There are plenty of makeup products on the market that promise to control shine and provide that perfect, flawless finish. But which one is best for your skin type? Trying to find the right makeup for your oily skin can start to feel like mission impossible when you see all the options available to you!

Foundation for oily skin, specifically, needs to perform a balancing act—it should camouflage imperfections but also manage excess sebum without clogging your pores. 

Here, we’ll take a look at the world of foundations designed for oily skin to help you find your perfect match.

What causes oily skin? 

Have you ever wondered why your skin feels so oily? The answer lies in your skin’s natural oil production. Your skin’s oil, called sebum, is created by glands in your skin, and these glands can go into overdrive for many reasons: One of them is hormones.¹ Remember your teenage years or times of stress and how your skin may have seemed oilier? That’s because hormones like androgens ramp up during these times, making your skin produce more oil. But it’s not just about hormones; your genes and environment (like that sticky summer humidity) can also make your skin oilier. Even specific health issues can contribute to your oily skin.²

What to look for in a foundation if you have oily skin?

When you’re on the hunt for a foundation for your oily skin, there are a few features you should look out for. Start by checking out foundations that say “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” on the label—these products are your allies in the battle against oil and breakouts, as they’re designed not to clog your pores.

You’ll also want to go for lightweight, water-based formulas,³ as they’re less likely to make your skin look greasy or weigh it down. Foundations with a powder or matte finish could be your best friends, too—they’re known for their oil-absorbing powers, which give your skin a matte appearance.

Some foundations might even contain niacinamide or other oil-reducing ingredients. These substances can help control the production of sebum, the oil your skin naturally produces.⁴ Remember, though, everyone’s skin is different. So you might need to try a few different foundations before you find your perfect match.

7 foundations we recommend for oily skin 

Dealing with oily skin may feel like a continuous battle, but a foundation designed for oily skin can be a game-changer. 

Here are seven foundations that might help you achieve a shine-free look:

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation 

This foundation aims to offer a matte finish that minimizes the appearance of pores.

2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Created with the intention to control excess oil and deliver a soft matte look, this foundation might also be beneficial for oily skin.

3. Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation

This beauty product provides a natural-looking matte finish and is oil-free, which could help reduce unwanted shine.

4. L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

This foundation claims to provide a long-lasting matte look.

5. Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation 

This product offers a matte finish and is waterproof.

6. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation

Infused with Amazonian clay, this foundation is designed to offer a soft matte finish and contains antioxidant vitamin E.

7. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation

Offering a long-lasting matte finish, this foundation might help create a smooth, shine-free complexion.

Remember, while these foundations are designed to address the challenges of oily skin, what works best will depend on the specific nature of your skin. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatology provider if you have any concerns.

Choosing the foundation best for you 

Selecting the best foundation for you involves a couple of steps that require some careful thought.

First off, you may need to understand your skin better. Ask yourself, is it oily, dry, or a mix of both? Does your skin react sensitively to certain products? Figuring out your skin type can be a game-changer because different foundations cater to different skin types.

Your skin's undertone matters, too. Is it more on the cool side with bluish veins, or does it lean towards a warm tone? Knowing your skin's undertone will help you pick the most flattering shade of foundation.

The next step involves considering what exactly you want from your foundation. Are you looking to cover up blemishes or skin tone, or are you after a natural, no-makeup look? Your answer will determine whether you need a full-coverage foundation or something more lightweight.

Then, it’s all about trial and error. Test different shades on your jawline—not on your hand—as the color of your hand and face can differ. And remember, reviews and recommendations from others can be helpful, but your skin is unique, so what works for others might not work for you.

Finally, think about your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, you might want a long-lasting foundation. If you’re exposed to the sun a lot, consider a foundation with SPF. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help, such as from a makeup artist or a beauty consultant at a makeup counter.

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With our easy-to-follow online sign up process,* you tell us about your skin concerns and goals. Then, a dermatology provider prescribes a custom skincare mix with ingredients that specifically address your skincare needs. This means you're not getting a one-size-fits-all product; you're getting a skincare solution made just for your concerns!

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Endly, D.C. and Miller, R.A. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (August 2017).

2. Endly, D.C. and Miller, R.A. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Control Oily Skin. (n.d.).

4.  Endly, D.C. and Miller, R.A. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

Erin Pate is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Erin Pate, NP-C