6 best foundations I tested for oily skin that outlast heat, sweat, more

New York Post

19-05-2025

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The naturally dewy look is trending far and wide, but it isn't a finish those with oily skin types want to hop on.
Sure, we all want hydrated skin — but a matte finish is best for oily skin types. As someone with combination skin, I've experienced way too many foundations that have streaked and slipped off throughout the day. But, that was before I routinely put the very best ones to the test.
I'm getting extremely tired of pores, redness and feeling unbalanced. I wanted to stop seeing oily residue on my forehead when I looked in the mirror after returning home from work. There has to be a foundation to cure that, right?
Short answer: yes. I've been testing beauty products for nearly 5 years straight — including the best foundations for oily skin — and can practically recite what's worth it from each brand sold at Sephora and elsewhere. After reviewing the best full-coverage foundations and the best options for dry skin, it's time for the oily skin edit.
Best Foundation for Oily Overall: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Ulta Beauty
Pros: Show-stopping and beautifully blendable, without looking mask-like as some matte foundations unfortunately appear
Oil-free, matte finish
Long-lasting and doesn't streak throughout the day Cons: No pump applicator (must pour out)
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation always gives me a dose of nostalgia. I remember my elementary school days of going to the mall with my mom, stopping at the Macy's beauty counter and watching her excitedly ask for the Double Wear foundation. For years, it has been a legacy product — and entirely worth it.
The foundation is renowned for its long-lasting, full-coverage formula that has a known ability to resist fading, transfer and smudging. I love wearing this foundation when I know I need an oil-resistant finish to last me from early mornings to late evenings. It's also offered in a wide range of shades to accommodate various skin tones. Not to mention, it's buildable to ensure the final coverage is customizable from user to user.
Victoria Giardina
Despite its full-coverage name, it's particularly lightweight, which I love in matte foundations. It feels comfortable on the skin, blends seamlessly and is oil-free, which my combination skin drinks up. It's not fragrance-free, but there's not a strong, odious scent that would steer me away from using this full-coverage smoothing base.
Unfortunately, this foundation is void of a pump applicator, so I have to pump out the product from its bottle onto the back of my hand. It's not messy, luckily, but just something to note. I usually pump out liquid foundations and other makeup products on my hand (consider it my painter's palette), so this isn't a complete dealbreaker.
I've also found this foundation to be sweat- and humidity-resistant, which makes it perfect for any weather condition you're stepping out into. For a beautiful matte base that allows other products, like your concealer and powder, to glide on like a charm, this foundation has that it-factor.
Shade range: 57 | Coverage: Full Coverage | Finish: Matte
Best Drugstore Foundation for Oily Skin: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Oil-Free Foundation
Amazon
Pros: Budget-friendly price point
Helps diminish the appearance of pores
Long-lasting and doesn't streak throughout the day Cons: No pump applicator (must pour out)
Hello, less-than-$10 foundation. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Oil-Free Foundation is the best drugstore foundation for oily skin as it's both lovely once blended and affordable. It's tailored for normal to oily skin types, offering a lightweight, breathable formula that effectively controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores.
Listen, I'm a bit hesitant about drugstore foundations, but this one proved me wrong. Its oil-free composition never clogs my pores or breaks me out, making it suitable for anyone prone to acne or blemishes. The foundation provides a natural matte finish that lasts up to 12 hours, reducing the need for midday touch-ups. I hardly have to reapply my loose powder!
This foundation, price point taken into account, blurs imperfections without feeling heavy or cakey exceptionally well. The medium to full coverage is buildable, allowing me to achieve my desired level of coverage without compromising on comfort. How does it work? The formula contains micro-powders that absorb excess oil and smooth the skin's texture, resulting in a flawless complexion.
Additionally, the foundation is dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested and noncomedogenic. I'd recommend this for sensitive skin types, too.
Shade range: 40+ | Coverage: Full Coverage | Finish: Matte
Best Full Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation
Sephora
Pros: Lightweight, looking and feeling like a second layer of skin once applied
Easily absorbs into the skin and is long-lasting
Available in a generous range of shades to choose from Cons: The price point may be unreachable for some
Not as hydrating as other foundations tested, but worked well on my combination skin
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation is the brand's latest innovation that I reviewed, clad with a high-performance formula designed to deliver a flawless, natural finish that lasts throughout the day. This foundation provides full coverage while maintaining a lightweight feel and is excellent at helping to mute out the appearance of pores.
Candidly, it's not as hydrating as some other full-coverage foundations on this list, but it's great for those seeking a smooth, even complexion without feeling heavy. That impressive second-skin technology creates a noticeable seamless blur effect that minimizes the appearance of imperfections. The result? A finish that's both comfortable and breathable.
Before and after of applying the Anastasia Beverly Hills foundation.
Victoria Giardina
I'd say it's the best full-coverage foundation for oily skin due to its matte finish and oil-controlling properties. Whether you're aiming for a full-glam look or just want a light touch of coverage, this foundation adapts to your desired finish and does so beautifully.
Shade range: 21 | Coverage: Medium to Full Coverage | Finish: Matte
Most Lightweight Foundation for Oily Skin: IT Cosmetics CC+ Color Correcting Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 50+
Sephora
Pros: Includes SPF 50 for excellent sun protection
Generous shade range
Buildable and breathable Cons: Higher price point
Meet one of the most reliable oily skin foundations that I turn to on most days: the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. It's buildable, lightweight and has a your-skin-but better feel. Though a bit pricey, this is the most lightweight foundation for oily skin.
Despite its rich pigmentation, the cream maintains a weightless texture, making it ideal for anyone seeking substantial coverage without compromising comfort. This lightweight nature ensures that the product doesn't clog my pores or contribute to excess oil on my face as the day progresses, which is a common concern for me. ​
In addition to its lightweight feel, the CC+ Cream is enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E. For a makeup product, this is nothing short of incredible. Together, this ingredient list provides hydration, reduces the appearance of fine lines and promotes an even skin tone. This enhances the overall complexion.
Shade range: 26 | Coverage: Full Coverage | Finish: Natural
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Soft'Lit Longwear Foundation
Sephora
Pros: Excellent at reducing shine
Generous shade range
Both hydrating and long-lasting Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
​Fenty Beauty's Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation is one I've been using for a long time, particularly for its ability to help manage blemishes and reduce shine. This foundation offers a lightweight, buildable formula that delivers medium coverage with a natural-looking luminous finish.
Namely, it hydrates, brightens and improves my skin tone both instantly and over time, while resisting sweat, humidity and transfer. If you have acne-prone skin, you'll likely notice how it immediately reduces the appearance of surface oil and shine, providing a whole new kind of radiance without looking greasy.
The inclusion of Cyperus Papyrus Leaf Cell Extract in the formulation ensures all-day hydration, which is essential for maintaining skin balance and preventing overproduction of oil. Additionally, Kakadu Plum Extract, rich in antioxidants, helps brighten and improve skin tone over time, addressing concerns related to acne scars and uneven pigmentation. Queen Rihanna's ingredient list is superb, making this foundation worth the cost.
Shade range: 44 | Coverage: Medium Coverage | Finish: Natural
Best Found for Oily Skin with SPF: Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 Foundation
Sephora
Pros: Buildable and breathable
Contains vitamin C to help brighten the skin
Long-lasting Cons: Doesn't contain SPF 30, which is the standard recommended by dermatologists (however, you can use a moisturizer with SPF as a primer)
The Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 Foundation holds a formulation my skin can't help but love. It's SPF-infused, oil-free and dermatologist-developed formula provides medium to full coverage that effectively evens out my skin tone — but, it's breathable.
A stark contrast from many foundations that may feel heavy or clog my pores, Clinique's formula is lightweight and noncomedogenic, making it ideal for those prone to occasional breakouts or excess oil production. It also helps improve skin clarity over time, thanks to ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidants.
Another key reason this foundation stands out is its shine-controlling finish. Oily skin, especially in humid weather, often leads to makeup breaking down or looking greasy by midday, but Clinique's Even Better Makeup is designed to stay in place and control oil without emphasizing dry patches or pores.
Each time I apply it, this foundation leaves a natural, skin-like finish: not too matte, not too dewy. This helps balance my complexion tenfold. While it doesn't hold the dermatologist standard of SPF 30, I recommend using one of the best SPF-infused moisturizers I reviewed as a protective base.
Shade range: 36 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural
How I Tested
Some of the foundations tested, from Anastasia Beverly Hills to YSL Beauty.
Victoria Giardina
My skin is sensitive and combination, so it took me more than four years of testing (aka, ransacking Sephora and Ulta Beauty for the best on the market) to test each one consistently. Here's an overview of what I looked for while applying:
Price : Regardless of budget, there's no sense in splurging for a high-end foundation if it won't last for hours. Though a good foundation is worth the investment, I kept the price in mind for each product tested.
: Regardless of budget, there's no sense in splurging for a high-end foundation if it won't last for hours. Though a good foundation is worth the investment, I kept the price in mind for each product tested. Hourly check-ins : Every hour on the hour, I looked in the mirror and checked my face to ensure there were no signs of the liquid foundation transferring off my skin or looking cakey.
: Every hour on the hour, I looked in the mirror and checked my face to ensure there were no signs of the liquid foundation transferring off my skin or looking cakey. Ease of application : If the makeup brand has a matching foundation brush, I tested it out with the product, too. Within each product review below, I took note of how easy it was to apply and blend.
: If the makeup brand has a matching foundation brush, I tested it out with the product, too. Within each product review below, I took note of how easy it was to apply and blend. Shade selection : Though I have fair skin, it's important to detail if each brand has a realistic, extensive selection of darker shades and peachy and olive undertones. This information was rated for each product.
: Though I have fair skin, it's important to detail if each brand has a realistic, extensive selection of darker shades and peachy and olive undertones. This information was rated for each product. Consistency : I tested each foundation with the same concealer, translucent loose powder, bronzer and blush each day — all of which I've been using for years. This ensures there wasn't an outside variable impacting how each foundation looked.
: I tested each foundation with the same concealer, translucent loose powder, bronzer and blush each day — all of which I've been using for years. This ensures there wasn't an outside variable impacting how each foundation looked. Noteworthy features: From iconic packaging to its creaminess and smooth feel, I jotted down anything that stood out to me.
If you're looking for lighter coverage, check out our roundup of the best tinted moisturizers, along with the best makeup primers and best setting sprays we reviewed to prep and finish off your look.
Which type of foundation is best for oily skin?
For oily skin, the best type of foundation is one that controls shine, resists oil breakthrough and stays matte throughout the day. You should look for a normal to matte finish.
Should people with oily skin use liquid or powder foundation?
For the fullest coverage, liquid foundations are the way to go. However, if you experience a bit more shine than others, consider topping off your liquid foundation with a powder foundation, either following your liquid foundation or solo.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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