Photo: 123rf
I believe that am the ideal candidate for testing foundations because I literally have every skin issue there is.
Thanks to my wildy combination skin I have an extremely oily T-zone, a smattering of blackheads with occasional zit breakouts, and dry skin on my cheeks and jawline that often look crepey.
My skin also tends to make many foundations oxidise and look darker, I have uneven skin tone all over plus enlarged pores on the apples of my cheeks, and I am starting to have fine lines. Poor me.
But that’s why I love foundation and I’m seldom without a layer of some skin-perfecting formula on my face. I try on every foundation that comes to my desk without prejudice (I don’t judge until I’ve tried it for at least a day). So, here are my 8 favourite foundations, with tried and tested justifications.
https://www.herworld.com/style/beauty/makeup/beauty-editors-favourite-foundations-every-skin-type-oily-acne-dry-flawless-radiant-complexion/
beauty editor's favourite foundations
Glow that lasts all day
image
YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation, $98
This liquid foundation has an emollient texture that feels comfortable on dry skin. However, it isn’t too heavy for oily skin areas either. It gives skin an immediate radiance and has medium coverage. Dab on extra coverage with a small brush and it doubles as concealer too.
The great thing is that it despite its luminous finish, it doesn’t emphasise pores and fine lines.
Best for a matte, stay-all-day finish
image
Chanel Le Teint Ultra Tenue, $94
The silky, super-fine powder of this foundation doesn’t feel or look powdery on the skin. On too-busy-to-blend mornings, I apply this all over my face and get instantly matte, smooth complexion.
I can even apply it under my eyes in place of undereye concealer, and it doesn’t emphasise the fine lines there. It stays matte and looks pretty good, even without a single touch-up all day.
Best for dull skin and easy application
image
Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation, $68
The moment I tried this liquid foundation I was sold. It had the lightest, most fluid-y texture that just glides onto the skin and blends like a dream… seriously, I can even blend it without a mirror, with my fingers.
It offers light, sheer coverage but has amazing overall brightening effect on the skin. It’s my glow in a bottle.
The quickest application with a natural finish
image
Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation, $92
To apply this, you just need to spray it directly on areas of your face and blend with a sponge, preferably a BeautyBlender. I spray five dots of it on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin and blend it outwards.
The spray feels refreshingly cooling, like an icy blast and the formula is easy to spread and blends seamlessly into the skin. It has a natural-matte finish, like bare skin so you get an airbrushed look.
Fixes and balances combination skin
image
Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation, $74
This foundation has a self-adjusting formula that works with skin’s changes to look perfect always. I was skeptical when I read about it, but then I wore it on a long-haul flight and my skin looked great, smooth and radiant, even when I stepped off the plane feeling knackered.
The formula basically balances skin, hydrating where it’s dry and mattifying where it’s greasy.
Fast fix for hiding pores and uneven skin texture
image
Za True White Plus Two Way Foundation, $22.50
Cheap and good, I’ve been using this foundation since it first launched years ago. It has been reformulated several times and keeps getting better.
It is a one-step, fuss free two-way cake foundation that never looks cakey. It hides pores and doesn’t settle into fine lines and makes skin look smooth.
Flawless matte finish for oily skin
image
NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF30, $70
Feels velvety and oh-so smooth from the first touch. It’s lightweight on the skin, and most importantly, it will not dry up, crease or cake on the skin, even if you’re perspiring and no matter how thick a layer you apply. And it doesn’t look unnaturally matte or powdery.
Best for dry skin with uneven skin tone
image
M.A.C Studio Waterweight SPF 30/PA++ Foundation, $63
Feels like applying a hydrating serum on your face, this smoothes on and feels good for skin. It has a watery texture paired with impressive coverage, quite a technological feat actually.
It feels weightless all day and gives complexion a natural glow, plus it doesn’t crease or streak.
ALSO READ: Lightweight foundations that will give you a super natural finish or Our top makeup picks for keeping oily skin looking fabulous all day