If you regularly wear foundation, you’ll know that finding the right shade is often the number one concern. However, for flawless results, finding a formula that works for your skin type is also key.

Here’s our founder and international MUA Denise Rabor’s top tips for finding the right foundation for your skin type…

Starting your routine

Long lasting foundation starts with good skincare. Foundation settles in dry areas, so cleansing and using a nourishing moisturiser is so important. Let your skincare sink in before applying makeup and then begin with a primer.

A primer creates a long-lasting base for your foundation and there’s plenty of options out there to suit your needs, so do find something that with compliment what you’re trying to achieve with your look.

For extra staying power, set with a light dusting of powder and finish with a setting spray.

For Dry Skin

Whether your skin is dry and patchy, or dehydrated and tight, you’ll need a foundation that delivers hydration. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin and formulas that promise a luminous or dewy finish.

Look for lightweight foundations as they won’t cling to dry areas.

You could try

Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid Hydrating Foundation: has added hyaluronic acid and collagen to deliver glowing, flawless results in a super hydrating formula. Light to medium coverage in 20 shades.

NYX Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation: gives buildable coverage that feels light on the skin and leaves a healthy glow. Available in an impressive 45 shades.

For Oily and Combination Skin

For oily skin types, you could try a slightly thicker foundation formula, followed by a light dusting of powder to tackle shine. Oil free and mattifying formulas will help prevent shine throughout the day.

You could try

No 7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Foundation: this fabulous foundation contains the same core ingredient as No7’s best selling ‘protect and perfect serum’, it works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while delivering pore perfect skin. Available in 24 shades.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr fresh wear liquid foundation: This foundation gives full coverage with great staying power, so it won’t crease in oily areas. It still feels lightweight and hydrating and leaves a flattering satin finish. Available in 29 shades.

 For Sensitive Skin

Skin that’s sensitive and easily irritated needs multi-tasking formulas that will hydrate, soothe and minimise redness. Light formulas such as tinted moisturisers or CC (colour correcting) products are a good choice. Avoid foundations that are focused around luminosity, as they can highlight problem areas, rather than disguising them. Look on the packaging for “preservative-free” and “fragrance-free” products as they could be potential irritants.

You could try

IT Cosmetics your skin but better CC + Cream SPF 50: This best-selling cc cream provides full coverage, which is unusual for a cc cream. Full of skin boosting ingredients that hydrate, diffuse the appearance of wrinkles and cover redness.

Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation: This foundation is oil free and contains probiotic technology to help strengthen the skin, this one works to comfort and calm the skin that flushes red easily.

It’s always best to apply foundation first, then add concealer to areas that need more coverage to give a more natural, fresh finish.