As beauty editors, these are the best foundations we’ve found for textured skin

Smooth sailing.

Sarah Tarca and Sherine Youssef are Australian beauty editors and the founders of Gloss Etc, a weekly newsletter dedicated to the best beauty reviews, news and tips. 

Foundations have come a long way since Max Factor (the person) released his Pan-Cake in 1935(ish). The name of the product tells you all you need to know about its texture. For years, full coverage was really the only kind of coverage on offer, but now, there are so many different formulas and finishes vying for a place on your face, it’s not uncommon to have a foundation wardrobe.

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

No matter your skin concern, there’s plenty out there to find a foundation you love. And since we’re beauty editors who’ve tried literally hundreds of foundations at this point, we’re zeroing in on some common textured skin gripes to help you find it faster.

Prime time

First things first, regardless of your texture concerns, instead of just slapping foundation on in a hurry, rewind for a second and spend some time on your prep. The theory is simple: if your base (skin) is the very best it can be, the foundation won’t have to work as hard — and you won’t be ‘covering’ so much as enhancing your skin. 

Is your face properly cleansed? Have you exfoliated lately? Both of these steps will ensure you have the smoothest canvas to work with. Then layer on your skincare, allowing enough time for it to sink in between each step (this helps avoid makeup pilling which is a whole other problem). Then, go in with your primer and finally, follow with foundation. 

If your skin is in the midst of a breakout, start with a lightweight moisturiser and redness-reducing primer. Concerned with pores? Apply a mattifying or blurring primer on clean, exfoliated skin. Thirsty skin? Quench it with a serum, cream and hydrating primer. Do this and you’ll use much less foundation, and the results will be a more uniform, natural-looking complexion. Which is what we’re aiming for, right?

Large pores

The goal: It’s a sad (cruel?) truth that foundation can often make visible pores look larger because once it settles into them, it’s like your pores are wearing high vis. The ideal formula is one that glides over pores without sinking into them, is relatively matte, and ideally ‘blurring’ to give the illusion of smoothness. 

Try: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Mattifying Liquid Foundation 

Blemishes

The goal: An oil-free formula, liquid or mineral powder that minimises redness, controls extra greasiness, and maybe even treats the blemish, too. If your skin tends to be greasy, steer clear of glowing finishes and go for a creamy or matte one instead. 

Try: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup or Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Blemish Control Foundation

Mature

The goal: A foundation that sets but doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, doesn’t crease after a few hours, and lasts. As mature skin tends to lean on the drier side, serums and liquid formulas with additional hydrating skincare ingredients will offer a radiant, skin-like finish.

Try: Rimmel London Kind & Free Moisturising Skin Tint Foundation

Dry or dehydrated skin

The goal: A hydrating foundation that won’t accentuate dry patches. A formula with built-in skincare is key here, so look for ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which will give the skin a hydration boost as well as a more even tone. Liquids and creams will be more comfortable on dry skin than powders, which tend to catch on and accentuate dry patches. A luminous or dewy finish will be your best friend.

Try: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow  or Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Blemish Control Foundation

For more about skin-smoothing prep, head here.