An oily skin refers to a skin type that is prone to producing oils on the face that give a greasy appearance and blemishes. It is important to find the best product that will provide full-face coverage with a matte and flawless finish, instead of having a shinier and greasy finish. Controlling the excess oil in the face is the main job of these foundation products. A foundation is a cosmetic product that covers the flaws in the skin and corrects the uneven skin tone.
There are things that should be considered in choosing the best foundation, for oily skin. The product should be water-based, and lightweight. Heavily textured foundation tends to clog pores and might suffocate the skin. While, water-based and lightweight, the foundation is breathable and provides the proper hydration to the skin. The ingredient of the product is a factor that a user can benefit from using the product, almost foundation product provides a total covering of the blemishes and pores of the face as well as the dark spots. It also gives a smoother makeup finish and hours of oil control for oily skin.
Listed below are the top selections for best foundation for oily skin in 2022:
1. Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation (Best Overall)
The Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation is a must-have item for a makeup routine. It is a water-based product that is best suited for oily skin, but also works for normal, dry, and combination of oily and dry skin. It offers a 12 hour of wearing, but can still give a smooth complexion to the skin. Another thing about this foundation is that, it contains an oil-free formula, which means that it holds the oiliness of the skin and mattifies it. This product is lightweight on the skin, which is comfortable, and comes with 40 different shades that will give everyone a chance to get the product fitted to their own skin colour and type. It has a full coverage that gives a beautiful, velvety finish and a natural looking makeup. More importantly, it blurs the pores and blemishes of the face beautifully. Also, it is easy to use as it is blendable and can work perfectly using a makeup brush or the fingertips. The overall review that this product received from customers is 4.5 out of 5 stars, mainly because it works amazingly on their skin and the variety of colours that are available to each skin type. The average price of this product starts at £31.35 GBP.
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation Advantages |
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation Disadvantages |
Oil-free |
Expensive |
40 shades to choose from |
Might mattify too much, that can lead to dry skin |
Suitable for all skin types and colour |
Has a fragrance |
2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place (Best Full Coverage)
The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation offers a 24-hour long-lasting wear that gives a flawless, fresh matte and natural-looking finish. This product works from normal to combination skin, and still gives the same finish and benefits to the user's skin. Touch-ups are also not needed when using this product because they guarantee that the makeup will stay in place throughout the day and the user will not experience any creasing of makeup. In addition, this product is also perfect for individuals that have a problem in controlling the oil on their face when applying makeup. It is a sweat and water-resistant that is great for oily skin since it will control the oil of the skin, and it will not clog the pores. The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, because of its full coverage and oil-free that works well under hot weather. This product comes at a starting price of £28.00 GBP.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Advantages |
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Disadvantages |
Recommended by dermatologists |
Expensive |
Non-acnegenic |
Bottled packaging |
Fragrance-free |
Dries too quickly |
3. Revlon ColourStay Makeup (Best Budget-Friendly)
Revlon Colourstay Makeup foundation is a product that works well from oily to combination skin. This product is not advisable for dry skin as it dries too quickly and can lead to cakey appearance and can clog the pores. It also comes in a variety of shades that will fit perfectly to the skin tone. It has a lightweight formula and is made to control the oil and shine of the face. Not only that it protect the face from being too oily, but it also has an SPF of 15 that can protect the skin from hot weather and also works 24 hours on the face. Revlon colourstay makeup foundation also provides a medium to full coverage with a matte finish that looks natural at the end of the day. This product received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars because it works well on every type of skin, and it truly stays on the face longer than any other product. This product can be purchased at a price of £10.97 GBP.
Revlon Colourstay Makeup Advantages |
Revlon Colourstay Makeup Disadvantages |
Affordable |
Dries quickly |
Control excess oil on the face |
Smells like paint |
Perfect for oily to combination skin |
Difficult to remove |
4. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation has an oil-free formula that is good for any type of skin, but works wonderfully with oily faces. It controls the oil of the face, but it needs to be properly set with a setting powder to control the shine of the face. With just a small amount of the product, pores and blemishes instantly smoothens. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is a full matte coverage with a natural looking finish, and it stays on the face for 16 long hours. In addition, the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is non-transferrable, sweat and humidity-proof. So, it is also perfect to use during hot weather. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation got a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, because it helped the costumer to control their oily skin and still achieve a soft, matte flawless finish. Average cost of this product starts at £33.03 GBP.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation Advantages |
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation Disadvantages |
No breakouts |
Limited shades to darker skin tones |
Smooth and flawless finish |
The formula is too watery, so the users need to be careful in dispensing the product. |
91% Top allergen free |
Requires the skin to moisturize underneath, as it dries quickly. |
5. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
The Maybelline Fit Me Foundation fit me foundation can work to different skin types, such as normal to oily skin. The matte formula of Maybelline helps the product to control the oil in the face. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is not only limited to its flawless and seamless finish, but it also focuses on the pores of the skin. Maybelline's Fit Me Foundation product is easy to blend with any applicator, and it focuses on hiding the pores and blemishes. It also contains a blotting micro powder which is responsible for controlling the shininess of the face. It is a great product that provides a natural and poreless looking skin. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation has been rated with 5 stars out of 5, mainly because of its natural and flawless finish, filtering the pores and blemishes of the face. The prices of this product vary and starts at £5.99 GBP.
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Advantages |
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Disadvantages |
Non-comedogenic |
Contains parabens that can cause irritation |
Fragrance-free |
Some packaging does not have a pump dispenser |
Oil-free and blurs out pores and blemishes |
It might result in too dewy if not set with powder properly |
6. L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
The L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is an oil-free foundation product that is also perfect for individuals with oily skin, as it controls the excess oil in the face. Dry skin can also use this product because this foundation has medium coverage that gives a hydrating effect. It has an air-light formula that will not feel greasy on oily skin and can avoid breakouts. Imperfections will be concealed, leading to a smoother complexion of the skin. This foundation gives a demi-matte finish, which leads to luminous results. The overall rating of L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is 4.8 stars out of 5, for the reason that it will keep the oil and shininess of the face in check without messing with the makeup. This can be bought at an average price of £9.06 GBP.
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Advantages |
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Disadvantages |
Feels air-light to the skin |
A few shades to choose from |
Controls the excess oil of the face |
Not easy to blend |
Moisturizing |
Pores might show if not blended and covered with powder correctly |
7. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is a makeup foundation that provides light, smooth medium coverage that can be enhanced to full coverage. Fenty Beauty ensures that the product will work on any type of skin, be it normal, oily or a combination. Dry skin is not recommended to use this product because it will show, dry patches around the face, as it dries faster. It smoothens the skin and mattifies the product. The formula of Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is oil-free that is resistant to extra oil, shine, and sweat of the face. Aside from that, the t-zone of the face, which is the area that releases the oil, will be controlled. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation brand also offers a wide range of 50 shades and a thin texture, but can provide full coverage makeup for a long time of wearing. The makeup result will not change the way a person looks, but just as what they are. And the fact that Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation produces a product that is cruelty-free and is not only good for the skin and environment, but also animals will be safe. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, because plenty of users can find the right shade for them, and they also get what the product offers to give. The average price of this product is £29.70 GBP.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation Advantages |
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation Soft Matte Longwear Foundation Disadvantages |
Cruelty-free |
Expensive |
50 shades of skin tone |
Need to moisturize the face before using because it will highlight the dry areas. |
Safe ingredients |
Not suitable for dry skin |
8. M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
The M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation lived up to its name. It can be worn throughout the day, as it gives a long-lasting formula that can stay on the face for 24 hours. Longwear-nourishing waterproof foundation can be used by anyone with normal to combination skin. For dry skin, this product will hydrate the skin to prevent it from clogging the pores and causing breakouts. M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation is also best for individuals with oily skin, because it is an oil-free ingredient and a waterproof formula that absorbs the unnecessary oil in the face. M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation offers a satin-natural looking finish. The rating M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation has received is 3.6 stars out of 5 stars, mainly because of it's the quality that oxidizes the skin and this is not good because it results in ageing the skin. The average price of this product is at £31.36 GBP.
M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation Advantages |
M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation Disadvantages |
Lasts all day |
Expensive |
Fragrance-free |
Oxidizes the skin fast |
Absorbs oil from the face |
Fewer shades available |
9. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation
The Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation is perfect for every weather and occasion because it claims to last for 24 hours and that it is sweat-proof, humidity-proof and transfer-proof. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation may vary depending on the skin type of the person, but is perfect for oily skin. For dry and combination skin, this product gives dry patches in the skin, so it is important to use a moisturizer to prepare the skin to prevent dry patches and excess oil. Although, this product seems to work great on oily skin even without moisturizing the skin first. It absorbed the oil of the skin well so that it does not mess up the makeup and provides a matte finish and subtle glow. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, because of its quality to provide full coverage, fragrance-free and oil control. The average cost of this product is £28.21 GBP.
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation Advantages |
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation Disadvantages |
Fragrance-free |
Expensive |
Non-comedogenic |
Might not work for dry skin |
Oil-control |
10. CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation
CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation is the cheapest product that can be bought at the drug store. Although, it is the cheapest, but its quality does not disappoint, it can give a long-lasting relief that will not clog the pores. CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation provides a matte finish and is shiny-free, which is beneficial to every skin type. It has an ingredient of oil absorbent product that easily absorbs the oil of the skin, so the face won’t get too shiny. This product also works for dry skin and combination skin, since it will not result in dry patches, and can control the greasiness of the face. CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation has a rating of 3.8 stars out of 5, mainly because fewer customers use this product, since they tend to go for a much more known brands. The average price of the CoverGirl clean oil control foundation starts at £3.31 GBP.
CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation Advantages |
CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation Disadvantages |
Affordable |
Does not cover dark spots |
Controlled oiliness very well |
Has a weird smell |
Looks very natural |
How to choose best foundation for oily skin?
Picking the right foundation might be difficult. When selecting the best foundation, it is important to assess the condition of the skin. A person should understand if they have a normal skin type, dry, oily or a combination of dry and oily skin. There are a lot of factors such as the skin tone, and condition, the type of formula, how much coverage to use, and also the current season. These factors will be a big help in finding the best foundation that will suit the user’s skin tone. Foundation comes in the form of cream, liquid, powder, and serum-based, so it is essential that a person understands his or her skin complexion. For oily skin, a foundation product that is water-based, oil-free, and has zinc oxide or sericite ingredients. These elements help in absorbing the excess facial oil and also hydrates the skin to prevent acne breakouts and clog pores.
What should you apply before applying a foundation?
Preparing the skin is the most important routine before applying the foundation to make sure the longevity of each beauty products in the face. Following a routine, every makeup session and even daily, should be employed to keep the skin healthy and glowing. There are steps that a person must-dos to follow before applying makeup, to avoid skin breaking, irritating the skin, and to have a more evenly textured base for makeup.
Listed below are the things to do before applying a foundation.
- Cleanser: A cleanser is not only essential for applying makeup, but also to ensure that the skin is clean and healthy. Cleansing the face provides a healthy outcome as it removes the dirt and reduces bacteria on the skin. Using a cleanser should be appropriate for each skin type to avoid irritation and redness. A cleanser should not be used when applying makeup products alone; it should be included in a daily routine to clean the face.
- Moisturizer: A Moisturizer is necessary before applying the foundation. This product can work on any type of skin and provide the most important thing that a skin needs. Moisturizer gives the hydration while protecting the barrier of the skin so that the users will not experience dryness and irritation of skin. When the skin is properly hydrated before applying foundation, facial oil will be controlled as it will stop producing sebum.
- Primer: A Primer primary acts as a base in the face. It prepares the skin for the foundation and provides smooth-textured skin, and it holds the foundation to avoid creasing and smearing. It also gives a glowing and more healthy and natural finish. Therefore, it is essential to use a primer before applying the foundation.
What is the best vegan foundation for oily skin?
Vegan foundations are good because they contain ingredients that are animal-friendly. Using these products also means that the skin will be free from being exposed to harsh artificial ingredients. There are a lot of brands that offer vegan foundations for oily skin. There are plenty of vegan foundations; some of the best vegan foundations for oily skin or acne-prone skin are Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r, Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Foundation with SPF 15, and Get Real Serum Foundation from Flower. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r is an oil-free and water-based formula that is good for oily skin, and provides a soft matte-finish. This product costs £29.70 GBP. Second on the list, is the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Foundation with SPF 15; it offers 24-hour wear without creasing and a natural matte finish with shine and oil control. It cost £32.60 GBP. Lastly, is the Get Real Serum Foundation from Flower, offers a hydrating formula that can control the excess facial oil, and gives a natural-looking finish. This product only costs £12.53 GBP.
What is the best foundation for oily and acne-prone skin?
Acne-prone skin is delicate to redness and irritation. Makeup products should not cause more problems for the skin, so finding the best foundations for oily or acne-prone skin is essential. The best foundations for oily or acne-prone skin are the E.l.f Acne Fighting Foundation, Clinique Acne Clearing Solutions Foundation, and the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. The acne fighting foundation from E.l.f is a great product because it lessens the redness caused by acne and can also improve the blemishes around the face. The average price of this product starts at £8.31 GBP. Moreover, the Clinique Acne Clearing Solutions Foundation provides a non-irritating ingredients that will be beneficial to acne-prone skin, because it can cover and clear the imperfections in the face. This product costs at a price of £27.57 GBP. Finally, L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation also offers to hide the imperfections of the face and provide a matte finish that feels light to the skin. This product can be bought at a price of £10.85 GBP.
Which is better for oily skin foundation powder or liquid foundation?
Powder foundation is better for oily skin compared to liquid foundation. There’s no need to be torn between powder vs liquid foundation because powder foundation is the most appropriate for individuals with a problem of having an oily face. So, to answer the subject of which is better for oily skin? powder is perfect for oily skin, because the formula of the powder can absorb the oil well and a less percentage of clogging the pores. Unnecessary shininess of the face will also be removed because the powder will set into the face, giving a long-lasting matte finish.
Is powder foundation good for oily skin?
Yes, powder foundation is also great for oily skin. It can also reduce the oil in the skin and settles the makeup products. Also, it prevents glimmer, which should be avoided in oily skin as it only gives a greasy finish. Powder foundation is not only amazing for oily skin but also for combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skins. Even in hot and humid temperature, powder foundation keeps the skin from producing sebum and frees it from the discomfort of oil.