An oily skin type is characterised by a heightened production of sebum - which can often lead to enlarged pores, spots, blackheads and a shiny complexion. Because of this, it's really important to find a great foundation that specifically caters to oily skin types. We're talking non-comedogenic, long-wearing formulas that will kick shine to the curb while still allowing skin to breathe.
With the right skincareand an unbeatable base from our edit of the best foundations for oily skin, you'll be able to control excess sebum and balance out shine, boasting flawless make-up that will last from dawn to dusk.
Is Liquid Foundation Best For Oily Skin?
There are several liquid and powder foundations available on the market specifically formulated with oily skin types in mind. A powder foundation is great for absorbing excess oils but may not stick around all day. Whereas a liquid foundation is a great option for staying power. Plus, you can then set your foundation with a powder and get the best of both!
How Do I Choose A Foundation For Oily Skin Online?
Start by picking a texture - do you prefer powder formulations or liquid? Next, flick through our gallery below and take note of the foundations that sound appealing to you. Finally, to find your shade, lots of websites (e.g. Dior, Armani, Chanel) are now offering a virtual try on service. If the brand you like doesn't have this service, click hereto find out the best way to shop your foundation online.
The Best Liquid And Powder Foundations For Oily Skin
The Best Shine-Busting Foundations for Oily Skin
1 of 13Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation, £42
Summary: A full-coverage, liquid foundation that dries down to a matte finish. Details: Long-lasting yet lightweight, build this foundation up in thin layers until you reach your desired coverage. Available in 15 shades with added SPF 25.
2 of 13Revlon Photoready Candid Anti-Pollution Foundation, £9.99
Summary: With anti-pollution, antioxidants and anti-blue light properties, this foundation is ideal for city-dwellers with combination and oily skin.Details: Free from oils, this drugstore foundation has a creamy texture that will look more natural as opposed to cake-y. Available in 31 shades.
3 of 13Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, £27
Summary: If you're after a soft-focus, shine-free finish – turn your face to this lightweight foundation, pronto. Details: Oil-free, this liquid formulation can easily be built up from a second-skin finish to full coverage. Available in 50 shades.
4 of 13bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation, £28
Summary: A powder foundation that's especially great for those of us who are prone to breakouts. Details: BareMinerals magical formulation contains 0.5% salicylic acid to target blemishes and kaolin clay to mattify skin. Once buffed in correctly - using circular motions - expect your skin to look practically airbrushed. Available in 10 shades.
5 of 13L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, £9.99
Summary: With enough change to still get your morning latte, this affordable base really won't budge. Smooth it over well hydrated cheeks to avoid it creeping into any fine lines and expect phenomenal coverage that will require zero powder touch-ups.Details: The liquid emulsion formula melts onto skin for an even coverage that's resistant to sweat, water and heat. It also has added SPF 18 to protect skin from harmful UV rays. Available in 20 shades.
6 of 13Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Foundation, £35
Summary: 'Silky' is not normally one of the words used to describe an oil-free foundation, but it's the first word that springs to mind when you try this base. Details: Impeccable for buildable coverage, start with a sheer light layer and add to customise your perfect finish. Available in 16 shades.
7 of 13Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation, £25
Summary: If your oil production is causing you to break out, Clinique have the answer. Packed with salicylic acid to treat blemishes and yellow based pigments to neutralise redness, hiding spots has never been easier.Details: The lightweight liquid formula conceals and covers redness and blemishes without looking chalky. Available in 10 shades.
8 of 13Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, £50
Summary: For those of you who swear you'd never normally opt for matte, we promise this will sway you. Practically undetectable, the instantly mattifying effect resembles that of a translucent powder. It may be steep in price, but for a finish this flawless, we say it's worth it.Details: Oil-free, this liquid matte foundation controls excess oil without drying skin out. Available in 22 shades.
9 of 13Estee Lauder Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation, £36
Summary: A silky soft powder foundation that controls oil and shine and can be built up from sheer to full coverage with the versatile sponge. Details: For sheer coverage, use the applicator wet, for medium use the velvety side and flip it to the sponge side for full coverage. Clever huh? Available in 30 shades.
10 of 13Sleek MakeUp Crème To Powder Foundation, £7.99
Summary: A lightweight cream foundation that turns to a matte powder on application. Simply work it in with the sponge for even, full coverage. Details: Blended with SPF 15, this foundation protects against UV rays, takes down shine while still moisturising skin. Available in 24 shades.
11 of 13It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40, £32
Summary: After the huge success of the original CC cream, It Cosmetics developed a matte version that's specifically designed with oily skin in mind. Details: SPF 40, oil-free and creamy in texture, this skin-friendly formula melts into the skin like butter for a matte, full coverage finish. Available in 12 shades.
12 of 13Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder, £31
Summary: Worried about powder creeping into your fine lines? This base will do exactly the opposite. As the first anti-ageing powder on the market that uses a combo of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and powerful pepties, it's even been patented for its multi-tasking benefits. Genius!Details: A loose powder foundation that can be buffed in with a big brush for even coverage. Available in 10 shades.
13 of 13Sculpted By Aimee Connolly Second Skin Foundation (Matte Finish), £25
Summary: With a similar consistency to IT Cosmetics, this 100% mineral formula is great for those with acne-prone skin. The matte finish leaves your skin with a velvet-smooth finish without dampening your glow. Details: Available in 17 shades (plus a dewy finish, if you like to amp up the glow)
How Do I Apply Foundation To Oily Skin?
If you're looking to cover up blemishes and take down shine, a fuller coverage foundation and a tapered foundation brush are the best tools to use - a tapered foundation brush is precise enough to target specific areas. You can then use a stippling or buffing brush afterwards to lock down a smoother finish.
What Skincare Products Help Oily Skin?
Mousse texture cleansers are particularly good for oily skin types as they’ll erase make-up, and eradicate dirt, without leaving additional oils on the skin, we love Dr Barbara Sturm Cleanser, £42.
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Toner, £21, might feel like an unnecessary extra step in your skincare routine, but a toner is pretty essential for not only balancing out combination skin, but for its pore-refining abilities too.
Invest in a good clay-based mask. They are great at soaking up traces of dirt and grease, but be sure not to wear yours until it’s completely dry, as you don’t want it to soak up ‘the good moisture’ in your skin, try L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Detox Mask, £7.99.
And finally, a great moisturiser is key, even if you don’t think it should be. Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion, £59, will give your skin the moisture it needs, without leaving it feeling greasy. Win, win! For more face washes for oily skin and targeted treatments for acne-prone skin, check out our product edit here.