When shopping for a Foundation, there are always two things we pay the most attention to—the level of coverage it offers and finding the closest shade match. But, there’s one key element of the foundation selection process to consider that we don’t talk about as often—skin type. As someone with combination Skin that’s also sensitive and acne-prone, I’ve definitely had to learn this the hard way. Even now as a beauty editor, I try a lot of foundations when we test them as a group (shoutout to Internet Famous), but I’ll find that a certain formula will work great for others but not for me. 

If you can relate, you’re going to want to read ahead. I asked two celebrity makeup artists to provide some insight on this topic. Below, you’ll find a  bit of advice on how to choose the right foundation for Combination Skin, a few application tips, and, of course, product recs for every budget.

If you have combination skin, it’s best to look for a foundation that’s oil-free, noncomedogenic (for those who are acne-prone), and water-based. It also just depends on what kind of combination skin you have. Combination skin can mean a lot of things—dry in certain areas and oily in your T-zone, or dehydrated skin at the deeper layers and oily on the surface. I struggle with the latter and have found it’s always best to opt for a foundation that’s hydrating, but noncomedogenic at the same time.

Another thing to watch out for if your combination skin is sensitive is fragrance. Most foundations don’t really have it, but some do and if your skin tends to get irritated with that in a formula, it’s probably best to avoid it. Makeup artists also shared a few application tips for combination skin below. 

Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay says that the right primer is absolutely key for combination skin. “For skin that tends to get oily through the T-zone, using a mattifying primer beforehand in the sections that tend to shine up can help with the wear of your base,” she says. “The common misconception is that you don’t need moisturizer if your skin is oily, but with combination skin, I find it’s always necessary to prep with skincare beforehand. To better lock in your foundation, opt for a velour puff to set skin vs. a brush. By pushing the product into skin vs. brushing over, you’ll get a longer wear that truly sets in place. If you tend to break out often, be sure to find a foundation that is fragrance free and noncomedogenic.” 

Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg also stresses the importance of using a primer with another key tip. “Primer is always recommended. With combination skin, I’ve definitely used two different primers to address two different problems (ie. dryness or oiliness). Otherwise, touching up throughout the day is the best option. You can carry around a translucent powder to touch up during the day like Pur’s Skin Perfecting Balancing Act ($26). 

Up Next: Makeup Melt is a Thing of the Past—These Setting Sprays Keep Oily Skin in Check.