Marie Claire newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
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.
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
(opens in new tab)
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
How do I keep my makeup from getting oily and shiny? ›
- 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.
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation. ...
- Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation. ...
- Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Liquid Foundation. ...
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. ...
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation. ...
- Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Makeup.
GLOWY GLOSSY SHINY SKIN GLOW FOUNDATION Foundation (CREAM, 160 ml)
Which foundation is best for oily skin with price? ›Online Shopping at Myntra | PRICE (RS) |
---|---|
Lakme Set of 2 Perfecting Natural Shell Liquid Foundation | Rs. 289 |
Lakme Invisible Finish Foundation - 02 25ml | Rs. 292 |
Lakme Absolute Skin Natural Mousse Mattreal Foundation - Medium Toffee 08 25g | Rs. 701 |
- Stay Out of the Sun. ...
- Find Products that Work for Your Skin and Stick with Them. ...
- Have a Monthly Facial. ...
- Get a Full Eight Hours of Sleep Each Night. ...
- Use (But Don't Overuse) a Serum that Contains Retinol.
Apply a good moisturizer according to your skin type. Even if your skin is too oily, it is best to apply a moisturizer as it will help in blending and application of the base makeup products. After application of the moisturizer, wait for good 5 to 7 minutes, and then apply face primer.
What makeup makes your face glow and shine? ›Top picks for glowing skin are hyaluronic acid (found in Miracle Touch Foundation), vitamin C (putting the 'radiant' in Radiant Lift Concealer), and cucumber (in Lasting Performance Setting Spray). These makeup must-haves work over-time to keep your complexion dreamy and dewy.
Which foundation is best for 24 hours? ›- Best Value: L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. Walmart. ...
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation. Laura Mercier. ...
- Best Full Coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation. ...
- Best Clean: bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20.
- Maybelline New York: Maybelline is an American cosmetic, skincare and personal care brand in New York and is the subsidiary of L'Oreal. ...
- M.A.C Cosmetics: ...
- Lakme Cosmetics:
Celebrity-loved foundations include options from notable brands like Giorgio Armani, Dior, and BareMinerals. See which foundations Meghan Markle, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and more use.
What products make your face look shiny? ›
- Active Infusion Oil. ...
- Mela-Even Cream. ...
- Rescue Serum. ...
- Sunvisor Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 35. ...
- Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Floral Essence. ...
- Undaria Algae Body Oil. ...
- Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum. ...
- Reset Mask.
Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance Face Overnight Oil in S... Lotus Herbals Radiant Gold Cellular Glow Facial Kit (Sing... Love Beauty & Planet Natural Murumuru Butter & Rose Glow ... Lotus Make-Up Xpress Glow 10 in 1 Daily Beauty Cream SPF ...
What product makes face shiny? ›Best retinol: Marie Veronique Gentle Retinol Night Serum ($110) Best niacinamide serum: Follain Brightening Serum ($38) Best face cream: Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer ($32) Best highlighter: RMS beauty Mini Living Luminizer Highlighter Glow Quad ($28)
What foundation do makeup artists use for oily skin? ›It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Oil-Free Matte Moisturizer With SPF 50+ It Cosmetics' Oil-Free Bye Bye Foundation is an excellent choice for oily skin thanks to its water-based formula that's easily blendable—creating the illusion of an ultrasmooth, natural-looking complexion.
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.
How do people get their skin so shiny? ›Sebum is an oily substance made of fats. Sebum isn't all bad since it helps protect and moisturize your skin and keep your hair shiny and healthy. Too much sebum, however, may lead to oily skin, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Genetics, hormone changes, or even stress may increase sebum production.
How do celebrities get their face so clear? ›They use Botox, fillers, sunscreen, chemical peels, and IPL/photofacial. It's not that they have access to anything unique — it's that they actually get the treatments.
Who has the most beautiful skin in the world? ›- Gigi Hadid. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Cara Delevigne. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Amber Heard. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Emma Stone. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Deepika Padukone. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Liza Soberano. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Rihanna. Save. Image: Instagram. ...
- Kendall Jenner. Save. Image: Instagram.
- Keep your skin hydrated. ...
- Exfoliate regularly (but not too often) ...
- Don't use matte formulas. ...
- Apply your makeup using a damp sponge. ...
- Choose cream-textured products over powders. ...
- Apply highlighter (generously) ...
- Use 'dewy finish' setting sprays.
To get a dewy look, use a humectant, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. “These usually come in serum form, but they could also appear in products that seek to fill in a hybrid slot between a serum and a moisturizer,” Gonzalez says. Try a budget-friendly option, like The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid.
Is dewy or matte better for oily skin? ›
Based on its characteristics, matte finish is more suitable for those with oily skin. Its formula can leave zero excess oil, is usually long-lasting, and controls shine leaving matte foundation more loved by people with oily or acne-prone skin.
What is the most illuminating foundation? ›1. 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.
Which is the highest coverage foundation? ›- Best Full-Coverage Foundation Overall: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation.
- Best Full-Coverage Foundation For Dry Skin: MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation.
If you are applying makeup on a regular basis and leaving it on your skin for a long time, there are chances that your skin pores get clogged. This does not let your skin breathe, making it prone to acne, bumps and other facial skin problems. You may notice bumps around your eyes as well.
How do I make my foundation look flawless? ›- Start with a clean canvas. ...
- Take the time to prime. ...
- Be conservative. ...
- Work from the inside out. ...
- Dab, don't rub. ...
- Don't forget your ears! ...
- Set it and forget it. ...
- Stack concealer only where needed.
2022 | 2021 | Name |
---|---|---|
1 | 1 | L'Oréal |
2 | 5 | Estée Lauder |
3 | 2 | Gillette |
4 | 3 | Nivea |
Lopez's longtime makeup artist Scott Barnes revealed to Allure he applies the Dior Forever Foundation on the star. It has buildable matte coverage with a touch of luminosity that's still lightweight on the skin.
What foundation did Meghan Markle use? ›We hunted the talented professional on Instagram, and he mentioned that the Pat McGrath Skin Labs range was used on Prince Harry's wife. The only foundation the brand produces is the Sublime Perfection Foundation so we are pretty sure this was what was used to create Meghan's flawless skin.
Is dewy or matte foundation better for oily skin? ›Based on its characteristics, matte finish is more suitable for those with oily skin. Its formula can leave zero excess oil, is usually long-lasting, and controls shine leaving matte foundation more loved by people with oily or acne-prone skin.
Should you use matte foundation on oily skin? ›Matte foundation is ideal for oily skin, as it will not appear too shiny or glossy. Avoid foundation with a radiant or semi-matte finish, as these types can make your skin appear more oily or greasy. You can find matte foundation in a liquid or powder form.
How do I choose makeup for oily skin? ›
“Key product descriptors to look for when on the hunt for makeup products that work well with oilier skin types are: oil-absorbing, mattifying, oil-free and long-wear.
How can I wear dewy foundation with oily skin? ›- Prep With Water-Based Products. ...
- Apply Tinted Serum In Lieu Of Foundation. ...
- Conceal Dark Circles With Lightweight Concealer. ...
- Only Powder The Most Oil-Prone Areas. ...
- Warm Up The Cheeks With Blush and Bronzer. ...
- Define The Eyes With Mascara.
Yes, matte concealer is the best option for oily skin. Try a budge-proof, transfer-proof matte concealer like Maybelline New York's Super Stay Active Wear Concealer.
Can oily skin people use dewy foundation? ›Oily skin types can, of course, use dewy products... but just know it'll last for one good selfie. In less than an hour, I usually end up with patches where the foundation has completely slipped off my skin.
What do you put on foundation before oily skin? ›Apply mattifying powder
Applying a mattifying powder is another excellent option for oily skin. Brock suggests one with oil-control properties and ingredients that help take down the shine.