The line between dewy glow and greasy-to-the-touch is a fine one—and it’s one we are constantly walking. Thankfully, the best foundations for oily skin make falling down that (quite literal) slippery slope avoidable.
For those of us in constant battle with acne and oil, there is a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind with makeup as with skin care, and that starts with how your canvas is prepped. Pro makeup artist Raul Otero advises, “Always use an oil-controlling moisturizer and mattifying primer before any makeup application.” He says it’s the number one step not only in making your makeup last longer but also in keeping your skin shine-free. In other words, a grippy primer helps foundation adhere to your skin so it won’t slip and slide as the day goes on. Makeup artist Jamie Greenberg agrees; when it comes to primers, she says, it’s best to avoid cream-, oil-, or silicone-based formulas because “it can get slippery.” (Don’t we know it.)
Next up, get familiar with the ingredients that’ll make your foundation work for you. Makeup artist Andrea Claire says to look out for formulas that are noncomedogenic (which means they will not clog pores), and that have oil-absorbing ingredients like charcoal or colloidal clay, active ingredients like salicylic acid, and SPF to prevent pigmentation and scarring. For those battling extra-oily skin, Greenberg advises, “Formulas that contain silica powder, Moroccan lava clay, and Canadian colloidal clay are some of the most beneficial. These ingredients are all mattifying agents that absorb oil and shine giving a matte appearance.”
“Avoid anything that has a dewy or satin finish,” Otero suggests. “These will enhance [the] shine on your skin giving you an oily look.” Luminous formulas are designed to bounce light with their shimmery ingredients and will only draw attention to any preexisting oiliness—the very opposite of your skin goals. To finish strong, Otero and Claire agree that gently blotting your face to absorb excess oils and moisture leftover from products can help the areas that need to be matted or could use a touch-up. Claire adds that if you are using a setting powder, however, try “not [to] powder the skin too often. This tells your sebaceous glands that they need to produce more oil and hydrate the skin. Powder mixed with oil from overproductive glands will become cakey and oxidize—changing the color [of your foundation].”
Whether you aim for a glowy aesthetic or a mattified glam, makeup brands have responded with foundations specifically formulated for you. Read on to learn more about the best foundations for oily skin. Flash photos? They’re simply no match.