Navigating makeup for oily skin isn’t easy. Fact.
Especially in warmer weather, oily skin tends to act up even more.
“When it’s hot we tend to perspire more, this causes increased oil production, decreasing cell turnover which can result in clogged pores and breakouts,” says Katherine Baulderstone, co-founder of Rageism Beauty. “If you don’t take your makeup off and you sweat during the night the same thing can also happen.”
Of course, the weather isn’t the only cause of oily skin. It can also be triggered by hormones, genetics, or the wrong products.
“Surprisingly, as we age we expect that the reduced oestrogen production will always make the skin dryer, but sometimes the opposite happens and the skin becomes oilier,” Katherine says.
Happily, evolving formulas in beauty products means that foundations – perhaps the trickiest of makeup steps for those of us with oily skin – are now targeted for different skin types. Enter, the oil free foundation.
When buying a foundation for oily skin, opt for non-comedogenic foundations and always, always look at the ingredients.
“Great ingredients are hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalene, niacinamide, Vitamin E and oil free sunscreen,” says Katherine. “You should avoid coconut oils, alcohol-based products, over exfoliating your skin, fragrances, or lanolin – anything that will clog your pores.”
We’ve done all the hard work for you and picked seven of the best foundations for oily skin.
01
Bobbi Brown, Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
$89
Comfortable, breathable, and weightless, this 16-hour natural matte foundation provides a real-skin finish.
02
Clinique, Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder Foundation
$63
With a shine-absorbing, oil-free formula, this pressed powder is great for oily skin and spots.
03
Maybelline Fit Me, Matte & Poreless Foundation
$21.95
With this matte formula, you will be able to blur imperfections and absorb oil throughout the day.
04
It Cosmetics, Oil-Control Matte CC+ Cream SPF 40
$73
Enriched with colloidal clay for oil absorption, this oil-free CC cream provides a lasting, natural-looking matte finish.
05
Estēe Lauder, Double Wear Stay-In-Place SPF 10 Foundation
$74
This lightweight matte foundation for oily skin is oil-free, waterproof and transfer-resistant. Perfect for hot and humid weather.
06
Lancôme, Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
$75
This matte foundation has undetectable full coverage and adapts to every skin shade and skin concern.
07
Rageism, Loose Powder Mineral Foundation
$65
This gentle, lightweight loose powder foundation is sweat and water resistant – simply the best foundation for oily skin.
