People with oily skin may feel like they live in a constant battle against enlarged pores, breakouts and melting makeup. But covering up excess shine and imperfections and creating a flawless complexion is possible—you just need the right base. The best foundations for oily skin keep grease at bay, blur pores and imperfections, control shine without overdrying and last all day long. (Both of our top picks from Make Up For Ever and L’Oréal Paris come in a wide range of shades to accommodate various skin tones.)
The best foundations for oily skin help to control shine, blur pores and imperfections and last all … [+] day.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Makeup-wearers with oily skin often find themselves needing to touch up their complexion products more frequently. But with the right formulas, you don’t need to suffer through migrating makeup or be constantly blotting your face. From lightweight, buildable formulas to full-coverage powerhouses, here are the best foundations for a flawless, shine-free complexion.
Shades available: 40 | Size: 1.01 ounces | Cruelty-free: No
Wearing makeup can be tricky because you want to look like you have an even, matte complexion without having a noticeable layer of product on your face. But this liquid formula is so discreet yet effective that it’s difficult to tell you’re even wearing foundation. And while it’s considered medium coverage, it’s buildable so you can layer it for even more blurring. Coverage lasts for up to 24 hours, and it’s also vegan, waterproof, sweatproof and non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause breakouts.
What you’ll love:
Gives a natural look
Not prone to transferring
Layerable
Keep in mind:
Some say it can be drying
Shades available: 40 | Size: 1.0 ounce | Cruelty-free: No
This L’Oréal foundation frequently appears on best lists because it provides lightweight coverage that blurs lines, and it has a natural finish that lasts all day on skin. It has oil absorbers—like silica and perlite—that resist sweat and makeup transfer, so you won’t be battling makeup stains when doing laundry. Reviewers say it doesn’t settle into creases and doesn’t require frequent touch-ups.
What you’ll love:
Has SPF
Won’t clog pores
Offers buildable coverage
Keep in mind:
Some don’t like the scent
Shades available: 42 | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-free: No
If you’re trying to control—and distract from—a greasy complexion, it’s helpful to have a foundation that absorbs excess oil. This silky formula does that, and then some. It evens and mattifies your complexion alongside skincare ingredients such as iris, wild pansy, rose and nasturtium extracts, so it not only provides coverage, it visibly tightens pores and smoothes skin.
What you’ll love:
Has SPF 15
Transfer-proof
Longwearing
Keep in mind:
Shades available: 34 | Size: 1.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: No
If you have oily skin, your goals likely include minimizing the appearance of pores, covering imperfections and preventing a blinding glare from your shiny face. This full-coverage formula doesn’t transfer onto clothing and is intended to last for up to 16 hours a day. Its star ingredients are hyaluronic acid and micro algae, which together absorb excess sebum. “This NARS formula has hyaluronic acid which helps to keep your skin moisturized, but a matte finish so it really lasts,” says Sephora beauty director Helen Dagdag.
In general, you want makeup that’s sweat- and humidity-proof. This Fenty Beauty formula adapts to the climate so you won’t end up with your foundation sliding down your face. You can build coverage until you’re perfectly poreless, and users say it never feels heavy or cakey.
Powder foundations are exceptional for controlling shine yet leaving a breathable feel, which is especially nice in warmer months. This talc-free formula—which contains peony extract and sugarcane-derived squalene—not only absorbs oil, it works to smooth and even tone over time. This can be applied wet or dry, and the velvety texture has such a nice feel and mess-free application that you may find it easier to apply than liquid formulas. It also offers 16 hours of coverage and controls shine for up to 24 hours.
When you have blemish-prone skin, you don’t want to layer a foundation that will further exacerbate breakouts. But this oil-free formula gives you full coverage without making skin angry or irritated. Reviewers say it goes on smoothly, effectively covers redness and acne scars and leaves a flawless finish.
If you have oily skin, there’s a good chance you also obsess over decreasing the appearance of your pores and reducing shine. This hardworking formula has a host of skin-improving ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalene—that not only smooth skin, they also brighten, balance, hydrate and firm. It has oil-absorbing ingredients so your coverage won’t melt off in any kind of humidity.
What you’ll love:
Blends easily
Smoothes skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores
This master multitasker offers long-lasting coverage and helps give a youthful glow—without the greasiness. It contains a hyaluronic complex, vitamin C and niacinamide that together work to hydrate and improve tone.
