Choosing the right foundation for you

  • By Melanie Rose
  • 17 Mar, 2019

Nowadays, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to foundation. So much so, that it is difficult to know which is the most suitable one for our skin type. Many of my clients ask me for advice on this, so I thought it would be a good idea to write a blog on it.

For younger skin, we can afford to go for a more moderate to full coverage foundation. This is because it sits well and covers any blemishes or redness in the skin. For those with oily to combination skin, I would recommend using an oil free and matte foundation.  This will hide any unwanted shine on the face, but at the same time, adequately cover any uneven skin tone or blemish.  Some of my favourite full cover foundations include:

Estee Lauder Double Wear

Clinique Even Better Makeup

Clinique Stay Matte oil-free

Loreal True Match foundation

Revlon Colorstay


If you have dry or sensitive skin, I would recommend wearing a lighter foundation. When wearing thick foundation on dry skin, it doesn't always sit well and can tend to look cakey.  For this reason, I would suggest wearing a tinted moisturiser or a light foundation mixed with a primer.  This gives dry skin a more fresh and dewy look.  Some of my favourite light foundations are:

Charlotte Tilbury's Light Wonder foundation

Clinique Supermoisture makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light


Great tinted moisturisers include:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser


If you are looking to have a more dewy look to the skin, then I would recommend using a BB cream as these often contain antioxidants or vitamins to replace the sebum which is lost in the skin. BB creams are amazing at giving you glowy, fresh and youthful skin, whilst giving you SPF protection.  CC creams are also very good for this and work very well to reduce redness and pigmentation in the skin.  If you are prone to breakouts or acne, I would recommend using a CC cream because it is lighter than a BB cream and covers spots and redness better.  Some of my favourite BB and CC creams include:


Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

Estee Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow BB Cream

Mac Prep and Prime BB cream

Loreal Nude Magique CC cream

Body Shop All-in-ine Natural BB Cream