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Choosing the right foundation is key to complexion perfection and will be an absolute game-changer for your makeup routine. But there are so many options out there which can make it feel completely overwhelming! You need to choose a formula that complements your skin type for a flawless, natural finish. In this guide, I’ll help you identify the best foundation for your skin’s needs.
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

How to choose the right foundation
It’s important to understand your skin type when understanding how to choose the right foundation:
Skin Types and Skin Conditions are two different things and it is important to understand that. Knowing what Skin Type you are will help you greatly when buying your skincare and makeup.
Normal Skin
The skin looks healthy clear and fresh. A normal skin type is neither oily or dry and is usually free from congestion and blemishes.
Dry Skin
This skin can thin and fine and is lacking in sebum and is prone to premature wrinkling. The skin will feel tight after washing and may have dry, flaky patches.
Oily Skin
The skin looks shiny and can be slightly sallow-looking from the excess sebum that is produced. Enlarged pores can be visible and skin could be prone to clogged pores. Oily skin tends to age slower, the excess sebum can help lubricate the skin through the ageing process.
Combination Skin
The skin has areas of dry, greasy and normal skin. Usually the forehead, nose and chin (T-Zone) are oily, leaving dryer areas around the eyes and cheeks.
Sensitive Skin
The skin is often dry, delicate and reddens very easily. Hereditary factors may be the cause of sensitivity as well as environmental or topical use of products.
Mature Skin
Mature skin refers to skin that shows signs of ageing which can include wrinkles, fine lines, and a lack of firmness. You may find that skin is dryer and needs a bit more hydration.
For more help with identifying your skin type, read: How to Work Out Your Skin Type – The Ultimate Guide & What Products You Need.
Step 2: Choose the Right Formula
Once you have identified your skin type, how to choose the right foundation comes down to finding formulations that best match it.
Foundation Formulas for Normal Skin
You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of finishes, from matte to dewy. This one is simple, so it’s just up to you to choose the finish you want.
My favourite foundations for a dewy finish are NARS Light Reflecting Foundation and Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30.
For a more matte look, I love e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation.
Foundation Formulas for Dry Skin

Choose hydrating, dewy-finish foundations with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Here’s are some of my favourite foundations for dry skin:
- Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
- Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation
- NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
- Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation
- Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30
- Maybelline Superstay 24Hr Skin Tint + Vitamin C
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint
- Estee Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Makeup
- Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation
Foundation Formulas for Oily Skin

Opt for oil-free, mattifying foundations such as powder or long-wear liquid formulas. Here are some of my favourite options for oily skin:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40
- ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
- Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude Foundation
- NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation Review
- bareMinerals BarePro 24HR Wear Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Foundation Formulas for Combination Skin

Choose lightweight, buildable foundations to balance different areas of the face. I have combination skin and these are my favourites:
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation
- Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude Foundation
- Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
- Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint Glow Healthy Glow Foundation
- Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation
Foundation Formulas for Sensitive Skin

Choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic foundations with soothing ingredients:
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
- Dr Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF 50
- Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
- It Cosmetics CC Cream
- Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
- NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Foundation Formulas for Mature Skin

For my mature skin, I love hydrating, blurring formulas that deliver skincare ingredients, while softening the look of lines and wrinkles:
- NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
- Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint
- La Mer Radiant Skin Tint
- Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation
- Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50
- Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer
- Revlon Illuminance™ Serum Tint
- delilah Wake Up Radiant Skin Tint
- ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
- Sisley Phyto Hydra Teint Beautifying Tinted Moisturizer
Step 3: Find Your Perfect Shade

Once you have picked your formula, choosing a shade is the last step in how to choose the right foundation for you.
Here are my top tips:
- Test foundation on your jawline in natural light.
- Determine your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) to find the most flattering shade
- Consider seasonal changes as your skin tone may shift slightly between summer and winter
A lot of getting the right shade is trial and error, and in every blog post I have shared with you in this round up, there will be a range of different shade swatches for you to check out.
Step 4: Application Tips for a Flawless Finish
Personally, I love to use a brush to apply and blend my foundation and my favourite is the one I made for my brand, the REESON No. 1 Brush.
My best tip is to have one brush to apply and then another clean brush to buff away excess product. This technique means you will never look cakey and you will achieve the most flawless and natural looking result.
Check out this video to demonstrate:
I hope you found this guide on How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type helpful. Please always let me know if you need any recommendations.