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
What makeup should I use for oily skin? ›
Use a Mattifying Powder Foundation
If you have oily skin, you'll want to look for a foundation that has a matte finish. It's best to avoid anything with a radiant finish since that can make your skin look overly greasy.
- 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.
- Best for Full Coverage: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 40.
- Best Drugstore Foundation: Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup.
- Best Lightweight Foundation: Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation.
- Try Facial Massage. ...
- Merge Makeup and Skincare. ...
- Work with Liquids and Creams. ...
- Upgrade Your Beauty Tools. ...
- Give Foundation a Glow-Up. ...
- Take Highlighter Higher.
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.
How do I keep my face from getting oily throughout the day? ›Start your routine with a face cleanser. Washing your face with a gentle foaming cleanser will help manage your skin's sebum production. Be sure not to wash your face more than twice a day. If you overdo it, your skin will start producing even more sebum to compensate for the moisture loss.
What can I put on my face before makeup for oily skin? ›Start by applying a mattifying primer all over the face, and use concealer to cover any blemishes. Then, apply an oil-free, mattifying foundation for oily skin all over your face, and set the foundation by applying an even layer of loose finishing powder over your skin with a brush.
Should oily skin use liquid or powder foundation? ›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.
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.
Which foundation gives glow on face? ›Benefit Cosmetics Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation. The secret to achieving glowing skin with this formula lies in the fact that it contains photochromatic pigments—these instantly make your skin appear brighter under any source of light, artificial or natural.
Which foundation is best for glowing skin? ›
- Coloressence Aqua Shimmer Base Foundation,
- Faces Canada Glam On Prime Perfect Foundation,
- L'Oreal Paris Mat Magique 12H Bright Mat Foundation - G1 + Free Kajal Magique,
- Natio Pure Mineral Foundation,
- SeaSoul Ultra Waterproof Airbrush Finish Liquid Foundation,
- Natio Mineral Crystal Loose Foundation,
Matte Foundation Works Best For Oily Skin
For example, you can try the Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation if you have oily skin. Its non-comedogenic formula refines pores for a flawlessly matte and natural-looking finish.
- 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.
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. ...
- L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation with SPF and Hyaluronic Acid. ...
- Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation SPF 20. ...
- Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation. ...
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.
Have a Monthly Facial. Facials have been a celebrity skin care staple since their inception, and for good reason. These non-invasive treatments really can work wonders to prevent breakouts, smooth out fine lines, and give your face an all-over glow.
How do I make my foundation look shiny? ›- Step 1: Prep Your Face With A Primer. Save. Apply a good moisturizer according to your skin type. ...
- Step 2: Hydrate Your Skin With A Finishing Spray. Save. ...
- Step 3: Foundation And Highlighter To Add Glow. Save. ...
- Step 4: Dab On Concealer. Save. ...
- Step 5: Highlight Again To Set Your Glow. Save.
Add a Highlighter
Instead of mixing a skincare formula into your foundation, mix two drops of a liquid highlighter with your foundation and apply it to the skin with your fingers or a damp beauty blender. It'll instantly give your skin a luminous finish, without looking greasy.
One trick that will not only seal your makeup look for the day, but also keep your skin matte is to use a mattifying setting spray after applying your makeup. Some of the best matte sprays include the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray and Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray.
How do I keep my makeup matte all day? ›Try applying a lightweight translucent setting powder after you're done applying all of your complexion products. This not only mattifies by soaking up excess oil left on the skin but will also set your makeup for a longer wear. Get a pressed version that you can take with you to soak up oil throughout the day.
What foods cause oily skin? ›- Dairy products. Surely, they're great for health but they aren't very good for your skin! ...
- Fried foods. Do you love eating fried foods? ...
- Salty foods. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Sugary foods Sugary foods don't only spike your blood glucose levels but can also cause many other types of health problems.
Why my face gets oily so fast? ›
There are many reasons for oily skin, including stress, humidity, genetics, and fluctuating hormones.
Does oily skin need moisturizer before makeup? ›Moisturizer
This step is non-negotiable — whether your skin is oily or dry. Before applying makeup you will want to use a light moisturizer to not make the base oily. Make sure you use a moisturizer that suits your skin-type, and offers an all-day hydration.
An easy way to remember the right order is to separate your products into two separate routines. Moisturizer (or sunscreen) should always be the last step in your skin care routine. Primer should always be the first step in your makeup routine. Your skin care routine always comes first.
Is it better to wear powder or liquid foundation? ›Liquid foundation tends to be the better choice for dry skin types as the hydrating formula flatters the skin while powder can emphasize it and cling to dry patches. We love the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation for its full coverage and hydrating, radiant finish that doesn't look cakey.
Should I put powder over my foundation? ›Proper Application Is Key
It's best to apply powder after your other beauty products such as concealer and foundation. It works to set the makeup.
You can use a powder foundation since it can help with oil control. You can also use a combination of a liquid foundation with a powder foundation on top in oily spots. This technique will give you a full coverage appearance. However, if you have wrinkles or mature skin, you may want to avoid powders.
What is the difference between Matt and dewy foundation? ›Those with aging skin often find matte foundation causes their lines to look more dry and pronounced. On the flip side, dewy foundation injects skin with the hydration it might need. Gives you a radiant, lit-from-within glow. The trend lately has been more towards glowing skin and away from cakey complexions.
Is silicone based foundation good for oily skin? ›If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to go with the latter. Silicone-based foundations typically have super smoothing properties that can blur the look of pores and many are formulated to curb oil production, too.
Is matte foundation good for oily skin? ›Here's a drugstore foundation option from Maybelline. The Fit Me matte liquid foundation is an excellent fit for combination and oily skin types, thanks to micro-powders that mattify and blur blemishes and dark spots, meaning you'll need fewer touch-ups during the day.
Is powder or liquid 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 foundation good for oily skin? ›
Here's a drugstore foundation option from Maybelline. The Fit Me matte liquid foundation is an excellent fit for combination and oily skin types, thanks to micro-powders that mattify and blur blemishes and dark spots, meaning you'll need fewer touch-ups during the day.
Can oily skin use 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.
Is water based foundation good for oily skin? ›Looking for a lightweight finish that works well at controlling oil and shine? Then yes, a water based foundation is perfect for you. Because it's lightweight, this type of foundation is ideal for all-day wear, especially during hot and humid days. People with oily skin will also appreciate its lightweight finish.
Should you wear pressed powder over liquid foundation? ›Just don't pack them both on, “A common mistake people make is using powder foundation on top of a liquid foundation,” Major says. This can result in a cakey finish. Mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation, as powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Which is better liquid or cream foundation? ›“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.” “It's also the quality of the skin that determines the product,” adds celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter. “Many skin types can cross over between a liquid and a powder, or use either/or.
What goes on first foundation or concealer? ›Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
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.
...
- Know your undertone. ...
- Know your skin type. ...
- Know the level of coverage you desire. ...
- Swatch foundation the right way. ...
- Patience is key.
This is great for those people who like the face to look radiant and youthful. Based on its characteristics, matte finish is more suitable for those with oily skin.
Is matte foundation better for older skin? ›While coverage level is a matter of personal preference, those with mature skin will want to blur texture and blend discoloration with a formula that doesn't settle into fine lines or dry patches—meaning it's best to avoid matte makeup, as it's more prone to creasing.
How do you make your makeup last longer on oily skin? ›
- Moisturise skin. Any makeup artist will tell you that the secret to achieving perfect makeup is to focus on skincare. ...
- Don't forget primer. ...
- Apply makeup in light layers. ...
- Use mattifying formulas. ...
- Choose powders over creams. ...
- Use an eye base. ...
- Finish with a setting spray.
Water-Based Primers vs.
“Water-based primers are best for dry and dehydrated skin — they will last longer and look better on dry skin,” says Dorman. “Whereas silicone-based primers look better on oily skin, as the silicone creates a layer that keeps the oil from breaking through.”
All you need to do is check the ingredients list and look for what ingredients feature at the top of the list. If your foundation has ingredients ending in -cone/methicone or siloxane at the top of the ingredients list, it is a silicone-based foundation.
How do you tell if a foundation is water or silicone based? ›In order to know whether your primer is silicone or water-based, you can simply check the ingredient list. Water is usually the first ingredient in silicone or water based primers. In fact, most liquid products have water as a main ingredient.