When shopping for a foundation, there are always two things we pay the most attention to: the level of coverage it offers and finding the closest shade match. But there's one key element of the foundation selection process to consider that we don't talk about as often: skin type. As someone with combination skin that's also sensitive and acne-prone, I've definitely had to learn this the hard way. Even now as a beauty editor, I try a lot of foundations when we test them as a group (shoutout to Internet Famous), but I'll find that a certain formula will work great for others but not for me.

If you can relate, you're going to want to read ahead. I asked two celebrity makeup artists to provide some insight on this topic. Below, you'll find a bit of advice on how to choose the right foundation for combination skin, a few application tips, and, of course, product recs for every budget.

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If you have combination skin, it's best to look for a foundation that's oil-free, noncomedogenic (for those who are acne-prone), and water-based. It also just depends on what kind of combination skin you have. Combination skin can mean a lot of things—dry in certain areas and oily in your T-zone, or dehydrated skin at the deeper layers and oily on the surface. I struggle with the latter and have found it's always best to opt for a foundation that's hydrating, but noncomedogenic at the same time.

Another thing to watch out for if your combination skin is sensitive is fragrance. Most foundations don't really have it, but some do and if your skin tends to get irritated with that in a formula, it's probably best to avoid it. Makeup artists also shared a few application tips for combination skin below.

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FENTY BEAUTY
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

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"When it comes to combination skin, I always prefer a buildable and long-wear foundation, such as Fenty’s Pro Filt'r Foundation. For skin that tends to get oily through the T-zone, using a mattifying primer beforehand in the sections that tend to shine up can help with the wear of your base."—Gabbay

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DIOR

Forever Matte Foundation

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Enriched with hydrating plant extracts like iris, wild pansy, and nasturtium, this formula from Dior will help keep combo skin balanced throughout the day since it also creates a soft matte finish with no shine.

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REVLON
ColorStay Foundation for Combination & Oily Skin

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Revlon's long-wear formula is made specifically for combination skin and is enriched with hydrating vitamin E.

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PUR

4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15

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"I like the Pur 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation in particular as this brand’s mineral foundation works well with both dry and oily skin."—Greenberg

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SEPHORA COLLECTION
Matte Perfection Powder Foundation

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Sephora Collection offers this creamy, medium-coverage powder foundation that's buildable and creates a natural-looking matte finish. it has FlexMatte technology which creates weightless, hydrating coverage that movies with your skin and won't crack, cake, or clog pores.

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CHARLOTTE TILBURY
Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation

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I know some prefer a full beat, and this Charlotte Tilbury foundation is just the ticket. It's long-lasting, is a hybrid skincare-foundation formula, and helps minimize the appearance of shine and pores. What the brand calls MossCellTec No. 1 helps hydrate skin throughout the day while still leaving a matte finish.

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ARMANI BEAUTY

Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

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Luminous Silk is one of my all-time favorite foundations for combination skin. It's completely noncomedogenic, provides a glowing finish without making you look oily, and helps hydrate the skin throughout the day.

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CHANEL

No. 1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation

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This Chanel formula contains red camellia oil to deeply moisturize, soften, and protect the skin from environmental stress. It's also really buildable and leaves a soft, natural finish that works well for combination skin.

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KOSAS

Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25

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WWW beauty director Erin Jahns wrote an entire ode to this Kosas formula, so you know it's good. It's a good option for combo skin because it has SPF 25 in it and contains hydrating and skin-improving ingredients like niacinamide (which helps with oil control), squalane, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

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BAREMINERALS

Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

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Like Greenberg was saying, mineral foundations are a great option for combination skin because they address both dryness and oiliness. This classic formula from BareMinerals fits the bill and has SPF 15 in it.

Combo Skin? These Are the Foundations a Celeb Makeup Artist Would Use on You

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