12 Best Foundations for Combination Skin Worth Adding to Your Makeup Kit

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 08, 2024
Best Foundations for Combination Skin Worth Adding to Your Makeup Kit
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Makeup brands have started to introduce multiple makeup products that suit every skin type and tone. With a wide range of skin shades, foundations have been the patent makeup product found in every young and old vanity kit. There are foundations for combination skin, foundations for normal skin, foundations for dry skin and foundations for oily skin. There are also foundations for all skin types and so if you are wondering which type of foundation is the best then it all depends on your skin’s texture and type. People possessing normal skin won't face any issues but one who possesses a combination might have to deal with their makeup base in a wiser way. Thus the search for the best foundation for combination skin can be daunting. 

Francois Nars, the owner of Nars Cosmetics said, “Foundation should unify tone, but it shouldn’t take away the individuality of the skin.”

With seemingly endless options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. From lightweight, long-wearing formulas to full-coverage, oil-free formulas, there are plenty of options to consider. There are foundation sticks, face washes and moisturizers for combination skin that solve every problem of females possessing a combination skin and dealing with skincare confusions. Today, we will help you to solve them all and make you a pro. Scroll down and check out everything that you need to know about the top 10 foundations for combination skin.

12 Best Foundations for Combination Skin

For those who wish to have a foundation that offers coverage but doesn’t really feel like you have any makeup on, this product by Urban Decay is a great choice. The foundation works for combination skin as well as other skin types because the weightless hydrating liquid is bothering none! What we love about this product is that its formulation is like that of a nourishing serum, which goes on oh-so-smoothly over your skin and evenly covers the face in seconds, so you don’t have to fatigue your hand while dabbing it on. Besides, the product is available in over 40 shades, so there’s one for every skin tone!

Pros
  • Quenches skin’s thirst
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Not cakey
  • Works fine for sensitive skin
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Medium buildable coverage
  • Long-lasting
Cons
  • Too liquidy
  • Not that long-lasting
  • Best Coverage

    Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation

    Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation
  • Another serum-like foundation on the list is this product by Dermablend — a brand you can rely on for every “coverage-related” skin needs. The formulation of this product is so richly pigmented that just about 3-4 drops of it can cover your entire face for a sheer finish. And, if you desire to hide more imperfections then you’ll be glad to know that its formula is also buildable, and you can layer up at your convenience. The finish of this product never gets cakey or forms cracks; hence, no matter how oily your T-zone gets, the product has got you covered!

    Pros
    • Lean formula
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Suitable for acne-prone skin
    • Fragrance-free and oil-free
    • Allergy-tested
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • A little goes a long way
    • Natural finish
    • Doesn’t settle in fine lines
    Cons
    • Could be more long-lasting
  • Best Overall

    Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation

    Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
  • Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation is the perfect foundation for your skin! This lightweight and oil-free foundation is water-resistant and transfer-resistant, making it a great choice for combination skin. It's also mask-friendly and provides a matte finish, while also nourishing and protecting your skin from the harsh effects of pollution with its antioxidant vitamin E. With this foundation, you can enjoy a flawless complexion and skin protection all day long.

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • No fragrance
    • Good coverage
    • No skin irritation
    • Good shade range
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • No dewy finish
    • Dries fast
  • Clinique Even Better Makeup

    Clinique Even Better Makeup
  • Clinique Even Better Makeup is a revolutionary makeup that evens skin tone, brightens skin, prevents new discolorations, and hydrates while providing moderate coverage. Its unique formula has been specially designed to nourish and protect your skin, leaving you with a natural, healthy glow. Its active ingredients help to reduce the appearance of existing discolorations and prevent new ones from forming. It also provides light-to-medium coverage that evens out skin tone and restores your skin’s natural radiance. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a lightweight formula that not only evens out skin tone but also brightens, hydrates, and prevents discolorations.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Allergy-tested
    • Oil-free
    • Includes SPF 15
    • No white cast
    • Does not oxidize
    Cons
    • Transfers easily
    • Lacks glow
  • Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation

    Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
  • Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation is a buildable foundation with medium coverage and a healthy satin finish. Its lightweight and breathable formula glides on smoothly and evenly, providing a flawless look that lasts all day. With its nourishing and skin loving ingredients, this foundation helps to keep your complexion looking healthy and glowing. Be it a natural look or a more glamorous finish, this foundation makes for a perfect choice.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Hypoallergenic
    • No paraben
    • Includes protective SPF 20
    Cons
    • Strongly scented
    • Costly
  • bareMinerals MATTE Foundation

    bareMinerals MATTE Foundation
  • Discover the natural beauty of your skin with bareMinerals matte foundation. This lightweight matte coverage foundation has a non-drying feel that leaves your skin looking and feeling healthy. The formula is enriched with minerals and antioxidants, giving you a natural, even appearance without a heavy, cakey finish. It helps provide a smooth base for a flawless look. You can feel confident knowing that your skin looks healthy and radiant. Enjoy the perfect balance of coverage and comfort with this foundation.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • No paraben
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Clinically tested formulas
    • Protection against UVA/UVB rays
    • Reduced imperfections
    Cons
    • Not much availability
    • Does not settle into fine lines
  • Great Shade Range

    MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

    MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
  • MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is the perfect foundation to give you a natural, satin finish. This foundation is lightweight yet provides medium to full coverage. It's waterproof, so you don't have to worry about it running off in the rain or sweating off in the summer. Plus, it's hydrating, so it won't dry out your skin. It has oil control that will help to keep your skin shine-free all day long. Get ready for a flawless, natural complexion with this foundation.

    Pros
    • Includes SPF 15
    • No cakey finish
    • No patchy residue
    • Not heavy
    • Good shade range
    • Sturdy packaging
    Cons
    • Not budget-friendly
    • Not cruelty-free
  • Travel-Friendly

    Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

    Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
  • Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation that provides natural-looking, radiant coverage. Its lightweight, oil-free formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, alpine rose and coconut water to help hydrate and nourish the skin. Its breathable, natural-looking finish helps to even out skin tone and blur imperfections, while its buildable coverage allows you to customize your desired look. With a lightweight, oil-free formula and a velvety, natural-looking matte finish, you'll be looking your best no matter where you go.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • No scent
    • Smooth texture
    • Stays for long
    • Does not accentuate dry patches
    • Great packaging
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Not great coverage
  • Budget-Friendly

    COVERGIRL Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation

    COVERGIRL Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation
  • Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation is the perfect way to get a healthy, glowing complexion. Its lightweight, vitamin-infused formula is designed to reduce oily shine appearance while providing your skin with a special antioxidant complex and all the vitamins it needs to look and feel its best. The unique formula is designed to nourish and protect, leaving you with a radiant, youthful complexion. Experience the power of this foundation to give your skin an enviable healthy glow.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Oil-free
    • Medium to full coverage
    • Easy to apply
    • No skin irritation
    Cons
    • Contains fragrance
    • Limited shade range
  • Easy-to-Apply

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
  • NYX Professional Makeup brings you the ultimate color-correction experience with its total control drop foundation. Its lightweight formula provides you with buildable coverage, so you can choose your desired look - from a natural sheer finish to a full coverage one. Its velvety matte finish ensures a smooth and even complexion, while its blendable formula ensures you can create a natural, seamless look. Plus, its long-lasting formula ensures your makeup stays put all day!

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Fragrance-free formula
    • Easily blendable
    • Great texture
    • Decent wearing time
    • Wide shade range
    Cons
    • No SPF
    • Expensive
  • L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation

    L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation
  • Transform your skin with L'Oreal Paris True Match super-blendable liquid foundation! Perfect for achieving a flawless complexion, the innovative formula ensures a perfect skin tone match that works with your skin's undertone too. Plus, it has skin-nourishing ingredients that help to diffuse any imperfections, giving you a natural, radiant look. With its lightweight texture, it blends seamlessly into your skin, delivering a flawless finish that lasts all day long. So don't settle for anything less – experience the confidence of perfect skin with this foundation.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • No oil
    • No fragrance
    • Long-lasting
    • Not watery or runny
    Cons
    • Accentuates dry patches
    • Not travel-friendly
  • Lumene Matte Oil Control Foundation

    Lumene Matte Oil Control Foundation
  • Lumene Matte Oil Control Foundation is your go-to for a long-lasting matte complexion. Its lightweight texture glides on smoothly and evenly, so you don't have to worry about patchy or cakey coverage. With this product, you can count on fresh and shine-free skin all day long. The oil control properties ensure that you stay looking your best all day. Trust this foundation to provide you with beautiful, even coverage that will last.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Alcohol-free
    • Non-greasy
    • Skin-brightening
    • No build-up
    Cons
    • Overpriced
    • Poor packaging

    How to Select Best Foundations for Combination Skin?

    Finding the best foundation for combination skin can be a tricky task. With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to navigate through the various options and find the best one for your skin type.

    Combination skin is unique, as it typically consists of an oily t-zone (the area around the nose, forehead, and chin) with drier patches on the cheeks and around the eyes. As such, it’s important to look for a foundation that balances the oily and dry areas, while also providing enough coverage and hydration.

    To help you find the best foundation for combination skin, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping. 

    Type: First, consider the type of foundation you want to purchase. Do you prefer a liquid, cream, or powder foundation? Different types of foundations offer different benefits, so consider which one is best for your skin type.

    Formula: Next, look for a formula that is non-comedogenic, as this means it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. Additionally, it’s best to look for a formula that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are designed to provide hydration, while also helping protect the skin’s barrier.

    Shade: It’s also important to check the shade range when shopping for a foundation. A wide range of shades will ensure you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.

    SPF: Additionally, you may want to consider looking for a foundation that contains SPF, as this will help protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

    By following these tips, we are sure that you’ll be able to find the perfect foundation for your combination skin. With the right foundation, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless look, while also keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.

    How to Use the Best Foundations for Combination Skin?

    When it comes to application, start by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with a toner to remove any excess oil, and then a light moisturizer. Once your skin is prepped, it's time to apply your foundation.

    • Using a foundation brush or damp makeup sponge, apply the foundation in light layers. Start by using the brush or sponge to stipple the foundation onto your skin, and then use a damp sponge to blend it in and build the coverage. Be sure to blend the foundation all the way to your hairline and neck.
    • The key to making sure your foundation looks natural is to apply it in thin layers. If you apply it too thickly, it can end up looking cakey, so be sure to keep it light.
    • The final step is to set your foundation. A setting powder or spray can help to lock the foundation in place, and give you a long-lasting, natural look.

    So with the right techniques and products, you can still achieve a natural, even-toned complexion.

    The best foundation for combination skin is one that will provide good coverage, a natural finish, is oil-free, and contains skin-benefitting ingredients. Additionally, a foundation that is lightweight, yet offers buildable coverage, will work well for combination skin. As with any product, it is important to try different foundations to find one that works best for your skin type. The 10 top-rated foundations for combination skin are all great choices for anyone looking for a lightweight, buildable coverage that won't leave their skin feeling greasy. Whether you choose a liquid, powder, or stick foundation, you can be sure that your combination skin will be left looking flawless and perfectly balanced. With any of these products, you'll be sure to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking complexion that will last all day long.

    FAQ's

    How to choose the right foundation for your skin?
    Always analyze skin type, skin texture, skin tone and the quality of your skin. Note whether you wish to keep your makeup glowy, dewy or matte. Also pay heed to the ingredients and the type of foundation that your skin jams well with.
    Is foundation necessary?
    Foundations act as a protected layer of your skin. It forms the main base to apply other makeup products while keeping your skin protected and well-nourished. You can ditch the foundation and also rely on tinted creams like BB creams and CC creams.
    When to apply foundation?
    You must apply a foundation only after cleaning, toning and priming your face. These three steps will help your skin to soak in the layer of your foundation and minimize all facial imperfections.
    How to blend the foundations for combination skin?
    You may seek the help of makeup brushes, beauty blenders, sponges or simply blend the foundations for combination skin with your fingertips.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Picking foundations for combination skin is the trickiest part! Because, you cannot go for the matte ones that will highlight the dry patches, nor can you go for the dewy ones with a moisturizing formula that may aggravate the unwanted shine on your face. However, our makeup expert, Sayantani, took the matter in her hands and rounded off these foundations that are specially formulated for combination skin beauties. Hurry now, pick the foundations that satisfies your needs the best.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More