Best Foundations for Combination Skin (Long-wear, Non-Cakey & Shine-Control Formulas)

Hello,

This time of year, my skin’s worst behaviours make themselves known, particularly the variance between my oily and dry zones. Combination skin types can always seem a little more complex for this reason, as you have to treat areas of the face differently.

The easiest way to identify this type of skin is by looking for an oily T-zone, large pores on the forehead, chin, and nose, and dry cheeks or localised dehydration across the face. A robust skincare regimen is vital, and moisturising products containing AHAs will benefit this skin type. If your T-zone gets oily but your cheeks feel dry, these foundations are designed to balance both without separating or looking cakey.

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Did you know: Sometimes oily skin can turn the foundation darker?

There are many contributors to skin behaviour, such as lifestyle, nutrition, and the environment. One of the biggest overlooked reasons this could be happening is the skin’s hydration levels as a result of the cold winter weather.
(You can read all about this in a previous post I wrote HERE)

If you are in the shops and confused about which type of foundation finish you need, I would suggest that the best for combination skin is satin. There are many ways this can be stated by brands, such as natural, skin-like, or semi-matte, but it is the most common finish, so there should be plenty of choice.

NARS – Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

NARS’ newly launched Natural Radiant foundation is one I have been lucky enough to try and test. Not only does it help control those oily locations, but it also gives a radiant glow to my dry spots. Even better, I have found that on particularly oily days, the zones that require it can be matted with power effortlessly. I would say this one is worth the investment.

3INA – The 3 in 1 Foundation (SPF 15)

Personally, I cannot believe how affordable this is given its performance. The 3-in-1 foundation is more whipped than most of the other foundations I am mentioning. Because of this, it can be easily built to a high level of coverage. The finish is again skin-like, so it doesn’t look unnatural, though you can layer on powder if you need to. It performs best when paired with the 3ina loose setting powder and spray (I have no idea why, but it really does).

Note: You can view my full review on the 3ina foundation by clicking HERE.

Giorgio Armani – Powder Fabric Longwear High Cover Foundation (SPF 25)

The Powder Fabric foundation is highly recommended for combination skin, although I have yet to try it personally. That said I know that the luminous silk is a huge success for those with normal to dry skin types so I am confident this will be a great fit for those requiring a little oil control.

Too Faced – Born This Way Foundation

This Instagram-worthy range can really help someone with combination skin, as it has an oil-free formula that will definitely help control those oily zones.

Makeup Forever – Ultra HD foundation

ULTRA HD foundation provides medium coverage and features a light-diffusing formula that makes skin look natural and flawless. Although it has a fluid texture, it allows it to blend in seamlessly and conceal imperfections and texture. Not just great for combination skin,, butfor all skin type,s, not to mention tones.

Bobbi Brown – Skin Foundation

With a water-based, oil-free formula, this Skin Foundation provides great coverage whilst giving skin a hydrated glow. Even better, the buildable formula minimises the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections, and delivers this to a large range of skin tones.

Shu Uemura – Face Architect foundation

Although I am fully stocked on this one, it is very hard to find these days. If you are based in the UK, like me, you can no longer purchase this brand; however, you’ll have a better chance if you are outside Europe. The shade range probably reflects and meets its customer base, which is why it is one of the few that had a perfect fit for me in shade and undertone (524 deep sand).

Have you tried any of these foundations?

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