Best Drugstore and High End Foundation for Combination Skin

I remember when I almost exclusively wore mousse foundations, as they were my one-stop-shop for full coverage, a satin finish and long wearing results. Proof, here. My OGs were the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, which I still have in my kit, and the Essence Soft Touch Mousse which honestly changed my life after purchasing it in France on summer exchange. When Revlon discontinued my beloved ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation, they replaced it with something that was equally as wonderful – but totally different. Revlon foundation is truly some of the best, and a brand that I used almost exclusively last winter. We also use their new whipped foundation in Look Good Feel Better workshops since it is gentle on sensitive skin.

I have since narrowed down a few really amazing options at both the drugstore and department store price point, all of which work very well for my combination skin that tends to get a bit oily. Although I do rely on primer and powder, sometimes I just need to whack something on really quick before work - and these all do the job.

Products from L to R:

Garnier BB Cream, Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation, Revlon Full Cover Matte Foundation, It Cosmetics CC Cream, Stila Hide & Chic Fluid Foundation, Dior Backstage Foundation, L'Oreal True Match, Revlon Candid Foundation, The Ordinary Serum Foundation

Garnier BB Cream - light/medium

I'm pretty sure this was the first BB cream that was ever available in the Canadian market. Tried and true, Garnier has 2 shades of BB cream that actually work for a decent array of skin tones. I love how this product makes my skin feel hydrated and evenly covered.

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation - LC1

I bought this foundation at Target in Vegas, and boy was it a wonderful souvenir! The big doe foot applicator provides precise application, and the coverage is flawless and truly "healthy" looking. Radiant, long-lasting, and jives well with oily skin.

Revlon Full Cover Matte Foundation - 100 ivory

This was a good compromise when my OG mousse foundations were discontinued. A mousse-in-a-tube, this foundation is able to moisturize my skin and mattify all in one swipe. It lasts SO well throughout the day. Much like a traditional mousse, it can feel a bit like its sitting on the skin, but not in an uncomfortable way. More-so like a comforting veil.

It Cosmetics CC Cream - Fair

Reminiscent of my beloved Skin79 Pink true Korean BB Cream, this product gives you unbelievable coverage and an extremely dewy, glowing finish. I have only tried the original formula, and have gone through one full tube after falling in love. It has a gorgeous scent and although feels a bit heavy, it can be easily sheered out. Not to mention the SPF 50, it's a must.

Stila Hide & Chic Fluid Foundation - L3

An "elixir" of plush pigments and good-for-you ingredients, this liquidy thin foundation smooths, blurs and nurtures for a healthier-looking, more refined and even-toned complexion. I love the super thin texture that is nice to your pores. Note that it won't be as bulletproof as other formulas, but it is great for daily wear. With 30 shades from the lightest of light to darkest of dark, this is a fabulous option.

♡ Dior Backstage Foundation - 1.5 N

Fav foundation alert! This is a product that somehow looks even more fantastic at the end of the day than when you just put it on. It manages to handle my oil without looking cakey or clinging to dry patches. The finish is silky smooth and weightless. The shades are very easy to match with (there are 40!) and I love the frosted squeeze-bottle packaging. See it in action in my recent daily makeup tutorial here.

L'Oreal True Match N2

A true gem at the drugstore, True Match is a perfect, basic foundation. With a whopping 53 shades, you can't go wrong. This doesn't provide an exceptionally luminous finish, but it is the perfect formula for skin that can sway to be either oily or dry. I like the no-fuss screw-cap bottle and very nostalgic feel. I'd say that this is better than the original Revlon Colorstay in terms of finish and how it smooths out uneven skin texture.

♡ Revlon Candid Foundation 130

This is my HG at the drugstore, hands down. The perfect BB-Cream-Foundation hybrid, the gel-texture foundation is just glorious to apply. See more in my review here.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation - Very fair 1 neutral

A makeup artist must-have, this is my alternative to Stila Hide & Chic - but for $6. We wore this foundation for my sister's wedding, and it wore quite nicely on us. As with Stila, it isn't an especially long-wearing formula since it is so liquidy, but it packs a lot of coverage and works great for those with "good" skin. It also photographs well. You won't want to turn to this for breakouts (look to Revlon Candid, It Cosmetics CC, or L'Oreal True Match for that) since it doesn't build up as well.

I've really been loving trying new foundations, especially now that I try to wear a full face on a daily basis. What products have you been loving recently for your base makeup?

xx