Trying to find the perfect foundation [1] is a difficult enough task, but for those with oily skin [2], it can be even more of a challenge. There is a laundry list of criteria that the foundation needs to tick off: it needs to be long-lasting, have a matte or semimatte finish (and stay that way no matter how greasy you get), and offer buildable coverage, all while being noncomedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts). It would also be very nice if it looked incredibly natural on your skin. Told you — there's a lot to consider for those of us with slick T-zones. Luckily, the best makeup artists in the business have shared their go-to foundations for oily skin, which they use both on themselves and their clients.
When looking for a new foundation, particularly for oily skin, there are a few key things to consider. How matte do you want the finish to be? Do you prefer a cream, powder, or liquid formula? And do you want it to be full, medium, or light coverage?It's also important to note that just because your skin type is on the oily side, that doesn't mean you should be skipping moisturiser [3] prior to foundation. In fact, New York City-based makeup artist Sandy Linter [4] explained that ensuring the perfect combination of moisturiser and foundation creates "a lasting base, which doesn't make you look too heavily made up."
Read on to see the 21 best foundations for oily skin, according to 11 top makeup artists. With these high-performance formulas, you may even be able to finally toss those blotting papers that have found a permanent spot in your bag all these years.
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
Pat McGrath Skin Labs Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation [5] (£60) is a great all-rounder, according to Grace Ahn [6] (who often works with Lizzo [7]). "It's just a beautiful, sheer foundation for both dry [8] and oily skin," she said. It's also made to be incredibly buildable. One thin layer is almost as lightweight as a tinted moisturiser, while layering it on with a brush can result in medium-to-full coverage. Either way, your skin will always look radiant with this option [9].
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Breathable Foundation
"Oxygenetix Oxygenating Breathable Foundation [10] (£45) really melts into the skin rather than sitting on top," said Lucy Wearing [11] (makeup artist to Ellie Goulding). "I use a small buffing eye shadow brush to work it into the skin, and where I want sheer coverage, I use my hands," she explained. "It looks just looks like skin rather than foundation on skin. The brand was developed by plastic surgeons for use after surgical procedures, so it makes sense that it would work so proficiently. I use it over the top of Oxygenating Hydro Matrix moisturiser [12] for the best results." This one is also a personal favourite of mine [13], and one I rely on if my sensitive skin is having a moment, as it doesn't irritate it one bit.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation [14] (£11) is loved by many makeup artists and beauty editors. "It's the most comfortable, semimatte foundation that lasts all day," Ahn said. "It's my current favourite for oily/combination skin, thanks to its light texture and solid medium coverage." Makeup artist and This Morning presenter Bryony Blake [15] also loves the formula. "It's a perfect lightweight base that can be built up depending on the coverage you want," she added.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
If you have oily skin but don't want full coverage, Nikki Wolff [16] (who is the queen of natural-looking, glowing skin) recommends Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation [17] (£30). According to Wolff, this is perfect for oily skin types, and gives just enough coverage while still looking extremely natural.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
"Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 [18] (£34) is iconic for a reason," Wolff said. "It's full coverage, has extralong staying power — so doesn't budge on oily skin — and it's available in so many shades that you'll always find your correct match." The classic is also a favourite of makeup artist Lucinda Worth [19]. "It's buildable and it clings to skin, so it doesn't slide off when the skin gets oily throughout the day," she said. "It also has a semimatte finish, meaning it doesn't appear drying on the skin."
Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Named after the brand's best-selling concealer, the Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation [20] (£28) has quickly become a favourite amongst professional makeup artists when it comes to oily skin types. And it's not hard to see why. The formula contains two different types of powder — one for helping diffuse light to give your skin an airbrushed effect, the other for absorbing excess sebum on your skin to help the formula last for long periods of time (the brand promises 16 hours, we've given it a go for at about nine hours and its staying power is quite impressive). Available in 34 shades, the formula is full coverage with a velvet-matte finish — in fact, it feels (but doesn't look) powdery on the skin — and contains an "anti-oxidation complex" that keeps the pigments from changing colour on your skin.
Givenchy Teint Couture Everwear Foundation
"Givenchy Teint Couture Everwear Foundation [21] (£34) is a medium-coverage, buildable foundation, which glides on the skin effortlessly to give a smooth and long-wearing finish, lasting throughout the entire day," makeup artist Neil Young [22] said.
Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation
The Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation [23] (£29.50) will help get you that flawless, airbrushed look regardless of whether your skin is oily or acne-prone. It comes in 51 shades that are formulated specifically for your skin tone. It's weightless and long-lasting with buildable coverage and a matte yet hydrating formula.
Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation
"Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation [24] (£51) is on the drier side, so it won't add any additional oil to the face," said Quinn Murphy [25], who works with Dakota Fanning, Kate Hudson, and Sophie Turner [26]. He notes that although this foundation has good coverage, those looking to make it a little more sheer can do so by blending it with a damp Beautyblender [27] or mixing it with an oil-free moisturiser.
Dior Forever Matte Foundation
Makeup artist Daniel Martin [28] (whose A-list clients include Meghan Markle [29], Elisabeth Moss [30], and Jessica Alba [31]) swears by Dior Forever Matte Foundation [32] (£37) for his clients with oily skin. "This formula gives a matte, but not a flat finish," he said. "It also doesn't oxidise over time — even when in contact with the natural oils in your skin — so it stays true to tone after hours of wear."
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation
Ahn notes that the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation [33] (£34) is similar to the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte 24H foundation when it comes to finish, although it's even a teensy bit more matte. She counts on this one when in need of a long-lasting foundation for her clients with oily skin.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
If you have oily skin and you're looking for a formula with moderate to full coverage, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 [34] (£32) is a great option. "It's easy to blend and isn't too heavy or drying on the skin," Martin said.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Rihanna [35] actually formulated the ground-breaking Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation [36] (£27) with oily skin types and sweltering climates in mind. The formula, which is both sweat- and humidity-resistant, features a soft-matte finish so that your skin will look flawless all day.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation [37] (£43) is Katie Jane Hughes [38]'s favourite foundation for oily skin types. "It's velvety, natural-looking, feels polished, and isn't too drying." Consider us sold.
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation [39] (£100) is expensive. Like, really expensive. But it's loved by many makeup artists around the world. "It has excellent coverage, great staying power, and it doesn't make you look heavily made up," Sandy Linter [40] said. If you're feeling really fancy, Linter recommends applying La Mer Moisturising Matte Lotion [41] (£195) underneath for a dreamy, luxurious, and ultranatural finish — all while keeping any unwanted shine at bay.
Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Foundation
Although Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Foundation [42] (£55) is on the pricier end when it comes to foundation, makeup artist Hannah Martin [43], who did Princess Eugenie's wedding makeup [44], said the serum-like formula is perfect for oilier skin types and gives a second-skin finish. She noted that only half a pump is needed because a little goes a long way, meaning the bottle will last a long time.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20 Oil Free
Another favourite of Martin's is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20 Oil Free [45] (£35) because it has "light coverage, but still looks like skin, without being too shiny or dewy."
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation
"The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation [46] (£34) is a medium-coverage formula with a buildable, semimatte finish, which helps to keep shine to a minimum while retaining the skins natural glow," Young said.
Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint Foundation SPF30
Young loves Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint Foundation SPF30 [47] (£31) because it's super lightweight, yet gives a flawless, natural coverage finish.
It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ Cream Original SPF 50
It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ Cream Original SPF 50 [48] (£31) is a great option for those after a foundation that gives a natural look on oily skin, according to Linter. "It looks heavy and pasty in the tube, but when applied, it looks astonishingly natural. You never want oily skin to look heavy in makeup as the pores will appear larger, so this is a great option."
Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
The Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 [49] (£24, originally £29) is a great option for those who deal with dark spots on top of acne and oily skin. It has moderate coverage with a natural, skin-like finish. Not only does it come in 52 shades, but it's also sweat- and humidity-resistant.