The 12 Best Light Coverage Foundations of 2024
Not so long ago, makeup tutorials were all about concealing and contouring, but there’s been a resurgence of the barely there makeup look. Perhaps it’s a direct result of spending more time and money on the perfect skincare routine, but minimalist makeup is in—think just-bitten lips, the faintest hint of blush, and most noticeably, radiant skin that looks like it’s been ever-so-slightly retouched.
If you strive to achieve an in-person complexion that looks like you’ve been subtly filtered, a light-coverage foundation offers a sheer, skin-like finish that blurs—not covers—imperfections. In some cases, they’re even infused with nourishing skincare ingredients. To find the very best options, we spent hours researching formulas on the market today and spoke with celebrity makeup artist Rob Scheppy (currently on tour as the hair and makeup department head for Madonna: The Celebration Tour) for his expert tips on selecting the right foundation for you.
Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Foundation at Sephora
$63
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It comes in 40 shades and two sizes, and it’s great for all skin types.
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It’s expensive, especially in travel size.
This award-winning lightweight foundation is an industry favorite. Its oil-free formulation works with all skin types and offers buildable light to medium coverage that blurs the skin’s imperfections. Though it’s billed as having a luminous finish, it doesn’t read as shiny, but if you’re seeking a more radiant glow, you can apply it with a damp sponge for a dewier effect.
With 40 available shades, it can work well with a large spectrum of skin tones, making this one of the easiest foundations to match on this list. And though you get more value with the standard 1-ounce size, there’s a 0.6-ounce option that’s perfect for travel or if you don’t tend to go through a full-size bottle quickly enough.
Finish: Natural | Shade Range: 40 shades | SPF: None | Size: 1 ounce
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It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and has a decent shade range.
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Dropper-style delivery can be messy.
This wallet-friendly foundation by L’Oreal is a surprisingly great find that works across all skin types. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it provides hydration where it’s needed while also smoothing the complexion. It comes in 14 shades that blend easily to match various skin tones and contains mineral pigments for subtle radiance. While we wish this came in a pump instead of a dropper, it is still easy to apply, even with just the fingertips, leaving you with a “your-skin-but-better” finish.
Finish: Radiant | Shade Range: 14 shades | SPF: None | Size: 1 ounce