The Best Foundations for Combination Skin

Striking the right balance between hydrating and mattifying foundations can be tricky. Choose a formula that isn’t formulated for combination skin types will either leave you looking like a greasy mess before the day is half over or have you dealing with patchy-looking foundation that’s clinging on for dear life to your dry patches. We’re not only here to help you avoid both, but find the goldilock’s porridge of foundations for combination skin.

Those of us with combination skin types can have it tough. You’ve got to deal with an oily t-zone whilst simultaneously managing dry patches of skin, although this doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve a flawless base.

There is a perfect foundation out there for you, or better yet an entire list of them, that cater specifically to your combination skin concerns. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you the all-star line-up of the best foundations for combination skin that you’ll fall head over heels for.

What to look out for when choosing a foundation for combination skin

Finding the perfect foundation for combination skin can be a bit of a juggling act, but with the right features, it’s definitely achievable. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Balancing Formula: Look for a foundation that offers both hydration and oil control. You want a formula that keeps your skin comfortably moisturised without turning you into an oil slick by midday.
• Oil-Free/Non-Comedogenic: This is crucial. Opt for a foundation that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid those pesky breakouts and clogged pores. It’s all about keeping your skin clear and happy.
• Long-Wearing: You need a foundation that won’t disappear halfway through the day. Go for one that stays put and maintains its fresh look from morning until evening.
• Buildable Coverage: Flexibility is key. Choose a foundation that allows you to build up coverage as needed, so you can go from a natural finish to a bit more coverage if the occasion calls for it.

The best foundations for combination skin, as picked by Cosmetify

Application tips for combination skin

With the right techniques, your foundation can give you a flawless finish that lasts all day. Here’s how:

Prep: Combination skin needs a little extra attention in different areas. Start by moisturising any dry spots, like the cheeks, to keep them hydrated. For those oilier areas—typically the T-zone—apply a mattifying face primer to help control shine and create a smooth canvas for your foundation.

Apply: When it comes to applying foundation on combination skin, the method is key. A beauty sponge or a foundation brush works brilliantly for this. Use a brush for more coverage and a sponge to blend out any excess, focusing on the areas that tend to get oily to avoid a heavy look.

Set: To keep that perfect balance between matte and dewy, set your foundation with a light dusting of translucent face powder. Concentrate on your T-zone to control shine while leaving the drier areas with a natural, skin-like finish.

Touch-Up: Throughout the day, your T-zone might need a little touch-up. Instead of adding more foundation, use blotting papers to gently absorb any excess oil without disturbing your makeup.

No matter how unpredictable your combination skin can be, with the right foundation, you can keep it looking flawless and feeling balanced from morning to night. Now that you’ve got the best foundations for combination skin in your arsenal, finding your perfect match should be a breeze.

For a more comprehensive foundation guide, take a look at our picks for The Best Foundations For All Skin Types.