I finally found the perfect medium-coverage foundation. Finally.

This summer, I was having a makeup conundrum.  I didn’t want to wear my usual full-coverage foundation because it felt so heavy.  Unfortunately, my skin is too damaged for tinted moisturizer to do much good.  (Oh, the good old days of 30 when it was enough.)  So I started hunting for a medium coverage foundation. And what a hunt it was!

After trying dozens of samples, I stumbled upon Kevyn Aucoin Etherealist Foundation ($58).

The first time I applied it, I noticed how well it blended.  The second time, when I applied it with a buffing brush, I noticed how smooth my skin looked.  By the third time, when I saw how well it wears (even in inclement weather), I was hooked.

The brand encourages you to apply it with a foundation brush, and the effect is fine.  I recommend applying it with either a buffing brush or a sponge.

I like this NYX buffing brush.  It’s a bear to clean, but it’s worth it.  You apply the foundation to your face in small amounts (a dot on the cheeks, nose, etc.) and then buff it smooth with the brush.

Your other options is these affordable Beauty-Blender-like sponges from Amazon.  I cut the sponge in half and use uneven surface to stipple on the foundation.  This helps conceal the acne-scarring on my cheeks.  Then, you can use the smooth side to blend it.

If you’re looking for a medium coverage foundation, give this one a try.  If you need to find the perfect shade for you (in any foundation), Temptalia has this wonderful foundation matching tool.  You input the shades of the foundations you’ve used before, and it makes an educated guess as to your shade.  It’s a game changer.

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