The Best Foundations for Oily Skin

As someone who has had oily skin their entire life, I know the struggle all too well. The level of disco ball I reach throughout the day never ceases to amaze me. Which is why I’ve compiled a list of the best foundations for oily skin. Let’s not forget that the key to clear skin is a proper skincare routine, but this list should help keep those oils at bay.

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Fenty Beauty Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Let’s talk about how it comes in 50 different shades! In my opinion, this is how all brands should create complexion products. I love makeup brands that are inclusive and try to cater to all skin tones. The formula is oil-free and instantly smoothes the texture of my skin and reduces the appearance of pores.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in Place Foundation

Finding the right foundation can be quite a task. Double Wear is a great full-coverage foundation for oily skin because you get great coverage without clogged pores. This is a 24-hour liquid foundation with a natural, matte finish that evens out skin tone and covers imperfections. Double Wear is also available in 56 shades that suit all undertones and skin tones. You can do any activity imaginable wearing this foundation. It will not come off at the gym, and it’s oil-controlling. The only con would be that it doesn’t come with a pump. It is always nice to be able to control how much product comes out onto your sponge or brush.

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

The Face & Body foundation is my go-to for everyday wear when I don’t necessarily need full coverage. This is a foundation for the face and body that comes in 40 shades with a natural finish and medium coverage. This product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging. The foundation dries quickly, so be sure to work fast or apply it in small amounts before it settles into the skin. It feels so lightweight that I forget I’m wearing foundation altogether. It’s easy to apply and I love the buildable coverage. My favorite way to apply this is with a duo fiber brush because these brushes provide a soft and diffused application. It can also be applied with your hands for a sheer application or with a beauty blender.

Dior Backstage will last all day and night, I used this on a hot summer day and it didn’t budge. It’s a great choice for those that want a more mattifying finish, but it won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Born This Way is available in 35 shades that provide medium-to-full coverage. It’s oil-free, hydrating, and long-wearing. It is noncomedogenic which means it will not clog your pores. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid giving the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.

My favorite part about this foundation is the hydrating formula and that it doesn’t cling to dry patches. I love applying this with a beauty blender because you get a flawless application. A little goes a long way, so I try to use as little foundation as possible.

I like to spot conceal and color correct any acne scarring or blemishes before I start applying any foundation. This will save a lot of time when you are getting ready and it will allow you to use less product. My makeup motto is “work smarter, not harder.” If you have oily skin, you should try setting your primer with your setting powder and setting spray for that extra layer of protection.

Glossier Skin Tint

I’ve always had trouble finding a skin tint that was perfect for my skin tone until I used the Glossier Skin Tint. I could write a sonnet about this skin tint. I purchased the shade G2 which is a warm rich shade that has a lightweight, sheer coverage. This is made to enhance your complexion, not hide any impurities. The finish is dewy and it minimizes the look of pores and it looks there is no makeup on your face. This is the best option for a no-makeup, makeup look.

I like to apply a full coverage concealer on top of this skin tint if I am going for a medium coverage look. Glossier skin tint is my foundation of choice when I’m getting ready to sit on the couch these days.

This can be applied using your fingertips or a beauty sponge. When I don’t want to apply a full face of makeup, I apply a full coverage concealer on the areas of my face that I like to highlight.

Drop some gems in the comments if you have some oily skin foundations that I didn’t mention here today.