATURAL LOOK?

Now that you’re more educated on sheer coverage foundations, you’re probably wondering what the best foundation for a natural look is. Of course, a light coverage foundation is the perfect way to go. As we mentioned above, lightweight foundations work wonders to provide your skin with a thin layer of coverage and a sheer feel. If you would rather opt for natural-looking makeup for your day-to-day looks or for hot summer days, light foundation won’t steer you wrong. 

Ready to add a sheer foundation to your beauty arsenal? We have the perfect options in mind. Pick your potion below. 

Our best light coverage, liquid foundation: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup. This lightweight, liquid foundation works to improve your skin’s clarity while you wear it—how amazing is that? It’s also formulated with SPF 20 and vitamins C and E. With just one application, skin will appear more luminous. With continued use over time, your complexion can improve altogether. 

Our best light coverage, powder foundation: L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup. This compact foundation provides natural-looking coverage with a weightless feel—and without any cakey residue. The ultra-pure formula doesn’t contain any pore-clogging fillers or heavy textures, and with just a few swipes, you’ll have sheer coverage you can barely even feel. Plus, it also provides SPF 17 protection.

Our best all-in-one BB cream: L’Oréal Paris Magic by Studio Secrets Skin Beautifier BB Cream. We aren’t saying BB cream is exactly the same as a light foundation, but they are perfect for getting sheer coverage. This multi-tasking BB cream formula delivers four beauty benefits in one easy-to-use cream: it hydrates, corrects, evens, and perfects skin.

HOW TO WEAR LIGHT FOUNDATION

Generally speaking, applying a sheer foundation will involve the same process as applying a medium or full-coverage foundation. You can use a foundation brush, a makeup blender, or your hands. Of course, if your sheer coverage foundation comes in compact form, you can use the included makeup sponge to apply it.

Since the goal of light coverage foundation is to provide just a bit of coverage while maintaining a natural-looking finish, you’ll want to apply a thin, even layer over your entire complexion and down onto your neck. Besides that, here are two other foundation hacks that will make wearing light and sheer coverage foundation even more of a breeze.

HACK #1: PREP FIRST

Yes, it’s true that you’re going for a natural-looking finish here, but to ensure an even application (that will last all day), you’ll still want to prep your skin beforehand. For an added boost of radiance, use a primer that’s formulated to give your skin a glow-factor, such as the L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer. Conversely, if you tend to have oily skin, use a mattifying primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer.

HACK #2: SET AFTER

Even though it’s light coverage foundation, you still want it to last for as long as possible, right? All we’re saying is that it takes the same amount of time to apply, so you’ll want to make the most of it. To do so, finish off your entire makeup routine with a few spritzes of makeup setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray. This lightweight mist will help prevent your foundation (and the rest of your makeup) from smudging or wearing away.

HOW DO I MAKE MY LOW COVERAGE FOUNDATION HAVE FULL COVERAGE?

Now that you’ve mastered the art of applying light coverage foundation like a pro, you may want to take things up a notch. If you love the idea behind sheer foundation but want to amp up the coverage just a bit, you may have asked yourself, “How do I make low coverage foundation full coverage?” The truth is, all you need to do is supplement your sheer foundation with a concealer to bring your full coverage dreams to life. That’s right, simply use a concealer from the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer line along with your foundation to score your desired level of coverage. Whether you need to disguise blemishes, under-eye circles, or more, this duo will get the job done. 

On the other hand, you don’t want to attempt to build a light coverage formula up until it offers full coverage. Simply put, this won’t work. The formula will still be sheer, so blemishes won’t be totally out of sight. Beyond that, you’ll be using so many layers that your makeup is bound to end up looking cakey. That’s why the combo of concealer and light coverage foundation is the better solution.

Next: Is Exercise the Secret to Beautiful Skin?