Finding the perfect foundation for your skin can be hard enough, but this is especially true when you have textured skin like mine. Whether you're looking for a full-coverage formula to disguise scarring, a blurring foundation for enlarged pores or a hydrating, dewy foundation to help diminish dry patches from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, the hunt for a foundation that glides on smoothly and doesn't separate on the skin can feel impossible.
I've found this especially true as I enter my mid-20s, with my skin seemingly changing on a day-to-day basis. Although I know that textured skin is completely normal, and there's nothing wrong with it in the slightest, on days when I want my base to have that smooth but natural-looking foundation finish, it seems like an extra obstacle to overcome.
(Image credit: @rayan.xasan)
The honest truth is that there's no such thing as flawless skin—makeup simply isn't one-size-fits-all. Each product formula, as well as the application technique you choose, will give every person a different result.
There are, however, a few simple tips that those of us with textured skin can use to get the best smoothing results out of foundations. I reached out to a few industry experts for tips on how those of us with textured skin can achieve that coveted satin-like appearance. Keep scrolling for preparation and application tips, and then take a browse at my expert-approved edit of the best foundations for textured skin.
The Best Products, At a Glance
1. Best Overall Foundation for Textured Skin: HAUS Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation, £42
2. Best Foundation for Mature, Textured Skin: Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Foundation, £28
3. Best Luminous Foundation for Textured Skin: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £47
4. Best Matte Foundation for Textured Skin: Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation, £35
5. Best Natural-Looking Foundation for Textured Skin: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation, £32
6. Best Stick Foundation for Textured Skin: Merit Beauty The Minimalist Complexion Stick, £34
7. Best Smoothing Skin Tint: ICONIC London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint, £28
8. Best for Oily, Textured Skin: Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Foundation £18
9. Best for Dry, Textured Skin: Sculpted By Aimee Second Skin Dewy Foundation, £25
How to Prep Textured Skin for Foundation
Even for those who don't have visibly textured skin, it's crucial to take care of your skin before you apply any makeup. National makeup artist at Sephora UK, Athina Ioannidou, agrees. "Prepping the skin provides maximum benefits for makeup application and affects the performance of the makeup. It helps makeup settle and glide evenly onto the skin and prolongs its longevity." Ioannidou recommends starting with a cleanser to remove impurities as well as the top layer of dead skin cells before going in with a toner to "retain the moisture and help soften and refine the skin's texture before the makeup application", finishing off with moisturiser to prevent dry patches.
(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)
Makeup artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee, Aimee Connolly places a similar emphasis on the importance of prepping the skin. "As a makeup artist, I can't stress the importance of skin prep enough! Think of your skin as a canvas; you need a smooth, hydrated base before you begin," she says. "The goal is to create a smooth, hydrated base for your foundation to seamlessly blend into. Hydration is absolutely non-negotiable. If your skin is on the drier side, layering a hyaluronic acid serum underneath your moisturiser can make a world of difference. A well-hydrated complexion will not only look better under makeup, but it will also prevent your foundation from clinging to dry patches or accentuating any texture."
How to Apply Foundation on Textured Skin
Application also plays an important role in getting a smooth, satin-like finish from your foundation. Ioannidou says, "Apply foundation in tiny layers, building up coverage only where necessary to prevent giving off a cakey appearance. Use patting motions on the product as opposed to rubbing or buffing. For the best application, I'd use an almost flat, dense brush, however, sponges can be a good option too, so long as you make sure that you thoroughly deep-clean them."
(Image credit: @marina_torres)
"For lighter coverage foundations or tinted moisturisers, the warmth of your fingers can help to melt the product into the skin, creating a really natural, skin-like finish. Just make sure your hands are clean before you start," says Connolly.
Best Foundations for Textured Skin
When it comes to choosing a foundation that will work with textured skin, there are multiple things to consider. Typically, silicone-based formulas are best for textured skin as they help to smooth and blur the skin surface. However, for those of us with dry skin, I'd recommend opting for a medium-full coverage, water-based foundation that can be built up without creating dry patches or separating.
Below, I've rounded up the nine best foundations for textured skin according to experts and beauty editors.
1. HAUS Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
HAUS Labs by Lady Gaga
Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
Best Foundation for Textured Skin Overall
No. of Shades: 51
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural, second-skin
This weightless, serum-like formula seamlessly glides on the skin for a smooth and satin-like finish. I first tried this in-store and was surprised at how well it worked on my dry skin instantly. Not to mention, it has an amazing shade range.
2. Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Foundation
Sculpted By Aime
Satin Silk Longwear Foundation
Best Foundation for Mature, Textured SkiN
No. of Shades: 30
Coverage: Medium to Full
Finish: Satin
This foundation has so many rave reviews for being full coverage without looking too heavy on the skin. I was especially impressed with how many mature women loved this satin-finish formula. It is, without question, one of the best foundations for mature skin.
3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani
Luminous Silk Foundation
Best Glowing Foundation for Textured Skin
No. of Shades: 40
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Luminous-Satin
Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is a cult favourite for good reason. Its ability to blur pores and give the skin a flawless finish without caking is hard to come by. It's a glowing foundation that never leaves skin looking oily—a true masterpiece.
4. Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Space NK
Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation Siberia
Best Matte Foundation for Textured Skin
No. of Shades: 34
Coverage: Medium to Full
Finish: Natural Matte
As someone with super dehydrated (and often patchy) skin, I initially had no plans to buy Nars' Soft Matte foundation. However, it's now a staple in summer makeup collection. It's matte enough to last on super hot days, but natural enough that it doesn't dry out and separate.
5. Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation
Huda Beauty
Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation
Best Foundation for Textured Skin With a Natural Finish
No. of Shades: 29
Coverage: Medium (Buildable)
Finish: Natural Airbrush
Described as a "real-life filter", Huda Beauty's Easy Blur Foundation promises to leave the skin with an airbrushed finish. Reviews have praised this formula for its high coverage and super-smoothing effect.
6. Merit Beauty The Minimalist Complexion Stick
Merit Beauty
The Minimalist
Best Stick Foundation for Textured Skin
No. of Shades: 30
Coverage: Light to Medium
Finish: Natural
If foundation isn't your thing but you're still looking to blur out any blemishes, Merit's The Minimalist complexion stick is definitely one to try. With the ability to target and spot-conceal certain areas without applying too much to the face, this formula is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle approach to makeup.
7. Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint
Iconic London
Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint
Best Skin Tint for Textured Skin
No. of Shades: 18
Coverage: Medium (Buildable)
Finish: Semi-satin
Available in 18 adaptable shades, Iconic London's Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint is enriched with amino acids, peach flower and pea extract to hydrate the skin as well as give a visibly smooth and plump complexion.
8. Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Foundation
Sephora Collection
Best Skin Ever Foundation
Best Foundation for Oily, Textured Skin
No. of Shades: 48
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Satin
Sephora's Best Skin Ever Foundation has a second skin texture to cover up blemishes without looking cakey. Thislong-wear formula was made to stay flawless all day, meaning you can apply it once and go about your day without having to worry about constant top-ups.
9. Sculpted By Aimee Second Skin Dewy Foundation
Sculpted By Aimee
Second Skin Dewy Foundation
Best Foundation for Dry, Textured Skin
No. of Shades: 30
Coverage: Medium (Buildable)
Finish: Dewy
For those with textured skin who still prefer a luminous finish, Sculpted by Aimee's Second Skin Dewy Foundation is the perfect hybrid between a dewy and a skin-like formula. This silky formula contains hyaluronic acid to keep dry skin hydrated as well as SPF 50+ to protect the skin from sun damage.
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