10 of the best foundations for oily skin tried, tested & reviewed so you can stay shine-free all day

Make shiny skin a thing of the past

Best Foundations For Oily Skin: Portrait of woman holding face up to the sky
(Image credit: Getty Images/Husam Cakaloglu)

Is midday shine your biggest beauty bugbear? Do you feel like you constantly battle with breakouts? If you haven’t got one the best foundations for oily skin in your arsenal already, it might just transform your make-up routine. Using the best foundation for your skin type is a complete game-changer, but it's crucial to know what to look out for before you head out on a beauty shopping spree.

Using foundation when you have oily skin

Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, has words of caution when it comes to pairing oily and/or acne-prone skin with make-up. He says that it's all in the prep: "Before thinking about make-up, review your skin regime. Getting the best cleanser and best moisturiser for oily skin is key, so experiment to see what suits your skin," he advises.

"Don't be tempted to ditch the moisturiser as your skin still needs hydration, but choose a formulation that suits oily skin," he continues. "Exfoliate regularly to remove excess sebum as well as dead skin cells." The best way to do this is with a chemical exfoliator or a physical gentle face scrub.

It's also worth looking at complimentary products to go alongside your new foundation and help it achieve its full potential. The best primers will help to control oil levels and keep your make-up where you want it, setting powders will control shine, and make-up setting sprays will help to keep your make-up looking perfect for longer.

You may also find it useful to keep old-school blotting papers with you for on-the-go touch-ups, or use something like Indeed Labs' Nanoblur, as the tiniest bit dabbed in with a beauty sponge helps to mattify shiny patches and excess oil.

  • Best overall foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, £36 | Lookfantastic
  • Best drugstore foundation: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation, £10.99 | Lookfantastic
  • Best shade range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, £30 | Sephora
  • Best powder foundation: bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation, £36.50 | Lookfantastic
  • Best for a long-lasting finish: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39 | Space NK
  • Best for a radiant finish: No7 Stay Perfect Foundation SPF30, £14.95 | Boots
  • Best for full coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, £39.50 | Lookfantastic
  • Best CC cream: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF40, £36.50 | Lookfantastic
  • Best for blemish-prone skin: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup, £34 | John Lewis
  • Best tinted moisturiser: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20, £40 | Lookfantastic
  • Best for skin under 40: Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Liquid Foundation, £29 | Boots
  • Best stick foundation: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick, £28 | Sephora

How to find the best foundation for oily skin

You need to think about exactly what you want your foundation to achieve. Although a full coverage formula won't act as a replacement for a brilliant hyperpigmentation treatment, it will mask any residual marks from previous breakouts, while something designed to mattify will work to keep your skin shine-free all day.

Oilier skin types often get along well with powder-based foundations, like bareMinerals Original Foundation, but if a powder finish isn't your preference there are many other brilliant formula options on offer. New-gen liquids will glide on seamlessly and can even strategically lock in oil.

We also have guides to the best foundation for dry skin and the best foundation for combination skin if you're trying to find your perfect shade and coverage. Not a foundation fan? Don't worry, we also have a guide to the best tinted moisturisers or the best skin tints for those that only like a wash of colour. 

The best foundation for oily skin

We've tested each and every one so you know you're in good hands. For more information on how we do this, don't forget to check out our guide to how we test all the products that make it into our buying guides.

1. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Laura holding TOO FACED BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - best foundation for oily skin

(Image credit: Cult Beauty)

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Best overall foundation

Specifications

Number of shades: 35
Coverage: Medium to full
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Soft matte

Reasons to buy

+
Gives a really even coverage
+
Lasts well
+
Large shade range
+
Contains skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and coconut water

Reasons to avoid

-
Shows up fine lines slightly

This foundation is a staple in several beauty editor and celebrity make-up bags. It offers long-lasting coverage that's full without being 'too much'. Blemishes and redness are covered easily, and it's got a nice matte finish that plays well with an oily complexion.

Beauty contributor Laura Mulley says, "This goes on really smoothly and evenly, and skin feels matte but not too dry. I'd call this a great foundation for a night out."

2. L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation

Laura holding L'ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE 24HR MATTE COVER FOUNDATION

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32hr Matte Cover Foundation

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32hr Matte Cover Foundation

Best drugstore foundation

Specifications

Number of shades: 20
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finnsh: Matte

Reasons to buy

+
Great price
+
Super long wearing
+
Contains niacinamide to even skin tone over time

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a huge shade range currently available online

At the bargain price of £10.99, this is the best drugstore foundation for oily skin, and has recently been updated to include niacinamide and give an impressive 32 hours of wear (not that we'd recommend that you wear your make-up for that long, of course). Apply all over and buff from the centre of the face outwards for smooth coverage that'll last all day. It's super duper mattifying, so you won't see any oily patches appearing around 3pm.

Laura says, "I was really impressed with this. It gave an instant blurring effect to the skin and felt really comfortable (not too drying). My shade 110 has the perfect mix of undertones for my skin, too."

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

Laura holding Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

(Image credit: Sephora)

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Best shade range

Specifications

Number of shades: 50
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Semi-matte

Reasons to buy

+
Huge shade range
+
Really buildable so you can tailor your coverage
+
Blurs imperfections in a really natural way

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for you if like a dewy finish

A little goes a long way with Rihanna’s award-winning formula, giving a gorgeous soft-matte finish which you can tailor to your own coverage preferences. It glides onto the skin and gives an airbrushed finish that’s perfectly in between matte and glowy—it just looks like skin. Believe us, the hype is real.

Marie Claire beauty contributor Dionne Brighton says: "I don’t feel like I need to apply a powder on top, like I typically do with other liquid foundations, because it dries beautifully matte and is so lightweight I actually forget I have it on."

4. bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

bareMinerals Original Loose Mineral Foundation - best foundation

(Image credit: bareMinerals)

bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

Best powder foundation

Specifications

Number of shades: 30
Coverage: Light to medium
Formula: Powder
Finish: Soft matte

Reasons to buy

+
Great for sensitive, rosacea or spot-prone skin
+
The pot closes so no spillages when travelling
+
Buildable coverage

Reasons to avoid

-
You can't really apply it with your fingers
-
Still a little bit messy to transport and use

Nothing really beats the best powder foundations when it comes to oil control, and bareMinerals’ is a timeless favourite for a reason—the mineral formula is completely non-comedogenic, so there’s no risk of pores becoming blocked, and still only contains five ingredients (two of which as sun filters). It's an icon for a reason.

Laura says, "If you've always been a little dubious about trying this, I urge you to give it a go—I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the natural finish it gives. Because it's so kind to the skin, this is the foundation I reach for if my complexion is feeling especially irritated."

5. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Laura holding CHARLOTTE TILBURY AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FOUNDATION

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

Charlotte Tilbury Foundations Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

(Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Best for a long-lasting finish

Specifications

Number of shades: 44
Coverage: Full
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Soft matte

Reasons to buy

+
Blurs pores
+
Very long lasting
+
Sets quickly

Reasons to avoid

-
It's not cakey but it does give a 'full make-up' look

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is great for oily skin as it's designed to stay all day (or night) and give a natural matte finish. It really does last and the full coverage formula also helps to reduce the look of pores—win win!

Freelance beauty editor Mica Ricketts says, "If you want a long-wearing, full-coverage foundation with a velvety finish then I can’t rate this enough, this foundation is unrivalled."

6. No7 Stay Perfect Foundation SPF30

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation - best drugstore foundation

(Image credit: No7)

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation SPF30

Best for a radiant finish

Specifications

Number of shades: 25
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Semi-matte

Reasons to buy

+
Great price
+
there are often money-savings deals on at Boots
+
Not completely matte
+
Good for sensitive skin

Reasons to avoid

-
Shade range could be slightly bigger

Marie Claire contributor, Grace Lindsay, has loved this brand for as long as she can remember, as it never irritates her sensitive skin. "Although I have an oily complexion, I still don't like a super matte finish when it comes to my foundation," she says. "That's why this is my go-to. The long-wearing formula keeps any shine at bay, but still leaves me looking radiant."

7. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF40

Laura holding IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF40

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte

(Image credit: IT Cosmetics)

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF40

Best CC cream

Specifications

Number of shades: 14
Coverage: Medium to full
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte

Reasons to buy

+
Covers up redness and blemishes
+
Contains oil-absorbing clay and charcoal, plus tea tree oil
+
Never looks too heavy on the skin

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the biggest shade range, with several currently out of stock

OK not technically a foundation, but it might as well be. Here at MC we're huge fans of the original CC cream and this one also doesn't disappoint. It gives just the right amount of coverage—not too heavy, but more than a tinted moisturiser—and has the added benefit of covering up any redness caused by raging blemishes. In its formula, there are two types of clay, tea tree extract and oil-absorbing charcoal, so it treats as it covers.

"I didn't think I could be swayed away from the original IT Cosmetics CC Cream, but I'll happily reach for this one now when I want a little less shine," says Laura. "It has a soft, almost whipped texture that melts seamlessly into the skin, and it gives a lovely 'medium' finish—not too matte, not too glowy."

8. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup

Laura holding Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Foundation - best foundation for oily skin

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup

Best for blemish-prone skin

Specifications

Number of shades: 8
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Coverage: Matte

Reasons to buy

+
Helps to treat blemishes as well as cover them up
+
Slight cooling sensation that's soothing on inflamed skin
+
Lasts well

Reasons to avoid

-
Very small shade range
-
Bottle is quite tricky to squeeze the last drops out of

This lightweight, oil-free formula conceals blemishes while actively tackling them and preventing them from returning. Plus its cooling sensation and skin-soothing ingredients help to calm any angry breakouts and inflammation.

"It can be tricky to know what make-up to wear when you're suffering with an outbreak of blemishes; you want to cover them up but you don't want to make them worse," says Laura. "This for me is the perfect solution. It blends instantly into the skin and leaves a light, velvety finish."

9. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20

Laura holding Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20

(Image credit: Laura Mercier)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector SPF 20

Best tinted moisturiser

Specifications

Number of shades: 20
Coverage: Light to medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Semi-matte

Reasons to buy

+
Really lightweight on the skin
+
Easy to apply with fingers
+
Great for a 'no make-up make-up' look

Reasons to avoid

-
Won't cover really stubborn spots or redness

As its name suggests, this is an oil-free version of Laura Mercier's iconic tinted moisturiser, and gives light, comfortable coverage with a semi-matte finish. 

"If I'm being honest, I always found the original tinted moisturiser a little too sheer for my liking, but this one has a bit more oomph," says Laura. "It does indeed feel like moisturiser to apply, but with hardly any sheen, and it's easy to slap on quickly using fingers."

Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Liquid Foundation

Best for skin under 40

Specifications

Number of shades: 40
Coverage: Medium
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Satin

10. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick

FENTY BEAUTY Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick

(Image credit: Laura Mulley)

Eaze Drop Blur and Smooth Tint Stick

(Image credit: Sephora)

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick

Best stick foundation

Specifications

Number of shades: 25
Coverage: Light to medium
Formula: Stick
Finish: Satin

Reasons to buy

+
Really easy to blend
+
Handy for travelling
+
Can be used with fingers, a brush or a sponge
+
Looks really natural

Reasons to avoid

-
May slide around a bit if your skin is super oily

If you think solid stick foundations are something best left backstage at the theatre, you'll think again when you try Fenty's. It melts into the skin like butter—not a hint of dragging or tugging—and blends out beautifully with fingers of a make-up brush. The finish is a very soft matte; honestly, swiping this over your face is like using the 'smooth' tool on Facetune.

"I adore this foundation," says Marie Claire's Junior Shopping Writer Valeza Bakolli. "I honestly never thought I’d find a stick foundation that acts like a serum formula, but this one has now found its way into my regular make-up rotation. When I’m after a quick, easy-to-blend base this is what I reach for."

Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.