10 Of The Best Foundations For Combination Skin

Foundation formulas that can pacify both oily and dry areas of your combination skin.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Hickman, Hair & Makeup Artist
Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies)
Edited by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

If you’re someone with combination skin, you perhaps understand the struggle of finding the right foundation for your skin. The struggle is very real! Combination skin type can be confusing as some areas of the skin, mainly the cheek region, are dry, while the rest of the face, particularly the nose and forehead, are oily and even breakout occasionally. That’s why picking out the perfect foundation for combination skin can be super tricky. To help you out, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best foundations that work beautifully on combination skin. Keep reading to find out more.

ProductsCheck Price
Best Lightweight Formula:NYX Total Control Drop FoundationPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Oil-Free Formula:Too Faced Born This Way FoundationPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir FoundationPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Long Wearing Formula:Rimmel Stay Matte FoundationPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Irritating Formula:Clinique Acne Solutions FoundationPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Sun Protection:MAC Studio Fix FluidPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Buildable Formula:Bare Minerals Matte FoundationPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best In Budget-Friendly:L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable MakeupPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Blendable Formula:Revlon ColorStay MakeupPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Breathable Formula:Physicians Formula The Healthy FoundationPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

10 Best Foundations For Combination Skin

1. Best Lightweight Formula:NYX Total Control Drop Foundation

4.1
NYX Total Control Drop Foundation Image: Nyx Professional Makeup
Review

This drugstore gem from NYX cosmetics allows you to customize your coverage like a pro. It provides sheer-to-full coverage and leaves your skin with a soft matte finish. Its formula blends quickly and sets well. Also, this will not further dry out dehydrated areas of your skin or create dry patches and will help control oil production in the oily areas. You can find your match from its range of 30 shades. As per consumer study conducted by the brand, the product has a proven efficacy of blurring imperfections and providing natural coverage. These visible results of the drugstore foundation were confirmed by most of the participants. To know more about the nuances of the NYX Total Control Drop Foundation, have a look at this YouTube video and check out the reviewer’s experience.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Good color payoff
  • Long-wearing
  • Budget-friendly

Cons
None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use the NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation Brush to apply and blend the foundation flawlessly for a natural matte finish.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 988 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

2. Best Oil-Free Formula:Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Review

This oil-free foundation with anti-aging benefits masterfully diffuses the line between skin and makeup for the perfect natural finish and undetectable natural-looking coverage. Its hydrating formula is enriched with coconut water that delicately helps replenish your skin’s moisture levels without over hydrating it and provides a flawless complexion. It also contains hyaluronic acid that provides visible results and gives you plump, smoother, and younger-looking skin. This all-day wear formula comes in a range of 35 shades. If you want to know more about the after effects of using this liquid foundation, click on this video for the tester’s experience with it.

Pros

  • Medium-to-full coverage
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Oil-free
  • Ideal for sensitive and mature skin

Cons

  • Price is on the higher side.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 347 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation

Review

If your combination skin is more on the sensitive side, try Covergirl’s Vitalist Healthy Elixir foundation. It is a hydrating, vitamin-infused formula that’s actually good for your skin. It contains vitamins E, B3, B5, a special antioxidant and vitamin complex, and SPF 20. If you want a healthy, luminous, and radiant glow on a budget, this one’s a must-try. It is presently available in 14 shades. To find out more about this foundation for sensitive skin, check out this YouTube review for the tester’s experience.
Pros

  • Suitable for acne-prone skin
  • Lightweight
  • Won’t oxidize
  • Dewy finish
  • Buildable coverage

Cons

  • Limited shade range options

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply the foundation with a brush and blend well with your fingers for a beautiful and flawless finish, then set it with powder.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 323 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

NYX Total Control Drop Foundation
Best Lightweight Formula
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Best Oil-Free Formula
Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation
Best For Acne-Prone Skin
Skin Type Combination Normal Sensitive
Color Beige Beige Warm Beige Product Dimensions
Dimensions 1.38 x 1.66 x 3.67 inches--
Weight 2.36 Ounces- 4.44 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews988347323
Price$8.95$5889$7.98

4. Best Long Wearing Formula:Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

Review

This cult-favorite pore minimizing foundation from Rimmel contains a unique shine control complex to give you up to 12 hours of flawless matte coverage. Its feather-light liquid formula blends effortlessly for natural-looking, all day shine control. This blurring effect foundation is especially great if you want to minimize the appearance of uneven texture, large pores, and fine lines on your skin. It has a range of 24 shades.

Pros

  • Silky smooth formula
  • Lightweight texture
  • Oil-free
  • Medium-to-full coverage
  • Long-wearing

Cons
None

5. Best Non-Irritating Formula:Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation

Review

If you are looking for a top-notch foundation formula for skin that is prone to breakouts, this one from Clinique is an excellent choice. Its non-irritating, oil-free formula instantly blends away blemishes and minimizes the appearance of redness. Its medicated skin care ingredients help treat existing breakouts and keep them from coming back. This lightweight foundation is available in a range of 14 shades.

Pros

  • Ideal for combination and oily skin types
  • Lightweight
  • Long-wearing
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Fragrance-free

Cons
None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 100 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

6. Best Sun Protection:MAC Studio Fix Fluid

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Review

If you are looking for outstanding coverage and wear-time, there is nothing that can beat MAC’s classic Studio Fix Fluid. This long-wearing foundation combines a matte finish and medium-to-full coverage with SPF 15 protection. It applies, builds, and blends seamlessly and evenly while controlling oil and minimizing shine. The product is non-acnegenic and dermatologist-tested. Your skin will look smoother and literally poreless by the end of it. You can find your perfect match from its range of over 60 shades.

Pros

  • Provides stay-true color
  • Super long-wearing
  • Photo-friendly
  • Non-streaky and non-cakey finish
  • Ideal for oily/combination skin

Cons
None

protip_icon Fun Fact
M.A.C. was formed because a makeup artist and a photographer became unhappy with how poorly most makeup appeared in photographs.

7. Best Buildable Formula:Bare Minerals Matte Foundation

Review

This clean, loose powder foundation is made with just six ingredients. It delivers breathable, buildable sheer-to-full coverage with a silky matte finish while controlling excess oil through the day. It’s non-comedogenic, has a weightless feel, and contains minerals that are 100% vegan. It does not clog your pores or cause breakouts. The product is clinically examined and confirmed to absorb excess oil and reduce shine as per a 6-week clinical study of 30 people conducted by the brand. It is also backed by another 19-day consumer study of 90 people according to which 87% of the participants saw a reduction in the appearance of pores and 84% of them experienced an improved skin appearance. Thus, the foundation is proven to deliver visible results. This non-greasy formula is available in 30 shades.

LOreal True Match Super-Blendable MakeupPros
  • Buildable formula
  • Feather-light
  • SPF 15
  • Will not settle into pores or fine lines
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • Price is on the higher side.

8. Best In Budget-Friendly:L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

  • Buildable formula
  • Feather-light
  • SPF 15
  • Will not settle into pores or fine lines
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • Price is on the higher side.

8. Best In Budget-Friendly:L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Pros

  • Buildable formula
  • Feather-light
  • SPF 15
  • Will not settle into pores or fine lines
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • Price is on the higher side.

8. Best In Budget-Friendly:L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Pros

  • Buildable formula
  • Feather-light
  • SPF 15
  • Will not settle into pores or fine lines
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • Price is on the higher side.

8. Best In Budget-Friendly:L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Review

L’Oreal’s True Match Super-Blendable foundation is super hydrating and provides medium coverage with a natural finish that is so blendable – you can’t tell where your foundation ends, and your skin begins. It is formulated with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy all day. This has a range of 45 shades for every skin tone.
Pros

  • Oil and fragrance-free
  • Easy to blend
  • Lightweight
  • Long-wearing
  • Value for money

Cons
None

9. Best Blendable Formula:Revlon ColorStay Makeup

Review

Another drugstore favorite is Revlon’s Color Stay foundation that is specially designed for combination and oily skin. This cult-classic, oil control formula delivers a flawless matte finish and is also oil-free. It is fortified with SPF 15 protection to shield your skin from harsh sun rays. It is currently offered in 43 shades.
Pros

  • Medium-to-full, buildable coverage
  • Easy to blend
  • True to color
  • Controls oiliness
  • Affordable

Cons
None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 4,203 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

10. Best Breathable Formula:Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation

Review

The Healthy Foundation from Physicians Formula is compatible with all skin types and features an exclusive Brightening Complex and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, brighten, and improve your complexion. The added boost of vitamins A, C, and E provides flawless, healthy coverage and even skin tone. If you are looking for a dermatologically-approved and clinically-tested formulation, this foundation is a must-try. This comes in 24 shades.
Pros

  • Long-wearing
  • Buildable and breathable formula
  • Lightweight
  • Medium coverage
  • Budget-friendly

Cons
None

Now that you know which are the most suitable foundations for combination skin, it is time to know what to consider before buying one.

What To Consider When Buying Foundations For Combination Skin

  • Ingredients

Choose a foundation based on your skin type. For combination skin type, the composition of ingredients like vitamins, peptides, and hyaluronic acid work the best. For acne-prone skin, choose a foundation that contains salicylic acid.

Hyaluronic acid helps revive, moisturize, and increase skin elasticity without causing any breakouts or allergies in sensitive skin. The ingredient has a proven efficacy of delivering plump and radiant skin. A combination of vitamins like vitamin E and B3 helps hydrate and smoothen the skin. It also reduces signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation and increases radiance over time. Peptides or amino acids boost collagen production to enhance skin texture. You may also look for dermatologist-tested and clinically-tested foundations to ensure it is safe for your skin.

  • Finish

Foundations come in either matte or shiny finish. You can opt for any finish according to your choice. If you feel your skin looks too oily and greasy, opt for matte or semi-matte finish. Whereas, if your skin is drier, go for a glowy finish.

  • Sunscreen

Any foundation with sunscreen makes an ideal choice as it eliminates the need to apply an additional coating. Besides, it also protects your skin from the harmful sun rays. You may either go for a broad spectrum sunscreen foundation or one with SPF more than 30.

In addition to this, you may also check the review of the products you intend to purchase to learn about the reviewer’s experience with it. Further, make sure to perform a patch test if you are using any product for the first time to prevent irritation.

Infographic: How To Apply Foundation On Combination Skin

Check out the infographic below to learn more about how to apply foundation on combination skin. It offers a glimpse of:

  • The steps to follow while applying foundation.
  • Products to use for combination skin.

It will help you understand more about your skin type and the right method to apply foundation to have flawless skin.

How-To-Apply-Foundation-On-Combination-Skin

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

It is hard to find foundations for people with combination skin. However, there are some perfect foundations in the market that can help balance the oily and dry parts of your skin while moisturizing and nourishing it for a healthy and natural glow. The NYX Total Control Drop Foundation offers a velvety matte finish. The Too Faced Born This Way Foundation offers a natural finish and is ideal for sensitive and mature skin, while the Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation is suitable for acne-prone skin. These foundations can help control dry patches and oil production while offering lightweight, matte coverage throughout the face. These are available in many shades, and you can choose your favorite foundation as per your skin tone. Some of the products are also dermatologist-tested, supported by clinical data, and are proven to deliver visible results. Remember to steer clear of the ones that wear off quickly or look cakey after a while.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Esha Saxena loves researching and reviewing different kinds of makeup products. She believes in using the best foundation for combination skin tone to maintain your skin’s natural texture while concealing the flaws. She has made a thorough review of the best foundations for her readers. These foundations blend well on your skin and keep it gorgeous and hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of foundation is the best for combination skin?

A serum foundation that doubles up as a skin care product or a powder foundation is the best bet for combination skin.

Is matte or dewy finish better for combination skin?

If you have oily-combination skin, a matte finish is the best for you. But, if you have dry-combination skin, we suggest you go for a dewy finish to avoid looking flaky. You may test different products and finishes to figure out which one works best for your skin type.

Do you put concealer on before or after foundation?

While most people apply a concealer after the foundation, some apply it before too. The only setback with applying a concealer before a foundation is that it might get smeared off to the wrong areas. You may test out both techniques and see which one works the best for you for creating a flawless base.

Which foundation has the best coverage on combination skin?

The NYX Total Control Drop Foundation is one of the best products offering full coverage to combination skin while balancing the oily and drier parts.


Recommended Articles

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.