If you’re tired of dealing with the imperfections of oily skin, you’re in luck. There are foundations specifically designed to cater to your needs and help you achieve a flawless finish. These products are formulated to provide long-lasting coverage that won’t melt or oxidize throughout the day, even on oily skin. With a range of formulas and shades available, you can find the perfect match for your complexion. But what sets these foundations apart?
Their ability to cling to oily skin, providing a matte finish that lasts. Many also offer additional benefits, such as controlling shine, balancing combination skin, and fighting acne. Looking for a foundation that’s right for you? We’ve got you covered. Our top picks are designed to provide the best coverage, longest wear, and most benefits for your oily skin.
What You Should Know About Foundation for Oily Skin
To ensure you get the most out of our top foundation picks for oily skin, it’s essential to understand the unique characteristics and challenges that come with having this skin type.
Formulas
When it comes to foundation formulas designed for oily skin, there are several options available, each with its own unique characteristics and potential drawbacks. Powder foundations come in both loose and pressed forms and are often packaged in compacts, making them easy to take on-the-go. They tend to produce a matte finish and can be combined with liquid foundations for added coverage. However, they may feel heavy or itchy on some skin types.
Liquid foundations, on the other hand, offer buildable coverage and a natural-looking finish. Different shades can be mixed together to achieve a customized look, and some formulas even boast additional benefits like acne-fighting properties. That being said, some liquid foundations may be too greasy for users with extremely oily or textured skin. Stick foundations provide coverage similar to cream foundations and can occasionally double as a concealer.
However, they may clog pores and are not the best choice for users with very acne-prone skin. Cream foundations are slightly heavier than liquid formulas but lighter than powder options. They’re ideal for skin that requires heavier coverage, but do tend to give skin a dewier appearance – not ideal for oily skin that needs a more mattifying foundation. Whipped or mousse foundations are essentially lightweight, air-infused versions of liquid foundations.
They’re suitable for most skin types, although they may not provide full coverage on oily skin. Our top budget pick is Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation, a mousse formula designed to keep oil at bay. Finally, mineral foundations are similar to powder options but are created with natural and organic minerals. They’re great for very sensitive skin but can be challenging to apply and build coverage with.
Shades Available
When choosing a foundation, it’s crucial to select a shade that harmonizes with your skin tone. This involves not only matching the overall color of your complexion but also ensuring the undertones align. To achieve a natural-looking finish, you’ll want to find a shade that complements your skin’s undertones. For guidance on selecting the perfect foundation for your unique skin tone, be sure to consult our comprehensive guide.
Coverage
The level of coverage refers to how evenly and thoroughly your foundation is applied. Foundational formulas are categorized into three levels: light, medium, and full. Additionally, some foundations are designed to be buildable, allowing you to layer it on for a customized coverage that can range from sheer to opaque. When selecting a foundation for oily skin, it’s essential to consider the ingredients used in its formulation.
Oily skin types benefit from products that effectively control sebum production and prevent pores from becoming clogged. Look for labels indicating non-comedogenic properties, which ensure the product won’t exacerbate acne-prone skin. Furthermore, opt for formulas with minimal harsh preservatives and chemicals to minimize potential irritation.
Certain ingredients, such as coconut oil and those containing alcohols or petroleum jellies, can worsen oily skin; thus, it’s crucial to avoid these components when making your selection.
Top 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin 2024
Best Overall Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Maybelline’s Fit Me Liquid Foundation stands out for its effortless application, leaving skin with a seamless, natural finish. Its editor-approved rating stems from several key attributes. The foundation boasts a silky, liquid formula that effortlessly glides onto the skin, blending seamlessly to provide buildable coverage from light to medium. Moreover, it can be quickly removed without excessive scrubbing, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing simplicity in their daily routine.
This liquid gem excels at delivering a flawless, matte finish on oily skin, while also catering to sensitive skin concerns. Available in both glass and pouch formats, the latter may present some usability challenges. Nevertheless, Maybelline’s Fit Me Liquid Foundation remains a solid option for creating effortless, natural foundation looks. Its pros include ease of application, suitability for natural looks, gentle performance on sensitive skin, and easy removal.
However, its cons include the occasionally frustrating pouch packaging.
Best Premium Foundation: Dermablend Intense Powder Camo Mattifying Foundation
The Intense Mattifying Foundation from Dermablend boasts a remarkable ability to provide extreme matte coverage, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to control shine. The powder formula is a highlight of this product, offering 13 different shades to suit various skin tones. As a professional brand, Dermablend is widely trusted by makeup artists and experts in the industry. This foundation’s medium coverage is buildable, allowing users to achieve full coverage if desired.
Its exceptional ability to control shine and oil breakthroughs makes it an ideal option for those with oily skin or who experience excessive shine when wearing other foundations. However, some users may find the intense coverage a bit heavy on their skin, which could be a drawback for those preferring lighter textures. Additionally, the shades of this foundation are slightly lighter than expected, which may not be entirely accurate in terms of color representation.
Nevertheless, the pros of this product far outweigh its cons, particularly for those seeking a reliable solution to matte, oil-free coverage.
Best Budget Foundation: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Rimmel’s Stay Matte Foundation is a surprisingly impressive product, considering its budget-friendly price point. The foundation’s quality shines through in its lightweight, airy mousse formula that glides smoothly onto the skin, leaving a soft, powdery finish. With 19 shades to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout features of this product is its value – it’s under $5, making it an excellent option for those who use foundation frequently or prefer more affordable options. A little goes a long way with this foundation, which means you won’t need to break the bank to get the coverage you want. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking full-coverage foundation, it’s perfect for everyday wear and medium coverage.
If you do try to build up the coverage, however, it can start to look cakey. All in all, Rimmel’s Stay Matte Foundation is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable product that won’t break the bank.
Best Foundation With SPF: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Makeup
This foundation is a standout due to its impressive array of 43 shades, catering to diverse skin tones and undertones. The unique approach of shopping by undertones makes it easy to find a perfect match for your complexion. As an added bonus, the SPF 15 blend ensures this product can be worn daily or as part of a natural look when venturing outdoors. The liquid formula provides light coverage, allowing freckles to shine through while still addressing skin redness and blemishes.
While it’s marketed as buildable, the foundation tends to become clumpy and cakey with additional layers, making it best suited for subtle, everyday applications. When used correctly, this product excels in its ability to provide good light coverage. However, some users may find it challenging to blend due to its formula. Pros include a wide range of shades, SPF 15 protection, and consideration for skin undertones. Cons are the potential difficulty in blending and limited buildable coverage.
Best Powder Foundation: Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
Maybelline’s Matte + Poreless Powder is a versatile and lightweight formula that provides light to medium coverage, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to control oiliness. Unlike other powders that can leave the skin feeling weighed down, this powder sits comfortably on the skin without compromising its natural texture. The mattifying properties ensure that pores appear minimized, giving the complexion a smooth and even finish.
The powder’s lightweight nature makes it easy to combine with a liquid foundation of your choice. You can use it between layers to build coverage or as a tinted setting powder to hold your look together and add an extra layer of matte finish. This versatility is one of its greatest strengths, making it a great option for those who want a product that can adapt to their needs. While the product excels in many ways, there are some drawbacks to consider.
It doesn’t have exceptional staying power and can be prone to transfer, easily rubbing off the skin if not used with a liquid foundation or primer. For a more long-lasting option, we recommend exploring other formulas, such as L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation.
Best Long-Lasting Foundation: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Liquid Foundation is a standout product in our book, and it’s not hard to see why. Its unique formula is designed to stay put on your skin for at least 24 hours, resisting the temptation to slide or melt away as the day wears on. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to wear their foundation from morning till night without needing to touch it up. The result? A flawless, matte finish that keeps oil at bay and is suitable for most occasions.
What’s more, the oil-free formula means it won’t irritate oily skin or leave a greasy residue behind. And if you’re someone who’s always on-the-go, this transfer-resistant foundation will stay put no matter what life throws your way. Of course, it’s not perfect – we do find that it can be a bit drying for those with combination skin. If that sounds like you, we’d recommend the Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation instead.
But for those with very oily skin, this foundation is a real winner.
Best Stick Foundation: Maybelline New York Fit Me Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation
This versatile stick foundation is a favorite among users, particularly those with combination skin. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for travel or on-the-go touch-ups. The formula is designed to balance and regulate skin, ensuring that no one area becomes too dry or oily. It can be used as a foundation, concealer, or contouring stick, allowing for a seamless blend when paired with liquid or powder foundations.
When applied all over the face, this product works to minimize shine breakthroughs. One of its most notable features is its ability to work well on combination skin, providing an even finish that’s neither too oily nor too dry. However, it does have some limitations – the shade range is somewhat limited, which may not make it suitable for everyone. To achieve a completely matte look, it’s best to set the stick foundation with powder.
The pros of this product include its versatility, making it perfect for quick touch-ups or contouring; its ability to work well on combination skin; and its compact design that fits easily in most pockets or purses. The cons are its limited shade range and the need to be set with powder for optimal results.
Best Vegan Foundation: Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation stands out for its commitment to veganism and cruelty-freeness, earning PETA certification. This liquid foundation boasts a buildable formula that can be used to create full coverage looks, effortlessly blending and building up to conceal pores, acne blemishes, and redness. The end result is a natural-looking matte finish that’s perfect for those seeking to cover skin imperfections.
Notably, the formula is free from oils, alcohols, and parabens, making it an attractive option for consumers prioritizing sustainability. While the dropper can be finicky, releasing more product than intended, and the fragrance may be overpowering for some, the foundation’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks.
Best Foundation Kit: PHOERA Foundation and Face Primer
This comprehensive foundation kit is designed to guide you through the process of prepping your face and applying foundation like a pro. The set includes everything you need to get started, from beauty blenders and foundation brushes to 2 bottles of liquid foundation and a face primer. With its smooth formula providing medium to full coverage, this product excels at concealing acne, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections.
The liquid foundation blends effortlessly into the skin, making it perfect for those who go through a lot of product or want to stock up. While it may require more product than expected for maximum coverage, the kit’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. For instance, beginners will appreciate the inclusion of primer and foundation brushes, which simplishes the application process. Additionally, the smooth formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, making it easy to achieve a flawless finish.
However, those who prefer a more lightweight formula may find that this product can look slightly dry on the skin if built up too much. For an alternative option, consider Rimmel’s Stay Matte Foundation for a more economical and gentle-on-the-skin solution.
Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup
Neutrogena’s SkinClearing foundation is a unique product that addresses acne-prone skin concerns. The inclusion of salicylic acid makes it an effective treatment option, working to dissolve acne-causing bacteria, dirt, and other impurities as you apply the foundation. This ingredient combines with the brand’s patented MicroClear Technology to unclog pores and treat blemishes, making it a great choice for those struggling with stubborn acne.
The non-greasy, oil-free formula provides medium coverage that looks natural on the skin, allowing users to achieve both treatment and prevention of feature breakouts. Consistent use can even lead to brighter, clearer-looking skin. While this product is not ideal for very sensitive skin due to potential irritation or dryness caused by the acne medication, it remains a great option for those with non-sensitive skin.
Your Full Guide to Using Foundation for Oily Skin
For those seeking a deeper understanding of foundations specifically formulated for oily skin, we invite you to explore our comprehensive resource in its entirety. Within this detailed guide, you’ll discover valuable insights and expert advice on navigating the world of foundation for oily skin, ensuring you make an informed decision that caters to your unique complexion needs.
Why Doesn’t Foundation Stay on Oily Skin?
Sebaceous glands, located beneath our pores, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy and hydrated skin by producing sebum. However, when these glands overproduce oil, it can lead to the development of oily skin, characterized by a shiny complexion and acne-prone skin. The mixing of excess sebum with dead skin cells and dirt on the skin’s surface exacerbates this issue. Various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and aging, contribute to the presence of oily skin.
One of the primary challenges associated with oily skin is its tendency to repel makeup, causing it to slide off or appear shiny throughout the day. To combat this problem, using foundations and cosmetic products specifically designed for oily skin can be a highly effective solution.
Benefits of Foundation for Oily Skin
When it comes to foundations for oily skin, there are several benefits you may not be aware of. One major advantage is that these foundations are designed to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores and exacerbate oil production on the skin. This allows for a more balanced complexion. Additionally, many foundations for oily skin have a mattifying effect, which helps keep the skin looking matte and flawless throughout the day.
Some products even go beyond just providing a smooth finish by containing acne-fighting ingredients. For instance, Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup combines foundation with acne treatment to help prevent breakouts. Another key feature of foundations for oily skin is their oil-free formulas. This ensures that the product won’t actually make the skin oilier in the long run.
Finally, these foundations are designed to stay put on the skin without sliding off or looking shiny, even after a full day. The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation is an excellent example of this, providing lasting wear and a flawless finish.
How to Use Foundation on Oily Skin
When it comes to applying foundation on oily skin, there are some additional steps you can take to ensure your makeup stays in place all day long. Before you start, make sure to follow our general guidelines for a flawless base: wash, cleanse, dry, and moisturize your face. For oily skin, consider adding an extra step – a primer that helps control excess oil production and allows foundation to cling smoothly to the skin.
The PHOERA Foundation and Face Primer kit is a great option for all-in-one prep and application. Once you’re prepped, it’s time to apply your foundation. Depending on the formula, you may use a powder brush for powder foundation, a beauty blender or liquid foundation brush for liquid foundation, or a brush or beauty blender for cream or stick foundations. Remember to start with a small amount and blend well to avoid streakiness.
To build coverage, consider using translucent setting powder between layers to help each layer cling together and create a fully matte finish. This type of powder is also great after applying liquid foundation to keep everything in place. Finally, once your foundation is applied, set it with a setting powder or spray to lock everything in place. You can also add concealer or highlighter at this time for the finishing touches.
Foundation Application Tools
When it comes to applying your foundation, there’s a wide range of tools to choose from. To streamline the process, it’s essential to understand the unique characteristics of each option. Liquid foundation brushes, for instance, boast tightly packed bristles and a tapered end, making them ideal for blending liquid foundations into a seamless finish. In contrast, powder foundation brushes have a fuller, fluffier texture that excels at blending out powdered makeup.
Beauty blenders, with their soft, oval-shaped design, are perfect for merging liquid, cream, or stick foundations into a natural-looking base. These versatile tools can also be used to build coverage and create a flawless finish.
Pick a Foundation for Your Skin Tone
When it comes to choosing the perfect foundation, understanding your skin undertones is crucial. There are three main categories: cool, warm, or neutral. To determine which one you have, take a closer look at the color of your veins. If they appear purple or blue, you’re likely a cool-toned individual. Neutral undertones are characterized by green or blue-tinged veins, while warmer skin tones feature olive or green-colored veins.
With this information in mind, you can start searching for a foundation that suits your complexion. We recommend Revlon’s ColorStay Liquid Foundation Makeup for its extensive shade range. A key indicator of a well-matched foundation is its ability to blend seamlessly into your skin. If it appears greyish when applied, it’s likely not the right shade for you. The perfect foundation should complement your hair and eyes while being virtually undetectable.
Pro Tips for Oily Skin Care
To effectively manage oily skin, it’s essential to combine a foundation designed for oily skin with other daily habits. One crucial step is moisturizing, which can help regulate oil production and hydrate the skin. A quality moisturizer can leave your skin feeling smoother and softer overall. In addition to using a suitable foundation, it’s vital to opt for oil-free products that are designed to control oil production and balance the skin’s natural moisture levels.
This approach can lead to an improvement in the appearance of your skin and simplify makeup application. For those times when you notice excess oil appearing on your skin during the day, blotting papers can be a lifesaver. These handy tools allow you to remove excess oil without disturbing any makeup or requiring a full face wash. If oil breakthrough is a persistent issue, consider using a premium foundation powder that provides long-lasting matte finish.
Additionally, frequent facial washing is crucial for oily skin management. Aim to wash your face at least twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed – and after each workout or sweat session. Finally, incorporating an astringent into your routine can help remove excess oil from the skin and temporarily tighten pores. Natural options like witch hazel can be effective as astringents when used after cleansing and before applying primer and foundation.
Foundation for Flawless Skin
Crafting the perfect foundation for oily skin is like finding the elusive holy grail – it’s a challenge that can leave many feeling frustrated. However, with a little planning and consideration, anyone can find a foundation that stays put throughout the day. When searching for the ideal formula, think about your desired level of coverage and the specific shades you need to match your skin tone.
By taking these factors into account, you’ll be well on your way to discovering a foundation that not only complements your complexion but also keeps your makeup in place all day long.
