Foundation and I have always had a rocky relationship. As someone who’s dealt with an over-generous share of acne throughout her life, it’s always been a mission of mine to find the best cosmetic products to cover up my problem spots. Only issue is, whenever I’m searching for foundation products, I feel like Goldilocks. One product’s too oily. The other too cakey. But which one is just right?

The thing is, foundation brands offer different results depending on multiple factors like your age, skin texture, or underlying tones. So, to make things a little simpler, I’ll categorize this list, so you can find the best drugstore foundation that most meets your skin’s specific needs.   

Best Foundation for Oily Skin

Oily skin is the worst. As an oily-skinned girlie myself, I know how embarrassing it feels to get all dressed up only to have a slick of grease dripping down my forehead, cheeks, and chin. It’s so bad that my Dad once asked me if I was wearing one of those clear face masks when I most definitely wasn’t. Ouch, Dad! 

No matter how often I wash my face or how many oil-free cleansers I use, I always feel self-conscious about my shiny complexion. Fortunately, there are tons of cosmetics out there that are specifically designed to leave you with a shine-free finish. 

When it comes to my fellow oily skin pals, go for a foundation with a matte finish so you can blot out any shine as if it was never there in the first place. Ideally, you’ll want to go with a matte finish foundation in powder format. My personal go-to is L’Oréal Paris’  Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder. I love it because, despite the cheap price of the product, the results will make you feel like a million bucks. Whenever I powder on this L’Oreal Paris foundation, it’s like I’ve taken an airbrush and applied it to my whole face. 11 out of 10, would recommend. 

Best Foundation for Dry Skin

Back in the day, when I was living in the Chicago suburbs, the ice-cold weather left my skin super flakey. Despite my youth, my face was so dry and brittle that I looked like I was 13 going on 80. It didn’t matter how often I hydrated and moisturized, I simply couldn’t get rid of my scaly skin.

Fortunately, after speaking to my aunt who’s a professional makeup artist, she gave me the lowdown on all the best products. According to my aunt, the holy grail of foundations for dry skin is L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. Hey, L’Oreal, you’re on a roll, here.

Hyaluronic Acid helps build moisture so you no longer have to worry about cracking or flakes. I remember how ashamed it was to have flakey skin when I was a teen. More than anything, I wish I could hug my younger self (while discreetly handing her this fabulous Hyaluronic-tinted serum.) 

Best Foundation for Combination Skin

Okay, so I’ve experienced both oily and flakey skin — wow, my face has really been through the ringer, huh? I know how it feels to suffer both and lemme tell you, it’s not fun. What is fun, though, is finding the perfect product that solves the issue. I prefer cosmetics that not only conceal problem areas temporarily but also work to reduce the issue over time with regular use.

Ladies! My go-to foundation for combination skin is Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation Makeup. It offers a flawless, poreless finish, you’ll look refreshed and glowy, but no one will be able to pinpoint why. 

Best Foundation for Ruddy Skin

Ruddy skin is super frustrating because your skin looks like you’ve broken out in a rash. Luckily, there are a bunch of products out there that address this issue. Allure magazine listed Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation by Ulta as the “Best for Acne-Prone” foundation in 2024. When it comes to covering up redness, it’s incredibly effective. Plus, the more you wear Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, the more it minimizes your problem spots. It is a two-in-one cosmetic and skincare product, killing two birds with one stone. 

Uh, excuse me. I’ll just be popping a few of these in my shopping cart…. Thank you.    

Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin

If the texture of your skin is bumpy, red, and flared, let me start off by saying we’ve all been there. It can be super frustrating to deal with acne, and the frustration you have towards your skin issues can only add to the problem by creating more pimples. It’s a horrible cycle. Believe me. I know. 

After countless attempts to find the right foundation, it feels like there’s rarely one that effectively covers up blemishes without looking unnatural. The worst part is spending money on products that fail to mask the issue completely.

But have no fear, Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation is here! This award-winning foundation from Sephora is designed to prevent breakouts and leaves your complexion with a smooth, glowing finish. Although it’s a bit pricier than others, the way you’ll feel about yourself after blotting on the product is priceless.  

Best Foundation For Airbrushed Finish

Perhaps you’re more focused on a particular final result rather than trying to cover up problem spots. If so, more power to you! I adore a foundation that offers an airbrushed finish, which is why I’m a raving fanatic of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation. Even the product itself looks like it has been airbrushed! It’s truly magic in a bottle and will add sophistication and glamor to any makeup look.  

Best Foundation for Natural Look 

Sometimes the best cosmetics are the ones that make you look as though you’re not wearing any at all. That’s why I love-love-love Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer. Once applied, your foundation blends seamlessly, leaving a clean, perfected look that no one can tell is there. It’s that perfect no makeup makeup look that’s all the rage these days.