If, like me, you have oily skin, you’ll know how hard it is to find a good foundation. Back in the day, I’d opt for a matte formula, but they were so drying that my makeup would end up looking cakey and flat by lunch. However, when I went for a more hydrating, glowy formula, I found it made me look even shinier and didn’t last for more than a few hours before sliding off my face. It’s definitely been a challenge finding a base product I like, and I’ve often resorted to the best primers or concealers to achieve my desired finish.
However, makeup has come a long way in recent years, and I myself have learnt more about my skin type and what formulas work best for my complexion. These days, there is a range of foundations for oily skin that deliver a soft matte finish without that dreaded drying effect. Plus, if you still like a luminous look but want your makeup to last, there’s a foundation for that, too.
I’ve been busy testing some of the best foundations for oily skin, and I’ve rounded up my top formulas below. Plus, I spoke with an expert to learn more about choosing a foundation for oily skin, so that you can find your perfect match.
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What to Look for in a Foundation for Oily Skin
So, what should you look for when shopping for a foundation? According to the experts, it’s all about longevity. “During the day, natural oils can start to come through on the skin and disrupt the look of your complexion, making it shiny and reducing coverage,” says Jennifer Lyons, national education manager at Nars Cosmetics. “A long-wear product means your makeup will look great all day.” It’s also important to think about coverage and finish. Do you want a high-coverage foundation, or one that lets your natural skin shine through? Once you’ve decided that, choose between a matte or luminous effect.
How to Apply Foundation for Oily Skin
Now that you’ve found your perfect formula, it’s time to think about application. “At Nars, we love applying foundation with our hands, as this helps the product to warm and melt into the skin,” says Lyons. “It still provides you with the level of preferred coverage, and it means you can control the product and apply it where you need it most.” Lyons also recommends adding a little setting powder with a fluffy brush for extra smoothness and longevity.
The Best Foundations for Oily Skin
1. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Finish: Natural matte
Number of shades: 44
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Natural matte finish
- Blurring effect
- Long-wearing
Cons
- Might be too much coverage for some
First up, a favourite of mine from Charlotte Tilbury. This is one of those do-it-all foundations that provides good coverage, a natural matte finish and a long-wearing formula, so you can go about your day without worrying about your makeup sliding all over your face. The lightweight formula creates a blurring effect and feels surprisingly hydrating despite its mattifying qualities. It creates this somewhat radiant matte finish, rather than a flat, dull effect (it looks especially great in photos). My biggest advice when using this product is to start small and build up coverage wherever you need it. The reason I say that is that if you do have patches of dry skin like me, it can sometimes cling if you apply too much. Apart from that, I can’t fault it.
2. Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
Nars
Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
Finish: Natural matte
Number of shades: 49
Pros
- Has a mattifying effect whilst still letting your natural skin shine through
- Incredibly lightweight
Cons
- If you like a glowy finish, this might not be for you
I recently got my hands on this Nars foundation, and have since been asking myself where it’s been my whole life. It is so lightweight, yet one swipe, and my skin suddenly has a smooth, blurring effect. Yes, the finish is naturally matte, but it doesn’t feel drying and still lets your natural skin texture shine through. Honestly, this is just a great everyday formula I can see myself using for years to come.
3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani
Luminous Silk Foundation
Finish: Naturally luminous
Number of shades: 44
Pros
- Adds a luminous effect to the skin without feeling overly shiny
- Good coverage
When I first started in the beauty industry, everyone was raving about the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. However, as someone with oily skin, I saw the word “luminous” and immediately assumed it wouldn’t work for me. Oh, how wrong I was. Offering good coverage, impressive lasting power, and a naturally luminous finish that never looks shiny or greasy, this is actually a great formula for oily skin if you don’t want a mattifying effect. Plus, the new formulation is packed with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, which helps to balance oil production. I can’t imagine my makeup bag without this now.
4. Estée Lauder Double Wear Longwear Matte Foundation
Estée Lauder
Double Wear Longwear Matte Foundation
Finish: Matte
Number of shades: 60
Pros
- Large shade range
- Natural matte finish
- Good coverage
Cons
- Bottle doesn’t come with a pump
This is somewhat of an icon in the foundation world, and for good reason. A full-coverage, mattifying formulation that’s ideal for oily skin, editors and experts are always raving about its magic powers. That being said, when I first tried it, I found it way too heavy (and a little drying) for my tastes. However, the brand recently reformulated the foundation, creating a breathable, buildable version offering medium-to-full coverage depending on your preference. Plus, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, so it doesn’t feel as drying on the skin. I would probably still save this one for heavier makeup days and special occasions, but it’s safe to say I’m now a big fan.
5. L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible 32hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation
Finish: Naturally radiant
Number of shades: 30
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight formula
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can cling to dry skin a little bit
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this drugstore foundation, but according to the brand, it’s one of the best options for oily skin, so I was keen to give it a go. The lightweight formula is really long-lasting and provides natural-looking coverage with a subtly radiant finish, which is great for those of you with oily skin who don’t want to look too matte. Another plus is that the formula is non-comedogenic. One thing I will say is that this works best when you have prepped your skin correctly; otherwise, it can cling to dry skin in places. However, for under £15, I really can’t complain.
6. Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation
Hermès
Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation
Finish: Natural matte
Number of shades: 34
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Natural matte finish
- Doesn’t feel drying on the skin
I know this foundation is eye-wateringly expensive, but if you’re looking for a luxury option, I can’t fault it. The formula contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so it feels nice and hydrating whilst remaining balanced enough for oilier skin types. I personally think it’s a great example of how far matte foundations have come in recent years. It has this beautifully soft matte finish that looks natural and healthy, seamlessly blending with your complexion for a second-skin effect. It’s heat-, humidity- and perspiration-resistant, so a great option for the summer months, but I can definitely see myself reaching for this in autumn and winter, too.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.