Our Best Foundation For Combination Skin

When it comes to combination skin and finding a foundation that won’t slide off your face mid-afternoon or highlight your dry patches, the key is balance. You need a makeup multi-tasker and we have some great recommendations.   

What is combination skin? 

As its name suggests, combination skin isn’t just one skin type but usually a combination of two or more. Usually, this presents as an oily T-zone (from your forehead down to your nose and chin) and dry skin in other areas. Genetics, hormones and humidity can all affect it. 

How to identify if you have combination skin 

The biggest indicator of combination skin is if you get blemishes, especially along the T-zone, and dryness at the same time. You may also have combination skin if the seasons affect your complexion. During the summer months and hot weather, combination skin can become oiler, while colder temperatures in winter can dry it out. 

Pores can also appear larger on your forehead, nose and chin if you have over-productive sebaceous glands and combination skin. 

What to look out for in a foundation for combination skin 

With both blemishes and dryness to compete with, a good combination-skin-friendly foundation needs to be lightweight and hydrating while being mattifying and providing natural-looking coverage all at the same time. Fortunately, it’s not as tricky as it sounds. 

How to apply foundation to combination skin 

To help combat unwanted shine and dry, flaky patches to create the right canvas for your combination skin foundation, prep and prime your skin with balancing serums, primers and moisturisers for combination skin. 

Our Advanced Génifique Serum contains seven prebiotic and probiotic-derived extracts and hydrating hyaluronic acid to help strengthen and repair your skin’s natural barrier and encourage a more even skin tone and texture. 

Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Gel Cream’s oil-free and non-greasy formula is enriched with rose extract and salicylic acid to help soothe distressed skin and reduce dryness and fatigue while providing lasting 24-hour hydration. 

Lancôme Prep & Matte-Mattifying Makeup Primer for combination skin also helps to improve your skin’s texture, reduce the appearance of pores and control shine for long-lasting wear and a more matte foundation finish. 

To apply your chosen foundation to areas that are prone to dryness, keep coverage light and smooth by using a damp blending sponge. In oilier areas, avoid using your fingertips, which can transfer more oil and bacteria on to your skin. Instead, apply your foundation with a brush, gradually building coverage and topping up later in the day if needed. 

For a long-lasting matte look, finish with a spritz of Lancôme Fix It Forget It Spray. Its non-sticky formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid derivatives and kiwi fruit extract for a natural-looking lasting result. Spray in a T and X shape to make sure you don’t miss any areas.