When shopping for a foundation, there are always two things we pay the most attention to: the level of coverage it offers and finding the closest shade match. But there's one key element of the foundation selection process to consider that we don't talk about as often: skin type. As someone with combination skin that's also sensitive and acne-prone, I've definitely had to learn this the hard way. Even now as a beauty editor, I try a lot of foundations when we test them as a group (shoutout to Internet Famous), but I'll find that a certain formula will work great for others but not for me.
If you can relate, you're going to want to read ahead. I asked two celebrity makeup artists to provide some insight on this topic. Below, you'll find a bit of advice on how to choose the right foundation for combination skin, a few application tips, and, of course, product recs for every budget.
How to Choose a Foundation for Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, it's best to look for a foundation that's oil-free, noncomedogenic (for those who are acne-prone), and water-based. It also just depends on what kind of combination skin you have. Combination skin can mean a lot of things—dry in certain areas and oily in your T-zone, or dehydrated skin at the deeper layers and oily on the surface. I struggle with the latter and have found it's always best to opt for a foundation that's hydrating, but noncomedogenic at the same time.
Another thing to watch out for if your combination skin is sensitive is fragrance. Most foundations don't really have it, but some do and if your skin tends to get irritated with that in a formula, it's probably best to avoid it. Makeup artists also shared a few application tips for combination skin below.
Foundation Application Tips for Combination Skin
Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay says that the right primer is absolutely key for combination skin. "For skin that tends to get oily through the T-zone, using a mattifying primer beforehand in the sections that tend to shine up can help with the wear of your base," she says. "The common misconception is that you don't need moisturizer if your skin is oily, but with combination skin, I find it's always necessary to prep with skincare beforehand. To better lock in your foundation, opt for a velour puff to set skin versus a brush. By pushing the product into [the] skin versus. brushing over, you'll get a longer wear that truly sets in place. If you tend to break out often, be sure to find a foundation that is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic."
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg also stresses the importance of using a primer with another key tip. "Primer is always recommended. With combination skin, I’ve definitely used two different primers to address two different problems (ie. dryness or oiliness). Otherwise, touching up throughout the day is the best option. You can carry around a translucent powder to touch up during the day like Pur's Skin Perfecting Balancing Act ($26).
Best Matte Foundations
Enriched with hydrating plant extracts like iris, wild pansy, and nasturtium, this formula from Dior will help keep combo skin balanced throughout the day since it also creates a soft matte finish with no shine.
Customer Review: "I am far from a makeup expert but this foundation is the easiest buildable coverage I have ever used. I use a damp beauty blender and a little goes a long ways. Absolutely love it. This will be my third one I’ve purchased. I use a cream contour and powder blush and have no lifting issues or caked on look. Love it!"
"When it comes to combination skin, I always prefer a buildable and long-wear foundation, such as Fenty’s Pro Filt'r Foundation. For skin that tends to get oily through the T-zone, using a mattifying primer beforehand in the sections that tend to shine up can help with the wear of your base."—Gabbay
Best Drugstore Foundations
As far as drugstore formulas go, I fully swear by this classic Maybelline formula for combination skin. I've always found it to be hydrating enough that it doesn't try my skin out but still leaves the skin looking matte all day. It's also really lightweight and won't clog pores for anyone who is acne-prone.
Customer Review: "This has been the first time I have found my foundation match so well when I place it on my skin I can't even tell it's there. Don't even get me started on the price point! If you want to experiment with new foundation I would try this one!"
Revlon's long-wear formula is made specifically for combination skin and is enriched with hydrating vitamin E.
Customer Review: "Beautiful natural coverage. Great for every day wear. Feels light and not cakey throughout the day! Definitely would recommend."
Best Powder Foundations
"I like the Pur 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation in particular as this brand’s mineral foundation works well with both dry and oily skin."—Greenberg
Sephora Collection offers this creamy, medium-coverage powder foundation that's buildable and creates a natural-looking matte finish. it has FlexMatte technology which creates weightless, hydrating coverage that movies with your skin and won't crack, cake, or clog pores.
Customer Review: "A must have! Excellent product, full coverage, stays all day, doesn’t break me out, color match was accurate. I have tried more expensive brands and this one has been the best so far!"
Best Full Coverage
I know some prefer a full beat, and this Charlotte Tilbury foundation is just the ticket. It's long-lasting, is a hybrid skincare-foundation formula, and helps minimize the appearance of shine and pores. What the brand calls MossCellTec No. 1 helps hydrate skin throughout the day while still leaving a matte finish.
Customer Review: "Light, luxurious consistency for phenomenal coverage. Doesn’t cake or feel heavy. Works beautifully under eyes so I use it as concealer as well. So blurring and seamless. Favorite foundation!"
This Nars formula is a best seller on Sephora with those who have combination skin. Makeup artists also love it. A blend of fruit extracts like raspberry, apple, and watermelon in this formula helps support the skin's elastic fibers to smooth the texture of skin and provide optimal radiance over time.
Customer Review: "I’ve tried a few different brands but this was the best by far! Doesn’t take a lot to cover any imperfections. Makes my skin look really smooth. Love the matte look and doesn’t crease after a long day of laughs and smiles."
Best Sheer-Coverage Foundation
This Make Up for Ever formula definitely provides sheerer coverage and is another best seller on Sephora for combination skin. If you're looking for something to be a light, breathable second skin that looks extremely natural, this is the one for you.
Customer Review: "This is an amazing foundation that leaves my skin looking so gorgeous and fully covered while also looking like skin. I think it lasts a really long time and also has a fantastic color match which I adore."
Best Luxury Foundations
Luminous Silk is one of my all-time favorite foundations for combination skin. It's completely noncomedogenic, provides a glowing finish without making you look oily, and helps hydrate the skin throughout the day.
Customer Review: "I’ve been loving this foundation! They have multiple olive shades which is always a struggle to find! Literally melts into the skin and gives a much 'my skin but better' look, last all day and layers beautifully with other products.This is definitely a splurge but is so worth it."
This Chanel formula contains red camellia oil to deeply moisturize, soften, and protect the skin from environmental stress. It's also really buildable and leaves a soft, natural finish that works well for combination skin.
Customer Review: "I was apprehensive at first about trying a designer name for beauty products. However, when wearing this foundation I get nothing but compliments about my skin. The foundation appears so natural that most don't even realize it's foundation on me."
Best With SPF
WWW beauty director Erin Jahns wrote an entire ode to this Kosas formula, so you know it's good. It's a good option for combo skin because it has SPF 25 in it and contains hydrating and skin-improving ingredients like niacinamide (which helps with oil control), squalane, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
Customer Review: "Another product for the records. A super blendable foundation, with full coverage, and extreme hydration. The foundation is easy to apply with a foundation brush or sponge. My skin was left feeling soft, soothed, and hydrated. There is no creasing or caking either."
Like Greenberg was saying, mineral foundations are a great option for combination skin because they address both dryness and oiliness. This classic formula from BareMinerals fits the bill and has SPF 15 in it.
Customer Review: "I can’t praise this product enough! I love the finish and how natural it looks on my skin. It’s absolutely beautiful. Goes on smoothly and doesn’t set on my lines and dry skin. I truly recommend this product."
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