Best foundation for oily skin 2022: Our top picks to keep you shine-free (2023)

Katie Thomas 30/08/2022 3:46 pm

Best In Beauty
The Marie Claire Beauty Edit

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Make shiny skin a thing of the past with these hero best foundation for oily skin buys

Is midday shine your biggest beauty bugbear? Feel like you constantly battle with breakouts? If you haven’t got the best foundation 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.

How to find the best foundation for oily skin

Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director ofCosmedics 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 which 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 (have a look at our best tonerround up for some of our favourites) 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 to control shine, and make-up setting sprays – as these will only 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.

Then it’s time 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.

Whilst you’re here, we have guides to the best foundations for pale skin and the best foundations of the yearfor if you’re trying to find your perfect shade and coverage.

The best foundation for oily skin

Now, are you ready to find your new foundation fave? Keep scrolling for our edit of the best foundation for oily skin buys on the market right now.

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.

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Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, £34 | Cult Beauty

Best overall:
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.

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

Best foundation for oily skin 2022: Our top picks to keep you shine-free (2023)

How to find the best foundation for oily skin

The best foundation for oily skin

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