Oily skin needs a foundation that controls shine without clogging pores. Here’s how to find the best foundation for oily skin:

• What works best: Oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with a matte or natural finish.
• What to avoid: Avoid heavy, creamy or overly dewy formulas.
• Ingredients to look for: Salicylic acid or niacinamide.
• Best foundation types: Powder foundations, mattifying BB or CC creams, and lightweight liquid formulas.
• Expert tip: Prep with a mattifying primer to keep your base in place.

Explore Myer’s collection of  foundation for oily skin or find dermatologist-approved beauty routines and tips in our skincare guide for oily skin.

Dry skin does best with a foundation that hydrates and smooths without clinging to dry patches. Follow these top tips to find the best products:  

• What works best: Hydrating, creamy formulas with a dewy or satin finish.
• What to avoid: Matte or powder-heavy foundations that can emphasise dryness.
• Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic acid, glycerine or squalane.
• Best foundation types: Moisturising liquid foundations, hydrating BB or CC creams, stick foundations and tinted moisturisers.
• Expert tip: Prep with a rich moisturiser or hydrating primer to create a smooth base.

Myer has the best foundation for dry skin from world-leading skincare brands. For more expert advice, head over to our skincare guide for dry skin.

The best foundation for combination skin will help to balance oily areas without overcompensating:

• What works best: Lightweight, buildable formulas with a natural or satin finish.
• What to avoid: Foundations that are too dewy or overly matte, since they can exaggerate oily or dry zones.
• Ingredients to look for: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or squalane.
• Best foundation types: Tinted moisturisers, CC creams, flexible stick foundations and lightweight liquid formulas.
• Expert tip: Try spot priming by using a mattifying primer on your T-zone, and a hydrating one on drier areas.

Explore Myer’s range of foundation tailored for combination skin and discover more expert tips in our guide to combination skin.

Sensitive skin needs a foundation that soothes and protects while offering breathable coverage:

• What works best: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas with calming ingredients and a natural finish.
• What to avoid: Fragranced, alcohol-based or overly long-wear foundations.
• Ingredients to look for: Aloe vera, chamomile, centella asiatica or niacinamide.
• Best foundation types: Mineral foundations, gentle BB or CC creams and lightweight liquid formulas labelled for sensitive skin.
• Expert tip: Always patch test a new foundation first and prep with a calming moisturiser.

At Myer, you’ll find a curated selection of foundation for sensitive skin. Discover more skincare tips in our guide to sensitive skin.

If you have normal skin, you’ve got the flexibility to experiment with a wide range of foundations:

• What works best: Lightweight to medium coverage foundations with a satin or natural finish.
• What to avoid: There’s no strict avoid list, but overly matte or overly dewy formulas may shift throughout the day.
• Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
• Best foundation types: Liquid foundations, BB or CC creams, sticks and tinted moisturisers.
• Expert tip: Try adjusting your formula seasonally – something lighter for summer and richer for winter.

Browse Myer’s wide range of foundation for normal skin to find your perfect match, and explore our normal skincare guide for more inspiration.

Before fully committing to a new foundation, always do a patch test. Apply a small amount on a discreet area – like behind your ear or along your jawline – and wear it for a few hours. This helps check for any irritation, redness or allergic reactions.

Patch testing also lets you see how the foundation wears on your skin throughout the day, including how it handles oil, dryness or fading. If you notice any discomfort or changes, it’s best to try a different formula that suits your skin better.

To find your perfect foundation shade, test the product on your jawline or neck. This is a better option than testing on your hand or wrist, as these areas often don’t match your face. Try a few shades close to your skin tone and check them in natural daylight for the most accurate view. The right shade will blend seamlessly into your skin without leaving a visible line.  

Don’t forget to consider your undertones – whether cool, warm or neutral – to ensure a natural finish that complements your complexion. Taking your time here makes all the difference!

Start with a clean, moisturised face to create a smooth, hydrated base. Using a primer after your moisturiser can help fill in pores and fine lines, making your foundation apply more evenly and last longer throughout the day.

Primers can also target specific concerns like oil control or extra hydration, depending on your skin type. This step sets you up for flawless coverage and keeps your makeup looking fresh from morning to night.

Myer has primers and moisturisers to suit every skin type. Explore our collection to find the perfect products to enhance your complexion.

When it comes to application, makeup tools can make the job a lot easier. Brushes offer precision, while sponges create a seamless blend. You can also use your fingers to warm the product into the skin for a natural finish.  

Start from the centre of your face and blend outward using dabbing or sweeping motions, depending on your tool. Build coverage gradually where needed. Set your foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder or a setting spray to lock in the look – then you're good to go!

Take your makeup game to the next level with Myer’s range of quality makeup brushes and sponges.

The different skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Normal: Skin that appears balanced (i.e. not shiny or flaky) is usually categorised as normal.  

Dry: Characteristics of dry skin include roughness, flakiness, scaliness and sometimes also irritation.  

Oily: This skin type tends to appear shiny and feel greasy to the touch. If you experience blocked pores and blemishes, you probably have oily skin.  

Combination: This is where skin has both dry patches and oily patches.

Sensitive: If your skin appears red and feels uncomfortable, you most likely have sensitive skin.

Dewy foundations give the skin a radiant glow. They’re ideal if you want a fresh, hydrated look. Matte foundations, on the other hand, offer a shine-free, velvety finish. They’re a good choice if you want to minimise pores and control oil.

If you have normal or dry skin, dewy foundations can give you that ‘lit from within’ glow – especially in the cooler months when skin can look lacklustre. They contain moisturising elements and light-reflecting ingredients for a complexion that appears luminous.

For those with combination or oily skin, a matte foundation is usually a better choice. They can give you a look that’s more polished, and they have better staying power in hot weather.

It’s quite normal for your skin’s needs to change with the seasons. For example, your skin might be normal in summer, but prone to dryness during winter. In this case you should consider using a different foundation.

Changes in temperature can affect the way your body functions, and this includes your skin. You might notice that your skin produces more oil in hot weather – meaning that you’ll benefit from switching to a matte foundation. A foundation that contains SPF is also a good choice when the sun is shining.

When the weather cools down, skin tends to lose its moisture and become more sensitive. Dewy foundations are good for combating dryness and giving your skin a luminous finish.

For mature skin, a hydrating, lightweight foundation with a natural or dewy finish is often the best choice. Look for formulas that are enriched with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or antioxidants to help smooth fine lines and improve elasticity.  

Try to avoid heavy, matte or powdery textures, as these can settle into fine lines and make your skin appear dry or damaged. Instead, opt for buildable coverage that evens out your skin tone without masking its natural glow. Liquid or serum foundations tend to work beautifully for this.

You can use a powder foundation if you have dry skin, but it’s important to prep your skin well and choose the right formula. Look for hydrating or creamy powder foundations specifically designed for dry or sensitive skin. These are usually more forgiving and less likely to cling to dry patches.  

Before applying, make sure your skin is moisturised – you could also use a hydrating primer to create a smoother base. If your skin is very dry or flaky, though, a liquid or cream foundation might give you a more radiant, comfortable finish.

If your skin is prone to blemishes, look for a foundation that’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil-free and offers buildable coverage without feeling heavy. We recommend formulas that are labelled specifically for acne-prone or sensitive skin, and ideally contain soothing or skin-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide or zinc.  

A matte or natural finish can help control excess oil and reduce shine, while still letting your skin breathe. Mineral foundations are also a great option because they’re gentle, lightweight and often free from irritating additives.

Stick foundation can work for many skin types, but it depends on the formula and how you prep your skin. It’s especially loved for its convenience and buildable coverage, making it ideal for on-the-go application.  

If you have normal to oily skin, most stick foundations will glide on easily and stay in place. For dry or mature skin, it’s best to choose a creamier stick formula and apply it over well-moisturised skin (or a hydrating primer) to prevent it from clinging to dry areas. With the right prep and formula, stick foundation can be a versatile choice for almost anyone.