9 Best Foundations for Oily Skin in 2023

Now that we have done articles for dry and combination skin types, it’s time for those of you with oily skin!  We found the best foundations for oily skin that will last all day without touch-ups, will control your shine, and will not separate or allow oil to break through!  It seems as though people with dry skin long for that dewy finish but if you have oily skin, you likely want zero shine on your face.  However, if you are the oily skin type but still appreciate a luminous look, and since most foundations for oily skin have a matte finish, we recommend these blotting papers or this anti-shine stick to use when needed if you prefer foundations for normal to dry skin types.

For oily skin types, we cannot stress enough how important it is to set your foundation.  We are currently working on an article for setting products specifically for oily skin.  But in the meantime, we recommend Dermablend’s Loose Setting Powder and  e.l.f. cosmetics’ Perfect Finish HD Powder as the best setting powders for oily skin.  For the best setting sprays for oily skin, we love NYX’s Matte Finish Setting Spray and Rimmel’s Stay Matte Fix & Go.  You also might think that a primer is not necessary because of your skin type, but this mattifying primer is a must for evenly applying foundation.

Also, since oily skin can be sensitive and prone to acne as well, be sure to check out our choices of best foundations for acne.

1. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation Makeup $9.09

Our #1 Choice!

This oil-free foundation has a demi-matte finish (balance between a matte and dewy finish) that actually will last for 24hrs as it says.  We love the medium coverage and what L’Oreal refers to as an “air-light” texture that will not feel heavy.  For full coverage, we recommend using a flat angled kabuki brush, but otherwise any foundation brush or sponge works great with this foundation.  This is perfect for oily skin because it will remain matte even in hot weather conditions!  If you like powder foundations more than liquid, check out L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte foundation in powder version.

Pro Tip – This foundation dries fairly quickly so blend/buff each section immediately after applying the foundation rather than applying the entire face and then blending after.

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Ulta Amazon

2. bareMinerals Loose Powder Matte Foundation $32.00

Our Choice For:  Sensitive Skin

This foundation goes on light and does not have that caked on feeling, perfect for oily skin since thick makeup usually does not bode well.  It will cover well without feeling heavy or looking like a mask.  It actually looks like flawless skin!  This powder has 30 shade options, contains SPF 15, and does an amazing job minimizing large pores.  It has a silky, matte finish and a clean formula that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.  In fact, bareMinerals claims this foundation is “so pure and clean you can sleep in it”!

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bareMinerals Ulta

3.  Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation – $5.34

Our Choice For:  Drugstore Brand

We could rave about this foundation for a long time but we will narrow it down to our favorites:  does not oxidize, does not accentuate pores, lasts all day without skin appearing oily, natural finish, and will last all day when paired with a setting powder!  One of our editors even left this foundation on while working out, and she reported no issues or breakouts.  We could not believe how well this foundation stays in place and does not run off the face by the end of the day.  This is the affordable answer to oily skin type’s prayers!

Pro Tip – Because this foundation is silicone-based, make sure you use a silicone primer, like this one, and not a water-based primer.

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4. Dermablend Intense Powder Camo Mattifying Foundation – $34.00

Despite being medium to full coverage, this powder will feel weightless on your face.  After wearing it a full day, your face will not be shiny and the foundation will not be separated.  This foundation mattifies, making it perfect for oily skin, and leaves a powdery-soft finish.  For how much coverage there is, we are impressed by the natural look this foundation gives.  We found that application worked well with either a flat-top kabuki brush or beauty blender.  For a lighter coverage, though, a powder brush is best.

Purchase Here:

Ulta Dermablend Amazon

5. Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Foundation – $39.00

The oil control power this foundation has is incredible!  One of our editors, who has very oily skin, said that this foundation remained on her face all day and while some oil did come through by the end of the day, it appeared more like a “natural” oil glow than the typical greasy look that she said usually shows up through other foundations.  You can expect a beautiful matte finish and medium coverage from this foundation.  It’s also available in FIFTY shades!

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Urban Decay Ulta Sephora

6. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation – $39.00

We love the smoothness of this foundation!  It will not crack or oxidize at all. We also love how photo friendly this product is, no flashback to worry about!  We would classify it as medium coverage and definitely recommend employing the “less is more” philosophy while applying since as you know, it’s easier to add more foundation than remove excess. This foundation, available in 35 shades, will give you a natural skin-like look because baby you were born this way!

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Ulta Sephora

7. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation – $48.00

We love this foundation!  It has medium coverage but can be easily built up to full coverage, and the finish is matte but not dull in the slightest.  They guarantee 15 hours of coverage, and we can confirm this fact!  This foundation will cover all blemishes with only a thin layer of product, all while controlling oil.

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Laura Mercier Sephora

8. theBalm TimeBalm Foundation – $21.35-$28.00

Our Choice For:  Covering Acne

Be very conservative with the amount of product when applying this foundation.  We quickly learned that a little goes a very long way and if too much is put on, it can appear cakey.  But if used sparingly, the finish is gorgeous.  Something about the consistency of this foundation gives it the same effect as a concealer, making it great for under eyes and covering up blemishes and acne.  The cream to powder finish looks sheer and natural, and it will keep oily skin shine-free.

Pro Tip — This foundation blends much better when placed over a primer.  The primer will allow the foundation to glide right on!

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9. 100% Pure Bamboo Blur Foundation – $46.00

This foundation is advertised as medium coverage, but we would consider it more on the light coverage end of the spectrum.  It will still even out skin tones, though, and application is silky and smooth ending in a matte finish.  This foundation, as with all 100% Pure products, is completely pure, natural, and fruit pigmented.  Therefore, it’s safe to use while pregnant!

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