face makeup How to Pick the Best Foundation for Your Skin Type

When it comes to foundation, we often spend so much time trying to find the perfect shade to match our skin tone and undertone that we often neglect to consider the best foundation for our unique skin needs. We’re talking about things like finish, formula and coverage. 

Since foundation is — well — the foundation of any great makeup look, we decided to reach out to an expert for help. We tapped Sir John, celebrity makeup artist and L’Oréal Paris consultant, for guidance on how to pick the right foundation for each skin type. Take notes as we share how to find the perfect type of foundation to flatter your skin type and address your unique skin concerns.

The Best Foundation for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation with SPF 50

“Aim for foundations that have buildable coverage and avoid powders as they tend to emphasize texture,” Sir John explains. “I would also urge someone to use a foundation that contains an SPF 20 or greater so that you can tend to the health of your skin.” 

Dry skin can really benefit from a serum-foundation hybrid with lightweight coverage, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation with SPF 50. Not only will the creamy consistency keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated, but it also helps add radiance back into your complexion while offering sun protection. Going with this kind of formula will ensure that it won’t emphasize any dry patches, fine lines or any other common dry skin concerns.

Editor’s tip: If you feel like your skin care routine is not doing enough hydration wise, the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum will be the perfect foundation alternative for you. Infused with one percent hyaluronic acid, this tinted serum will hydrate your skin while providing a natural, radiant finish.

The Best Foundation for Oily Skin: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation

For oily skin types, Sir John recommends foundation with a blurring formula as they help to mask oily skin concerns such as large pores. Along with that, opting for powder formulas like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation can be helpful as they help to absorb excess oil and give the skin a matte finish. This long-wearing powder foundation has reached viral status on social media because people can’t get enough of its blurring finish and weightless, full coverage that melts into the skin. 

The Best Foundation for Combination Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation

Cream makeup products are perfect for combination skin types because they won’t stick to areas of your skin that are dry, but also won’t add excess shine to areas that are oily. That’s why the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation is a must-have in your makeup kit. It’s available in eight blendable shades with light-to-medium coverage and it contains a firming serum to address imperfections on the skin, so that you’ll have a smooth and flawless-looking complexion.

Editor’s tip: Sir John recommends a matte, blurring primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer, for combination skin types. Pairing it with a hydrating foundation like the Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation is a great way to address combination skin’s blend of concerns. 

The Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin: L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup

“[If you have sensitive skin] avoid formulas that tend to have ingredients that can irritate the skin,” Sir John advises. He also praises non-comedogenic formulas and SPF which is why we suggest the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup. 

This medium-coverage foundation is oil-free, fragrance-free and won’t clog your pores. It’s also lightweight, hydrating and available in 45 shades (organized by cool, neutral and warm undertones) with SPF 17.

The Best Foundation for All Skin Types: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation 

This medium-to-full coverage foundation will satisfy a range of skin types. It’s great for everyday use because of its lightweight formula, which allows your skin to breathe while still giving you a more even and healthy-looking complexion. Available in 30 shades, it’s non-comedogenic and includes SPF 25 —  you can’t go wrong with this drugstore favorite. 

Next: What Is Foundation Meant to Do?

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Design: Crystal Simone