The Best Foundations For Combination Skin
All great makeup starts with great skin. Combination skin is the most common concern and skin type, which means there is a decent range of foundations and skincare alike that can nurture symptoms and have you looking your best. When choosing a foundation, ideally, you want something that straddles the fine line between preventing the dreaded midday oil slick and irritating any dry patches.
Typically, the signs of combination skin are an oily t-zone with more visible pores alongside dryer cheeks and chin areas; this may sound like a tough battle, but it is natural for different sections of our face to have different needs. Just like using body moisturiser on your face would feel wrong and vice versa with your face products, it’s just about finding the right products for the right areas, and everything else will follow.
With combination skin, the pre-foundation ritual is key. Begin with a gentle moisturiser; the Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream is a fantastic all-rounder product, which is precisely what you want to be looking for when combating dryness and excess oil in one go. After your usual cleanse and tone, pat your face dry and apply the cream to your face and neck, focusing on areas that need extra hydration. The velvet-like texture is formulated with soothing camellia nut and rosehip that leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. The addition of jojoba oil balances sensitivities, whilst the magical mayblossom extract prevents excess sebum production, cleverly minimising the appearance of pores.
Follow this with the Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Primer, a detoxifying solution designed to protect from blue light emission damage, an increasing concern with everyday screen time. The silicone-free gel formula absorbs quickly, with prebiotic peptides which strengthen the epidermal barrier and blurs imperfections, creating the perfect base for your makeup.
The ideal finish for combination skin foundation sits in the middle of dewy and matte. These two effects work in tandem to highlight your best features; too matte and your skin can appear dull, and something too shiny could easily be mistaken for excess oil. The Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation is a miracle product for nailing this brief. The lightweight water formula won’t weigh down your skin but effectively hydrates areas that need a little extra TLC. Enriched with blackcurrant, oat kernel extract and anti-inflammatory quinoa (not just great in salads), these three work together to reduce redness, pigmentation and prevent future breakouts. Apply with the Ere Perez Eco Vegan Multipurpose Brush; the ultra-absorbent bristles guarantee a no-drip scenario for a flawless finish.
For a full-coverage effect, the Zuii Organic Lux Flawless Foundation lives up to its name. This award-winning foundation pairs the benefits of a moisturiser and porcelain skin produced by hardworking, long-wearing makeup. Infused with superfoods, including avocado, shea butter and almond oil, that gives a youthful glow by generating collagen production and improving your skin’s elasticity. The long list of nourishing ingredients gives you a comfortable wear, with the knowledge that your skin is safeguarded from external pollutants, moisturised and creates a buildable base for your entire look. Zuii’s selection of seamlessly matching shades gives you plenty to choose from, so you can factor in your undertones and avoid a clash with your natural colourings. Buff into the skin with the Loyal Crush Make-up Sponge; the flat side allows you to apply it across the face liberally, and the angled end is ideal for blending harder-to-reach areas, offering a streak-free result every time.
If you are searching for a powder alternative, Scout Cosmetic’s Pressed Powder Foundation is an excellent solution for oilier areas like the t-zone and nose. The rich content of Vitamin E keeps your skin happy all day long, and the compactness makes it super easy to be applied and reapplied on the go. The naturally waxy composition of the powder fills in pores and balances out sebum production for a matte yet radiant complexion, whilst the minerals and organic oils fortify your skin’s barrier. Sweep across generously with the Scout Cosmetic Vegan Blush & Foundation Brush; the hand-crafted bristles effortlessly pick up loose and fine powder for a one-stroke application.
Take a look at our full range of natural foundations, suitable for all skin types and tones.