Are you on the lookout for the best foundation for oily skin? It can be difficult to find a foundation that won’t melt away after just a few hours when you have oily skin. Many foundations that aren’t formulated for oily skin start to break up almost immediately, leaving your face just as shiny as before.
There are a few factors to consider when shopping for a good foundation when you have oily skin:
15 of the Best Foundations for Oily Skin that Last All Day
1. Type of Formula
There are many different kinds of foundations on the market today, including liquid, powder, mousse, and BB and CC creams. Although the liquid foundation is the most popular, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of other kinds of foundation formulas as well. For example, liquid foundation generally has excellent coverage when compared to other formulas. However, BB creams often also provide skincare benefits or SPF coverage.
2. Staying Power
Depending on how long you want to wear your foundation for, it is staying power can be very important. Many foundations claim to have 12, 24, or even longer hour wear, but not all of them will stand the test of time. Consider what customer reviews are saying about the lasting power of a foundation before you buy.
3. Mattifying Ability
Of course, whether a foundation is mattifying or not is very important when buying the best foundation for oily skin. Some foundations contain ingredients that help to reduce oil production, while others have a finish that helps to give the appearance of matte skin.
However, don’t write off a foundation all together just because it doesn’t have “matte” in the name. Even foundations that claim to be “hydrating” can work for oily skin, depending on the formula. Plus, you can always add a mattifying setting powder on top for an extra boost of oil control.
4. Shade Range
Although it’s become much more common in the past few years for foundation brands to have a wide shade range, not all lines will have shades that perfectly match your skin.
Depending on your skin tone, it might be more or less difficult to find a good foundation that matches your skin well. Look for brand-provided swatches, shade finder quizzes, and customer reviews when picking a foundation shade.
1. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
This luxury foundation builds from sheer to medium coverage in a formula that claims to blur pores and fine lines while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. With a natural finish and a liquid formula that works for all skin types, including oily, this foundation is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end, skin-like option.
2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation
This cult-favorite liquid foundation set the trend for huge shade ranges in 2017, with 50 unique shades ranging from extremely light to very dark. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte formula is the best coverage foundation out there, with a matte finish that feels comfortable on the skin and excellent long wearability. No matter your skin tone, you’re sure to find a match with this formula.
3. Makeup Forever Ultra HD Liquid Foundation
For a skin-like, natural wearing foundation that doesn’t sink into fine lines and smooths skin all day long, Makeup Forever’s Ultra HD Liquid Foundation is great for anyone who prefers lighter coverage. With both hydrating and blurring ingredients, this foundation works for all skin types and provides a perfect your-skin-but-better finish.
4. Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation
As a buildable, medium coverage liquid foundation with a matte finish, the Stay Naked Foundation works very well for oily skin without feeling heavy or overly drying. The shade range is also excellent, with seven undertones and 50 shades in total. Many customers note its vegan formula, customizable coverage, and skin-blurring finish.
5. Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover
If you’re looking for maximum coverage with a matte finish, this foundation for face and body might be perfect for you. This is the best coverage foundation for oily skin out there, with almost 30% pigment in the formula and the ability to cover up everything from acne to tattoos. It’s famous for its intense pigmentation and matte finish, so it’s best for those searching for full coverage, extreme long wearability, and a matte finish.
6. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
Are you in a hurry every morning while putting on your makeup? This foundation is famous for extreme blend-ability, customizable full coverage, and high performance without a primer. In fact, Nars recommends using this foundation without a primer, making it an ideal candidate for, especially busy makeup-wearers. It’s also noted for its lightweight feel and natural finish, so it’s a good choice for everyday wear.
7. PUR Cosmetics Bare It All Foundation
For a skincare-focused, full-coverage foundation, the PUR Cosmetics Bare It All Foundation is the best foundation for oily skin out there. The formula contains green tea, ginseng, and B vitamins to hydrate and plump the skin while still remaining demi-matte. This is a good foundation for those who are searching for something that is suitable for oily skin and that emphasizes hydration at the same time. Be aware that this foundation has a smaller-than-average range of 10 shades.
8. Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
This waterproof and sweat-resistant foundation is formulated for use on the shoulders, arms, and legs as well as on the face. It has a natural finish and buildable, medium coverage that looks like a second skin when applied. Customer reviews note that it is both lightweight and long-wearing, with lasting power even in humid climates. In terms of natural, your-skin-but-better coverage, this is the best coverage foundation for face and body available.
9. L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
Are you looking for an affordable foundation that dries down matte without looking cakey or feeling heavy on the skin? The L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation boasts 22 shades of demi-matte, medium coverage that conceals imperfections for up to 24 hours without oxidizing or breaking up. This is the best foundation for oily skin if you’re interested in a high-quality, lightweight liquid foundation that stays skin-like even while it controls oil and shine all day long.
10. Maybelline Superstay 24hr Full Coverage Foundation
This foundation is famous for being the best coverage foundation you can buy at the drugstore. It has high coverage, a creamy formula, and 24-hour wear, so it’s a good foundation for evening wear. For people with oily skin, this is one of the best options available because of how well it controls oil while remaining light on the skin. Customer reviews also note its excellent shade range for a drugstore foundation, with 28 shades to choose from.
11. Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
If you prefer the lighter formula of a BB cream to a heavier liquid foundation, this might be an excellent option for you. The formula dries down quite matte to control oil all day long while evening out blemishes and other imperfections. Note that as a BB cream, this has light coverage when compared to a full foundation. However, customer reviews say that despite the light coverage, this BB cream works well at evening out skin tone. Like most BB creams, this formula has a limited range of 6 shades.
12. Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse Foundation
This foundation has a unique, airy mousse texture that stays matte on the skin all day long. This is the best foundation for oily skin if you prefer a thicker texture with a strongly matte finish and high coverage. Perfect for daytime summer wear, the Stay Matte Mousse Foundation is sweatproof and won’t break up, even on the hottest days. If you’re looking for an affordable foundation that will control even the oiliest skin, the Rimmel Mousse Foundation could be for you.
13. Catrice HD Liquid Foundation
With a unique dropper applicator, natural-yet-full coverage finish, and up to 24 hours of wear, the Catrice HD Liquid Foundation is the best coverage foundation that still has a very lightweight texture. With a makeup sponge, this foundation has medium buildable coverage, but with a brush, the coverage is very intense. Despite that, the thin texture of this foundation means that it’s never cakey, and will look and feel like a second skin all day.
14. Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Foundation
Makeup Revolution’s everyday full coverage foundation comes in an incredible 50 shades, with a doe-foot applicator that reduces waste and allows for more precise application. This foundation is also notable for its inclusion of a pure white shade that can be used to lighten other shades in its range. Its buildable coverage, oil-free formula, and demi-matte finish make it one of the best affordable foundations for oily skin available.
15. Makeup Revolution Conceal & Hydrate Foundation
Makeup Revolution also offers a hydrating version of their Conceal & Define formula, with hyaluronic acid providing a hydrating boost to all skin types. This foundation is medium to full coverage and conceals imperfections without settling into fine lines or textured patches during the day. Customer reviews note the natural, glowy finish it leaves as well as how easy it is to blend with a brush or makeup sponge. This version of the formula also comes with a more traditional pump applicator.
FAQ About Foundations for Oily Skin
Is Liquid Foundation bad for oily skin?
Don’t worry – you don’t have to avoid your favorite liquid foundation just because you have oily skin! You must, however, pay close attention to the type of liquid foundation you use. Only buy oil-free liquid foundations, as foundations with oil can cause oily skin to break out.
Powder vs. Liquid Foundation: Which is the Best for You?
If you find that even an oil-free liquid foundation still leaves you feeling greasy, you may opt for powder instead. If, however, you’d like a full-coverage look, liquid foundation is the way to go. A third question to consider is whether you’d like a dewy or matte finish; if you’re a dewy gal, choose liquid, whereas if you prefer matte, choose powder.
How do you control oily skin?
To control oily skin, follow these three steps every day: wash, tone, and moisturize. Be sure to use cleanser every morning and night. Then, use a toner immediately after cleansing; those with astringents will help to shrink your pores. Finally, moisturize with an oil-free facial lotion; these will prevent your skin from producing excess oil.
How to do makeup for oily skin?
Start by using a mattifying primer on the oiliest or most acne-prone areas– make sure to prime your eyes, as well! Next, use either a powder foundation, or an oil-free, mattifying liquid foundation. After you finish applying your makeup, set your face with a mattifying translucent powder to reduce shine.
What is the best way to apply foundation for oily skin?
Again, start with a powder or oil-free mattifying liquid foundation. Those with oily skin need to use a stippling brush to apply these, not a sponge, and definitely not your fingers! Briskly dab the makeup around your face, rather than smearing the foundation around; this will prevent your face from looking streaky or uneven.
15 Amazing Foundations for Oily Skin to Even Your Complexion
Whether you prefer a matte, natural, or luminous finish, there’s a foundation out there for you. The best foundation for oily skin will look and feel natural on the skin and stand up to oil production throughout the day.
When searching for a good foundation for oily skin, it can be difficult to find one that looks natural on the skin, controls oil throughout the day, and conceals blemishes and other imperfections. However, the wide variety of foundations available on the market today mean that you’re bound to discover at least one that fits your needs (and budget).
