Finding the best foundation for your skin type may seem daunting, but with the help of our makeup pros, it doesn't have to be difficult. We have shared tips on choosing the right foundation in the past, but that was more of an introduction to foundations. If that post was a 101 class, let's call this one Foundation 102. To help you narrow down your foundation search, we asked Global Makeup Educators Hannah Hatcher and Edgar Dominguez which foundations are best for people with specific skin concerns. Here are the top seven.
Best Foundation for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you'll want the best hydrating foundation you can find. Your best foundation will rehydrate your skin cells and add a dewy finish. Hannah recommends using Liquid Minerals with Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder on top. This is her favorite combination, and for good reason: "The hyaluronic acid and CoEnzyme Q10 in Liquid Minerals do an amazing job at plumping your skin and locking in hydration. Amazing Base has super loose and reflective minerals in it so that it leaves your skin with a slightly dewy and hydrated finish. It also blurs out those fine lines of dryness and dehydration."
Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder $46.00
Best Foundation for Oily Skin
When you have oily skin, you need a foundation that will mattify your complexion without feeling heavy. Edgar recommends PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation as the best powder foundation if your skin is on the oilier side. He says it "gives the most flattering semi-matte finish to take away the shine but it never makes you look dry and flat." If you prefer to use a liquid foundation, try Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation. It provides a full coverage, semi-,matte finish that keeeps yor skin hydrated while helping to reduce the appearance of shine. It also is a multi-tasking 3-in-1 primer, concealer and foundation. So, application is easier than ever and your skin appears smooth and selfie-ready.
PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation $44.00
Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation $50.00
Best Foundation for Combination Skin
"With combination skin, you really can use anything," says Hannah. "It just depends on how much coverage and what type of finish you want." If you have combination skin that tends to be on the drier side, stick with a product that will hydrate and add a dewy glow like Glow Time BB Cream or Amazing Base. If your skin is more on the oily side of combination, try PurePressed Base or Edgar's recommendation Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer. He says, "the Dream Tint formula gives your skin a magical filter that will make you want to take nonstop selfies or be in front of cameras—let the flashes begin."
Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream $50.00
PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation $44.00
Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer $44.00
Best Foundation for Aging Skin
As we age, everything begins to slow down (cellular turnover, collagen production, and water retention). So, as Hannah says, you need a foundation with "as many skin goodies as possible!" This is why Liquid Minerals is ideal for mature skin. "If you have deeper lines/wrinkles this foundation will act as a magical iron, smoothing out your complexion for an ultimate youthful effect," says Edgar. Liquid Minerals isn't just a foundation, it's a "serum with pigment," as Hannah describes it. The formula "uses a great delivery system of liposomes (think skincare Tupperware) to help infuse your skin with: a non-acidic form of vitamin C, CoEnzyme Q10, aloe vera, lavender water extract, and hyaluronic acid." Since Liquid Minerals does not contain SPF, we always recommend pairing it with a powder foundation that does. For aging skin, we suggest using Amazing Base. It contains boron nitride minerals, which reflect and refract light, giving your skin a soft, healthy and hydrated finish.
Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder $46.00
Best Foundation for Acne Prone Skin
If you have acne prone skin, you want a foundation that feels light but provides buildable coverage. That's why PurePressed Base is a great option (don't forget to prime your skin with Smooth Affair for Oily Skin for a long-lasting, smooth complexion0! "It has a pine bark extract that can be antibacterial," says Hannah. "And, if you apply with a Flocked Sponge, it can also act as a concealer. That way, you won’t need two different products to create the intense coverage that is desired." Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation is a great liquid alternative. Many people with acne also have oily skin. Since Beyond Matte is lightweight and provides a semi-matte finish, you're able to easily disguise blemishes and reduce the appearance of shine. If you need a little more coverage on certain spots, you can also use Beyond Matte Foundation as a concealer by layering it where necessary.
PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation $44.00
Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation $50.00
Smooth Affair for Oily Skin Facial Primer $50.00
Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin, less is more! So, our pros recommend either Amazing Base or PurePressed Base. They both have minimal ingredients and excellent coverage for reducing the appearance of redness. Also, remember that foundation with gold undertones is best to color correct any redness in the skin.
Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder $46.00
PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation $44.00
Best Foundation for Skin with Hyperpigmentation
If you want to disguise hyperpigmentation on your skin, you'll need a full coverage foundation like Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream. Edgar says this formula is ideal because of "its ability to provide full coverage without the heavy, masking effect." But remember, a little goes a long way! If you have oily skin and hyperpigmentation, try Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation. The 3-in-1 formula allows you to use it as a concealer, giving you extra coverage where necessary.
Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream $50.00
Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation $50.00
