Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
If your skin looks shiny by midday—and your base makeup consequently slides off—good news: The best foundations for oily skin can work wonders to keep your skin gleaming, but not greasy. And these days, they “don’t always need to be ultra-matte,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Alexandra McCormick.
In fact, taking away every hint of glow can leave your complexion looking one-dimensional—and isn’t necessarily the secret to keeping oil in check. “Extremely mattifying formulas can sometimes make the skin look flat or even encourage the skin to produce more oil throughout the day,” she says. Instead, McCormick typically reaches for “a long-wearing liquid foundation with a natural or soft-matte finish,” which can control shine without making skin look like it’s wearing a ton of makeup.
Our Top Foundations for Oily Skin
- Best Overall: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, $52
- Best Long-Wearing: Chanel Ultra Le Teint, $69
- Best Lightweight: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, $69
- Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation, $19
Rule of thumb: McCormick recommends seeking out oil-free or oil-controlling, long-wearing formulas with buildable coverage rather than anything overly heavy. Liquids tend to offer the most natural-looking results while keeping oil in check, but powder foundations certainly have their place, too: “They’re particularly useful for very oily complexions and midday touch-ups,” says McCormick. And if you prefer a little more radiance, oily skin doesn’t automatically rule out a luminous finish. Look for lightweight formulas that deliver a soft, skin-like glow rather than a slick or dewy finish. Ahead, our favorite foundations that strike that just-right balance.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is the best foundation for oily skin?
- How can I make foundation last longer on oily skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
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Estée Lauder
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Jessica Cruel
Why we love it: When Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation debuted in the ’90s, it basically wrote the rulebook for long-wear foundation—and nearly 30 years later, it’s still showing the category how it’s done. The recently reformulated icon now comes in a whopping 70 shades, promises up to 36 hours of wear, and, perhaps most importantly, feels lighter and more fluid than its predecessor. Credit the brand’s proprietary Polymer Mesh Matrix Technology, a breathable polymer system that moves with your skin, while color-treated micro-pigments keep your shade from shifting, even as oil from your skin might build up during the day.
“Double Wear has earned its reputation because it gives you tremendous control and dependable wear,” says New Jersey-based makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, who reaches for it when a complexion needs to “remain polished for hours without constant maintenance.” But don't mistake its staying power for an invitation to pile it on. “All you need is a thin layer and then add coverage only where it is actually necessary,” says Ventre. And the formulation update isn't all about wear: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep moisture levels up, while the brand’s proprietary AlgaNiacin blend of niacinamide and brown algae extract reins in excess oil over time.
Cruel before applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“You can feel the difference in the new formula instantly. It's more liquid-y and loose than the original. Where one drop does the job with the OG formula, it takes two or three to get the same level of coverage. This allows the wearer to customize. The original had one speed—full coverage or bust. This version can be light, medium, or full. One note: You have to let each layer dry down a bit before adding more to get the best results. For those Double Wear lovers, you can still get the finish you love; it just takes a little longer. It still has staying power and a matte finish—the proof was evident after I spent hours sweating and taking selfies at the launch party in LA. It was in the same condition from the first photo to the last.
The pigments in this new formula have also been updated, which makes for a bit of confusion when looking for your shade. I have always been 6W1 Sandalwood. In this new version, I went from 6W2 to 6C1, and I'm still not quite sure which one is the best fit. There's a 50% chance you'll have to change shades, so I definitely recommend going to get matched before committing to the new Double Wear.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, brown algae extract
- Shades: 70
- Finish: matte
- Coverage: medium/buildable
Best Long-Wearing: Chanel Ultra Le Teint
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Chanel
Ultra Le Teint
Chanel
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Chanel Ultra Le Teint
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Arguably, the best compliment you can get while wearing foundation is, “Your skin looks amazing.” If that’s the goal, Chanel’s Ultra Le Teint nails it: It melts into your complexion like a second skin, blurring pores, uneven texture, and dark spots without ever looking like you’ve piled on makeup. It uses soft-focus powders for a smooth, subtly brightened effect, while glycerin keeps the complexion hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. The foundation also has some serious staying power that withstands sweat, heat, humidity, and transfer (up to 24 hours, according to the brand). Meanwhile, silicones give the formula plenty of slip for a skin-like feel.
Pai before applying Chanel Ultra Le Teint
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying Chanel Ultra Le Teint
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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”Most foundations can’t handle the slip ‘n slide that is my face: I have naturally large pores and breakout-prone skin, so it gets oily quickly. Even though I usually go for lighter coverage, certain circumstances—evenings out, humid days, and stubborn breakouts—require more heavy-duty, longwear formulas. And this one delivered. It leaves my skin with dimension and a hint of dewiness, but the coverage is enough to tackle my acne without needing extra concealer. I didn’t even need to touch it up during the day.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, silicone
- Shades: 35
- Finish: natural
- Coverage: medium/buildable
Best Full Coverage: Tarte Face Tape Foundation
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Tarte
Face Tape Foundation
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Tarte Face Tape Full Coverage Foundation
Sarah Kinonen
Why we love it: The Readers’ Choice Award-winning Tarte Shape Tape Concealer set the stage for the brand’s Face Tape Foundation, a full-coverage, matte, and waterproof formula that brings the same high-performance approach to your entire complexion. And while “matte” and “waterproof” don’t exactly imply hydration, this formula manages to deliver on that front, too. Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture, while antioxidant-rich snow mushroom extract adds another dose of hydration, helping the foundation smooth the look of texture, minimize pores, and blur imperfections without looking flat, dry, or cakey. “Traditionally, long-wear makeup can look—or feel—heavy or cakey,” Los Angeles-based makeup artist Gregory Arlt previously told Allure. “This modern formula gives the coverage and long-wear that one would need without looking or feeling like you have a mask on.” It’s a must-have in hot or humid climates, or in the middle of summer.
Kinonen before applying the Tarte Face Tape Full Coverage Foundation
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Tarte Face Tape Full Coverage Foundation
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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"As you can see from the decrepit bottle, this foundation and I go way back. I've been wearing the long-lasting, full-coverage foundation for years because of its transfer-proof, wear-anywhere-anytime formula. It evens out underlying redness and doesn't disrupt my oily complexion. It's truly the best!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom extract
- Shades: 50
- Finish: matte
- Coverage: full
Best Lightweight: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
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Armani Beauty
Luminous Silk Foundation
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why we love it: When we first caught wind that Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation was reformulated, panic ensued. After all, Allure editors have sworn by the complexion classic since 2002. But fear not: The new formula keeps everything we loved about the original and gives us a few, very welcome upgrades. The famously weightless formula now comes in 44 shades and adds skin-care ingredients such as hydrating glycerin and oil-regulating niacinamide. Oil-absorbing aluminum starch, silica, and kaolin also make that signature radiance less intimidating for oily skin. “It’s my all-time favorite complexion product—and proof that you can absolutely use luminous foundation on oily skin,” says Ventre. “It gives beautiful blendability and dimension while still allowing the finished complexion to look like skin.”
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before applying Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Sarah Han
Han after applying Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I usually reach for skin tints, but the consistency of Luminous Silk reminds me of one of my go-tos in the best way! Super spreadable, easy to blend, and just enough coverage to hide dark spots and redness. I started off with one pump for a sheer, all-over layer because I wanted to see how easily buildable it was. It's definitely on the lighter side, but I went back in with a sponge to layer coverage on discoloration-prone areas. It's definitely not matte by any means, but it does blur out my oily sections, especially around my nose/cheeks—which just makes me look more ‘polished’ all around, without looking like I have makeup caked on.
Bonus: I found my shade—4, a ‘light golden neutral’—on the first try, which rarely happens. I'm really glad the color you see in the bottle is an accurate representation of what it'll look like swatched on your hand or face. I also appreciate that this shade has a neutral undertone, since golden shades typically lean too warm for me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from Pai
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”When I was in college, I used to go to the department store and beg for samples of this in tiny pots—it was one of the few foundations for which I had a color match. The updated formula is just as good as the original, in my opinion; I was able to find an even closer match to my skin tone. The coverage is a little lighter than the original, but I actually preferred that, and it lasts even through hot, humid summer days. Bottom line: It makes my skin look more radiant, but in a way that looks natural—not spackled.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, aluminum starch, silica, kaolin
- Shades: 32
- Finish: luminous
- Coverage: medium/buildable
More foundations for oily skin we love
Best for Sensitive Skin: m.ph Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation
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m.ph by Mary Phillips
Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation
Sephora
Why we love it: “Skin-like” foundation can be a bit of a gamble: Sometimes it's so sheer you wonder why you bothered, and other times “glowy” is just “greasy” in disguise. But if anyone can nail the your-skin-but-better assignment, it’s makeup artist Mary Phillips (whose clients include Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Her m.ph Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation has the silky slip of a serum, melting seamlessly into skin with true medium coverage.
The balancing act is thanks to lightweight silicones that give the fluid formula its silky spread, while 2% niacinamide evens tone and texture (and can regulate sebum), making the luminous finish less intimidating for oilier complexions. Meanwhile, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol bring in hydration without turning the formula into a rich moisture bomb. The payoff is the kind of glow Phillips is known for: fresh and dimensional, with enough coverage to even things out without making it obvious where your skin ends and your foundation begins.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% niacinamide, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol
- Shades: 35
- Finish: glowy
- Coverage: medium
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
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L’Oréal Paris
Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking for an affordable drugstore formula that performs like a luxury foundation, it doesn’t get much better than the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation, according to McCormick. The ultra-thin liquid offers buildable medium-to-full coverage “without feeling like a mask,” she says, while perlite and silica absorb excess oil and keep shine in check, and film-forming polymers lock pigment in place so your base is less likely to slide around. Despite its 32-hour staying power, “it feels surprisingly lightweight and breathable,” McCormick adds. There are skin-care perks, too: vitamin C helps brighten, vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, and SPF 25 adds an extra layer of sun protection on top of your usual sunscreen.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 6.7% octinoxate, 3.6% titanium dioxide, silica, polymers, vitamin E, vitamin C
- Shades: 37
- Finish: natural
- Coverage: medium/buildable
Best for Large Pores: Dior Forever Skin Wear Foundation
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Dior
Forever Skin Wear Foundation
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: The trouble with many matte foundations is that they can take away some of skin’s natural dimension, a.k.a. the subtle shifts in light and texture that keep your complexion from looking flat. Dior’s Forever Skin Wear Foundation manages excess shine without zapping that life from your skin. The soft-matte formula uses silicone-based powders to absorb excess oil and scatter light, giving enlarged pores and uneven texture a smoother, blurred appearance. There’s skin care in the mix, too: Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and balances excess oil, while hyaluronic acid draws in hydration to keep the finish looking natural. “It’s my go-to when I want longevity with a polished finish that still allows the complexion to have dimension,” says Ventre.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: silicones, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 42
- Finish: matte
- Coverage: medium/buildable
Best Mattifying: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
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MAC
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Of course, we’d expect nothing less from MAC than the foundation with the biggest shade range on this list: Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation comes in an impressive 78 options. But finding your perfect match is only part of the appeal. The silky, talc-free powder delivers customizable medium-to-full coverage with a blur-matte finish, while aluminum starch, silica, kaolin, and illite clay absorb excess oil and tamp down excess shine. Boron nitride and silicones give the powder a smooth, glide-y feel and softly blur pores and uneven texture. There are also rose and algae extracts, which offer antioxidant and conditioning benefits, while milk thistle seed oil, bisabolol, and vitamin E keep skin feeling soft and comfortable. “It delivers such nice oil control and smooths the complexion beautifully, plus the compact is incredibly convenient for touch-ups throughout the day,” says McCormick.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: aluminum starch, silica, kaolin, illite clay, boron nitride, silicones
- Shades: 78
- Finish: matte
- Coverage: medium/buildable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best foundation for oily skin?
Contrary to what you might think, having oily skin doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to matte makeup forever. “I don’t believe oily skin automatically dictates one specific type of foundation,” says Ventre, who generally considers natural-matte, soft-matte, and satin finishes forgiving starting points. Instead, she recommends looking for formulas with good adhesion and longevity that retain enough flexibility to keep skin from appearing flat or rigid. The coverage level matters, too, as a highly pigmented foundation can provide ample coverage with a very thin layer, rather than requiring multiple coats that may be more prone to separating as oil comes through.
Just as important is what’s underneath your foundation. Oily skin can also be dehydrated, and aggressively cleansing, skipping moisturizer, or piling on mattifying products can leave you with surface oil and tight, textured skin. Ventre’s rule of thumb: “Prep for the skin condition and choose the foundation for the finish.” In other words, properly hydrate and support your skin barrier first, strategically control oil where you need it, then choose the foundation finish you actually like.
How can I make foundation last longer on oily skin?
Making foundation last longer on oily skin starts well before you break out the foundation bottle. “Skin prep is probably one of the most underestimated parts of long-wearing makeup,” says Ventre. Rather than piling on skin care, she recommends using just enough hydration for your complexion and allowing products to fully absorb—“excess slip or emollience can create an unstable base that causes foundation to move around,” she says. From there, target oil control where you actually need it—such as the forehead, nose, and between the brows—instead of mattifying your entire face. Ventre applies foundation in “the thinnest effective layers,” building coverage only where necessary, then strategically sets oil-prone areas with finely milled powder and uses a long-wear setting spray to lock everything down.
And when shine inevitably starts creeping through? “Blot before you powder,” says Ventre. “Adding fresh powder directly over accumulated sebum can eventually create heaviness and emphasize texture, so absorb excess oil first, then press the smallest amount of powder necessary onto the area,” she says. Ultimately, “longevity isn’t one miracle product”—it’s the combination of thoughtful skin prep, thin layers, targeted powder, and a great setting spray that keeps foundation intact without sacrificing a natural, dimensional finish, she says.
Meet the experts
- Gregory Arlt, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Alexandra McCormick, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a makeup artist based in New Jersey
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best foundations for oily skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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