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What is a Buildable Coverage Foundation?

12 March 2025

What is a Buildable Coverage Foundation?

The Key to Customising Your Look

When it comes to foundation the variety can feel overwhelming, whether you’re after a natural, barely-there look or a flawless, full-glam finish, buildable foundation offers the flexibility to customize your coverage according to your needs.

What exactly is buildable coverage foundation, and how do you use it? Let's explore why this type of foundation is a go-to for both makeup minimalists and beauty lovers.


SHOP ALL FOUNDATIONS


An Image of Revolution Skin Silk Serum foundation

What is a Buildable Coverage Foundation?

In short: buildable foundation lets you customize your coverage, so you can go from light to full with just a few layers.

A buildable coverage foundation is a type of foundation that allows you to layer the product to achieve your desired level of coverage. Unlike full-coverage foundations, which offer a one-layer solution for completely covering blemishes and imperfections, buildable foundations start with a lighter finish, giving you the control to add more product for a fuller look.


An Image of a model wearing and holding the Revolution Skin Silk Serum foundation

Why Choose a Buildable Coverage Foundation?

  • Versatility: ou can pick your coverage based on the occasion. Whether you want a light, breathable layer for a natural day look or build it up for the evening, buildable foundation has you covered (literally!).
  • Control: With buildable formulas, you’re in control of how much product you apply. This is perfect if you only need to cover specific areas like redness or blemishes, while keeping other areas sheer and natural.
  • Lightweight Feel: Buildable coverage often starts with a lighter, breathable base that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, even when you apply more layers.
  • Great for combination skin: If you have areas of your face that need more coverage (like blemishes) and others that look better with minimal makeup, a buildable foundation can give you the flexibility to apply different amounts where needed. your makeup!
An Image of a model wearing and holding the Revolution Skin Silk Serum foundation

How to Apply Buildable Coverage Foundation

The magic of buildable coverage foundation lies in its ability to layer without caking. Here's how to use it to create the perfect base for any look:


Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Just like any foundation, it’s important to start with well-prepped skin. Use our 4 step simple skincare routine - cleanse, tone, use a serum and moisturise to ensure your skin is hydrated. A primer will also help smooth the skin’s texture and ensure longer wear.


Expert Tip: Use a hydrating primer like Super Grip Primer for a glowy finish or a mattifying one like Pore Blur Primer if you have oily skin.

An Image of Revolution Super Grip Primer

Step 2: Apply a thin layer to start with

Start by applying a thin layer of foundation. You can use your fingers, a makeup sponge or a face brush depending on your preference. Focus on blending the foundation evenly across your face for a natural base.


Expert Tip: Try the Skin Silk Serum Foundation which provides a light, dewy finish with one layer. Or for an even lighter layer try a skin tint like Superdewy Tinted Moisturiser.

An Image of a model wearing and holding the Revolution Skin Silk Serum foundation

Step 2: Apply a thin layer to start with

Once the first layer is set, decide if you need more coverage. For areas that need more attention, like redness or blemishes, , add another thin layer of foundation. Pat the product into your skin rather than rubbing to avoid disturbing the first layer.


Expert Tip: If you want longer lasting coverage for a full evening look, apply a second layer focusing on your T-zone or any problem areas to make that coverage really last in those areas.

Step 4: Apply the rest of your base products

For added coverage, especially under the eyes, now is the perfect time to apply concealer . To complete your flawless base, enhance your features by sculpting with bronzer , adding a pop of blush for colour, and illuminating the high points of your face with highlighter. This will create a beautifully balanced and radiant finish.


Step 5: Set It (If Needed)

Depending on the finish you prefer (dewy or matte), you can set your foundation with powder to lock it in place. Lightly dust translucent powder over areas that tend to get oily and finish with setting spray to bring the radiance back.


An Image of Revolution Loose Baking Powder

Expert Tip: Finish with our customer favourites Loose Baking Powderin any oil-prone areas and our Superfix Misting Spray to finish off.

An Image of Revolution Superfix Misting Spray

When Should You Use Buildable Coverage Foundation?

One of the best things about buildable foundation is how adaptable it is to different occasions:


  • For Everyday Wear Use a single layer for a light, breathable look that evens out your complexion without looking too heavy. Perfect for school, work, or running errands.
  • For Special Events: WAdd an extra layer or two to achieve medium to full coverage for a flawless, long-lasting base, ideal for parties, weddings, or nights out.
  • For Targeted Coverage: Use light coverage across most of your face and build it up only where you need it most—like under your eyes, around your nose, or on blemishes. I personally love to use the lightest layer on the apples of my cheeks as I love to have my freckles show through my makeup!

A buildable coverage foundation is an excellent choice for anyone who wants flexibility in their makeup routine. It allows you to tailor your look from light to full coverage depending on your day, offering complete control without feeling heavy or cakey. Ready to try the ultimate customizable foundation?

Try the Skin Silk Serum Foundation today!

An Image of Revolution Loose Baking Powder

Tag us in your makeup look @makeuprevolution!

Love, Team Rev x

THE EDIT

  • Revolution Skin Silk Radiant Satin Serum Foundation

    Makeup Revolution

    £10.99

  • Revolution Superfix Grip Primer

    Makeup Revolution

    £7.99

  • Pore Blur Primer

    Makeup Revolution

    £6.99

  • Makeup Revolution Superdewy Tinted Moisturiser

    Makeup Revolution

    £6.30 - £9.00

  • creative shot of 2 powders and powder puff

    Makeup Revolution

    £4.19 - £5.99

  • closed lid setting spray

    Makeup Revolution

    £10.99

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