What is the best foundation for combination skin?

There’s no one size fits all — a good foundation for combination skin relies on a variety of factors. So much depends on personal preference (such as formula and finish) as well as the skin concerns you need to address.

So what is combination skin? Combination skin types traditionally have an oily ‘T-zone’ (across your forehead and down your nose), with drier cheeks and jawline, although you may have oily or dry patches elsewhere, too. To make things even trickier, not all combination skin types have the same needs — you may have dry/combination skin, or combination skin that leans more towards an oily skin type.

The best foundation for combination skin needs to address the mixed messages in your complexion; mattifying and minimising oil in some areas without drying out the skin you’d rather stayed dewy. So, what is a good foundation for combination skin?

Choosing a foundation for combination skin

First things first; formula. Choosing a foundation formula more often comes down to your personal preference over your skin type and with a range of powder, sponge-on, and liquid foundations to choose from at Clarins, you’re free to select your preferred finish. However, there are certain elements to consider in what might typically work best with your complexion.

When it comes to a foundation for oily/combination skin, we find a mattifying, powder formula is best. Clarins Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact, a powder foundation for combination skin, is the perfect option for oily/combination skin types who want an ultra-matte, long-lasting finish. A silky fine powder with mattifying Bamboo extract to whisk away excess oil all day long, the handy compact makes for easy touch ups on the go.

For more mature combination skin, a sheer coverage liquid formula helps add glow. Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid SPF 15 is a lightweight, medium coverage foundation with the hydrating feel of a tinted moisturiser. With Chicory extract for luminance and Red Jania extract to soften and hydrate, this firming foundation helps to soothe skin and even skin tone with every wear. The creamy, dewy formula feels ultra lightweight but with brilliant staying power to give you a long-lasting, flawless finish. Your complexion is left restored, plumper, and smoother with each application.

Sheer or full coverage?

Whether you favour a bare-faced look with just a sheer veil of colour to even your skin tone, or a full coverage look to last all day, a light foundation for combination skin will offer versatility with buildable coverage, working with your skin rather than against it.

For a natural and sheer look, Clarins Skin Illusion SPF 15, available in 24 shades, acts like a BB cream for combination skin. Perfect for those looking for sheer yet buildable coverage, the liquid formula is an ideal foundation for dry/combination skin, infused with Red Jania extract to boost radiance and Leaf of Life to intensely hydrate. The finish is dewy, natural and lightweight, blurring imperfections with a veil of coverage that enhances your natural beauty — like a filter for your skin.

Looking for a full coverage foundation for combination skin? With Bamboo to mattify and Quinoa to nourish, New Everlasting Foundation is a full foundation lasting up to 24 hours after the first application — perfect for long days that turn into long nights. Sweatproof, waterproof, smudge proof and budge proof, this is a base that means business. Thanks to a new generation formula, this mattifying liquid foundation masks spots and imperfections with ease. Offering a soft matte satin finish and available in 24 shades, this is the perfect foundation for oily/combination skin delivering high coverage with no cakiness.