We combination skin types have our work cut out for us when it comes to our skincare and makeup.
We need to find formulas that won’t excacerbate the oil slick of our T-zones, while retaining some semblance of moisture on the dry areas. It’s not an easy task and takes hard-working products in equal parts mattifying and hydrating, two attributes that rarely go hand in hand.
“Combination skin is characterised by having both oily and dry areas on the face. The oily areas are usually located at the forehead, nose, and chin, while the cheeks and other areas may be dry or normal”, explains Medical Consultant Skin Expert, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme.
We’ve already dug deep into the serums and moisturisers to solve the concerns of this specific skin type as well as toners to counteract excess sebum production, but we’ve set ourselves the challenge in the cosmetics arena and specifically the notoriously difficult find of base products like foundation.
The best foundations for combination skin will first and foremost need to be non-comodegenic aka they should not clog the pores as this will lead to breakouts. Who wants that at the end of a long day?
Then there’s the matter of matte vs dewy. Matte textures could be sought-after for the T-zone, but may settle unnaturally on dry areas and cause flaking, whereas dewy foundations will leave a healthy, natural look. You may covert this radiant glow but beware of it looking more like a greasy shine.
What should you look for in a foundation for combination skin?
“It is important to choose a product that can provide balanced coverage and hydration to the skin” says Dr Ejikeme. “The best texture for combination skin may vary from person to person, depending on their individual skin concerns and preferences. However, in general, liquid or cream foundations tend to work better for combination skin than powder formulations, as they can offer more hydration to the skin and avoid settling into fine lines or pores. If you prefer a powder foundation, look for a finely-milled formula that can help control shine without emphasizing dry patches or flakiness”.
Dr. Usman Qureshi, Aesthetic Doctor and founder of Luxe Skin Clinic agrees that “You can definitely opt for powder foundation – they give your skin a lovely matte finish and also feels lightweight”, but he says you should “Avoid oil-free foundations that are formulated to be emollient. Instead, look out for poreless foundation which helps suck out extra oils, as well as locks in moisture”.
What ingredients should you look out for?
You should be holding your makeup to the same high standards as your skincare and look for ingredients that will offer benefits to the complexion - whether that’s boosting hydration, calming inflammation or protecting the skin from external aggressors. Dr Ejikeme stresses that “When selecting a foundation for combination skin, it is important to avoid ingredients that can irritate or dry out the skin, such as alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils”.
Dr. Qureshi highlights:
- Hyaluronic Acid: to helps the skin retain moisture and increase skin elasticity.
- Vitamin B3: to help reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and reducing blotchiness too.
- Peptides: for improving the overall health, tone and appearance of the skin.
Dr Ejikeme adds, “You may also consider using a primer that can help extend the wear of your foundation and improve its adherence to the skin and consider using a setting powder or spray to control shine and improve the longevity of your foundation”.
Shop the best foundations for combination skin below
Best makeup primers for oily and dry skin 2023
Best foundation brushes of 2023 tried and tested
Best foundations for 2023: Ace that base with liquid, gel and powder formulas
Best mineral foundations to suit every skin type
Best tinted moisturisers for flawless looking skin
Best liquid blushes to get your skin glowing
Best smudge-proof mascara to keep your lashes looking great all night
Best high street foundations to shop that will suit your skin tone
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This is one of the best foundations on the market. It’s a favourite among professional makeup artists for the way it glides on to the skin and leaves a natural-looking finish.
The Armani foundation is formulated with a trademarked Micro-fil technology that was created to give a sculpted and brightened appearance. The coverage is medium and buildable but it works wonders in blurring and covering blemishes with all-day wear. The latter is in part due to the oil-free formula as well as the inclusion of glycerin that chosen for its hydrating properties.
Buy now £45.00, lookfantastic
bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
Powder foundations are not always ideal for dry skin as they can settle unnaturally, creating an uneven and patchy appearance - but not the Original Loose Powder Foundation from bareMinerals. This product earned our vote as the Top Pick mineral foundation for a reason. It is a lightweight texture that is free from any nasties or fillers that may cause a reaction to sensitive skin types. It forms a buildable veil over the complexion that disguises pores and imperfections without clogging and leading to further breakouts. This is a flawless filter in powdered form.
Buy now £26.10, Boots
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50
So while is technically a CC cream, it works in much the same way as a foundation and can be swapped as your base product of choice. The multi-tasking product is both a concealer and acts as full coverage for the whole face too.
Combination skin types will appreciate the hydrating ingredients as the formula is packed with the likes of hyaluronic acid, soy extract, collagen and silk that bring moisture to dry areas, while evening out the complexion. There’s also the vitamin-rich combination of grapefruit, orange, bergamot and lemon oils.
Plus you’ve got a SPF50. It’s the full package.
Buy now £14.50, Cult Beauty
IL MAKIAGE Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation
It was once a challenge to find that perfect shade of foundation online but Il Makiage changed the virtual beauty shopping game when it launched on UK shores. You begin by taking the Powermatch Quiz that asks your skin type, your preferred level of coverage, the finish - whether that’s matte, natural or luminous and your tone, getting very specific with colour matching. This determines the product that will work best for you and there’s free returns if it’s not quite right.
The Woke Up Like This acts as second skin without feeling greasy or dry but camouflaging redness, irritation or blemishes with a flick of the brush. The formula is easy to blend and so lightweight that you don’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all.
Buy now £39.00, IL Makiage
DIOR Forever Skin Glow Foundation
This foundation from Dior is all about longevity. The luxury fashion and beauty house has formulated this base product to have real staying power, boasting 24 hour wear from your morning application - just please don’t sleep in it. It was created to withstand heat, humidity and whatever you throw at it.
As you may guess from the name, the Skin Glow imparts a healthy sheen that has a hydrating effect on the skin, while nailing the no-makeup makeup look with its natural appearance.
A skincare-makeup hybrid, you will recognise the majority of its contents from your skincare collection where the formula is clean, responsibly-sourced and the exterior is recyclable and made from recycled materials.
Buy now £38.25, Boots
RARE BEAUTY Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation 28ml
You can’t call the application of this foundation ‘painting your face’ as it’s more like gliding the lightweight feel of a serum onto your skin. But don’t let that fool you. It still offers good coverage and is buildable and easily layered up without flaking or balling. The texture is extremely fluid so shouldn’t settle into dry patches, clog the pores or leave a caked on appearance. It also comes with its own applicator, although it looks most natural when buffed out with a fluffy brush. The brand suggests to secure it in place with a primer first.
Buy now £29.00, Sephora
Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser
For dry, oily and combination skin, tinted moisturiser may be the best port of call over traditional foundation. These makeup-skincare best of both world products inject moisture into your routine, while still providing a tint that can be layered up with another foundation if you prefer a full coverage aesthetic.
The Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser has a lightweight texture yet more coverage than you would expect from this product type. It has a subtle glow - not a greasy shine or a sheer finish - and is enriched with the brand’s signature Hylauronan Complex to plump the complexion.
Buy now £55.00, Space NK
GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation
Derived almost entirely from natural ingredients, Givenchy’s Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation is one you’ll use daily for the way that it enhances the skin, rather than covers it up. It has a buildable coverage that is very lightweight and glides onto the skin with clogging the pores. The finish is very glowy and so it may not be ideal for very oily skin types without first applying a mattifying primer but has staying power for 12 hours in the luminosity and colour correcting departments, while providing all-day hydration.
Buy now £32.00, Boots
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
You will have likely heard of the Beautiful Skin Foundation as it is one of the most hyped products on the market.The universally beloved product is packed with the hydration hero hyaluronic acid as well as brightening rose-derived ingredients that not only ensures a more natural-looking finish, but it also works to improve the condition of the skin with continual use. The HA has a plumping effect, while the rose encourages a healthy radiance - and if you prefer a more full coverage hue, simply layer up. Five stars across the board.
Buy now £39.00, Cult Beauty
NARS Cosmetics Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
This product has long been a workhorse in makeup bags the world over - whether in professional kits or in the rotation of casual wearers. The foundation comes in an impressive 34 shade range, securing its status as a cult classic. It has the ability to even out and smooth the complexion, while also providing a illuminating effect. The coverage is medium-to-full and it can be used by all skin types where it is created to stand the test of time. You have the cocktail of raspberry, apple and watermelon extracts to thank for that nourishing feel.
Buy now £37.50, Cult Beauty
