If you have oily or combination skin, you likely have a makeup meltdown halfway through the day — and there’s nothing even a great makeup primer or setting powder can do to prevent it. If you’re sick of constantly retouching your makeup and blotting away oily, shiny skin, you’re in luck: reviewers say these seven best foundations for oily skin will last all day for a fresh and flawless face. So what are you waiting for? Try one of these oil-controlling foundations and get ready to say goodbye to your blotting sheets for good.
[ Next: The Best BB Creams for Oily Skin ]
TB Best Foundation for Oily Skin
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Make Up For Ever
This high-coverage, oil-controlling foundation gives a flawless finish that never looks cakey and comes in a variety of shades and undertones.
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Mattifying Foundation, $41 at Sephora
CaptainKlirk from Sephora: "If you're a pale girl with oily skin you know the struggle of finding a good foundation (I guess pale people always have dry skin according to makeup companies?). This foundation keeps me matte and oil-free for 8 hours with minimal touching up and it doesn't break me out, which is a feat in itself. Holy grail pale months foundation."
Brownee from Sephora: "I have extremely oily skin; after trying a few foundations this was recommended. I love it, hands down. Matches incredibly and really helps minimize shine. Definitely recommend."
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Becca
This light, buildable foundation is a favorite among women with oily and acne prone skin because it doesn't contain irritating ingredients like fragrance and alcohol, and has been allergy- and dermatology-tested.
Becca Multi-Tasking Perfecting Powder, $34 at Ulta
Dmfhome from Sephora: "A great mineral powder foundation for oilier skins - and I've tried everything! Expensive but worth the money."
kardashgal from Sephora: "This powder is long lasting and can be used in one layer for a smoothing effect or built up with two to three layers for perfecting coverage. It doesn't look cakey and it lasts all day, even on oily skin."
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Revlon
You don't need to spend big bucks to get a flawless finish. This foundation from Revlon evens out imperfections and looks fresh all day long.
Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combo/Oily Skin, $12.99 at Ulta
Lex from Ulta: "I have tried SEVERAL foundations from high end brands and even other drugstore brands. But lately when I've been doing my makeup, I've been reaching for this foundation. Excellent coverage for my badly scarred face and perfect for oily skin! I actually had this foundation on this past Friday, I did my makeup around 11am, went to work until 9pm and then went for drinks and dancing until 1am. When I got home my makeup was still in tact and I didn't use any oil blotting sheets or powders to touch up throughout the day. Trust and believe I'm typically always reaching for oil blotting sheets! So if you are looking for a great foundation that lasts all day, I would definitely recommend this one."
Enrichingryker from Ulta: "I have skin shinier than an oil slick and this foundation has worked wonders! I'm usually reapplying powder or blotting my face as soon as an hour after apply my makeup but I've gone all day without needing to blot! It also provided even coverage to my acne-scarred face. I've found my forever foundation!"
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BareMinerals
There's a reason BareMinerals foundation is a cult classic. This matte version minimizes the appearance of pores and leaves skin looking naturally gorgeous, without any oil breakthrough.
BareMinerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $28.50 at Ulta
SDishman from Ulta: "I have sensitive skin and skin allergies, and BareMinerals foundation is a great product for anyone who suffers from the same skin problems. I have oily skin, and the matte finish works perfect my type of skin and helps to control my face from getting too shiny throughout the day. The product is very light-weight and feels like you're not wearing any makeup. It goes on smoothly without making your face look to 'cakey'. I definitely recommend!"
Jessie the Oily and Acne prone from Ulta: "I have used this product for 10 years now and still love it. I have acne prone and oily skin, so the minerals don't clog my pores. The make up even helps clear up your skin once you begin to use it. It takes a little longer to apply than a liquid foundation, but when used with a primer it stays on all day, and you can build the coverage. Every time I stray from this product to find a liquid foundation or a faster one to apply, I always end up coming back because it lasts all day and is so good for my skin."
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L'Oréal Paris
This reviewer-approved drugstore buy applies like a dream, and manages to be both oil-controlling and moisturizing.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation, $12.99 at Ulta
Danie from Ulta: "I have oilu skin and this is perfect for the summer! It lasts all day and can take heat and humidity. It's matte but not flat. Very pretty."
cyncity25 from Ulta: "I cannot believe I [waited] so long to buy this product! I have had oily skin since being a teenager and this is Holy Grail status!! I was afraid of getting the color wrong because you can't really see the exact color in the tube, but I'm so glad I got it. My color is 103, and I have a neutral skin tone that's light/medium. First off, I love that it's a squeeze tube. The formula is so wonderfully smooth and light. You can't even feel it on your skin. I almost don't need a powder it dries so perfectly! I wore this foundation through a 2-hour wait in the airport, a 4 hour flight, walking through Vegas for hours and in and out of casinos. The foundation looked perfect still at the end of my 16+-hour day. Great product for oily skin!"
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Rimmel London
This foundation lives up to its claims, giving reviewers flawless, healthy-looking skin for hours on end. Oily skin doesn't stand a chance.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation, $6.49 at Target
new york girl from Ulta: "It blends great on my oily combination skin and looks very natural! Covers up most of the imperfections on my skin and last a long time! I also have a habit of touching my face especially my nose and it doesn't rub off! Highly recommend!"
Missy from Ulta: "I have used every foundation on the market. This one stays on my face and provides great coverage. I have oily skin but this foundation makes me look flawless."
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Tarte
The Amazonian clay in this oil-free foundation helps improve skin while covering up imperfections and controlling oil. Also included in the formula: non-chemical sunscreen filters.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15, $39 at Ulta
MadiD995 from Ulta: "Love this product. Great on my oily skin and has great coverage for my acne scars and redness! Was hesitant to buy because of the price, but it was worth it!"
Ali from Ulta: "Let me just say I have the most sensitive, acne prone skin. I love this foundation with my skin. I tend to get oily and this foundation dries to a matte finish. Throughout the day you may need a little powder but I will say this is the most matte foundation I've tried. I don't know how this foundation would be using your fingers but I used a Tarte foundation brush. Will buy again and again!"
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Givenchy
This airy foundation offers a lasting matte effect thanks to silica microspheres that optimize the absorption of excess sebum and moisture while allowing the skin to breathe.
Givenchy Matissime Velvet Radiant Mattifying Fluid Foundation SPF 20, $54 at Sephora
KathieLars from Sephora: "Best foundation you can have, SPF 20(skin protected) color match perfect. Goes to the skin so smooth, blends like a dream, and long wearing. I have oily skin this is one of my favorites so far, make me look flawless and seen second skin not heavy or cakey. I do recommend, Givenchy worth every penny. I have the powder and this combination is heaven."
Luxmakeupjunkie from Sephora: "I like a light/sheer coverage on the weekends, but prefer a medium/full coverage on work days. I love that I can adjust the coverage so easily with this foundation! I have oily skin, so I always needed a mid-day re-touch on my foundation - but not with this one! I like that it isn't powdery/matte, but keeps my oily at bay while still looking natural. I really love this foundation!"
