7 of the best foundations for oily skin for a flawless and shine-free finish
Plus the pro tips on how to prep, apply and lock your look in place
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If you struggle to stay on the side of looking glowy and fresh, rather than oily and greasy then you need to keep on reading. Not only have we rounded up the best foundations for oily skin types but we have pro makeup artist tips on how to prep your skin and keep your skin looking shine-free for as long as possible.
What kind of foundation is best for oily skin?
In terms of consistency, the world is your oyster. Liquid, cream or powder will all work well, it’s all down to personal preference. instead, makeup artist Nancy Sumner recommends thinking about the finish you’re after. “Generally people with oily skin tend to choose full coverage foundations, which are often matte. There is a time and place for that look but I feel it’s probably not what you want for your everyday look so instead look for words like ‘long wear’ and ‘satin’ as they will create the most skin-like finish for you.”
How should you apply foundation on oily skin?
Before you even put foundation on your face, the key element for creating the perfect base for oily skin types is skin prep. “Oily skin often needs more hydration so I would prep the skin with an essence and hyaluronic acid and then lock those layers in with a small amount of your preferred moisturiser.” What Nancy suggests next is the key product for oily skin to prevent foundation looking shiny. “Primer is essential to use on oily skins. Two of my favourites, especially on a red carpet and especially on a long shoot day, are Shiseido Revitalessance Skin Glow Primer, £31.20 and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, £35. Both are free of silicone, which I hate, and both will keep your makeup in place and balance oil-levels even in the hottest locations.”
Once the skin is prepped, how you apply the foundation is totally up to you. Nancy also recommends sometimes perhaps swerving foundation completely, especially if your skin doesn’t need the coverage factor that foundation delivers – and using concealer where needed instead. “If you find foundation too heavy then concealer allows your skin to still look like skin. Apply with a small firm brush, and buff and dab it in.”
Nancy’s non-negotiable for oily skin types is using a setting powder post foundation (or concealer) application. “A good translucent setting powder is the key for oily skins to set the foundation in place and preventing oil appearing so the complexion stays looking radiant and glowy not oily.” Nancy’s go-to powder? Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Finish Powder, £38
So now you know how to prep and finish your skin, here are our selection of the best foundations for oily skins.
Best foundations for oily skin
The hydrating one: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, was £46 now £39.10
Shades: 40
Coverage: Medium
With a silky consistency, this foundation blends like a dream and feels super light on the skin. It delivers good levels of coverage and is infused with glycerin which keeps skin hydrated, but not oily, throughout the day.
The glowy one: Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £41
Shades: 34
Coverage: Medium-to-full
This creamy foundation manages to deliver high coverage but still look glowy, without being shiny and without being flat and matte. Sumner says, “you can effortlessly buff it into skin so it looks completely natural rather than like having a product just sitting on the top.”
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The long-lasting one: Huda Beauty Easy Blur, £32
Shades: 28
Coverage: Medium-to-full
With an almost serum-like consistency, it’s surprising how lightweight this feels while delivering very high levels of coverage. Sumner says, “I am impressed with this and it’s a great option for oily skin types as it doesn’t budge, it’s full coverage, without being too matte, so you still get a glow, and it’s waterproof. It really isn’t going anywhere fast.”
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The one with skincare benefits: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF40, £33
Shades: 14
Coverage: Full
An absolute hero of a multitasker, this is a high coverage base product that also reduces redness, reduces the appearance of pores and balances oil levels in the skin thanks to colloidal clay and charcoal. It also contains a great SPF 40 and it feels like you’re not wearing anything.
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The one that’s like second skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39
Shades: 44
Coverage: Full
Somehow this manages to deliver full coverage and still look glowy and radiant. The formula is also sweat, humidity and waterproof and transfer resistant. A little goes a long way so a bottle should last you a long time. There are quite a few shades to choose from so but the Charlotte Tilbury website has a handy shade-matching tool so you can get the perfect tone.
The budget one: Elf Soft Glam Satin Foundation, £8
Shades: 36
Coverage: Medium
With its non-comedogenic formula, this won’t clog pores causing oily skin to get oilier. It has a hydrating formula that’s easy to buff and blend into the skin and you can build up the coverage in areas that need it.
The best-selling one: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, £31.55
Shades: 60!!
Medium-to-full
There isn’t a beauty editor around that hasn’t at some point worn this iconic foundation (GTG’s Beauty Director, SJ wore this on her wedding day). And for good reason. While it delivers fairly substantial coverage it feels flexible and light on the skin. It stays-put all day and is waterproof, sweat and humidity-resistant.
