These 14 Foundations Were Made for Your Combination Skin

Having combination skin doesn’t mean you have to use more foundations than you would if you had a different skin type. In fact, there are many balancing foundations out there that suit combination skin flawlessly. So if you've been doubling up on your foundation by applying one foundation to your oily T-zone and another to your cheeks and dry areas, it's time to simplify your routine.

Continue reading below to discover 14 of the best foundations for combination skin. With just the right amount of hydrating and mattifying capabilities, these formulas provide comfortable, even coverage that will last you all day long.

IPSY Picks at a Glance:  

1. Best Luxury Foundation: ARMANI BEAUTY Luminous Silk Foundation
2. Best for No-Makeup Makeup: BAREMINERALS Complexion Rescue® Tinted Moisturizer
3. Most Viral Foundation: CHARLOTTE TILBURY Airbrush Flawless Foundation
4. Best for Oily Combo Skin: CLINIQUE Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
5. Best Transfer-Proof: DIOR Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15
6. Best Shade Range: FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
7. Best Budget Option: L'ORÉAL Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
8. Best No-Foundation Foundation: LAURA MERCIER Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30
9. Best for Mature Skin: MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation
10. Best SPF: IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer™ with SPF 50+
11. Best Powder Formula: M·A·C Studio Fix Powder Foundation
12. Most Lightweight: BEAUTYBLENDER Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation
13. Best Loose Powder: BAREMINERALS Loose Powder MATTE Foundation SPF 15
14. Best for Dry Combo Skin: ILLAMASQUA Skin Base Foundation

1. Best Luxury Foundation:

ARMANI BEAUTY Luminous Silk Foundation

Price: $$$
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Glowy
Shade Range: 40

Giorgio Armani’s ultra-popular beauty brand hawks an oil-free foundation that’s a favorite of those with combination skin. That’s thanks to its lightweight texture that doesn’t look cakey on dry spots or greasy on oily skin. The medium coverage liquid foundation is buildable so it’s pretty much for everyone, regardless of skin type or skin tone (there are 40 options in the shade range!). The finish is glowy, but not too dewy, so it’s a combo skin dream.

2. Best for No-Makeup Makeup:

BAREMINERALS Complexion Rescue® Tinted Moisturizer

Price: $$
Coverage: Light
Finish: Dewy
Shade Range: 20

This gel-cream formula is vegan, cruelty-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and paraben-free, so it’s great for all skin types—especially sensitive and combo. The oil-free skin tint offers lightweight coverage that blurs imperfections such as breakouts, and it multi-tasks as an SPF 30 and an ultra-hydrating moisturizer with hyaluronic acid.

3. Most Viral Foundation:

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade Range: 44

Those looking for a full-coverage foundation should look no further than this pore-blurring formula that’s a favorite among makeup artists. That’s thanks to its 44 shades talking into account various undertones. The natural matte finish is the perfect mix of hydrating and oil-absorbing for combination skin.

4. Best for Oily Combo Skin:

CLINIQUE Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Satin Matte
Shade Range: 42

This SPF-infused foundation is equal parts skin-brightening serum and longwearing, buildable coverage. It contains vitamin C and salicylic acid to smooth skin and help absorb excess oil so it’s especially great for those on the oily side of combination skin.

5. Best Transfer-Proof:

DIOR Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15

Price: $$$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade Range: 42

This transfer-proof foundation is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog the pores, and has been tested to be safe on sensitive skin. The natural matte finish has zero shine so it won’t show up on oily areas. The skincare-like ingredients also help evens out the complexion and minimizes the appearance of pores.

6. Best Shade Range:

FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade Range: 50

FENTY BEAUTY is known for its killer shade range, but it’s also stellar for those with combination skin. (The secret is that that’s Rihanna's skin type, too!) This oil-free foundation is made with climate-adaptive technology that's resistant to sweat and humidity, so you don’t have to worry about clogged pores. The shine-free, soft matte finish is especially flattering on oily-to-combo skin types.

7. Best Budget Option:

L'ORÉAL Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Price: $
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural Matte
Shade Range: 40

This lightweight, breathable foundation is waterproof, transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant. The oil-absorbing technology keeps skin looking fresh for up to 24 hours. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and formulated with SPF, so it’s a great year-round option.

8. Best No-Foundation Foundation:

LAURA MERCIER Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30

Price: $$
Coverage: Light
Finish: Dewy
Shade Range: 20

Tinted moisturizers are a dime a dozen these days, but Laura Mercier’s has been an iconic favorite for more than a decade. It’s perfect for a no-makeup-makeup look thanks to its blend of skincare ingredients and light coverage that blurs any imperfections. Plus, broad spectrum SPF 30 UVB/UVA sunscreen work to protect skin all the while.

9. Best for Mature Skin:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade Range: 30

For mature combination skin, finding the perfect foundation can be a challenge. Because while powder foundations can help to mattify oily areas, they also have a tendency to settle into fine lines, making signs of aging more prominent. The solution? This 12-hour, full-coverage matte foundation that uses blurring technology to minimize the appearance of large pores, even your skin tone, and reduce redness. You can trust this formula to keep oily skin under control without creasing or settling into fine lines.

"This makes my skin so smooth and not shiny," one Ipster says. "Like a magic eraser over my skin," adds another.

10. Best SPF:

IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer™ with SPF 50+

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Satin
Shade Range: 8

For combination skin types who fall more on the drier side, swipe on this full-coverage foundation that's equal parts moisturizer and foundation. Not only does this formula feature extreme hydration and skin-perfecting powers, it also comes with SPF 50+ to keep you protected from daily sun damage. Finally, IT COSMETICS' proprietary 3D Skin Flex™ technology ensures that you never have to worry about creasing or caking throughout the day. Instead, pigments seamlessly float on top of your skin, creating a glowing, satin-like finish.

"I’m amazed at how good this is; I was expecting minimal coverage but have been blown away by how well this covers," says Ipster BeautyIsVariable.

11. Best Powder Formula:

M·A·C Studio Fix Powder Foundation

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade Range: 53

This powder foundation is a cult classic for a reason—and we’ll tell you why. If your combination skin falls more on the oily side, powder foundations can be a great solution for keeping your skin looking smooth and oil-free all day long. But what makes this fave extra special is that this formula is also non-drying, so it’s still a great option for any patches of dry skin as well. Expect this longwear matte powder foundation to provide an impressive 12 hours of medium-to-full coverage that won't fade, streak, crease, or look cakey.

"Went on flawlessly and provided full coverage that looked so natural," one Ipster writes. Another adds that it "applies smoothly and is silky soft."

12. Most Lightweight:

BEAUTYBLENDER Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade Range: 35

From the creator of the iconic BEAUTYBLENDER sponge comes a foundation that’s almost just as talked about. This foundation is developed with an exclusive "HyperWhip" process that creates an ultra-light whipped texture that blends in seamlessly and feels weightless on your skin. And consider your combination needs covered: The matte finish helps to keep oily skin shine-free while hydrating hyaluronic acid keeps the dry areas moisturized and glowing.

"This really does give you a full coverage look," says one Ipster. "I use a stippling brush to apply. It’s not heavy-feeling and you can lightly apply for just a glow or build it up for full coverage. It's also good for contouring."

13. Best Loose Powder:

BAREMINERALS Loose Powder Matte Foundation SPF 15

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Satin Matte
Shade Range: 30

Want a lightweight foundation with buildable coverage that’ll give you a silky-smooth matte finish? Then this mineral foundation was made for you. The non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested formula is packed with clean mineral pigments, oil-absorbing silica and calcium silicate, hydrating lauroyl lysine, and non-chemical mineral sunscreens. Choose from 30 shades and customize your pick with sheer to full coverage for a makeup look that’ll stay fresh and flawless for hours.

14. Best for Dry Combo Skin:

ILLAMASQUA Skin Base Foundation

Price: $$
Coverage: Full
Finish: Natural Matte
Shade Range: 25

If your ideal foundation makes it look like you're wearing almost no makeup at all, you'll love this lightweight foundation with buildable coverage and a second-skin finish. This formula is primarily matte with a touch of sheen for a natural look. It also includes ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which work together to tame redness, regulate oil production, hydrate the skin, and give you a soft glow. Total goddess vibes.

Want to try the latest foundation for your skin type? Get the IPSY Glam Bag! Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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