Having ultra-dewy skin may be the latest trend, but where does that leave those with oily skin who often look like a glazed donut by afternoon?
Finding a foundation that stays in place all day and keeps the oil in check without making you look like you’ve dunked your face into a bucket of chalk is a very real struggle people with oily skin face. Often, these terrible makeup days are due to using the wrong formula.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend your days checking the mirror to see if another touch-up is necessary – not when you use the best foundation for oily skin. With formulas this good, you’ll confidently toss those blotting papers away.
The Best Foundations for Oily Skin in 2023
1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Made in over 35 shades, every skin tone and undertone can experience the staying power of this long-wearing foundation, which lasts up to 15 hours. The oil-free foundation provides a semi-matte finish that is lightweight, doesn’t change color on you in the middle of the day and doesn’t transfer onto clothing. It also controls oil and is waterproof lasting through humidity, sweat and sweat.
Confidently go from the office to the gym and out with friends without needing a touch-up.
2. Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer
Sure to give you all the bang for your buck, Stila’s longwear foundation comes with its perfectly coordinated cream concealer in one package. A high-definition, lightweight liquid foundation that provides buildable medium to full coverage, skin is covered with a beautiful oil-free matte finish that is water resistant and feels natural on your skin.
A blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants make skin look fresh and renewed no matter what kind of day you’ve been having.
3. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation
Thanks to excess oil that mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores, oily skin types are prone to whiteheads and blackheads. This foundation tackles both head on, covering blemishes and redness induced by acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid, the key ingredient, keeps your pores free and clear by dissolving dead skin cells and oil.
The medium to full coverage formula goes on smoothly, controls breakouts and provides a smooth natural finish.
4. Becca Ever Matte Shine Proof Foundation
When the fun of having excess oil gather around your t-zone and reminding everyone that you have pores finally wears off, this mattifying foundation will become your new best friend.
It prevents the magnifying effect that excess oil can have by using micro powders that absorb shine the entire time it is on your face. The lightweight matte formula doesn’t dry your skin out and glides over your skin like a veil for poreless perfection.
5. bareMinerals Matte Foundation w/ SPF 15
The mattifying version of bareMinerals’ original formula, it may be a powder foundation but it applies like a cream, setting the standard for any and every powder that comes after it.
It stands out for its outstanding ability to hide redness and its silky texture that will have you touching your face way too much.
Buildable coverage and a shine-free, natural matte finish will have you with some of smoothest skin sure to turn heads, especially your own when you catch a glimpse in the mirror.
6. L’Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Matte Powder Foundation
An affordable drugstore brand that works so well you’ll think you’re a makeup artist, this longwear pressed powder foundation reduces shine and absorbs excess oil on your skin’s surface for as long as 16 hours.
This lightweight, medium coverage formula is all about enhancing your skin’s natural texture and tone for a flawless, shine-free complexion. For the perfect natural look and matte finish, look no further than this shine-defying powder foundation.
7. Maybelline New York FIT me Shine-Free + Balance Stick
Drugstore foundations have really stepped up and this foundation stick is another winner. The gel stick has a creamy formula that glides onto the skin smoothly, blends seamlessly and gives a matte powder finish.
Not just designed for ease of use, this stick foundation features an anti-shine powder core in its center; as it swipes across your skin, the powder core instantly begins to absorb excess oil.
Choosing the Best Foundation for Your Oily Skin
By now you know the importance of putting a little thought into your skin’s needs before picking the trendiest foundation or the one your friend swears by.
Foundation that works for you is unique to your skin; even if you have formula designed specifically for oily skin, it may not work for you. Trial and error are a part of getting anything right. Here’s how to find the foundation that will provide you with a flawless and oil-free complexion.
Foundation Type
Choices are compact, matte, liquid and mineral foundation. You can decide on how you prefer to apply makeup, taking into consideration its portability if need be.
Pick formulas that are friendly to your oily skin
Always opt for oil-free formulas. You don’t need any extra moisture added to your face. An oil-free foundation has no artificial or natural oils. For angry breakouts and inflammation, look for soothing ingredients that keep the skin calm.
Don’t forget to look for formulas containing SPF. This is the most skin-friendly ingredient your face can have. Protect precious skin from sun damage by using a foundation containing sunscreen
Formulas with a powder and matte finish work the best as they absorb unwanted oil, leaving behind a balanced, shine-free face. When it comes to a matte finish, make sure you read the comments; some mattifying makeup can dry skin out, leaving you with an ashy look that you may find unappealing.
What kind of coverage do you need?
Ranging from sheer to full coverage foundation, there is an option for every skin issue you may be facing. What’s important to identify is how you use foundation. If it is a part of your skincare regiment, a light to medium coverage formula may be best, especially if you spend most of the day indoors. For special events or celebrations, a full coverage foundation is the best option for full glam.
Do you need staying power?
With oily skin, it’s easy to forget that, unless your norm is very long working days, longwear foundation formulas aren’t necessary. For those who wear makeup daily for extended periods of time, a long-lasting foundation that controls oil effectively is your best bet.
Keep in mind, however, that if you don’t have longwear formulas, touch ups and blotting papers may be a part of your routine.
Get Pores and Oil Under Control
Shine, acne blemishes and clogged pores won’t rule your face or life anymore. Try one of the best foundations for oily skin and get the clear, beautiful skin you deserve without worrying about your next breakout.
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