One of my favorite parts about being a beauty YouTuber is that I get to interact with all you guys on a daily basis! I love being able to answer all your questions about makeup, beauty, fashion, and life! Probably one of the most common questions I get asked is what foundation to use for different skin types. After seeing this question so often, I thought it would be easiest to explain it all in one place, here on the blog! It’s definitely a tricky question, since each person has different needs and preferences for their foundation. There’s always a little bit of trial and error involved in finding the best foundation for your skin type, but I’m going to break down some foundation basics for you!
Since I started as a makeup artist at MAC and later became a freelance makeup artist, I have experience doing makeup on almost every imaginable skin type! I’m going to share the best foundation for every skin type, including drugstore and high end options! Once you find a formula you like, learn how to find the best foundation match for your skin tone here!
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you’ve probably had trouble finding a foundation that stays put, or have found that you look shiny throughout the day. A flawless foundation for oily skin all starts with your primer. My personal favorite for oily skin is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. You’ll want to avoid any “luminous” foundations since these will just make you look even shinier! Look for foundations that are oil-free, long lasting, and mattifying. My personal favorites are the Maybelline Matte + Poreless Foundation and the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation.
Dry Skin
I have super dry skin, so I’m always looking for foundations that work well with dry skin! Use any foundation that is hydrating and has essential oils added. It’s best to stay away from any powder foundation, since these can cake on dry areas. I like to use the Marc Jacobs Invisible Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer with a creamy foundation like the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick or the luminizing L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, don’t be afraid to use two different primers to prep each area of your face. For example, I’ll use the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer on the apples of my cheeks (if you have large pores, this is by far the best primer I’ve ever used for minimizing my pores!) and the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer on the rest of my face. I recommend using a buildable coverage foundation if you have combination skin, so you can use lighter coverage on oily areas and a medium coverage on dry skin. I like the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and the L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation.
Acne Prone Skin
If you have acne prone skin, look for an oil free, full coverage foundation. You can also find foundations that have salicylic acid (like this Neutrogena Skin-Clearing Foundation) that will even help your acne! I like using the Korres Greek Yoghurt Smoothing Priming Moisturizer on acne prone skin with the Neutrogena foundation or the Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Longwear Foundation, which has really heavy duty coverage, but a lightweight feel. If you don’t like full coverage foundation, use a concealer to pinpoint conceal any blemishes!
I hope this post helped to answer some of your questions about the best foundations to use for every skin type! Let me know if you still have any questions in the comments! Have you found that perfect foundation yet?
68 Comments
Really helpful, I have really oily skin and I love Becca matte & poreless…also love Estée Lauder double wear foundation and L’Oréal pro Matte.
Love you . ?
#snapchatfam
Omg! love this post.. I think I’ve already told you about the problems with my skin.. your tips are always so helpful… thank you so much! you are the best!
Xoxo
#snapfam!!!
Awww, thank you pretty!! I’m so glad that I could help. :)
Love the estee double for my oily sensitive/acne prone skin! I will have to get the Korres yoghurt primer!-I never bought it would work for me before
It’s seriously amazing! The Korres Greek Yoghurt Smoothing Priming Moisturizer is perfect for acne prone skin!
I want to post comments, and for some reason I cannot locate the comment sections…..Oh my word I think tour you tube, your snaps, your insta, and your shopping …..is all so informative, and helpful I think you are so pretty really..and I follow you all day..and buy your products that you recommend…I have lupus, and I just love listening and watching you when i am sick..it makes me smile, and makes my day….I also love it when Im NOt sick ha ha thank you for all your hard work and all you do…….#snapchatfam
excellent post Bona!My holly grail is Estee Lauder’s double wear and I have combo skin!
It’s such a great foundation! :)
LOVE this post Sona! I only have a oily t-zone and am pretty normal everywhere else. Would that be combo skin?
Love you xoxo
Hi love! Combination skin is a mix of oily and dry, so you seem to have a pretty normal skin type!
This post is so informative! Finding the right foundation is soo tricky ?specially when we are spending so much and the product needs to meet our expectations ?I wasn’t able to decide between Estee Lauder and Armani Silk foundation and I have combination skin. Now I’m gonna go ahead and try the Armani Silk foundation ? Thank you so much❣️ Love you ☺️ #sonafam #snapfam
Thanks so much pretty! So happy that I could help you decide which foundation to purchase. :)
Great beauty products mentioned! :)
Merci for sharing.
?LA BIJOUX BELLA ?| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Thanks so much! Sending all my love!
This is so helpful! I am both oily and acne prone,ha! The maybeline matte fit is AMAZING and does not make me break out. I have heard awesome things about the Estate Lauder, so I will have to try that.
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is absolutely fantastic! :) Definitely a must-have for oily skin.
Hi, just a question.. How well does the maybelline foundation cover imperfections? :)
I have been waiting for this post all this time and finally it’s here. I must this answered so many questions because whenever you used to do live chats, I always asked the same question. This is so helpful. I used to be combination and now since I moved to Cali, I have become super dry and I am acne prone too and since then I have been on a hunt to find good foundation for dry acne prone skin. So thank you for this post??? Love you Sona, and hope you are feeling much better now. I miss you so much on snapchats and always waiting for your videos. Take care #snapchatfam??? Say Hi to KB?
Aww, I’m so glad that I could help!
Useful tips and suggestions Sona. Although I have a little bit of dry skin but still Estée Lauder double wear works for me, all I do is mix Cover FX infusion drops with it and I get a very comfortable full coverage.
I know it’s so cliched and almost all your subscribers say that but I can’t resist, You have got an amazing personality, so genuine and we love you for that❤️❤️❤️ Waiting for tomorrow’s video❤️❤️ Xoxo #snapfam
Sona I was wondering if we get to see the makeup tutorial that you had on your Sona selects and rejects video??Please put that in your request list!
Using different primers for different areas on face really works for me, I use UD de-slick on my T-zone only and anything you put on top of that isn’t going anywhere then? Much love Sona!#snapfam. Lots of prayers for you and your family
Hi love! Yes, a makeup tutorial on the look I wore in that video will be up soon! :)
Thankyou ❤️
I am so excited about this post, creating a flawless base is pivotal step in the makeup and this post will definitely help us out a lot. Lately I’ve been mixing two foundations L’Oréal pro matte and pro glow and this combo is bomb and I believe it would work for all skin types. We adore you Sona. Lots of love #snapfam #instafam
Thank you for this, Sona! So helpful. I have dry skin too and foundation often looks flaky in places. I will try the L’Oreal you recommend. I have a question for you, though. How do I find my color match for a drugstore foundation when I can’t try it on first? Any good tips/tricks? Thanks, again! xoxo
I always hold the foundation up to my neck to color match when in drugstores! That way the foundation will blend seamlessly. :)
I was so excited to read this post! You’ve answered so many questions. I love reading all your posts and watching your snaps, YouTube videos, IG, everything! You’re a beautiful person inside and out. Miss seeing you on snap more. Prayers to you and your family. Lots of love!
#snapfam
Thanks so much love!
I love the L’oreal LUMI! It was the first foundation I bought and I still haven’t strayed from it. By the way, you mentiones in an earlier post that you were coming to Spain. Is that still happening?
I have oily skin but do not like to look so matte and flat! Maybeline fit me matte and pore less is the perfect balance for an everyday foundation. :0)
The Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is a fantastic drugstore option! I looks pretty natural and won’t make your face any more oily! :)
Yes absolutely helped a lot. I hope you get better. I’m waiting your next video. ❤❤❤??
Hi Sona,love the post.
What do u think about the new shiseido foundation? Sorry forgot the name, it was in one of your videos. Is it good for combo skin?
LOVE YOU!!!
The new Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation is absolutely amazing and a great option for combination skin! :) I used it in my Easy “No Makeup” Makeup Tutorial on my channel!
This post was really helpful and validated the foundation choices I make lol. I have oily skin and swearrrrr by the EL Double Wear. The Fit Me matte and poreless also looks great on me and lasts a long time and the shade range is quite good. Lately, I’ve been moving away from completely matte finishes in my make up (I don’t do the highlight thing often, my skin is just a grease ball), BUT… the Bourjois Healthy Mix looks wonderfulllll on my oily skin. I just have to use a primer a set my t-zone and I’m fine for about 8 hrs. Then I just do a quick touch up and I’m good for another 4-5. I never thought a “radiant” foundation would look good on me, but this one is truly amazing.
Just thought I’d share another affordable option. Xxxx
I just purchased the “pores no more” by Dr. Brandt primer and surprising it is not a clear color primer but wow you are absolutely on point with this primer (I just wish it wasn’t pricy). Thank you Sona I love this blog!
#snapchatfamily
The first time I bought Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation, it was because of your videos! And ever since, I just don’t like anything as much. I just bought my 3rd bottle! Your recommendations are holly grails ??
Love you ? #snapchatfam
I am so excited to try the combination recommendations! Do you think mixing the matte and dewy foundation is “safe” for combination skin? Like, Infallible pro-glow and matte?
Thank you for sharing sona, I have been eyeing the Marc jacobs primer since I have dry skin. I may just have to give it a try.
Question: What would u recommend to use to set your foundation?
❤️Erica
#snapchatfam ?
Thanks for this post … really needed help in figuring out what foundation I should get… I have combo skin and it’s super hard to wear makeup and not end up looking oily and dry at the same time☹️… this is super helpful?
Perfect timing!! I’m in the hunt for a foundation and I have dry skin.. definitely going to try out the foundation that you suggested , thank you sona xx
This is really helpful, thank you so much !
For summer, I would recomend for any skin type the Estee Lauder Double Wear BB Cream: it’s quite light but it’s moisturizing and it gives you a beautiful glow. Plus, it has no alcohol and it has been tested by dermatologists which is super important when you have acne like me.
I wish you a good weekend xxx
#snapchatfam
I have really oily skin and have yet to find a good foundation that will stay put all day!.. I have always spotted the maybelline fit me Matt and poreless at the drug store but never thought to pick it up but now I definitely will… thank you for the great advice Sona… your a life saver!… ??
Great tips! Breaking the recs down by skin type is so helpful. I hope you feel better soon, Sona!!
You literally just made my day Sona!! I struggle so much with finding the right foundation for my skin type! Thank you for this post!
Nice post. I have a oily skin and maybelline fit foundation suits me best. :)
I have a question. My daughter have a normal skin overall but she oil on her nose when she woke up in the morning. Is her she have to use combo skin foundation or something else. Do let me know sona.
I have a oily skin and maybelline fit foundation suits me best. :)
I have a question. My daughter have a normal skin overall but she oil on her nose when she woke up in the morning. Is her she have to use combo skin foundation or something else. Do let me know sona.
I have combination skin; normal to dry on cheeks and super oily in the T-Zone. My all time favorite foundation has to be the Estée Lauder Double-Wear. No other foundation can compare!
what’s the trick to applying this without having it dry too fast? I was using a flat synthetic foundation brush and it did not work so I returned the product.
Thank you for the foundation recommendations! I have been wanting to check out the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation… I have combination skin so this seems to be a good fit! I will have to go to Sephora and check it out :) also, the pores no more!! You should do a video on the look in the pictures you posted-love the natural look!!
Love the recommendations!! Thanks gorgeous ❤️❤️ #snapfam
Thanks for the post. I just picked up Estee Lauder’s Double Wear and I’m wondering if there is a pump for it. I feel like it gets germs in there every time I use it.
Estee Lauder and the Clinique Beyond Perfecting foundations are great for oily skin!
Blush & Pearls by Angela
Sona! I haven’t stopped by your blog in a while but i have of course been watching all your YouTube videos and snapchat stories. I LOVE any post you do about foundation. This is my biggest nemesis. I have a handful of bloggers I love and follow avidly but they all happen to have dry skin and I’m oily! So while I love the looks I can’t use the same products. I have tried the Este Lauder double wear foundation but found that it dried way too fast while I was trying to apply it and blend it into my skin, it got “roll-y” and created little beads or looked like flaky skin and terrible so I returned it. Is there a trick to applying that? I was using a flat synthetic foundation brush at the time. Would a kabuki or a beauty blender work better?
I happen to love the Mary Kay TimeWise mate wear foundation. I grew up with that because my mom sold it but it’s not really convenient so I would like to learn to love others too.
Also do you have a blogger buddy with oily skin and a similar complexion to you that you could recommend? Or anyone else who reads this comment?! (No one would ever take your spot in my heart lol I’ve been following you for years and your my no. 1—lol just a side chick recommendation :D )
Sona Darling ❤️ You are always a life saviour ? Thanks for suggestion. I will try this for sure. I have combination skin. Can you please suggestion good moisturiser for combo skin? I am always wrong with moisturisers, that doesn’t suit me. Make my skin look dark and stuff. Please do suggest me one ? #SnapchatFam #24HrClub
I’ve been debating trying out a new foundation for ages now and have been tossing up between the urban decay all nighter and the estee lauder double wear, this definitely helps a lot :D Also what is the top you are wearing in the photos with the flamingoes on it?? Its so cute!!!!
I have oily skin and own both Maybelline and Estee Lauder! Great picks- they really do work great for combination skin!
http://www.allthatjae.com
Love love watching ur YouTube videos Sona. Always get insilured by you.
This was so beyond helpful! Would you recommend Dr. Brandt primer for someone with pores as well as oily skin? Or would you recommend to use two different primers? Thank you so much Sona!
I must have tried to switch to liquid foundation a million times! For some reason powder foundation works best for me.. during winter and summer (I just switch my primers). One day Sona, I will conquer my fear of LF! <3
Great table, recently my skin has been so dry even thought its summer, so haven’t been able to find a good foundation.
This is going to be so helpful to people! I’ve got oily skin and as you said , after a lot of trial and error , I came across the maybelline fit me foundation last year! I’m on the third bottle now !! Haha enough said !? It’s changed my life ! People have started complimenting me on my make up ! An amazing post as usual!
Lots of love ❤️
#snapchatfam
Very helpfull!!! I will be trying the ones for combo skin! I’ve found out that I really like a dewy look, so I’m excited as well to try out new things, while I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for no break-outs…..
Love you <3
Dear Sona,
I love the Dior Foundation. Think it is perfect for armenian olive teint :)
xx
Ari
What a helpful post ! I’ve got oily skin and large pores and have been looking for ideal foundation for soooo long … Thinking of buying Estee Lauder’s Double Wear. Is it suitable for sensitive skin ?
Love this list! I have got to try the Dr. Brandt Pores No More because I have yet to find a great pore minimizing primer that does not get super cakey on me throughout the day.
I just started following your blog post and I really like this posts you put because I’m a high school student and love makeup and fashion, and here on your blogs with the reviews you put I can find the things I want and I don’t waste money on thing that don’t work because I trust your reviews. And your true inspirational women hope I meet you one day ♡♡♡.
Thanks for such a great post.It would help many people to buy the foundation according to their skin type.