Selecting the right foundation can be quite a challenge, especially for combination skin. Some areas are prone to produce more oil whilst the other crave for some hydration. But at the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference.
Is liquid or powder foundation better?
Simply put, there is no definite answer to whether liquid or powder foundation is better for combination skin type. Some people even opt to use both. If you have a big night, powder foundation may be a better option as it helps minimise shine for longer hours. This way, you can also reduce the amount of touch-ups without having to worry about a shiny face showing in pictures.
On the other hand, liquid foundation is better for a more natural look, particularly in the daytime. One tip to control excess oil is to bake the oily spots on your face with loose translucent powder. Then, lightly dust the leftover powder to the rest of your face when the baking is done so it’s not over drying.
In the following is a list of the best foundation for combination skin:
Table of Contents
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is an oil-free, medium-to-full coverage foundation with a natural and radiant finish. Suitable for daily wear, this foundation is also infused with coconut water which helps to replenish your skin’s moisture level without over-hydrating. In addition, it is formulated with Alpine rose extracts and hyaluronic acid for a brighter, smoother, and more youthful appearance.
Pat McGrath’s Sublime Perfection Foundation is a long-wearing, weightless foundation with a sheer-to-medium coverage. Enriched with the proprietary Vita-Serum Complex, this foundation helps moisturise the skin and fight the formation of wrinkles. Thus, making it suitable for aging skin as well.
Meanwhile, the Diamond Core Powder Technology formulated in this foundation also enhances the skin’s texture, helps smoothen and blur the appearance of fine lines, pores and imperfections.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick is an award-winning foundation formulated with a unique transparent base and colour-correcting pigments for a flawless skin-like finish. This innovative formula features Smart Technology for targeted moisturisation. Moreover, the sweat- and humidity-resistant formula also has light-diffusing powder to minimise pores and fine lines by creating a soft-focus effect.
Although it’s a full-coverage matte foundation, Huda Beauty’s #FauxFilter Foundation is surprisingly lightweight on the skin. This foundation is packed with ultra-refine pigments that visually erase any blemishes and uneven tones for a flawless appearance.
For a second-skin look, apply just one pump and then blend it with a damp beauty sponge. Otherwise, apply it with a dry buffer brush for a full-coverage velvety finish.
Cover FX’s Pressed Mineral Foundation is a talc-free oil-absorbing powder foundation that offers sheer-to-buildable matte coverage.
For combination oily skin types, the Kaolin Clay formulated in this foundation helps to absorb excess oil and ensures a long-wearing matte finish. As a powder foundation, it’s also a better option for sensitive or acne-prone skin as it has a shorter ingredients list which is evidently gentler on the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation is a medium-to-full coverage foundation with a flawless and poreless finish. More importantly, it contains concentrated mushroom extract to help firm mature skin, tighten pores, and moisturise the skin while the Vitamin C helps to fight signs of aging. Also, there is SPF15 in it to give a little sun protection to prevent premature aging.
Besides being travel-friendly, Shu Uemura’s Unlimited Breathable Lasting Cushion Foundation is also a great midday skin pick-me-up. The lasting yet breathable foundation is customised for Asian skin tones and it provides a natural, semi-matte coverage. Not to mention, it even has SPF36 built in its formula to prevent premature aging.
The cult-favourite Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation by Maybelline is a lightweight, non-comedogenic liquid foundation that comes in 40 super-saturated shades. This dermatologically- and allergy-tested formula features micro-powders to control shine, absorb excess oils, and minimise the look of pores for a smooth and seamless finish.