The 8 Best Foundations for Combination Skin (2024)

As someone withcombination skin, I tend to stay away fromfoundations. I've found that a lot of formulas are either too heavy and clog my pores (hello, next-day breakouts), or they make me look like I've just washed my face in oil. So, no one was happier thanI was when brands started making foundations that gave combination skin gals the coverage we need without contributing to our skin problems. Nowadays, we’re lucky to have an abundance of options, from drugstore brands to department store prestige. But when it comes to finding the best fit for you, where to start?

To help narrow down which ones are actually worth the investment, I created a handy checklist: A combination-skin-friendly foundation must be lightweight, mattifying, give natural-looking coverage, and help reduce the appearance of existing blemishes (optional, but ideal). After much research (and testing!), I found the foundations that checked these boxes.

Read on for the best foundations for combination skin.

Best For Photos: Sisley Paris Phyto-Teint Perfection

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Coverage: Medium to Full | Shade Range: 29 | Finish: Luminous Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A favorite of pro makeup artist Robin Black, "Phyto Teint Perfection is my go-to for combination and oily complexions. This super long-lasting, radiant matte foundation has skincare-positive ingredients that actually improve your skin quality over time, and it's self-setting. The formula is high coverage but incredibly lightweight, so you can dab on a little extra where needed and skip the concealer."

Best Overall: Saie Beauty Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid

What We Like

• Gives skin a glow
• Provides smooth, even coverage
  
• Feels light on the skin
  

What We Don't Like

• Needs to be blended quickly
  

Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you can't want or have that dewy complexion. This foundation is super lightweight, so it's not likely to clog your pores. It helps minimize them while providing hydration, helping to even out skin tone, and smoothing out fine lines. Black emphasized, "If you have combination skin but prefer a dewy finish, this lightweight, medium coverage formula might suit you. A little bit goes a long way; you can layer it for extra coverage. However, for longer wear anda morecontrolled sheen, I suggest lightly setting your oilier areas with a bit of translucent powder."

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 36 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With SPF: Armani Beauty Power Fabric + Full Coverage Liquid Foundation with SPF 25

What We Like

• SPF 25
  
• Wide shade range
  
• Lasts all day
  
• Goes on smoothly
  

What We Don't Like

• Expensive
  

I wanted to be a fan of Armani's popular Luminous Silk Foundation, but it just didn't suit my oily skin. This matte version gives the same coverage as the luminous one without the extra shine. It's so lightweight that it feels like a second skin, but it gives enough full coverage to help hide any blemishes or scars. Black added, "Power Fabric is ideal for combination skin that tends to be a bit more on the oily side. Its soft matte finish helps blur and "filter" skin texture, plus it's heat/sweat resistant, which is perfect for the steamy summer months."

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Natural matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation

What We Like

• Not cakey
  
• Lasts all day
  
• Doesn't cause breakouts
  

What We Don't Like

• Shade range could be expanded
  

Whoever first invented makeup that also helps to address the acne it's covering get my firstborn named after them. This foundation not only gives great coverage, but it also contains acne-fighting ingredients to minimize redness and help prevent future breakouts.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 11 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Mineral Formula: Ogee Sculpted Complexion Stick

What We Like

• Wide shade range
• Lightweight finish that doesn't feel heavy
• Easy to apply

What We Don't Like

• Higher price tag

Think of this foundation as your tinted moisturizer, suitable for combination skin and with buildable coverage. Formulated with mineral pigments, the finish is more satiny for those with combination skin who want to look luminous and not greasy.

Coverage: Sheer to Medium | Shade Range: 20 | Finish: Satin | Size: 9.7 grams| Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte Finish: Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation

What We Like

• Feels comfortable on the skin
  
• Buildable and blends seamlessly
  
• Natural, skin-like finish
  

What We Don't Like

• May accentuate textured or dry, flaky skin
  

For days when you're extra shiny, this foundation combats it well by mattifying skin and controlling excess oil with its powdery finish. Coverage is buildable, and you only have to use a little bit for it to go a long way.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Waterproof Formula: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation

What We Like

• Long-lasting
• Waterproof, buildable coverage
• Easy to apply and blend

What We Don't Like

• Feels more oily going on skin

If you're after wearable, waterproof coverage, this foundation offers that and so much more. With 12 hours of fade-proof wear, this formula holds up on all skin types while delivering coverage that doesn't need to be touched up constantly.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 29 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

Best Skincare-Infused Formula: NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

What We Like

• Great coverage
• Reflects light beautifully
• Targets skincare concerns
  

What We Don't Like

• Looks slightly heavy on skin

If skincare and foundation had a baby, this is it. Infused with ingredients to help treat dark spots, uneven texture, and redness, this foundation covers and holds under all the elements well. A little goes a long way, so start small and work up to your desired coverage.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 36 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

What To Look for in a Foundation For Combination Skin

Acne-Fighting Ingredients

Since combination skin can be prone to breakouts, those who have it may want to consider a foundation formulated with ingredients designed to help combat blemishes and balance oily skin. Look for such ingredients as salicylic acid and tea tree oil, to name a few.

Formulas Containing Kaolin

Kaolin, the same stuff that forms the base of many a clay-based face mask, is also a great contender for foundations geared toward balancing out oily skin, thanks to its ability to bind sebum and remove excess oil while promoting a powdery matte finish.

Sun Protection

Wearing SPF is a non-negotiable. (Dermatologists and skin experts will back us on that.) It's only helpful to look for a pick swirled with sun protection. It can offer additional coverage on top of your everyday sunscreen.