Having oily, acne-prone skin makes finding the right foundation seem impossible. Not only do you need something offering enough coverage to disguise breakouts and redness but it also needs to actively control oil and shine instead of contributing to the problem. The key is finding an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that smooths without clogging pores.
With so many factors to consider like finish, wear time and special ingredients to treat and prevent blemishes, the foundation search can be overwhelming. Different skin needs also come into play depending on skin sensitivity and whether combination skin runs drier in certain areas. So how do you determine what foundations will work best?
I’ve tested and reviewed the top-rated foundations formulated specifically for oily and acneic skin types below based on coverage, feel and longevity. Read on for the contenders that control oil the longest while smoothing texture, minimizing pores and keeping skin clear.
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is an oil-free formula that gives a natural matte finish. It is ideal for normal to oily skin types and helps cover pores and imperfections.
This affordable drugstore foundation boasts an oil-free formula that smooths the look of pores while controlling shine. It provides medium to full buildable coverage with a natural matte finish that isn’t overly flat or drying. The lightweight formula wears comfortably all day without caking, fading or irritating. It’s ideal for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
The PHOERA Flawless Soft Matte Liquid Foundation provides 24-hour oil control with a lightweight, semi-matte finish. It is designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
We like this oil-controlling matte foundation for its comfortable wear and pore-minimizing effect. It goes on smoothly and builds from medium to full coverage without looking cakey or clinging to dry patches. The formula with ginseng extract is gentle enough for sensitive, breakout-prone complexions yet provides shine control that lasts.
The JOAH Perfect Complexion Cashmere Powder Foundation provides medium coverage in a hydrating matte formula. The Korean makeup is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and oily complexions.
This powder foundation goes on smoothly to perfect and balance the look of skin. It provides medium yet buildable coverage that lasts all day long without getting shiny. The creamy texture with antioxidants, peptides and niacinamide evens tone while nourishing skin to keep it comfortable. Those with acne-prone and oily skin will appreciate the skin-clearing benefits.
The YENSA Super Silk Foundation delivers full coverage with an anti-aging skincare formula containing vitamin C, E, ferulic acid and bakuchiol. It is ideal for normal to oily and combination skin types.
This foundation goes beyond makeup to deliver advanced skincare. The anti-oxidant and collagen-boosting ingredients reduce fine lines and wrinkles for younger-looking skin while medium-to-full buildable coverage achieves a flawless finish. The featherlight serum texture won’t clog pores making it ideal for breakout-prone complexions. Overall an excellent anti-aging foundation for oily skin types.
This talc-free loose mineral powder foundation from bareMinerals provides buildable coverage with a soft matte finish. The formula with SPF 15 is vegan, non-irritating and ideal for all skin types, including oily and acne prone.
With its oil-absorbing mineral formula, this lightweight powder is great for reducing shine while providing a polished matte finish. It can be layered from sheer to medium coverage without appearing cakey or settling into pores and fine lines. The protective ingredients are gentle enough for sensitive skin yet combat acne-causing bacteria. Overall an ideal powder foundation for oily and acneic skin types.
The FV Waterproof Foundation delivers sweat, water and transfer-resistant medium coverage with a breathable matte finish. The oil-free formula is designed to control shine on normal to oily skin types.
This affordable drugstore foundation provides medium yet buildable coverage in a comfortable matte finish that holds up against heat, humidity and moisture. It imparts a fresh, natural-looking finish while combating oil and shine for up to 12 hours of flawless wear. The non-comedogenic formula also helps clear and prevent blemishes making it ideal those with breakout-prone skin.
The True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum from L’Oreal Paris combines lightweight, buildable coverage with intense moisturization thanks to vegan hyaluronic acid. The hydrating serum foundation is ideal for dry to normal skin types.
While this hydrating tinted serum isn’t formulated specifically for oily complexions, we think it makes an excellent choice for combination skin that tends towards dryness in certain areas. The gel-cream texture glides over patches of dryness seamlessly without clinging to them and provides sheer-to-medium customizable coverage for an imperceptible look. Overall a great pick for balanced hydration and coverage.
Maybelline’s Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation provides an ultra-longwear matte finish that is sweat, water and transfer-resistant for up to 30 hours. The full coverage formula is specially designed for combination, normal to oily skin types.
This full coverage foundation is a top choice for keeping shine at bay thanks to its transfer-resistant formula that locks makeup in place while absorbing oil. It delivers a flawless matte finish that won’t budge under pressure from heat, humidity, sweat or moisture and provides smoothing coverage that hides imperfections. The lightweight texture is comfortable for all-day wear while combating oily and acne-prone skin.
The e.l.f Flawless Finish Foundation delivers lightweight medium coverage with a natural semi-matte finish. The oil-free formula is ideal for combination, oily and acne-prone skin types.
As a budget-friendly foundation that keeps skin looking fresh and natural with its semi-matte finish, this formula beats out pricier options when it comes to oil and shine control. It provides smoothing, customizable coverage that disguises redness and imperfections without irritating delicate or acne-prone skin, ultimately leaving a flawless, non-greasy finish.
Almay Clear Complexion Acne Foundation Makeup combines salicylic acid with lightweight medium coverage in a non-comedogenic formula ideal for blemish-prone sensitive skin types.
This gentle yet effective foundation combines blemish-clearing salicylic acid with soothing botanicals to provide oil and acne control without redness or irritation. It transforms breakout-prone complexions by disguising existing blemishes while actively preventing new ones from forming so skin looks and feels clear. The lightweight texture also minimizes the look of pores for a smoother, more flawless appearance.
The Matte Perfection Foundation from Frankie Rose Cosmetics delivers full coverage with a long-lasting demi-matte finish. The oil-free hydrating formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone complexions.
This full coverage foundation imparts a flawless smooth finish while combating shine thanks to its matte oil-free formula. The medium-thick texture blends easily without catching on dry spots or settling into pores and fine lines. It wears comfortably for up to 16 hours, minimizing the need for touch-ups while keeping excess oil under control. So while suitable for all skin types, it excels at balancing and perfecting shiny, acneic complexions.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Foundation combines clarifying ingredients with natural-looking medium coverage to treat and disguise breakouts. The oil-free formula is developed specifically for acne-prone oily and combination skin types.
Specifically formulated for breakout-prone complexions, this foundation treats acne with clarifying salicylic acid while providing customized coverage ranging from medium to full that seamlessly covers redness and imperfections. The oil-free formula helps control excess shine leaving a flawless matte yet natural-looking finish. Overall an excellent foundation choice for managing oily, blemish-prone skin.
Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Foundation combines blemish-fighting salicylic acid with shine control and light to medium matte coverage. The medicated liquid makeup helps improve the look and feel of acne-prone and oily skin.
As an affordable medicated makeup, this foundation actively clears breakouts while keeping excess shine at bay with oil-absorbing ingredients. It seamlessly blends to customize sheer-to-medium skin-improving coverage that helps disguise imperfections for a smooth, natural finish. The breathable texture won’t clog pores or cause new pimples making it safe for all acne-prone complexions. Overall an accessible option for treating and covering oily blemished skin.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Powder Foundation provides smoothing waterproof medium coverage with a radiant matte finish. The long-wearing sweat- and transfer-resistant powder is made for combination to oily skin types.
This long-wearing powder foundation provides waterproof medium coverage with a natural radiant matte finish that isn’t overly flat or dull. The lightweight formula locks in makeup without caking or settling into fine lines and provides oil control suitable for acne-prone complexions. It can also be layered to customize coverage according to skin’s changing needs. Overall an excellent shine-fighting powder foundation.
This foundation set from PHOERA includes two shades of their 24HR Matte Oil Control Concealer Foundation along with powder and foundation brushes and makeup sponges for flawless application.
This foundation set makes finding your perfect shade match easy with two options that can be mixed and customized. The full coverage formula keeps excess oil under control for up to 24 hours leaving a pore-minimizing matte finish. The included brushes and sponges optimize application for a smooth flawless look. Overall a great kit for oily and acne-prone complexions.
Product | Features |
---|---|
MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte + Poreless | Oil-free, matte finish, hides pores |
PHOERA Flawless Soft Matte | 24HR oil control, semi-matte finish |
JOAH Perfect Complexion Cashmere | Matte powder, oil control, 16 hour wear |
YENSA Super Silk Foundation | Full coverage, anti-aging ingredients |
bareMinerals Original Matte | Mineral powder, matte finish, SPF 15 |
FV Waterproof Foundation | Sweat & waterproof, matte medium coverage |
L’Oreal Paris True Match Serum | Light coverage, hydrating |
MAYBELLINE Super Stay Full Coverage | Up to 30 hour wear, matte finish |
e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation | Lightweight medium coverage, controls oil |
Almay Clear Complexion | Salicylic acid, lightweight medium coverage |
Frankie Rose Matte Perfection | Full coverage, 16 hour wear |
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions | Oil-free, matte finish, salicylic acid |
Neutrogena SkinClearing | Oil-free, salicylic acid, matte coverage |
L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder | Waterproof, up to 24HR wear |
PHOERA Foundation Set | Full coverage matte foundation set |
When selecting a foundation for oily skin, the most important factors are oil control, shine reduction and non-clogging formulas that won’t cause breakouts. Look for mattifying foundations labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic or specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Lightweight mineral powder or mousse foundations often provide the most natural matte coverage while liquid options with dimethicone can help fill pores and smooth texture. Avoid creamy or dewy foundations which can make oily complexions appear greasier. Instead, choose formulas described as matte, velvet or semi-matte finish. For optimal shine control, use an oil-free primer before foundation application. Applying with a damp sponge will provide the most seamless long-lasting finish.
There are various foundation formulas suited for oily and acne-prone skin types:
Powder foundations provide the most effective oil absorption and matte coverage well-suited for oily complexions. Look for talc-free loose or pressed powder foundations with oil-controlling ingredients like silica.
Liquid foundations allow buildable coverage and a more customizable finish from matte to dewy. Stick with light liquid formulas featuring dimethicone to fill pores along with mattifying agents.
Stick foundations are portable, easy to apply and touch up. Look for oil-free formulas with kaolin clay or silica to soak up excess shine.
Cream foundations typically provide fuller coverage but can be too heavy for oily skin. Opt for an oil-free mousse-to-powder formula instead.
Tinted moisturizers and BB creams offer light coverage with skin care benefits. Oil-free options with antioxidants can supplement your skincare routine without adding shine.
A. The best type of foundation formulas for oily skin are:
These foundations provide shine control and flawless medium-to-full coverage while allowing skin to breathe comfortably all day. Using primer and setting powder can also help manage excess oil with these foundations.
A. Powder foundations typically provide better oil and shine control for oily skin types. However, liquid foundations allow more customizable coverage. Use an oil-free liquid foundation with a mattifying powder foundation on top for optimal oil absorption and a customizable, natural matte finish.
A. Proper skincare is key for controlling oil, so exfoliate regularly and moisturize before makeup. An oil-free primer or mattifying gel will also help fill pores and smooth skin’s texture before building thin layers of foundation with a damp makeup sponge. Be sure to set it with powder.
A. Look for foundations containing oil-absorbing ingredients like silica, kaolin clay, salicylic acid, zinc and other minerals. These will soak up excess oil without stripping the skin. Non-comedogenic formulas won’t clog pores or lead to breakouts.
A. Dewy and luminous foundations tend to make oily skin appear oilier, so it’s best to avoid them. However, you can make them work by layering with mattifying products. Use oil-blotting papers to instantly remove shine, an oil-free matte primer before application and set with plenty of mattifying powder.
A. Ill-suited foundations can worsen oiliness and acne since they can clog pores and trap bacteria. Be sure to choose labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free. Using skincare with acne-fighting ingredients will help prevent foundation-related breakouts on oily skin.
While no foundation fully prevents or cures acne, using non-comedogenic oil-free formulas can help manage oily skin without contributing to flare-ups. Look for lightweight mineral powder or liquid options containing clarifying ingredients like salicylic acid to actively prevent clogged pores and blemishes. Be sure to moisturize properly even with oily skin, prime before foundation application and set makeup with mattifying powder to control excess shine.
Of all the foundations reviewed, the Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation, L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder and Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Acne Foundation stood out thanks to their sweat-resistant formulas that stay put while keeping skin balanced. They provide buildable natural-looking coverage suitable for sensitive skin as well as oil and acne control.
No matter your budget or skin sensitivity, using the right non-comedogenic foundation for oily skin is key to preventing breakouts and achieving complexion perfection. With the options above, you can find oil-fighting foundation perfection.
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