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
How do you keep foundation on oily skin? ›
- 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.
Conclusion. You can still achieve a dewy and glowy makeup look if you have oily skin. The key is to start with a good skincare routine and choose the right makeup products. Apply a mattifying primer on your t-zone, use a liquid highlighter on your cheekbones, and finish with a dewy setting spray.
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.
- 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.
- Prep your skin with a primer. ...
- Apply a light layer of liquid foundation. ...
- Dab a concealer. ...
- Use a brow pencil to fill gaps. ...
- Brush your brows with a clear gel. ...
- Warm up a creamy highlighter. ...
- Set the makeup with a translucent powder. ...
- Use a waterproof mascara.
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.
What makeup gives you a dewy look? ›“Highlighter creams and balms are a must for the dewy skin look. I love adding these to the high points of the face, bridge of the nose, the cupid's bow, and sometimes even on the eyelids and lips to add sheen and dewiness to these areas,” Sesnek says.
How do you make double wear glow? ›Mix 2 drops of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum with the Double Wear Foundation. Blend onto the face, working from the centre out. Tap the ANR Serum onto the high points of the cheekbones for an extra dewy glow. Brush through the brows for a polished and pulled-together finish.
Which foundation is best for natural look? ›- Best Overall: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40 Foundation.
- Best Weightless: Basma The Foundation Stick.
- Best Satin Finish: Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation.
- Best Hydrating: Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation.
- Best for Blurring: Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation.
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
It's rare to find a foundation with SPF 50, which is one of the many reasons why beauty lovers rave about this new luxury product. It made its debut on the Fall-Winter 2021 runway and, in the time since, has amassed a bevy of positive reviews.
Why does my face look oily After applying foundation? ›
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 makeup matte all day? ›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.
Is liquid or stick 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 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 Estee Lauder foundation good for oily skin? ›This classic foundation is a go-to for those with oily skin, since it promises longer wear, a flawless matte finish, and buildable coverage. Fragrance- and oil-free, Estée Lauder's Double Wear is a great option if your T-zone tends to get shiny throughout the day.
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.
How can I add glow to my foundation? ›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.
- Kim Kardashian. She has the type of creamy skin complexion that makes people jealous. ...
- Nicole Kidman. Kidman may be one of the best role models in Hollywood for judicious use of sunscreen. ...
- Jennifer Aniston. ...
- Natalie Portman. ...
- Beyonce Knowles.
Cleansing, toning and moisturizing—in that order—get rid of makeup, dirt, dead skin cells, oil, and other pollutants that build up on our skin throughout the day. CTM also rebalances the pH levels of your skin and rehydrates your cells, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.
What is the secret to flawless skin? ›Cleanse your Skin
That is because your skin needs to breathe overnight and having makeup on the skin prevents that, as it can clog the pores, leading to blemishes and blackheads. Before going to bed, remove your makeup and apply a moisturizer before you sleep. This is one of the best tips for flawless skin.
How can I make my face glow in minutes? ›
Make a solution of lemon juice and water in the ratio of 2:3 and gently apply to your skin using cotton. Leave for 10 minutes and wash with cool water. Then pat dry. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to other homemade face masks.
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.
It provides great coverage and gives the skin a healthy, dewy finish, but not without its downsides.
What is the difference between dewy and oily? ›Dewy skin looks freshly moisturised with a natural gleam that reflects light in the most beautiful way, especially on the highest points of the face like the cheekbones. On the other hand, oily skin looks shiny and greasy all over. You'll also know when your skin feels like it's clogged with oil, too.
Do you put powder over dewy foundation? ›Try to leave most parts of your face powder-free; you want your skin to stay dewy but applying powder all over will only block the effect and you'll end up with a matte finish instead.
How can I glow my face in one day? ›You just need to take some raw cold milk and dip a cotton ball in it. Now dab this cotton ball all over your skin. Leave it overnight and wash your face in the morning with cold water. It will help you get rid of your dark spots and make your look glowing.
What foundation is equivalent to Estee Lauder Double Wear? ›Revlon actually has a few excellent full coverage foundations which can be considered dupes for Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. If are looking for a thinner consistency foundation, consider Revlon ColorStay Makeup (liquid) as a dupe for Estee Lauder Double Wear.
Do you need primer with Estée Lauder Double Wear? ›Estée Lauder double wear for dry skin
The only thing I recommend is to apply a primer or a moisturizer beforehand, as even for oily skin, it can feel a little tight straight after application.
We started out simply, mixing a pea-sized amount of Double Wear with moisturizer to sheer it out, then applying with a foundation brush just to uneven areas. Most of us have redness or discoloration at the center of the face, so blend outward from there to keep the look natural.
What foundation celebrities use? ›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 is the best foundation for everyday use? ›
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation. ...
- Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation. ...
- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. ...
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30. ...
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup.
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.
Which foundation is best for oily and acne-prone skin? ›- 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.
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 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.
Is cream or powder foundation better for older skin? ›Even the slightest signs of aging can be magnified with the wrong makeup, so if you'd like to see fewer crow's-feet or laugh lines, opt for a liquid foundation. “Powder can actually settle into wrinkles and accentuate them, but liquid products act like a filler for a smoother finish,” Bruzzesi says.
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.
Is powder or liquid foundation better for older skin? ›Mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation, as powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Which one is best for oily skin? ›- Wash your face. It seems obvious, but many people with oily skin don't wash their face daily. ...
- Blotting papers. ...
- Honey. ...
- Cosmetic clay. ...
- Oatmeal. ...
- Egg whites and lemons. ...
- Almonds. ...
- Aloe vera.
Aloe Vera Gel + Moisturizer
Mix a teaspoon or two of moisturizer (depending on how oily your skin is) to a dollop of pure aloe vera gel and apply all over your face as a primer. Aloe vera gel will soothe redness and the moisturizer combination is a great way to maintain a dewy finish without looking oily.
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.
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.
...
- Know your undertone. ...
- Know your skin type. ...
- Know the level of coverage you desire. ...
- Swatch foundation the right way. ...
- Patience is key.
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.”
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.
How do you know if your foundation is water oil or silicone based? ›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.