Grease, Be Gone! These Are the Best Foundations for Your Oily Skin

6 Qualities to Look for in a Foundation for Oily Skin

Before selecting a foundation, there are several key factors to consider. You’re probably curious if a matte or glowy formula is best. Or even if you should go with a long-wear formula. Fret not, Guerrier is breaking all that down.

• Matte formulas: Guerrier recommends a matte formula for oily skin types, noting that “they are the most effective for controlling oil for a long time.”

• Semi-matte formulas: Semi-matte is also a great option. “Semi-matte formulas have a finish that gives you a 90% matte finish with a touch of luminosity,” shares Guerrier. “These really mimic skin, but as an oily skin girlie, I must set with powder.” When in doubt, opt for a matte finish, and don’t forget the setting powder.

• Oil-free formulas: Should you opt for an oil-free foundation? Guerrier says not necessarily. “There are a lot of formulas that are oil-free or oil-controlling that have oil in their ingredients list that work really well with oily skin.”

• Glowy formulas: Dewy or glowy formulas aren’t the best bet for oily skin types because they accentuate the grease and oil on your face. Instead, opt for one of the formulas listed above. If you do want to achieve a dewy makeup look, opt for a skin tint.

• Long-lasting wear: Guerrier suggests opting for longwear foundation, as it lasts longer on oily skin. Look for products that will last at least 12 hours to get the most bang for your buck.

• Full coverage: Similar to long-lasting foundation, Guerrier also notes that full-coverage foundations “tend to look great hours later with oily skin.” Don’t be afraid of full-coverage; embrace it for your oily skin.

10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin

You want foundations; we have options. From liquid foundation and powder foundation to non-comedogenic and buildable formulas, we’ve got the best foundations for oily skin. Which one will you choose?

1. Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin: 

KVD BEAUTY Good Apple Full-Coverage Transfer-Proof Serum Foundation

Full-coverage foundation that offers a natural-looking finish? KVD BEAUTY Good Apple is one of the only foundations on the market to provide that. Besides covering blemishes and breakouts, it also conceals hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for not only acne-prone skin types but also those with combination skin. Quince leaf extract helps keep shine at bay, blurring pores and minimizing excess oil. Did we mention it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic? And that it also comes in 40 shades for every skin tone and undertone? It really is the best of the best when it comes to makeup products.

2. Best Matte Foundation for Oily Skin: 

COVER FX Power Play Foundation

Keep your complexion shine-free for hours on end with this formula that’s waterproof, sweat-proof, and transfer-proof. Still, it makes your skin look like your skin. Even though it provides full coverage, the natural matte finish looks, well, natural. Think your skin but better.

3. Best Skincare-Based Foundation for Oily Skin: 

PRETTY VULGAR Cool AF Lava Water Foundation

Featuring charcoal powder, Moringa butter, and exotic volcanic lava water, this product is foundation-meets-skincare. Equal parts detoxifying and nourishing, it provides hydration without making your complexion look oilier than necessary. Free of parabens, sulfates, talc, oil, and fragrance, this formula is a perfect match for oily skin.

4. Best Powder Foundation for Oily Skin:

WANDER BEAUTY Wanderlust Powder Foundation

Your fear may be that a powder foundation is too drying, even for oily skin. Not with the WANDER BEAUTY Wanderlust Powder Foundation. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe, the pressed powder keeps your skin hydrated, while its oil-absorbing properties mattify oil without sinking into fine lines or wrinkles, or clogging pores.

5. Best Oily Skin Foundation Stick:

LYS BEAUTY Triple Fix Skin Tint Blurring Foundation Stick

A foundation stick really is life-changing. It helps you apply your base faster while also making it easier to take care of touch-ups throughout the day. The LYS BEAUTY Triple Fix Skin Tint Blurring Foundation Stick is also a serum, primer, and foundation all in one. Green tea extract minimizes the appearance of redness, while watermelon seed extract and rosehip oil help improve your skin’s moisture levels. With a shade range that goes from the lightest to the darkest complexions, there’s a foundation stick for everyone.

6. Best Medium-Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin: 

FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt'r Mini Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Don’t want full coverage but don’t want something too light? The FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt’r Mini Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is right in the middle. With its boundary-breaking shade range of 50 hues, the buildable formula goes from medium to full coverage, and fights heat, sweat, and shine.

7. Best Foundation and Concealer Duo for Oily Skin:  

KEVYN AUCOIN The Sensual Skin Enhancer Foundation & Concealer

Foundation, concealer, contour, corrector, and highlight—what do all these things have in common? They’re everything you can use this one foundation for. The formula is infused with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and honey to moisturize and intensely conceal your complexion. A little goes a long way, so you’ll be able to use this makeup product for a long, long time.

8. Best Mousse Foundation for Oily Skin:

TARTE™ Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Foundation

We mentioned long-wear was something to look for in your foundation, and the TARTE™ Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Foundation checks that box. Help reduce  the appearance of pores and fine lines while improving the look of skin’s texture with this whipped mousse formula that glides on skin to leave you with an airbrush finish. Reviews rave about the non-cakey formula and the natural finish it offers while still providing full coverage.

9. Best SPF Foundation for Oily Skin:

BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS Skin Foundation SPF 15

Offering 24-hour wear, the BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS Skin Foundation SPF 15 provides a long-lasting matte finish. So if you’re looking for something with all-day oil control, this is the foundation for you. Not to mention, it features loads of hydrating properties, so it’ll keep dry skin moisturized for 24 hours as well. But the best part is the sunscreen. Who doesn’t want a foundation that also provides sun protection? Of course, this shouldn’t be your only SPF, but it does help.

10. Best Fragrance-Free Foundation for Oily Skin:

UOMA Say What?! Foundation

For those with sensitive skin, fragrance-free foundation should be your go-to. You don’t want to further irritate your skin’s microbiome with unnecessary ingredients, so opt for the UOMA Say What?! Foundation. It comes in 51 shades and six custom formulas that work with your skin. From sheer coverage to full coverage, the buildable formula helps conceal imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores while softening fine lines and concealing redness, rosacea, and dark spots.

Tips for Applying Foundation on Oily Skin

We know you likely have some FAQs on how to apply your foundation, especially now that we’ve revealed some of the best. Don’t worry, we have your answers. Below are some top tips and tricks from Guerrier for a flawless application every time.

Start With Skincare for a Flawless Base

Skincare is just as much a part of your makeup routine as applying makeup products like mascara and highlighter. Start with an oil-absorbing face wash like the LAVIDO Thera Intensive Oil Control Clarifying Gel Wash, then go in with the BYROE Apple Matcha Tea Clearing Toner to revitalize and purify your skin while also keeping oil at bay. Guerrier then recommends a serum, one of our faves for oily skin being the ELEMIS Clarifying Serum because it minimizes blemishes, pores, and blackheads.

Before you think you can get away without applying a moisturizer, you can’t. “Oily skin still needs moisture more than you think, so never skip [this],” urges Guerrier. The key is to keep it light and use a moisturizer that works for your skin type. We recommend the BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel Moisturizer to lock in moisture without feeling too greasy. Finish with the KOSAS DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, and you’re good to continue with your makeup routine.

Prep With the Right Primer for Your Skin Type

After you’re finished with your skincare routine, it’s time to go in with the right primer for oily skin. The BENEFIT COSMETICS The POREfessional Matte Primer is a classic and loved by makeup artists the world over, providing mattifying properties as well as brightening ingredients to make your skin pop underneath your foundation. If you’re looking for a little extra help with oil control, the ACE BEAUTÉ Layer Grip Primer contains jojoba oil to balance oil levels throughout the day. For one with extra mattifying properties that also protects your skin barrier, opt for the GROWN ALCHEMIST Skin Defense Mattifying Primer.

Take Your Time Between Products to Let Them Set

From your skincare to your prep, Guerrier recommends taking some time between each product to really let them set into your skin and do what they’re supposed to do. “After skincare (toner, serum, and SPF), I let that absorb for at least 10 minutes before applying my primer,” she shares. Patience is key when applying makeup.

Work With a Brush to Avoid Excess Oil on Your Face

Some of us (we’re not pointing fingers) do enjoy applying our foundation with our fingers (guilty). But for oily skin types, this does more harm than good by adding unnecessary oil to your complexion. Instead, use a brush like the F.A.R.A.H Flat Foundation Brush 615F to distribute cream and liquid foundation better. The LYS BEAUTY Confident Precision Makeup Sponge is another great option for flawless makeup application.

Build Your Foundation in Layers to Achieve a Natural Look

“Less is more,” emphasizes Guerrier. She recommends working in layers and building up as needed. No need to go all in with the foundation. Start with a light layer, assess if you need more, then add more. Remember, it’s easier to add than it is to subtract when it comes to makeup.

Opt for a Color Corrector to Use Less Product

If you don’t want to use too much foundation, Guerrier suggests starting with a color corrector. “If I color correct before foundation, I’m able to use less of it. It looks great and is more natural too.” Try the KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Undercover Hoe in Universal Corrector, which has just about every color you could possibly need for color correcting.

Use a Combination of a Setting Powder and Setting Spray

Guerrier uses a combination of setting powder and setting spray to keep oil at bay and set her makeup look. Her go-to products are the DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Setting Spray and the TARTE™ Life Lock™ Hydrating Setting Spray. The DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY Evolution Powder is a great setting powder option for oily skin.

When it comes to powder application, go in light. “I used to be heavy-handed with powders with my oily skin, but once I found the right primer and setting spray, having a light hand with setting powder works best,” says Guerrier. “I work in light layers, and I do a baby bake for my under eyes.”

Final Thoughts

When choosing your foundation, be sure to look for products that are matte, semi-matte, and oil-free. Anything that is dewy or glowy will make your oily complexion look greasy. Also, opt for full-coverage and longwear foundations, because they have the most staying power and oil won’t make them budge.

As far as application goes, start with skincare and primer, then go in with light layers to build up the foundation to the coverage you’re looking for. Work slowly so you don’t have to take it all off and start over if you go too quickly.

Some of the best foundations for oily skin are in the IPSY Shop, along with the tools, skincare, and setting products you need to perfect your look. Get ready, get set…now create a flawless base with all the info and products we provided!