The best foundations for oily skin to keep you shine-free from dawn till dusk

Do you have oily or combination skin? Then you're going to want one of these...

The best foundations for oily skin

by Lucy Smith |
Updated on

Anyone who has oily skin knows how frustrating finding a foundation can be. You’re only trying to smooth over your complexion, right? You've got the perfect primer , setting spray and foundation brush but something's still amiss. It's not the shade (though, finding a really pale or really dark foundation can, admittedly, be a nightmare) and yet, the product is still leaving you shinier than when you started.

And, much to every oily skin type's dismay, this isn’t the only problem you might encounter, applying a foundation that contains more oils will increase the chance of your make-up coming off during the day. To stop this from happening you need to wear the best foundation for oily skin (that won't block your pores).

Yep, this can be a real challenge, although it’s not impossible. Choosing the right base will solve a lot of your make-up dilemmas. We've done a deep dive into the best ones but, if you can't be bothered to browse through all 13, here's our shortlisted faves:

The best foundation for oily skin - our top three picks

1 - L.A. Girl Pro Matte Foundation, £8.50

2 - Lumene Matt Control Oil Free Foundation, £11

3 - Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Foundation, £36

Anddd for those of you who are in this for the long haul, without further ado, the 13 best foundations for shine free, blemish concealed skin from morning till night. From powder to cream formulas, budget to high-end brands, there's something for everyone in this bundle 'a treats.

Check out: Here are our favourite foundations for oily skin:

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

Gallery

Best Foundations For Oily Skin, Be Shine Free

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CREDIT: Amazon

Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation

When you don't want to mess around finishing things off with powder once you've applied your foundation, you could use Rimmel London Stay Matte foundation instead. It stays put and provides a soft and powdery texture after application.

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CREDIT: Feel Unique

Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Foundation

This smooth solution lives up to its name. Silk Creme oil-free foundation from Laura Mercier certainly gives you that silky feeling, without the sensation you get from an excessively oily foundation.

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CREDIT: Boots

Clarins Pore Perfecting Mattifying Foundation

It's the light texture of this liquid foundation that makes it stand out above and beyond other options you've already tried. It provides a natural and even coverage and is full of natural ingredients.

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CREDIT: Beauty Bay

L.A. Girl Pro Matte Foundation

This foundation is so light, it hardly feels like you're wearing anything and it makes your skin feel SO soft. It's a creamy consistency but dries almost suede-like, combatting those oily areas. We found that it's best applied with a brush, patted with a damp beauty blender and topped with the L.A. Girl PRO. Face Powder for all-day coverage.

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CREDIT: Amazon

Lumene Matt Control Oil Free Foundation

Going out-out? This full-coverage foundation combines mattifying agents and powdery pigments to ensure that your skin remains shine-free, even after dancing.

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CREDIT: Debenhams

Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Foundation

This is another option for women who are struggling with spots as a result of their oily skin. With tea tree oil and other natural ingredients, this foundation provides a clean fix that'll keep your skin clear and cover your face well too.

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CREDIT: John Lewis

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

This is certainly a pricey option, but you often get what you pay for and this is one such example of that truthful cliche. It's a matte solution for people who hate matte, offering a faultless finish you're sure to be happy with.

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CREDIT: Amazon

Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Combination Oily Skin

If you're looking for a medium coverage, this foundation will tick all the boxes. After you've applied the first base, let this dry and add another layer if you'd like to increase it.

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CREDIT: All Beauty

Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation

As the name suggests, this is the foundation you should turn to if your oily skin combined with other foundations is causing you to break out in spots. It reduces blemishes and redness while doing everything you want from your foundation.

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CREDIT: Harvey Nichols

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Compact foundation is ideal for anyone looking for a subtle foundation that nonetheless provides a matte finish. It's light, easy to apply and a pleasure to use. When has Armani ever let us down?

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CREDIT: Feel Unique

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

If you've been having problems with your foundation slipping and sliding because of oily skin, L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte foundation is the solution. It stays in place, no matter what, meaning you won't have to worry about mid-day maintenance.

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CREDIT: Look Fantastic

Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder

Finally, we have the Smashbox HALO Hydrating powder. It stays out of your fine lines and boasts a range of natural benefits that'll keep your skin looking young and covered for many days to come.

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CREDIT: Amazon

W7 Legend Lasting Wear Foundation

Only thing missing is a pump, make sure you share the bottle before pouring it onto the back of your hand. It's a great Estee Lauder dupe, however, you'll need to combine it with a powder, but for under £5 we couldn't leave this off the list!

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Which skin care products will help oily skin?

Mousse texture cleansers should be your go-to skin care product because they’re great for getting rid of dirt and make-up on your skin, and they won’t leave the excess oil behind, which can cause pore problems.

Next, you’ll need a reliable clay-based mask that can soak up excess oil and dirt.

Finally, you’ll need a high-quality moisturiser that will offer moisture while avoiding the feeling that comes with greasy skin.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us