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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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) 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 toner (opens in new tab)round up for some of our favourites) or a physical gentle face scrub (opens in new tab).
It's also worth looking at complimentary products to go alongside your new foundation and help it achieve its full potential. The best primers (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab), 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: 35Coverage: Medium to fullFormula: LiquidFinish: 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:20Coverage:MediumFormula:LiquidFinish: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:50Coverage:Medium, buildableFormula:LiquidFinish: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:14Coverage:Medium, buildableFormula:LiquidFinish: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:30Coverage:MediumFormula:PowderFinish: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:44Coverage:FullFormula:LiquidFinish: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:25Coverage:MediumFormula:LiquidFinish:Demi-matte
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Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup, £35 | Sephora
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: 60Coverage: FullFormula: LiquidFinish: 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:14Coverage:Medium to fullFormula:CreamFinish: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: 8Coverage: MediumFormula: LiquidFinish: 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:22Coverage:Medium to fullFormula:LiquidFinish: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:67Coverage:Medium to fullFormula:LiquidFinish: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:16Coverage:Medium to fullFormula:LiquidFinish: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:35Coverage:MediumFormula:LiquidFinish: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:10Coverage:Medium to fullFormula:LiquidFinish:Demi-matte
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RMS Beauty "Re" Evolve Natural Finish Foundation, £46 | Sephora
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:16Coverage:MediumFormula:LiquidFinish:Demi-matte
FAQs
Which is the best glossy foundation? ›
- Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15. ...
- Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer. ...
- Guinot Fond De Teint Soin Youth Time Foundation. ...
- Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20. ...
- Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Dewy Finish Second Skin 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.
What do you put on foundation before 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.
How do you make your face look shiny with makeup? ›- Try Facial Massage. ...
- Merge Makeup and Skincare. ...
- Work with Liquids and Creams. ...
- Upgrade Your Beauty Tools. ...
- Give Foundation a Glow-Up. ...
- Take Highlighter Higher.
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 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.
Which foundation gives glossy look? ›GLOWY GLOSSY SHINY SKIN GLOW FOUNDATION Foundation (CREAM, 160 ml)
Which foundation has a dewy finish? ›NARS Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation: The best all-round dewy foundation. This lightweight foundation provides a glowing, satin finish to the skin, making it look more luminous and hydrated. It's a buildable foundation, but the word “sheer” in its name can be a little misleading.
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.
What foundations do makeup artists use? ›- Fenty Beauty. Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110. ...
- Chanel. Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration & Longwear. ...
- Koh Gen Do. Maifanshi Moisture Foundation. ...
- Glossier. Perfecting Skin Tint. ...
- Charlotte Tilbury. Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. ...
- Tom Ford. Traceless Soft Matte Foundation. ...
- Kosas Cosmetics. ...
- Uoma Beauty.
How can I control my oily skin with makeup? ›
- 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.
When it comes to oily skin, stick foundations are the best because they offer the right coverage, blend well over the skin, and offer smooth texture while making your makeup look very natural. These foundations also help to absorb the excess oil.