If you have oily skin, finding the right foundation can feel like a never-ending quest. The best foundations for oily skin should be long-lasting with a natural matte finish that controls shine and minimizes the need for touch-ups. An oil-free and non-comedogenic formula is essential to avoid clogged pores and breakouts; foundations with hydrating ingredients and powder foundations are often recommended.
Keep reading for the top foundation picks that promise a shine-free, creaseless complexion, no matter the weather.
Tips on how to choose the best foundations for oily skin
- Olier skin tends to work well with powder-based foundations, if you prefer liquid foundation, look for the keywords on the packaging like oil-free, non-comedogenic, long-wear and matte
- Enlist a foundation that contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants & salicylic acid, these ingredients can increase hydration, soothe inflammation, and avoid sun damage
- Avoid pore-clogging ingredients like myristyl myristate, petrolatum, mineral oil, or lanolin
- Try on a free sample or travel kit to find out the full potential of the new foundation
Not sure how to find the right foundation shade? You can download Watsons Apps and try the “Foundation Finder” function.
Before makeup, make sure you get the right cleanser & moisturizer for oily skin. Also, remember to exfoliate with a chemical exfoliator like AHA or Salicylic Acid regularly to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.
REVLON ColorStay Makeup Pump
This oil-free foundation delivers a flawless matte finish for oily and combination skin and wears for up to 24 hours, no matter what your day brings. That’s why we call it a “life-tested” foundation. The formula delivers a flawless matte finish and is also oil-free and fortified with SPF 15 to help protect your skin. It provides medium-to-full buildable coverage that last.
Shake well and can be applied with a small dab to one area at a time. It can blend quickly with the buffing Foundation Brush before it sets. You can repeat over any area where you want coverage.
“The best foundation ever i’ve tried. No transfer and long lasting! Definitely will become my fav foundation.”
WARDAH Clrfit Velvet Powder Foundation
This product is a matte powder foundation with SPF 20 PA+++. It helps to reduce the appearance of large pores with smoother skin. Based on WARDAH’s test, the Clrfit Velvet Powder Foundation offers up to 12 hours of oil-control effect.
“The coverage is medium to full. It didn’t crack and oxidize. Using this powder makes my face look smooth. I’ve only tried it for 7 hours and it’s pretty good for controlling excess oil on my face. What’s more, this powder has SPF so it can protect our skin from sun damage.”
MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation SPF 115
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is designed for oily skin, offering a matte finish. This foundation controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores for a natural look. The oil-free formula is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. It provides medium, buildable coverage that conceals imperfections and evens skin tone.
Available in a wide range of shades to match various skin tones, the foundation blends seamlessly for a fresh, natural result.
“I love the mate effect even it is not full coverage. Doesnt make my face oily n thus code is suitable for light fair skin”
RIMMEL Lasting Matte Foundation
This full coverage, lightweight base that controls shine to keep your skin comfortably matte. The mousse formula transforms into a powder finish, plus it ensures your complexion feels hydrated and balanced for up to 12 hours, so you can enjoy a matte finish that lasts.
“This lightweight mousse formula controls shine without feeling tight or cakey. It offers medium-to-full coverage that manages to look natural but stays put.”
JUDYDOLL Long Wearing Foundation
The JUDYDOLL Long-Wearing Foundation offers long-lasting, comfortable wear with excellent oil control for a flawless complexion. This foundation helps create a smooth, even base while minimizing shine. Its lightweight formula prevents a cakey appearance, ensuring a natural look throughout the day.
Available in a range of shades tailored for Asian skin tones, this foundation seamlessly blends for buildable coverage. Perfect for daily wear, it keeps your skin looking fresh and matte.
“It’s truly worth every penny! Its skin-like finish is incredibly natural, making it perfect for everyday wear. I love how it seamlessly blends into my skin, providing the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy or cakey.”
Y.O.U Cloud Touch Blurring Skin Tint
Y.O.U Cloud Touch Blurring Skin Tint SPF 25+ is a lightweight foundation perfect for oily and combination skin. Infused with ceramides and SPF 25, it blurs imperfections while protecting your skin. This formula provides a silky, non-greasy feel, improving skin texture with light-diffusing properties.
Key ingredients like camellia sinensis and centella asiatica extract offer additional skincare benefits. This gentle product is suitable for daily wear and leaves skin radiant and smooth.
“I’ve been on the hunt for a foundation that doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a mask, especially since my oily skin can be such a drama queen. Enter the Y.O.U Cloud Touch Blurring Skin Tint. Honestly, the name is perfect because it feels like a cloud! It’s so light, I almost forget I’m wearing anything.”