The Best Foundations for Combination Skin, According to Our Editors
August 15, 2022
If you have combination skin, you’re likely no stranger to all the ups and downs your complexion goes through. One minute you look like you just took a deep dive into an oil bath, and the next your skin is totally flaking away into oblivion. Or worse, you suffer dry patches and oily spots simultaneously. So when it comes to applying makeup, it can be impossible to figure out which foundation is going to be hydrating enough to calm your flakes but matte enough to keep you shine-free.
“If you have combination skin, it’s important to look for a foundation that is non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores,” says Rachel Short, assistant vice president of training at SkinCeuticals. “Those with combination skin should also try to avoid foundations that are formulated to be oil-rich or emollient.”
Ahead, find the foundations for combination skin that marry both of these qualities.
NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
This foundation comes in 45 full-coverage shades and is waterproof and pigmented like nothing else. It’s perfect for combination skin because it leaves behind a semi-matte finish that won’t leave you feeling greasy for up to 24 hours.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40
Talk about a multitasking product. This CC cream combines broad-spectrum SPF 40 with a full-coverage formula that soaks up excess oil using colloidal clay, fights breakouts with tea tree extract and contains a hydrating, anti-aging serum.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
This serum foundation is lightweight and breathable, with medium buildable coverage and SPF 27. For combination skin types, this lasts all day; oily parts of your face stay matte, while the dry areas are hydrated with a smoothing, glowy finish.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Formulated with clay to help soak up excess oil,Fit Me Matte + Poreless is a great drugstore foundation choice for combination skin. It’s non-comedogenic, lightweight and lasts for up to 12 hours.
Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50+
Another full-coverage CC cream, this option by Dermablend provides a long-lasting matte finish, sun protection and a host of skin benefits. It contains niacinamide to help even out skin tone and vitamin E to add moisture.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
This buildable-to-full-coverage powder foundation leaves a seamless matte finish that can last for up to 24 hours. It’s totally transfer- and sweat-proof, even in high heat and humidity.
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