Finding the best foundation for oily skin can feel like an endless trial-and-error process. Foundations that look flawless in the morning often slide off, separate, or turn shiny by midday—especially if you have excess oil, enlarged pores, or combination skin.
The key to a great oily-skin foundation is balance: oil control without over-drying, long-wear performance, breathable textures, and finishes that stay fresh under heat and humidity. Whether you prefer liquid, powder, or compact formulas, today’s foundations are smarter than ever—many are infused with skincare benefits, SPF protection, and pore-blurring technology.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 best foundations for oily skin, including drugstore favorites, dermatologist-recommended formulas, and pro-level makeup staples. Each product is reviewed in detail to help you find the perfect match for your skin type, coverage needs, and budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Type | Finish | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoverGirl Aquasmooth SPF 20 | Cream Compact | Natural | Medium | Oily + sensitive |
| Clinique Superbalanced Oil-Free | Liquid | Natural | Medium | Combo-oily skin |
| MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus | Powder | Matte | Full | Very oily skin |
| Clinique Even Better SPF 15 | Liquid | Natural | Medium | Oily + uneven tone |
| bareMinerals Original Matte | Loose Powder | Matte | Buildable | Acne-prone |
| COVERGIRL Trublend Liquid | Liquid | Soft Matte | Medium | Everyday wear |
| Lancôme Dual Finish | Powder | Matte/Satin | Buildable | Long-wear lovers |
| L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte | Liquid | Matte | Full | Oil control |
| No7 Protect & Perfect | Liquid | Satin | Medium | Oily mature skin |
| wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy | Liquid | Dewy | Medium | Balanced oily skin |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Foundation for Oily Skin
When shopping for foundation for oily skin, look for:
- Oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas
- Matte or natural finishes (avoid heavy luminous foundations)
- Long-wear claims (8–24 hours)
- Powder or soft-matte liquids for oil absorption
- Lightweight textures that won’t clog pores
If you’re very oily, powder foundations or matte liquids work best. If you’re combination-oily, oil-free liquids with a natural finish may look more skin-like.
10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin
1. CoverGirl Aquasmooth SPF 20 Compact Foundation
CoverGirl Aquasmooth SPF 20 Compact Foundation is a classic cream-to-powder foundation that works surprisingly well for oily skin. Unlike heavy cream foundations, Aquasmooth melts into the skin and sets to a soft, natural finish that resists shine without looking cakey. The compact format makes it ideal for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
This foundation provides medium, buildable coverage that smooths redness and uneven tone while keeping oil under control. It’s fragrance-free and gentle, making it suitable for sensitive or breakout-prone oily skin. The added SPF 20 offers daily sun protection, which is a bonus for everyday wear.
Best for those who want a fuss-free, breathable foundation that doesn’t slide off oily areas like the T-zone.
Best for: Oily & sensitive skin
Why you’ll love it: Creamy feel, natural finish, easy application
2. Clinique Superbalanced Oil-Free Liquid Foundation
Clinique Superbalanced Oil-Free Liquid Foundation is designed specifically for combination to oily skin that needs flexibility. The formula intelligently balances moisture levels—absorbing excess oil in shiny areas while hydrating drier zones.
It offers medium, natural coverage that looks like real skin rather than makeup. The lightweight texture blends effortlessly and wears comfortably for long hours without clogging pores. As with all Clinique products, it’s fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for sensitive skin.
This foundation is ideal if you struggle with both oiliness and occasional dryness, making it a great everyday option for office wear or long days.
Best for: Combination-oily skin
Why you’ll love it: Smart oil control, skin-like finish
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a cult favorite for oily skin—and for good reason. This one-step powder foundation delivers full coverage with a long-wear matte finish that can last up to 12 hours.
The finely milled powder controls shine, minimizes pores, and creates a smooth, airbrushed look without feeling heavy. It’s especially effective for very oily skin or hot, humid climates where liquid foundations tend to break down quickly.
You can apply it sheer with a fluffy brush or full coverage with a sponge, making it versatile for both daily wear and special occasions.
Best for: Very oily skin
Why you’ll love it: Full coverage, oil-absorbing power
4. Clinique Even Better Makeup Liquid Foundation SPF 15
Clinique Even Better Makeup is an excellent option for oily skin with discoloration or acne marks. While lightweight, it provides medium coverage that visibly improves skin tone over time with consistent use.
The oil-free formula resists shine while maintaining a natural, healthy finish—not overly matte or flat. SPF 15 helps protect skin from sun damage that can worsen dark spots.
This foundation is ideal if you want makeup that does more than cover—it supports clearer, more even-looking skin with regular wear.
Best for: Oily skin with dark spots
Why you’ll love it: Skin-improving benefits, breathable feel
5. bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
bareMinerals Original Matte is a mineral powder foundation beloved by oily and acne-prone skin types. Its loose powder texture absorbs oil naturally while delivering buildable coverage that never looks heavy.
The minimalist ingredient list reduces the risk of breakouts, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone oily skin. The matte finish stays fresh throughout the day, and SPF 15 adds light sun protection.
This foundation works especially well when buffed into the skin with a dense brush for a smooth, pore-blurring effect.
Best for: Oily & acne-prone skin
Why you’ll love it: Clean formula, shine control
6. COVERGIRL Trublend Liquid Makeup
COVERGIRL Trublend Liquid Foundation is a budget-friendly option that performs exceptionally well on oily skin. The lightweight liquid offers medium coverage with a soft matte finish that evens out skin tone without emphasizing pores.
It blends easily and feels comfortable even after hours of wear. The extensive shade range makes it easier to find a close match, which is rare at this price point.
This foundation is great for everyday wear when you want reliable oil control without a heavy feel.
Best for: Oily skin on a budget
Why you’ll love it: Lightweight, affordable, natural matte
7. Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation
Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation is a versatile powder foundation that can be applied wet or dry. Dry application gives a soft matte finish perfect for oily skin, while wet application provides fuller coverage for events.
The formula feels luxurious, controls shine effectively, and stays comfortable all day without settling into pores. It’s ideal for those who want a premium powder foundation that performs in multiple ways.
Best for: Oily skin wanting versatility
Why you’ll love it: Long-wear, adjustable coverage
8. L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte is one of the most popular foundations for oily skin thanks to its impressive oil control and long-wear formula. It dries down to a true matte finish that resists shine for up to 24 hours.
The coverage is medium to full, making it great for covering redness, acne, or uneven texture. Despite its matte power, it feels surprisingly lightweight when applied in thin layers.
Best for: Extremely oily skin
Why you’ll love it: Long-lasting matte control
9. No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced All-in-One Foundation
No7 Protect & Perfect is a great option for oily skin that’s also concerned with aging. It offers medium coverage with a satin finish that controls oil without looking dry or flat.
Infused with anti-aging skincare benefits, it smooths the appearance of fine lines while keeping shine at bay. It’s especially suitable for oily skin over 30 or 40.
Best for: Oily mature skin
Why you’ll love it: Anti-aging + oil control
10. wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation
While technically a dewy foundation, wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy works well for balanced oily skin when set with powder. It delivers medium coverage with a fresh, skin-like finish that doesn’t feel heavy.
It’s ideal for those who find matte foundations too drying but still want longevity and affordability.
Best for: Combination-oily skin
Why you’ll love it: Natural glow, lightweight feel
Final Thoughts: Which Foundation Is Best for Oily Skin?
The best foundation for oily skin depends on your oil level, coverage preference, and lifestyle. Powder foundations like MAC Studio Fix and bareMinerals Matte excel at oil control, while liquid formulas like Clinique Superbalanced and L’Oréal Pro-Matte balance coverage and comfort.
For all-day wear with minimal shine, matte or soft-matte formulas are your safest bet. Pair your foundation with a mattifying primer and setting powder for the best results.