The Best Drugstore Makeup for Combination Skin: A Detailed Comparison
Having combination skin can make finding the right makeup frustrating. Your T-zone may be oily while your cheeks are dry and flaky. You need products that balance and address both.
Drugstore makeup gets better every year. You can find formulas that rival high-end brands at a fraction of the price. I’ve tested tons to find the best for combination skin.
Below is a detailed comparison of the top drugstore foundations, concealers, powders, primers, and setting sprays for combination skin. I’ll explain how each performs and give pros and cons.
Table Comparing Top Drugstore Makeup for Combination Skin
Best Drugstore Foundations for Combination Skin Reviews
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is one of the highest-rated drugstore options for combination skin. It provides medium to full coverage with a demi-matte finish that’s not completely flat.
It contains shine-reducing blotting powders that absorb oil throughout the day. This helps control unwanted shine on the T-zone. It has a creamy, lightweight formula that doesn’t cling to dry areas. The finish remains smooth and blendable.
The Pro-Matte foundation wears extremely well for up to 24 hours before fading or transferring. It does contain fragrance which may irritate sensitive skin. Make sure to avoid applying heavily as it can look cakey.
Overall, this is one of the best drugstore foundations for combination skin. It balances oily and dry zones beautifully. The $12 price tag makes it super budget-friendly too. It comes in over 20 shades.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
For a lightweight everyday foundation, Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless is a winner. Despite the name, it has a soft matte finish that isn’t completely flat.
It contains micro-powders that absorb oil throughout the day to control shine. The formula also smooths the look of pores. It feels lightweight and comfortable even in drier areas.
The coverage is medium and buildable. It wears decently for up to 10 hours before needing a touch-up. Keep in mind it can emphasize dry patches if you apply too heavily. Make sure to moisturize well before using.
At only $8 a bottle, this is one of the most affordable foundations at the drugstore. It comes in an impressive 40 shades. Overall, it’s great for combination skin if you want a pore-blurring everyday foundation.
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
If you need a foundation with major staying power, NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop is one of the longest wearing at the drugstore. It provides full coverage with a true matte finish that controls shine for a smooth complexion.
This contains mattifying silica powders to absorb oil all day long. It has a thicker formula that almost dries down completely. It adheres to the skin so well that it minimizes transferring or sliding around.
The Can’t Stop Won’t Stop foundation can last over 12 hours on combination skin. It does have a higher risk of clinging to dry patches and emphasizing texture. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturize before applying.
At $15, it’s pricier than other drugstore options but provides powerful oil control. It comes in 45 shades total. This is the ultimate choice for lasting matte coverage on combination skin.
Best Drugstore Concealers for Combination Skin
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind is a cult favorite concealer for a reason. Despite the name, it works beautifully on all ages by covering dark circles and brightening the under eyes.
It has a lightweight, creamy liquid formula infused with goji berry antioxidants. This helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles as it conceals. The sponge applicator makes it easy to blend into skin.
The Age Rewind concealer offers medium to full coverage that’s buildable based on your needs. It wears well for over 10 hours before creasing or fading. It works equally well on oily and drier areas.
At only $8, this affordable concealer comes in 18 shades. It’s one of the best at the drugstore for seamlessly covering without settling into fine lines. The brightening effect helps you look refreshed and radiant.
e.l.f. Flawless Brightening Concealer
Another great budget buy is the e.l.f. Flawless Brightening Concealer. As the name suggests, this also conceals darkness while diffusing light for a glowing effect.
It has a smooth, blendable liquid formula that seamlessly covers. This concealer contains maracuja oil that hydrates skin as it conceals. The formula doesn’t settle into fine lines or creases.
The Flawless Brightening Concealer gives medium, buildable coverage that’s ideal for the undereye area. It comes in 12 shades for $6 each. Overall, it’s one of the top affordable brightening concealers.
Best Drugstore Powders for Combination Skin
e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder
The e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder is a game-changer for setting makeup on combination skin. It has a lightweight, blurred formula that smooths skin without looking flat.
This powder contains brightening pigments that give skin a subtle radiance while controlling shine. When photographed, it produces no white cast or flashback.
Despite the glowy finish, the Halo powder keeps oil at bay for a good 8-10 hours. It works well to touch up shine throughout the day. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores.
Overall, this $8 powder gives the perfect balance of glow and oil control for combination skin. It comes in translucent, light, medium, and deep shades.
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
If you need serious oil absorption, Rimmel’s Stay Matte Pressed Powder is a drugstore favorite. It contains shin-reducing ingredients that keep skin matte for up to 12 hours.
This pressed powder has a lightweight texture that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey, even with touch ups. It applies smoothly and blends into the skin nicely.
Keep in mind the Stay Matte formula can sometimes look flat or chalky, especially on drier areas. Make sure to moisturize well and use a light hand when applying.
For only $5, you can’t beat the price. The shades range from translucent to medium/deep. This is the perfect purse powder to combat shine throughout the day.
Best Drugstore Primers for Combination Skin
NYX Shine Killer Primer
If you struggle with an oily T-zone, the NYX Shine Killer Primer is a must-try. It works wonders at absorbing oil and keeping shine at bay all day.
This primer contains mattifying powders that turn down excess oil production. When applied before makeup, it creates a smooth base that keeps the foundation staying put.
The Shine Killer primer really controls shine and oil for 12+ hours. A little goes a long way - too much can be overly drying on the cheeks. Make sure to focus it on oily areas.
For $17, it’s pricier than some drugstore options but the powerful oil control makes it worthwhile. It works especially well with long-wear foundations.
e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
For a primer that smooths pores and balances combination skin, try the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer. This creamy primer glides onto the skin, filling in pores and fine lines for a perfected base.
It contains squalane to hydrate while absorbing excess oil. The putty-like formula becomes nearly transfer-proof once it sets. It works well for oil control while still looking natural in drier areas.
This primer helps makeup adhere better and stay put for up to 10 hours. There is a small learning curve to applying it - less is more. Too much can start to lift the foundation.
Overall, the Poreless Putty is a great primer for just $8. It helps makeup wear longer while keeping skin balanced and shine-free.
Best Drugstore Setting Sprays for Combination Skin
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray
L’Oreal Paris makes an affordable setting spray that locks makeup in place on combination skin. The Infallible Makeup Extender contains powders that absorb oil and seal makeup for extended wear.
This spray helps keep your T-zone shine-free while keeping makeup flexible on dry cheeks. Overall, it helps makeup last about 12 hours before fading or transferring occurs.
The formula contains hyaluronic acid to provide lightweight hydration as well. It has a nice mid-level hold - not too dewy or too matte. At $12, the Infallible is an easy recommendation for combination skin.
NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
If you prefer a matte finish, NYX’s Matte Finish Setting Spray fits the bill. As the name suggests, this creates a matte, shine-free effect that locks makeup in all day.
The formula contains oil-absorbing ingredients like silica powder and acrylate copolymer. When misted over makeup, it keeps oil at bay and prevents transferring or sliding around.
This setting spray can make makeup last an impressive 16 hours! Be careful not to over-apply as it can emphasize dryness on the cheeks. Focus misting on the t-zone and other oily areas.
For $8, you can’t beat the price. The NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray is the perfect way to set makeup and control excess oil on combination skin.
Tips for Choosing Makeup for Combination Skin
Look for oil-controlling ingredients like silica, blotting powders, acrylates copolymer, etc. These help manage shine on oily zones without drying your cheeks.
Use hydrating primers or serums on dry areas before makeup application. This provides much-needed moisture to prevent caking or clinging.
Opt for foundations and concealers with a demi-matte, satin finish. Avoid completely flat matte formulas that can cling to dryness.
Gently exfoliate with chemical exfoliants 1-2 times per week. This removes dead skin cells so makeup glides on smoothly.
Apply powder just on oily areas like the t-zone. Use a lighter hand on the cheeks to prevent caking.
Spritz a hydrating setting spray all over as your last step to meld powders into the skin. Focus mattifying sprays just on the T-zone.
Always remove makeup fully at the end of the day! This prevents clogged pores and allows skin to heal overnight.
FAQs About Makeup for Combination Skin
Should you moisturize combination skin before makeup?
Yes, it’s crucial to moisturize before makeup when you have combination skin. Focus a lightweight gel moisturizer on dry areas. You can use a mattifying moisturizer containing silica on the t-zone. Properly moisturized skin allows makeup to blend beautifully.
What finish foundation is best for combination skin?
Look for foundations with a satin, demi-matte finish. These provide a balance - not too shiny and not completely flat. Luminous or dewy foundations won’t control oil enough. Totally matte formulas can make dry areas more obvious. Aim for a natural-looking in-between.
How do you stop powder-looking cakey on dry cheeks?
Only apply powder where needed by dusting it lightly on oily zones with a large fluffy brush. Press it into the skin instead of sweeping motions. Avoid applying directly on dry patches. Always finish with a hydrating setting spray all over to meld powders into the skin.
Should you set makeup on combination skin?
Yes, setting your makeup with powder and spray ensures it stays put on both oily and dry areas. Use a translucent powder just on the t-zone to prevent oil breakthrough. Mist an all-over hydrating spray as your last step to mesh everything together.
What is the best way to apply foundation for combination skin?
Always start with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. Dot foundation all over and blend outwards in pressing motions with a damp sponge for a smooth application. Follow with targeted powder and setting spray. Avoid rubbing or over-blending the foundation as this can make it slip off easily.
Achieve a Balanced Makeup Look for Your Combination Skin
Finding makeup that works for both dry and oily parts of your face can be difficult. With so many great drugstore options today, it’s easier than ever to achieve a flawless, balanced look.
Look for oil-controlling formulas that also contain hydrating ingredients. Adjust your application techniques based on your unique combination of skin needs. With the products compared above, you can build a makeup routine that keeps your complexion looking amazing all day!
