Sometimes, it can get tricky to buy make-up for those of us with combination or oily skin. You want to try out new products but are afraid of your skin looking too oily, or worse breaking out. There is a delicate balance that needs to be maintained and therefore, it is imperative that you understand your skin type.
Even if it’s an oily T-zone, chin or just oily eyelids (yes, that’s a thing), a great foundation is your best bet. Get something too cakey and it might block your pores causing more oil secretion. Get a sheer foundation, and it might not give you the coverage you are looking for. The trick here is to pick a buildable foundation that lets your skin breathe. So go ahead and explore our list of which we have curated just for you!
List of Best Foundations For Oily Skin
When we talk about foundations, there are a plethora of options that you can get in the market. Be it over the counter drugstore or the ultimate luxe range, you need to understand the kind of foundation that you’re most comfortable with. But worry not, for we’ve got the best drugstore foundations for oily skin, just for you!
Liquid Foundations
Liquid foundations are best for you if you’ve just started out experimenting with makeup. Easy to apply and blend, they give you a long-lasting finish while also creating a matte effect. Whether you’re going for an oil-based or water-based formula, make sure that you shake it well before use to ensure proper coverage.
1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation
This Maybelline foundation for oily skin is a personal favourite. When Maybelline says poreless, they mean porcelain. It is almost like a second skin when it comes to texture and finish and makes your pores vanish for the hours that you have this on without blocking them. We absolutely love this one!
Pros:
-Provides matte effect without making the skin dry
-Natural finish
Cons:
-Needs moisturizer else it clings to dry patches
-Needs reapplication after some time
Price: 500. Buy it here.
Also Read: Full Coverage Foundations For Your Skin
2. M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
The phrase ‘holy grail’ is all we can use to describe this foundation. The Mac foundation for oily skin gives you oil control and fantastic coverage packed in a lightweight formula. We’re just going to leave all that information up here.
Pros:
-Easily blends in your skin
-Gives the perfect matte finish
Cons:
-Oxidizes some hours after application
Price: 2,500. Buy it here.
Best Waterproof Foundation For Oily Skin
3. Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
Test this one out! It seriously gives you an even skin tone without feeling like you have a ton of layers on. It’s staying power is off the hook too, which makes it the best foundation for oily skin out there!
Pros:
-Extremely lightweight
-Stays even after sweating and going out in the sun
Cons:
-Could cause sensitive skin to break out
Price: 3,700. Buy it here.
Powder
One of the most conventional of the list, powder foundations are convenient in the fact that they are super easy to apply. They typically come in a compact case, thus making them the perfect makeup accessory for when you’re on the go!
Also Read About Tips To Get Rid Of Oily Skin
1. Colorbar Triple Effect Makeup
Here’s a budget option that works wonders for your skin! Probably the best powder foundation for oily skin, it has an easy-spreading, waterproof, oil-free formula, enriched moisturisers to give an illusion of flawless looking skin. It also absorbs sweat and oil, making your skin smooth and glowing.
Pros:
-Goodness of foundation, concealer, and compact in one
-Anti-ageing properties
-Paraben-free
Cons:
-Doesn’t cover large pores
-Can look patchy in some instances
Price: 850. Buy it here.
2. M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
This Mac foundation for oily skin has a nod of approval from beauty gurus and makeup artists alike. They can’t stop raving about the staying power and super matte finish that doesn’t need to be touched up.
Pros:
-Lasts for as long as 12 hours
-Does not crease
-Does not fade
Cons:
-Could cause sensitive skin to break out
Price: 2,500. Buy it here.
3. Maybelline New York Fit Me Powder Foundation
This Maybelline foundation for oily skin is ideal for someone who’s in front of lighting or outdoors a lot. This foundation provides full coverage with a mineral enriched matte finish. Need we say more?
Pros:
-Provides colours that suit Indian skin tones
-Great for everyday use
Cons:
-Might not complement heavy makeup
Price: 600. Buy it here.
Also Read: Makeup Hacks For Oily Skin
Foundation Stick
Stick foundations work best for those who also want to cover blemishes along with maximum coverage. On top of that, the stick format is super easy to use as you just have to glide it over your skin to achieve maximum impact! While the consistency is a bit thicker as compared to liquid foundation, they are definitely worth the effort!
1. Nykaa SKINgenius Foundation Stick Conceal Contour & Corrector
This stick concealer by Nykaa is not just pocket-friendly, but it also enriched with vitamin E which ensures that your skin doesn’t go without the nourishment it needs. On top of that, the creamy formula never fails to give you an ultra-matte finish, this makes it a serious contender for the title best foundation for oily skin!
Pros:
-Blends easily
-Keeps skin fresh-looking throughout the day
Cons:
-Can make pores look bigger than usual if not blended properly
Price: 525. Buy it here.
2. Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation
This one by Makeup Revolution is our all-time favourite. Probably the best foundation for large pores, it comes in a wide variety of 18 shades that promise full coverage. The easy-to-apply formula blends effortlessly in your skin, thus giving you that fresh, dewy complexion that you’ve always coveted!
Pros:
-Feels natural to your skin tone
-Does not crease
Cons:
-Needs reapplication by the end of the day
Price: 850. Buy it here.
3. Smashbox Studio Skin Shaping Foundation Stick
Probably the best foundation for oily skin, this one by Smashbox gives you the goodness of two in one! It has a foundation stick at one end and a soft contour shade at the other. While the foundation gives you good coverage with a natural finish, the contour allows you to create a variety of dimensions in coordinated shades.
Pros:
-Natural finish
-Buildable coverage
-Smooth formula
Cons:
-Supplied in limited quantity
Price: 3,000. Buy it here.
Mineral Powder Foundations
These ones are relatively new and are a product of recent interest in organic and natural makeup solutions. They are usually powder-based and thus come in a sifter or compact. A perfect addition to your morning routine, mineral powder foundations can be easily swapped with powder for quick touch-ups during the entire day.
1. L’Oreal Paris True Match Minerals Skin Improving
This one is on top of our list of foundations for oily skin. It is an airy powder foundation enriched with skin-improving sea minerals that have already got us intrigued! The pigment is known to cover imperfections without clogging pores, so add this to your cart right away!
Pros:
-Light on skin
-Gives skin a fresh look for up to 6 hours
-Improves complexion
Cons:
-Comes without a brush
Price: 1,215. Buy it here.
2. Elizabeth Arden Finish Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spf 20
Looking for the best foundation for oily skin? Well, look no more! This one is a holy grail when it comes to mineral foundations. Its microlight formula blends so perfectly in your skin that it feels like a second skin to you. Unlike loose powders, you can control exactly the amount of foundation that you need, thus making sure you apply exactly the amount that is good for your skin.
Pros:
-Full coverage
-Natural finish
-UV protection
Cons:
-Available in limited quantity
Price: 3,550. Buy it here.
3. Natio Pure Mineral Foundation
This mineral foundation by Natio has light-reflecting minerals that work wonders on your skin. A strong contender of the best matte foundation for oily skin, not only does it soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but it also lasts long, from morning right until night!
Pros:
-Quick and easy application
-Lightweight
Cons:
-Oxidises after some time
-Can sometimes cause the skin to look patchy
Price: 1,200. Buy it here.
Alternatives to Foundations – BB Cream
Not big on the foundation bandwagon but need coverage? Well, BB creams are the solution for you! The “BB” stands for “Blemish Balm/Beauty Balm” and is a relatively creamy formulation that helps moisturize the skin while maintaining an even skin tone. They are super light on the skin and last long enough to get you through the day!
1. M.A.C Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35
This BB cream adheres itself as a thin layer that is strong enough against sweat, water, and sebum. In addition to this, it also improves your skin texture while also protecting it from UV rays, thus making it the best drugstore foundation for oily skin.
Pros:
-Great coverage
-Good for day makeup
-Doesn’t cake the skin
Cons:
-Can powder up the skin
-Doesn’t work with other foundations
-Can cause breakouts for sensitive skin
Price: 2,350. Buy it here.
2. SUGAR Goddess Of Flawless SPF30+ BB Cream
This one is for all the ladies who’ve struggled with perfecting the no-makeup look at some point or the other and are on the lookout for the best foundation for oily skin. Its lightweight formula easily blends in your skin with the ease of a moisturizer. Not only does it shield your skin against the sun, but it also gives your face a super matte finish!
Pros:
-Lightweight
-Matte finish
Cons:
-Can oxidise after some time thus making the skin look dark and cakey
-It could have a drying effect on combination skin
Price: 999. Buy it here.
3. Natio Acne Clear Spots Tinted Purifying Spot Treatment
This BB Cream comes with benzoyl peroxide and the extract of Tamanu plant which is known for its purifying nature. By controlling oil production, it clears breakouts, targets blemishes, and reduces signs of redness, thus making it the perfect foundation for oily acne-prone skin.
Pros:
-Gentle nature
-Clears acne
-Can be mixed with antibacterial cream to use as foundation
Cons:
-Needs re-application after a couple of hours
Price: 740. Buy it here.
Makeup Tips To Ensure Your Foundation Stays
Now that you are all up to date with our recommendations and the kinds of foundation out there, let’s talk about a few makeup tips and hacks that you must keep in mind for oily skin. Not only will these hacks help you in staying oil-free for a longer time, but they will also make sure that you get the best out of your foundation!
Toner Is A Must
We keep talking about having a CTM routine but most of us usually end up missing the toner step. But when you have oily skin, the toner acts as a double cleanser. Once you cleanse and dry your face, a toner helps get rid of the sebum and oil, giving you a clear base.
Primer Is Important
Again, talking about missing steps, if you have oily skin, you can’t miss this one. A mattifying primer temporarily minimizes the appearance of pores and gives you an empty canvas to paint on.
There Is Too Much When It Comes To Coverage
Caking the make-up on too much or using a heavy foundation does not let your skin breathe and that in turn makes your pores produce more oil. Clogged pores can also redden skin and as a result, cause breakouts.
Powder Is Your Best Friend
Setting every step of your make-up even if it is minimal is imperative. Powder soaks up a lot of the extra oil so it helps keep your makeup on a little longer. So make sure to give your face a pat with a powder compact every time you layer your foundation.
Stash Blotting Sheets In Your Bag
Tissues rub the makeup off, and then you’d have to lug around all your make-up. Blotting sheets are perfect saviours, they don’t take too much room and are a godsend for women with oily skin. Just dab and move on.
Avoid Cream Based Makeup
Steer clear of cream blushes and highlighters. They tend to pile on the shine and moisture that you already have enough of. However, if you still can’t go without your dose of shine, we suggest you pick highlighters that complement your skin tone.
Well now with these tricks up in your arsenal, you are all set to get the most out of your foundation! Who says having an oily skin can’t allow you to have a good base for your makeup? Our list of recommendations and makeup hacks will have you looking your flawless best in absolutely no time!
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