Choosing foundation is easier for people with oily, normal, or dry skin because certain formulas are designed to cater to particular skin types. What if your skin type is combination? That is a tale unto itself.
According to KIMIKO creator and celebrity makeup artist Dani Kimiko Vincent, “combination skin can be more challenging when it comes to foundation, as different sections of your face have different needs.” “But with so many incredible foundation formulas and a vast range of shade options available these days, you should be able to find the foundation that’s perfect for you.”
Our top picks for foundations for combination skin are listed below, along with expert application advice to guarantee all-day coverage. Additionally, the editors of our beauty team shared their own experiences with particular products.
Best Overall
Makeup For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation
Fashion and beauty editor Hana Hong of Real Simple says, “You want something that’s hydrating but lightweight when it comes for combo skin.” Hong suggests this foundation for combination skin. “With a formula that’s inspired by a sheet mask, the featherlight texture sinks in instantly, feels like nothing on, and gives skin an I-woke-up-like-this glow.”
Hyaluronic acid is a component in the composition that, over time, plumps and smoothes skin, making it a skincare product as well. It gives your skin a radiant appearance and produces a natural-looking blurring coverage without clogging pores. According to Real Simple beauty director Heather Muir, “it’ll be your new favourite foundation whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between (like me!).”
Best Drugstore
L’Oréal Paris True Match Tinted Serum
For a more affordable option, try this tinted serum foundation, which is still our #1 choice. Hyaluronic acid is used in this product to provide moisture, just like in the Makeup Forever foundation, and the result is a very light finish. Nevertheless, the coverage is quite sheer due to the serum nature, albeit it can be built up to a certain extent. Thus, this foundation works well if you’re seeking for a bright but natural finish. Over time, it can also smooth your skin. The shade selection should be taken into account. There are just 14 shades available, however as the product is translucent, each shade complements a variety of skin tones.
Best Lightweight
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Aloe, squalane, niacinamide, and allantoin are abundant in this mix; used combined, they smooth uneven texture, relieve irritation, lessen redness, and provide moisture. However, this foundation seems remarkably light in some way. It offers buildable medium coverage and a dewy, natural finish. It is available in 30 hues with different tones and undertones.
Once more, the fact that it’s lightweight is simply fantastic! We really adore the foundation’s simple pump, which evenly distributes the product. We should warn you, nevertheless, that the mixture has a strong smell that might take some getting used to. Although this foundation is more expensive, it is still worth the investment because it covers both skincare and makeup.
Best Matte Finish
Gucci Full Coverage Luminous Matte Finish Foundation
On combination skin, matte finishes can be challenging to obtain, but this cream does precisely that. Hyaluronic acid and black rose oil moisturise dry skin, while absorbent bamboo powder prevents shine on oily skin. Furthermore, without seeming cakey, this full-coverage foundation conceals practically all flaws. Additionally, it feels non-cakey and has a sweatproof yet breathable finish, so there’s no need to worry about transfer.
Prepare for sticker shock if you thought the Ilia foundation was pricey. Though it’s a terrific full-day, big occasion makeup, this Gucci foundation is even higher.
Best with SPF
Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation
Shielding your skin from the sun’s damaging rays is one of the most important things you can do for its health. If complex skincare and cosmetic routines aren’t your thing, you may skip a few steps and use a foundation with SPF, like this one from Shiseido (SPF 30).
In addition to being protective, we adore the radiant finish of this buildable medium-coverage solution, which is made possible by “Responsive Sensor Technology” that produces a bright look. According to the brand, the formula adjusts to the texture, tone, and condition of the skin. We can see this in the natural glow that reduces wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.
Best for Sensitive Skin
BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation
The brand bareMinerals enjoys a good reputation, especially for its original loose powder foundation. With just five mineral ingredients, this composition is as pure as it gets, making it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. This foundation is outstanding since it uses very little product to give the perfect airbrushed finish.
It’s buildable for full coverage, but you can achieve a sheer, pore-smoothing finish with very modest application. Just be mindful that if you’re not accustomed to working with loose powder, it’s simple to apply too much. Build up from a light starting point!
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation
Because of its oil-free structure and active compounds that especially target blemishes, this foundation is designed for skin that is prone to acne. Red algae extract, liquorice, caffeine, and post-biotic lactobacillus ferment diminish redness, while salicylic acid unclogs pores and clears breakouts.
It comes in 24 hues and has a natural matte finish that minimises pores. However, due to its medium coverage, it may not be able to completely hide skin blemishes; you may need to use concealer to target certain areas.
Best Powder
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refillable Compact Set
For those with mixed complexion, this foundation could be ideal for the summer. It is ideal for using at the beach because it offers SPF 20 protection, is reef-safe, and is water-resistant for forty minutes. It’s portable and comes in a (refillable!) compact, but you’ll need to carry an applicator with you because the compact doesn’t contain any powder puff.
We also adore that sea minerals are used in its formulation to calm skin and antioxidants to strengthen your skin barrier. Because this is such an adaptable foundation, you can build it up to full coverage if you’d like or keep it sheer with a small brush.
Best Shades
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation
Shades-wise, Fenty has always been a shining example of diversity. Additionally, the range has been expanded to cover an astounding 50 hues with the addition of this foundation. Those in the brighter and darker extremes of the spectrum are not left hanging because the shades are uniformly distributed throughout the spectrum.
This product, which is lightweight yet has a matte finish and medium-to-full coverage, might easily feel thick. On dry areas, the mattifying effect may seem a little cakey, but oily skin doesn’t shine throughout the day.
