Katie Thomas
- Best In Beauty
- The Marie Claire Beauty Edit
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Make shiny skin a thing of the past with these hero best foundation for oily skin buys
Is midday shine your biggest beauty bugbear? Feel like you constantly battle with breakouts? If you haven’t got the best foundation for oily skin in your arsenal already, it might just transform your make-up routine. Using the best foundation for your skin type is a complete game-changer, but it’s crucial to know what to look out for before you head out on a beauty shopping spree.
How to find the best foundation for oily skin
Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director ofCosmedics Skin Clinics, has words of caution when it comes to pairing oily and or acne-prone skin with make-up. He says that it’s all in the prep. ‘Before thinking about make-up, review your skin regime. Getting the best cleanser and best moisturiser for oily skin is key, so experiment to see what suits your skin,’ he advises.
‘Don’t be tempted to ditch the moisturiser as your skin still needs hydration, but choose a formulation which suits oily skin,’ he continues. ‘Exfoliate regularly to remove excess sebum as well as dead skin cells.’ The best way to do this is with a chemical exfoliator (have a look at our best tonerround up for some of our favourites) or a physical gentle face scrub.
It’s also worth looking at complimentary products to go alongside your new foundation and help it achieve its full potential. The best primers will help to control oil levels and keep your make-up where you want it, setting powders to control shine, and make-up setting sprays – as these will only help to keep your make-up looking perfect for longer.
You may also find it useful to keep old school blotting papers with you for on-the-go touch-ups, or use something like Indeed Labs’ Nanoblur, as the tiniest bit dabbed in with a beauty sponge helps to mattify shiny patches and excess oil.
Then it’s time to think about exactly what you want your foundation to achieve. Although a full coverage formula won’t act as a replacement for a brilliant hyperpigmentation treatment, it will mask any residual marks from previous breakouts, while something designed to mattify will work to keep your skin shine-free all day.
Oilier skin types often get along well with powder-based foundations, like bareMinerals Original Foundation, but if a powder finish isn’t your preference there are many other brilliant formula options on offer. New-gen liquids will glide on seamlessly and can even strategically lock in oil.
Whilst you’re here, we have guides to the best foundations for pale skin and the best foundations of the yearfor if you’re trying to find your perfect shade and coverage.
The best foundation for oily skin
Now, are you ready to find your new foundation fave? Keep scrolling for our edit of the best foundation for oily skin buys on the market right now.
We’ve tested each and every one so you know you’re in good hands. For more information on how we do this, don’t forget to check out our guide to how we test all the products that make it into our buying guides.
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Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, £34 | Cult Beauty
Best overall:
This foundation is a staple in several beauty editor and celebrity make-up bags. It offers long-lasting coverage that's full without being "too much". Blemishes and redness are covered easily, and it's got a nice matte finish that plays well with an oily complexion.
Number of shades: 35
Coverage: Medium to full
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Soft matte
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L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Matte Cover Foundation, £9.99 | Lookfantastic
Best affordable buy:
At the bargain price of £9.99, this is the best drugstore foundation for oily skin. Apply all over and buff from the centre of the face outwards for smooth coverage that'll last all day. It's super duper mattifying, so you won't see any oily patches appearing around 3pm.
Number of shades:20
Coverage:Medium
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Matte
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Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, £30 | Harvey Nichols
Best matte formula:
A little goes a long way with Rihanna’s award-winning formula, giving a flawless, soft-matte coverage which you can tailor to your own coverage preferences. It glides onto the skin, and gives an airbrushed finish that’s perfectly in between matte and glowy - it just looks like skin. Believe us, the hype is real.
Number of shades:50
Coverage:Medium, buildable
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Matte
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Oxygenetix Oxygenating Breathable Foundation, £55 | Face The Future
Best foundation for blemish-prone skin:
If blemishes are your biggest woes and you've not yet heard of Oxygenetix foundation, then your life is about to change for the better. In our opinion, this isthebest foundation for oily skin and acne. Not only does it completely mask angry redness, but it also allows skin to breath (hence the name) so that you don't have to worry about putting too much product on your already stressed skin.
Number of shades:14
Coverage:Medium, buildable
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Demi-matte
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bareMinerals Original Foundation SPF15, £29 | Lookfantastic
Best powder foundation:
Nothing really beats the best powder foundations when it comes to oil control, and bareMinerals’ is a timeless favourite for a reason – the mineral formula is completely non-comedogenic, so there’s no risk of pores becoming blocked, and still only contains five ingredients. It's an icon for a reason.
Number of shades:30
Coverage:Medium
Formula:Powder
Finish:Soft matte
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Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £36 | Cult Beauty
Best for a long-lasting finish:
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is great for oily skin as it is designed to stay all day, with a natural matte finish. It really does last and the full coverage formula also helps to reduce the look of pores - a win win!
Number of shades:44
Coverage:Full
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Soft matte
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No7 Stay Perfect Foundation, £14.95 | Boots
Best for a radiant finish:
Ah, No7. Our Ecommerce Writer, Grace Lindsay, has loved this brand for as long as she can remember, as it never irritates her sensitive skin. "Although I have an oily complexion, I still don't like a super matte finish when it comes to my foundation. That's why this is my go-to. The long-wearing formula keeps any shine at bay, but still leaves me looking radiant."
Number of shades:25
Coverage:Medium
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Demi-matte
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Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup, £35 | Feelunique
Best for full coverage:
Easily one of the world's most popular foundations, Estée Lauder's Double Wear is known for excellent coverage and longevity, as well as spanning a huge range of more than 60 shades. It's a heavy-duty formula, but it never feels heavy or goes cakey on the skin, and it lasts for hours.
Number of shades: 60
Coverage: Full
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
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It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF 40, £33 | Cult Beauty
Best CC cream:
OK not technically a foundation, but it might as well be. We are huge, huge, fans of the original CC cream (as well as its illuminating sister), and this one doesn't disappoint. It gives just the right amount of coverage - not too heavy, but more than a tinted moisturiser - and has the added benefit of covering up any redness caused by raging blemishes. In its formula, there are two types of clay, tea tree extract and oil-absorbing charcoal - so it treats as it covers.
Number of shades:14
Coverage:Medium to full
Formula:Cream
Finish:Matte
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Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup Cream, £31 | Lookfantastic
Best for blemish-prone skin:
This lightweight, oil-free formula conceals blemishes whilst actively tackling them and preventing them from returning. Plus, its cooling sensation and skin-soothing ingredients help to calm any angry breakouts and inflammation.
Number of shades: 8
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
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Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, £55 | SpaceNK
Best for oil-free fans:
Now, this one was completely designed for oily skin. Oil-free, non-comodogenic, and it transforms from a liquid to a powder upon contact with the skin. It absorbs oil during the day, and actually reduces the appearance of blemishes, pores and scarring.
Number of shades:22
Coverage:Medium to full
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Matte
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MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation, £30 | Lookfantastic
Best for a flawless finish:
Did you know that one bottle of this foundation sells every 60 seconds in the UK? It's not hard to see why. It has a long-wearing formula with buildable coverage, so you can achieve a flawless finish for as long as you need. Plus, the innovative oil-control component reduces the appearance of sweat and excess shine.
Number of shades:67
Coverage:Medium to full
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Demi-matte
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Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Foundation, £38 | Cult Beauty
Best for an even finish:
This is the oil-free version of the brand's iconic foundation. It's long-wearing, buildable and blends seamlessly, giving medium to full coverage that lasts for up to 12 hours. No need to worry about your make-up sliding off your face come lunchtime.
Number of shades:16
Coverage:Medium to full
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Demi-matte
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Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Matte Foundation, £40 | Lookfantastic
Best matte finish:
Givenchy's new matte foundation is ideal for oily skin. The lightweight formula fuses skincare and makeup to nourish the skin while also creating the perfect base. Although it has a matte finish, it is infused with light-reflecting mother of pearl for a natural, luminous effect.
Number of shades:35
Coverage:Medium
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Matte
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Vichy Dermablend Corrective Fluid Foundation, £20 | Lookfantastic
Best for covering angry blemishes:
This complexion product is famous for covering all manner of imperfections. So if alongside oily skin, you've got angry red spots this will help to camouflage the lot. It's also well known for covering up tattoos, so you can imagine the level of coverage you get from this.
Number of shades:10
Coverage:Medium to full
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Demi-matte
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RMS Beauty “Re” Evolve Natural Finish Foundation, £46 | Feelunique
Best luxury buy:
Although this foundation isn't advertised for oily skin, our Ecommerce Writer swears by it thanks to the demi-matte finish and sweat-resistant formula. The silicone-free foundation provides medium coverage, but trust us when we say a little goes a long way.
Number of shades:16
Coverage:Medium
Formula:Liquid
Finish:Demi-matte
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FAQs
How do you get foundation to stay on oily skin? ›
- Moisturizing and priming are a necessity. ...
- A matte long-wear foundation is your top option. ...
- Do not forgo baking and/or setting. ...
- Choose a powder-based formula. ...
- Carry blotting sheets. ...
- Switch Up Your Foundation Routine.
Don't overdo powder.
But going overboard could backfire by making your pores push out more oil. Apply powder just on areas that are shiny. Use a matte translucent formula, which can cut shine on any skin tone. If you do apply too much powder, dampen a makeup sponge and blot it over the over-powdered areas.
- Try Facial Massage. ...
- Merge Makeup and Skincare. ...
- Work with Liquids and Creams. ...
- Upgrade Your Beauty Tools. ...
- Give Foundation a Glow-Up. ...
- Take Highlighter Higher.
To get a dewy look, use a humectant, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. “These usually come in serum form, but they could also appear in products that seek to fill in a hybrid slot between a serum and a moisturizer,” Gonzalez says. Try a budget-friendly option, like The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid.
What should you not use on oily skin? ›- 1) Occlusives like petroleum jelly. ...
- 2) Face oils like coconut oil. ...
- 3) Alcohol-based products. ...
- 4) Rough physical scrubs. ...
- 5) Silicones like dimethicone. ...
- 6) Artificial dyes. ...
- Also read:
A dewy finish uses natural oils and humectants to reflect light and create radiance. Dewy looks are often described as “luminous,” “healthy” or “glowing.” Celebs like Kate Beckinsale, JLo and Chrissy Tiegen often gravitate toward a dewy finish. A matte finish is non-reflective, often with a powdery texture.
Why does my foundation make me look dull? ›The main reason why your foundation looks grey on your skin is because of the foundation shade you are using. If you pick a shade that is much lighter than your skin tone without having the same undertone, this will make your skin look dull and grey after application.
Which makeup product gives shine? ›Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum, INR 1,900
Make-up boosting serum that helps create healthy and clear, dewy and glowing skin. It has a lightweight texture that blends well with any type of foundation including cushion foundation, so it stays put for long hours and creates make-up ready skin.
Last Minute Face Pack For Instant Glow - YouTube
How do celebrities get shiny faces? ›- Use Frozen Milk Cubes. Milk and ice cube is the perfect combination for curing dry and dull skin. ...
- DIY Hydrating Mask. ...
- Exfoliate. ...
- Get Enough Sleep. ...
- Use Aloe Vera Gel Daily. ...
- Apply Toner Before Moisturiser or Serum. ...
- Include Vitamin C in Your Routine. ...
- Treat Your Face With Facials.
Should I use foundation on oily skin? ›
Set Your Makeup
Setting your foundation is a must if you have oily skin. Bye Bye Pores Pressed Setting Powder—which is now available in extended shades—not only keeps your makeup in place, but it delivers a smooth, natural matte finish that blurs the look of imperfections.
Matte foundation is ideal for oily skin, as it will not appear too shiny or glossy. Avoid foundation with a radiant or semi-matte finish, as these types can make your skin appear more oily or greasy. You can find matte foundation in a liquid or powder form.
Is cream or liquid foundation better for oily skin? ›“Generally, if you have oily skin, a powder foundation is great for you,” she explains. “If you have normal skin, a liquid foundation is great for you, and if you have dry skin a cream foundation is good for you.”
Is liquid or powder foundation better for oily skin? ›Because of its formula, powder foundation works best for oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. Powder foundation is a great option if you have oily skin because powder formulas absorb excess oil. It's also less likely to clog pores than a liquid foundation which is good for acne-prone skin.
Is matte or dewy foundation better for oily skin? ›Based on its characteristics, matte finish is more suitable for those with oily skin. Its formula can leave zero excess oil, is usually long-lasting, and controls shine leaving matte foundation more loved by people with oily or acne-prone skin.
Can oily skin wear dewy foundation? ›Getting the dewy look can be difficult when you have combination to oily skin — but it's definitely not impossible. The key is adding the glow back into the skin and creating a solid base that won't break apart and become greasy after hours of wear.
Why does my face look oily with foundation? ›No matter what your skin type, most of the time your skin tends to become oily after applying makeup. Oil on the skin can melt your makeup, clog the pores and also trigger the appearance of pimples on the skin. Generally, makeup oxidizes on your skin which in turn produces oil on your skin.
Which brand foundation is best? ›- Best Overall - Maybelline New York Super Stay 24H Full Coverage Liquid Foundation. ...
- Best Budget - Lakmé 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Foundation. ...
- Best to use in summer - Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin. ...
- Best Natural Finish Foundation - L.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer With SPF 50+ It Cosmetics' Oil-Free Bye Bye Foundation is an excellent choice for oily skin thanks to its water-based formula that's easily blendable—creating the illusion of an ultrasmooth, natural-looking complexion.
Which compact and foundation is best for oily skin? ›...
10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin Available in India.
| S.No | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Maybelline New York Super Stay 24H Full Coverage Liquid Foundation | ₹ 750 |
Can oily skin Wear Hydrating foundation? ›
And even though a hydrating foundation can still work with oily skin types, if you're worried it will only enhance your already-radiant complexion, not only should you make sure the foundation is oil-free, but you can also limit where and how you apply it.
Is powder or liquid foundation better for older skin? ›Mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation, as powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.