Oily skin can be both a blessing and a curse. While that natural glow can look stunning, it often turns into unwanted shine halfway through the day. No one wants their makeup sliding off before lunch. Finding a foundation that keeps your skin matte without feeling heavy or drying can be tricky, especially for deep and dark skin tones that deserve formulas and shades that truly match.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect foundation for oily skin, this guide has you covered. These are the top foundations that balance oil control, comfort, and inclusivity — so your skin looks fresh, smooth, and beautifully matte from morning to night.
1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation
Rihanna’s iconic foundation is a must-have for oily skin. Its soft matte finish keeps excess shine under control while still letting your natural glow peek through. With over 50 shades, it’s one of the most inclusive lines on the market and provides full coverage without feeling cakey.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
A budget-friendly favorite that delivers serious results. This lightweight, mattifying foundation helps minimize pores and shine while blending seamlessly into the skin. It’s perfect for everyday wear and ideal for anyone looking for a smooth, natural finish that lasts.
3. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundatio
This foundation is famous for its staying power. It provides flawless, full coverage that resists heat, humidity, and long days. Despite its matte formula, it still looks natural on the skin and doesn’t oxidize — a major plus for deep skin tones.
4. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
NARS strikes the perfect balance between oil control and comfort. The soft matte texture gives a blurred, skin-like finish that resists shine without drying out your complexion. It’s breathable, buildable, and ideal for long wear on warm or humid days.
5. Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation
This foundation was designed to stay matte and flawless for up to 24 hours. It’s infused with coconut water and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated, even while controlling oil. The shade range is rich and inclusive, making it a great match for deep complexions that often get overlooked.
6. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
A true classic for combination and oily skin types. MAC Studio Fix delivers a smooth, matte finish with buildable coverage and added SPF protection. It’s a go-to for makeup artists because it stays put all day, even under hot lights or humid conditions.
7. L’Oréal Infallible 32H Fresh Wear Foundation
If you want lightweight coverage with long-lasting oil control, this is your match. The formula feels breathable while offering great coverage and a natural matte finish. It’s a drugstore gem that performs like a high-end foundation.
Top Tips for Choosing Foundations for Oily Skin
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Use a mattifying primer to minimize shine and create a smooth base.
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Set with powder strategically: T-zone = matte, cheeks = slight dew for natural balance.
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Blot instead of layering: Oil sheets absorb excess oil without adding cakey powder.
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Pick long-wear foundations: Prevent midday shine and smudging.
How to Make Foundation Last on Oily Skin
To get the most out of your foundation, skin prep is key. Start with a gentle cleanser and a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Use a mattifying primer to smooth the skin and reduce shine before applying foundation. After blending, set your makeup with a translucent powder or matte setting spray to lock everything in place.
