The Best Foundation for Every Skin Type

By Anneke Knot
Updated February 06, 2019
nordstrom.com
Makeup’s most frustrating (and arguably the most important) product has come a long way in the past few years. Whether it be expanding shade ranges (it’s about time) or including color correcting technology, foundations are the best they have ever been. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all makeup. Enter non-discriminatory beauty lines taking the industry by storm. Inclusiveness for not only color but also skin type is the name of the game, and major brands have started taking note.  

These elevated foundations are not limited to luxury. Now, regardless if you are a drugstore diva or a mass-tige maven, the perfect foundation formula is out there for you. The real trouble is finding it. Hey, if even beauty editors get overwhelmed by the beauty aisle, you get a free pass.

So you may be wondering, how do I find the best foundation? Good question. That is where your friendly neighborhood beauty editors come in. Our advice: Start with your skin. Healthy, happy skin is the best foundation (ha–get it?) for any show-stopping beauty look. Whether you have a big event to go to or just another day at the office, makeup won’t look right without the proper base. That being said, perfect skin is not always a guarantee (*sigh* maybe someday), so when it doesn’t want to cooperate, a good foundation is the next best thing. While it won’t make all of your skin problems disappear, it certainly does a good job disguising them.

Think about your skin type: oily, acne prone, dry, etc. Then think about the best foundation for that specific skin type. Your foundation choice should complement you skin rather that work against it. If you have oily skin, look for something oil-free (shocking) and mattifying to increase the longevity of wear. Keep reading below for product recommendations based on your skin type.
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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

1 of 7

Best Drugstore Foundation 

Maybelline

Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation 

Available in a whopping 28 shades, this full coverage, oil-free foundation easily blends into the skin and lasts all day. All that for a drugstore price? We'll take five.  

To buy: $9; target.com. 

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Best Foundation for Oily Skin

Hourglass

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation  

This innovative liquid-to-powder formula not only disguises oil but absorbs it, making makeup last all day long even on the slickest of skin. 

To buy: $56; nordstrom.com.

3 of 7

Best Full Coverage Foundation 

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear High Cover Foundation SPF 25

This foundation is like adding a fresh new layer of skin. Its lightweight, velvety finish gives the look of bare skin–but better. 

To buy: $64; sephora.com.

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Best Foundation For Dry Skin 

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation

Dry pores soak up this hydrating, smoothing formula. With 18 hour wear, this foundation is sure to keep your skin looking fresh all day long. 

To buy: $46; sephora.com.

5 of 7

Best Powder Foundation 

bareMinerals

bareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Powder Foundation

If you prefer powder to liquid, bareMinerals is a must. This high-performance powder delivers 12 hours of coverage in a silky smooth texture. Plus, its formula is packed with vitamins and minerals. 

To buy: $31; macys.com.

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Best Foundation for Acne Prone Skin 

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Liquid Makeup

Formulated specifically with salicylic acid, this foundation frees clogged pores of excess oils instead of plugging them up. It also helps prevent future breakouts from happening. 

To buy: $14; target.com.

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Best Foundation for Combination Skin 

Revlon

Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin 

Available in 43 shades–yes you read that right, 43 shades–this hyaluronic acid rich, buildable foundation hydrates all day long. 

To buy: $13; ulta.com.

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