Choosing a Foundation for your Skin Type

Posted by Elegant Nails & Beauty by Sue on 01/11/202105/03/2025

Choosing a foundation for your skin type is easier than you think.

Even if you don’t have a great complexion you can still get a flawless finish out of the right bottle of foundation that best suits your skin type.

Step 1.Take the quiz

Question 1. How would you describe your skin?

A. Oil/Combination
B. Dry
C. Normal
D. Sensitive

Question 2. What’s your biggest foundation gripe?

A. It disappears by noon.
B. It looks flaky and dull.
C. It feels heavy.
D. It irritates my skin.

Question 3. What are you trying to hide?

A. Large pores and/or acne
B. Fine lines and/or brown spots
C. Nothing; I just want to blend minor imperfections.
D. Redness

Question 4. What is the end result you are wanting?

A. Matte
B. Dewy
C. Natural
D. Even

Step 2. To find out what your foundation formula is add up your score…

If you scored mostly A’s You need to zap oil

When a foundation that contains oil comes into contact with oily skin, things can get slippery, causing your makeup to break down and slide off. Choose an oil-free liquid with lightweight silicone, which helps pigments adhere to your skin but won’t clog pores.

We like REVLON ColorStay Makeup Combo/Oily 30ml ($34.95 Priceline). On the go, pick a travel-friendly pressed powder with silica, the solid equivalent of silicone. Try Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Powder ($34.95 Priceline).

If you scored mostly B’s You need to boost hydration

If your skin is on the dry side boost hydration with a rich anti-ageing formula that contains moisturising ingredients.

Our pick: Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation ($25.00 Chemist Warehouse).

A BB cream, such as Garnier BB Cream Original ($15.95 Chemist Warehouse) is also a good choice. This all-in-one perfecting skincare solution will even, correct, moisturise and protect your skin.

If you scored mostly C’s You need to rejoice

Mostly C’s/Lighten up
Lucky you! You’re blessed with low-maintenance skin and can wear any foundation. For a believable finish, go for sheer liquids with light-reflecting particles, like L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup ($29.95 Chemist Warehouse).

Or opt for a tinted moisturizer that has just enough pigment to even out your skin without being noticeable, we love NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30 ($72.00 Mecca Cosmetics). It blurs the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, pores and dark spots. Formulated with hydrating botanicals, it helps to improve overall skin condition.

If you scored Mostly D’s You need to correct and cover

If you’re the sensitive type, mineral makeup is for you. We love Napoleon Paris Advanced Mineral Makeup ($69.00 napoleanperdis.com). It camouflages imperfections, lessens the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles and helps mitigate shine.

You can also try Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ($75.00 Mecca Cosmetics ). Sheer Glow offers medium, buildable coverage and a radiant glow that looks good on everyone.

Ace your base like a pro

6 Steps to flawless foundation