Finding the right foundation for your skin type
With an endless supply of shades, finishes, and levels of coverage at our fingertips, finding the perfect foundation isn’t an easy task. But a good base is key: the cornerstone of any beautiful makeup look, it should even out skin tone and blur the look of pores, leaving the skin radiant and balanced.
So, where to start? If the end goal is to find a formula that looks like your own skin but better, it’s important to first consider your skin type. Whether you’re oily, combination, or dry should determine the type of foundation you go for. For example, dry complexions require a radiant, hydrating formula whereas oily skins will fare better with a mattifying option.
To help you out, we break down how to determine your skin type and give our go-to luxurious foundation formulas for each one.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum, resulting in a shiny appearance, dilated pores, and in some cases, breakouts. If you’re unsure whether you have this skin type, try pressing a tissue to your complexion 30 minutes after cleansing. If it sticks (even momentarily), chances are you’re oil-prone.
When it comes to foundation for oily skin, look out for a water-based formula that has a matte finish. This will ensure longevity, minimal oxidation — where oil and air interact, causing your base to take on an orange hue — and skin that remains balanced all day. The Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Full Coverage Matte Foundation is a waterproof and transfer-proof liquid that prevents excess shine. It’s long-wearing but still comfortable, working to blur and smooth the skin. You could even set it with a small amount of translucent powder for additional longevity.
Combination Skin
Combination skin types are characterized by an oily T-zone (generally around the nose and chin) but dryness everywhere else, a situation that can be tricky to navigate. The goal is to provide lightweight hydration while not exacerbating oil flow — think coverage that’s mattifying, but not cakey or drying.
When choosing a foundation for combination skin, seek out products that promise a natural-looking finish (as opposed to luminous or radiant) and buildable coverage. We love a liquid, such as Shu Uemura’s Unlimited Breathable Lasting Foundation. The semi-matte formulation has an innovative, stretchable texture that’s virtually undetectable, while sponge-like powders absorb any oil. If you favor a little extra coverage, Tom Ford’s Traceless Soft Matte Foundation applies like velvet on the skin, but never settles or creases, thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. Try buffing it in with a fluffy brush for an even, healthy-looking complexion.
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks oil, leading to tightness, dullness, flaking, and pronounced fine lines. If you feel itchy or uncomfortable after cleansing, or notice your makeup always settles, it’s likely you’re dry. The best way to counteract dryness is with oil-based moisturizing products and ingredients, as well as foundation that promises a luminous, dewy finish.
We particularly love Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Serum Foundation. Packed with plant extracts, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, the fluid glides over the skin, imparting a luminous finish to mitigate dullness. It also comes with long-term skin benefits, working to brighten, soften, and nourish over time. Yves Saint Laurent’s Youth Liberator Foundation is another great choice for dry complexions. Part coverage product, part skincare, it smooths and moisturizes the skin, leaving it dewy and radiant. Coverage-wise, it’s relatively sheer for a bare-skin-but-better finish.
