If you have oily skin, finding a foundation that stays in place and controls shine can be a real challenge. The best foundations for oily skin go beyond basic coverage—they help balance excess sebum, minimize pores, and keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve carefully reviewed the best foundations for oily skin, featuring formulas that deliver long-lasting, shine-free results. Whether you prefer a matte finish, lightweight feel, or full coverage, this list has something for everyone.
Table of Contents
- What Kind of Foundation Is Best for Oily Skin?
- 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin at a Glance (2025)
- What to Look for in a Foundation for Oily Skin?
- Key Ingredients to Look For & Avoid
- Top 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin in 2025
- Tarte Face Tape Foundation – Best Overall
- Lancôme Teint Idole Foundation – Best for Acne-Prone Skin
- Haus Labs Triclone Foundation – Best for Sensitive Skin
- Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation – Best Drugstore
- Fenty Pro Filt’r Foundation – Best Shade Range
- L’Oréal Infallible 32H Foundation – Best Mattifying Drugstore
- Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation – Best for Oil Control
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation – Best Full Coverage
- NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation – Best Matte Finish
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation – Best for Long Wear
- Bonus: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation
- How to Apply Foundation on Oily Skin?
- FAQs About Foundations for Oily Skin
What Kind of Foundation Is Best for Oily Skin?
The best foundation for oily skin is one that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and provides a matte or semi-matte finish. These formulas help absorb excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and control shine throughout the day.
For best results, look for long-wear foundations that are sweat- and humidity-resistant, especially if you live in a warm climate or have an active lifestyle. Lightweight, buildable coverage formulas with skin-friendly ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid are also great choices—they help regulate oil and improve texture without clogging pores.
Choosing the best foundation for oily skin can transform your makeup routine.
10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin at a Glance (2025)
| Foundation | Best For | Finish |
| Tarte Face Tape | Overall Coverage | Matte |
| Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear | Acne-Prone Skin | Matte |
| Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech | Sensitive Skin | Natural Matte |
| Maybelline Super Stay Lumi‑Matte | Drugstore | Semi-Matte |
| Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Liquid | Shade Range | Soft Matte |
| L’Oréal Infallible 32H Matte Cover | Drugstore Mattifying | Matte |
| Too Faced Born This Way Matte | Oil Control | Matte |
| Estée Lauder Double Wear | Full Coverage | Matte |
| NARS Soft Matte Complete | Matte Finish | Matte |
| Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless | Full Glam & Long-Wear | Matte |
Scroll down for full reviews of each foundation!
What to Look for in the Best Foundation for Oily Skin?
Choosing the right foundation for oily skin isn’t just about shade—it’s about formula, finish, and staying power. The best foundations for oily skin are designed to combat shine, reduce the appearance of pores, and maintain a fresh, matte look throughout the day.
Here are the key features to look for:
1. Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Formulas
Foundations labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. These products are less likely to clog pores or contribute to breakouts, helping your skin stay balanced under makeup.
2. Matte or Semi-Matte Finish
Look for a matte or semi-matte foundation to help control shine without making the skin look flat or cakey. These finishes are specifically designed to absorb excess oil and provide a smooth, velvety appearance.
3. Long-Wear Technology
The best foundations for oily skin often include long-wear formulas that resist sweat, humidity, and oil breakthrough. This ensures your makeup stays put for 8–12 hours without sliding off.
4. Lightweight but Buildable Coverage
Heavy foundations can feel greasy or suffocating on oily skin. Choose a lightweight texture that offers buildable coverage, so you can customize your finish without overloading your skin.
5. Ingredients That Control Oil
Certain ingredients can make a big difference in how your foundation performs on oily skin. Here are a few to look out for:
- Salicylic acid helps clear pores and prevent breakouts, making it ideal for acne-prone oily skin types.
- Niacinamide regulates sebum production and improves skin texture over time, helping your skin appear smoother and more balanced.
- Kaolin clay and silica are natural oil-absorbing agents that help keep your skin matte and reduce shine throughout the day.
When shopping for the best foundation for oily skin, it’s important to look at ingredients and finish.
Ingredients to Look For & Avoid in Best Foundation for Oily Skin
Ingredients to Look For in a Foundation for Oily Skin
When choosing a foundation for oily skin, look for ingredients that help control oil, refine pores, and calm inflammation. Here are a few skin-friendly ingredients to prioritize:
- Salicylic Acid: Helps clear pores and prevent breakouts. Ideal for acne-prone oily skin.
- Niacinamide: Regulates oil production and improves skin texture.
- Kaolin Clay / Silica: Natural mattifiers that absorb excess oil throughout the day.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Offers lightweight hydration without clogging pores.
Ingredients to Avoid in Foundation for Oily Skin
Some ingredients can worsen oiliness, cause breakouts, or lead to clogged pores. Avoid these in your foundation:
- Heavy Oils (like mineral oil or coconut oil): Can clog pores and make skin appear greasy.
- Fragrance: Often irritating, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Alcohol Denat.: Can overly dry the skin, leading to rebound oil production.
- Mica or overly glowy finishes: Can emphasize shine on oily areas.
Best Foundations for Oily Skin in 2025
Each of these foundations for oily skin offers reliable coverage, long wear, and effective oil control throughout the day.
Best Overall: Tarte Face Tape Full Coverage Foundation
If you’re searching for a foundation that checks all the boxes for oily skin—coverage, longevity, and oil control—Tarte Face Tape is a top contender in 2025. This full-coverage foundation is formulated with Amazonian clay, which helps absorb excess oil and keep skin looking matte without drying it out. It’s also infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom to maintain balance and hydration, even on oily or combination skin.
The texture is creamy yet lightweight, blending seamlessly with fingers, sponge, or brush. It’s designed to resist sweat and humidity, making it perfect for long days, hot climates, or special events. With a natural matte finish and impressive staying power, it keeps your base in place without clogging pores or emphasizing texture.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- Oil-absorbing Amazonian clay controls shine all day
- Full coverage with a soft-matte, natural-looking finish
- Dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and transfer-proof
- Wide shade range for various undertones
Tip: For best results, pair it with a mattifying primer and finish with a setting spray for extra longevity.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
When it comes to oily and acne-prone skin, finding a foundation that offers both coverage and skin-friendly performance is essential. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear is a long-standing favorite for good reason. This full-coverage, oil-free foundation is formulated with perlite and silica—two ingredients known for their oil-absorbing and mattifying properties.
The formula is breathable and transfer-resistant, yet delivers up to 24 hours of wear with a soft-matte finish. It doesn’t settle into pores or fine lines, and its buildable texture allows you to layer without looking cakey—ideal for covering blemishes or uneven skin texture without clogging the pores.
Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, this foundation is a trusted go-to for makeup lovers who want reliable coverage that won’t irritate or trigger breakouts.
Why It’s Great for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin:
- Oil-absorbing ingredients like perlite and silica
- Lightweight texture with long-wearing matte finish
- Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive, reactive skin
- Provides buildable, natural-looking coverage that lasts all day
Pro tip: Apply with a damp sponge to softly diffuse coverage over breakouts without disrupting your skincare underneath.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
If your oily skin is also sensitive or reactive, finding a foundation that provides coverage without irritation can feel impossible. That’s where Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation shines. Developed with skincare in mind, this medium coverage foundation is powered by over 20 skincare ingredients, including fermented arnica, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The formula feels like second skin—lightweight, breathable, and buildable—making it ideal for daily wear. It helps control oil and reduces redness without emphasizing texture or causing flare-ups. What makes it especially great for oily and sensitive skin is its unique combination of balancing hydration with shine control, so your skin looks fresh, never greasy or dry.
Cruelty-free and vegan, this foundation is also a favorite among makeup artists and beauty editors for its natural finish and soothing feel.
Why It’s Great for Sensitive, Oily Skin:
- Contains arnica and fermented botanicals to calm irritation
- Lightweight, breathable texture that won’t clog pores
- Controls oil while maintaining hydration
- Free from fragrance, alcohol, and pore-clogging fillers
Bonus: It’s available in a wide shade range with true undertones, making it inclusive and easy to match.
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Super Stay Lumi‑Matte Foundation
Affordable, accessible, and effective—Maybelline Super Stay Lumi‑Matte is proof that a great foundation for oily skin doesn’t have to break the bank. This long-wearing drugstore favorite is designed for up to 30 hours of wear, offering a semi-matte finish that balances oil control with a subtle luminosity, so your skin never looks flat or dull.
The lightweight, transfer-resistant formula is enriched with vitamin C derivatives, which help brighten the skin while evening out tone. It blends smoothly and dries quickly without clinging to texture or sliding throughout the day—making it perfect for oily and combination skin types.
Ideal for daily use, this foundation is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and works beautifully with both brush and sponge applications.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin on a Budget:
- Up to 30 hours of wear with semi-matte finish
- Shine control without drying out the skin
- Lightweight, breathable formula with vitamin-enriched benefits
- Excellent value for money and widely available
Tip: For maximum staying power, set it with a translucent powder and use an oil-absorbing setting spray.
Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
When it comes to inclusivity and performance, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation sets the gold standard. With over 50 shades designed for every undertone, this foundation makes it easy to find your exact match—no matter your skin tone.
The oil-free, climate-adaptive formula is specifically engineered to resist sweat and humidity while controlling shine throughout the day. It provides medium to full coverage with a soft matte finish that looks smooth and natural—not cakey or dry. Despite its matte effect, it’s comfortable on oily skin and doesn’t emphasize pores or texture.
Created by Rihanna with real-life wear in mind, this foundation has become a holy grail for oily skin types who need their makeup to stay flawless all day and night.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- Climate-adaptive technology resists heat, sweat, and humidity
- Soft matte finish that controls oil without feeling heavy
- Wide, inclusive shade range for all undertones
- Long-wear formula that stays fresh for hours
Did You Know? Many makeup artists layer it lightly with Fenty’s setting powder for a shine-free, camera-ready finish.
Best Drugstore Mattifying: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation
If your top priority is staying matte all day without spending a fortune, L’Oréal Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation is a drugstore gem worth adding to your routine. Specifically formulated for oily and combination skin, it offers high coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts up to 32 hours.
The lightweight, waterproof formula includes niacinamide, a hero ingredient that not only helps regulate oil production but also improves overall skin texture with consistent use. It’s resistant to sweat, transfer, and humidity, making it a dependable choice for long days or active lifestyles.
Despite its full-coverage claim, the foundation feels surprisingly breathable on the skin, and it works well both with brushes and sponges.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- 32-hour wear with intense matte coverage
- Enriched with niacinamide to help balance oily skin
- Waterproof, sweat-resistant, and transfer-proof
- Affordable and widely available in stores
Tip: For best results, prep your skin with an oil-controlling primer and use a damp beauty sponge for seamless blending.
Best for Oil Control: Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation
If controlling shine is your top concern, Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation is a must-try. Specifically designed for oily and combination skin, this foundation delivers 24-hour oil control without sacrificing comfort or coverage. The oil-free formula is infused with coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid—a unique blend that hydrates while keeping your skin balanced and matte.
Additionally, it provides medium to full coverage with a smooth matte finish that resists transfer, sweat, and humidity. Unlike many matte foundations, it doesn’t feel tight or drying, making it ideal for oily skin that still needs a touch of hydration to prevent overproduction of sebum.
Whether you’re facing a hot climate or a long workday, this foundation stays put while keeping excess shine in check.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- 24-hour oil control with a comfortable matte finish
- Infused with hydrating and balancing ingredients
- Long-lasting and transfer-resistant
- Provides buildable coverage that doesn’t look cakey
Tip: Works beautifully when layered over a pore-blurring primer and finished with a light dusting of translucent powder for maximum longevity.
Best for Full Coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
A true classic in the beauty world, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation remains one of the best full-coverage options for oily skin in 2025. Renowned for its flawless, matte finish and incredible staying power, this foundation delivers up to 24-hour wear—even in heat, humidity, and sweat.
It provides buildable medium-to-full coverage that hides blemishes, redness, and uneven texture without looking cakey. The oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-acnegenic formula is dermatologist-tested, making it a safe choice for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
Double Wear is especially popular among professionals and makeup artists for its smooth application, long-lasting results, and ability to keep skin looking fresh even after a long day.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- Legendary 24-hour wear with no fading or melting
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic formula
- Matte finish that controls shine without feeling heavy
- Excellent for full glam, photoshoots, or all-day wear
Pro Tip: A little goes a long way—start with a small amount and blend with a dense brush for the most flawless finish.
Best Matte Finish: NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
For those who want a truly shine-free, soft-focus matte finish, NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation delivers exceptional results. This high-performance formula offers 16-hour wear, resists oxidation, and helps control oil throughout the day without ever looking flat or heavy.
The foundation features Hydramatte Balancing Complex, which keeps skin hydrated while absorbing excess oil—ideal for oily and combination skin types. Its full-coverage formula has a velvety texture that blends seamlessly and helps blur imperfections like enlarged pores, uneven texture, or post-acne marks.
Despite being matte, the finish is natural and breathable, making it suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- Hydramatte technology controls oil while maintaining skin comfort
- Provides full, buildable coverage that feels light
- Matte finish that doesn’t look dry or cakey
- Resistant to humidity, oxidation, and fading
Extra Tip: Pair it with a mattifying primer and set with a fine powder for a flawless, all-day look that photographs beautifully.
Best for Full Glam & Long-Wear: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
When it comes to full-glam makeup that lasts all day—and night—Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is a top-tier choice for oily skin. Known for its pore-blurring, smoothing, and matte-finish abilities, this foundation creates a flawless, airbrushed look that holds up under pressure.
Formulated with Replexium® technology to improve skin elasticity and AirCool™ technology for a refreshing feel, it’s more than just makeup—it’s skincare-infused performance. This long-wearing formula is also sweat-proof, humidity-resistant, and transfer-resistant, making it ideal for hot climates, long events, or oily skin that breaks through most foundations.
Its high coverage doesn’t look heavy or mask-like, and it blurs imperfections while delivering a soft-focus effect—perfect for photography, weddings, or high-definition video.
Why It’s Great for Oily Skin:
- Delivers flawless full coverage with a smooth, matte finish
- Contains skin-smoothing and cooling technologies
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant—perfect for long wear
- Minimizes the look of pores and texture
Pro Tip: For a long-lasting glam look, apply over a smoothing primer and lock it in with a fine setting spray.
While we’ve listed our top 10, one more foundation deserves an honorable mention. Let’s take a quick look:
Bonus Pick: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation
For a lightweight alternative with full coverage—don’t overlook Laura Mercier’s Flawless Fusion.
While it didn’t make the top 10, the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation deserves a spotlight for its reliable, lightweight full coverage and oil-controlling abilities. This foundation is a go-to for those who want a more natural matte finish without sacrificing staying power. It blends effortlessly, feels weightless on the skin, and keeps shine under control for up to 15 hours.
It’s also a favorite among makeup artists for events and photography, thanks to its seamless, skin-like texture that resists oxidation and flashback.
Why It’s Worth Trying:
- Ultra-light feel with full coverage performance
- Matte finish that lasts without separating or caking
- Great for everyday wear or special occasions
Ideal for those with oily skin who dislike heavy makeup but still want long-lasting results.
How to Apply the Best Foundation for Oily Skin?
Applying foundation on oily skin requires a few essential steps to create a smooth, shine-free, and long-lasting finish. Here’s how to get the best results:
1. Prep Like a Pro: Cleanse, Hydrate & Prime
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and follow with an oil-free moisturizer. Apply a mattifying primer to blur pores and control shine—this sets the perfect base for foundation.
2. Build Thin, Stay Matte: Apply in Light Layers
Use a damp makeup sponge or a dense foundation brush to apply your foundation in thin, buildable layers. This keeps coverage even and prevents caking throughout the day.
3. Set for Success: Powder & Lock It In
Apply a translucent setting powder to the T-zone or oily areas. Finish with a long-wear setting spray to keep everything in place from morning to night.
4. Stay Fresh: Blot—Don’t Reapply
Instead of adding more powder during the day, use oil-blotting papers to absorb shine without disturbing your makeup. This maintains a fresh, natural look without heaviness.
Want more detailed tips? Read our full guide for step-by-step instructions on achieving a flawless, shine-free look: How to Apply the Best Foundation for Oily Skin?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Best Foundations For Oily Skin
1. How do I apply full-coverage foundation on oily skin?
Start by using a mattifying primer to create a smooth base. Apply your full-coverage foundation in thin, even layers with a damp sponge or dense brush. Set it with translucent powder, focusing on the T-zone, and finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place.
2. How do I make a full-coverage foundation last all day?
Use a long-wear, oil-free foundation and prep your skin with a primer. Set with powder and a setting spray. During the day, blot excess oil with blotting sheets instead of reapplying product to avoid build-up.
3. What type of foundation should I wear for acne-prone skin?
Opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free foundation with soothing ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide. These formulas help prevent clogged pores while offering coverage for blemishes and redness.
4. What ingredients should you look for in a foundation for oily skin?
Look for oil-controlling and skin-balancing ingredients such as:
- Salicylic acid (clears pores)
- Niacinamide (balances oil and improves texture)
- Kaolin clay / silica (absorbs excess oil)
- Hyaluronic acid (light hydration without greasiness)
5. What ingredients should you avoid in foundation for oily skin?
Avoid ingredients that can clog pores or worsen oiliness, such as:
- Heavy oils (e.g., coconut oil, mineral oil)
- Alcohol denat. (can dry skin, leading to rebound oil production)
- Fragrance (potential irritant for sensitive or acne-prone skin)
- Luminous or overly dewy finishes (can exaggerate shine)
6. How should I use foundation if I have oily skin?
Prep your skin with oil-free moisturizer and mattifying primer, apply a long-wear, oil-free foundation in thin layers, set with powder, and carry blotting papers for midday touch-ups. Avoid layering on too much product to prevent separation.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dermatological advice. Always consult with a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting any new skincare or makeup routine, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Product recommendations are based on general research and personal reviews; individual results may vary.