2024's 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin

2024's 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin

2024's 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin

With the right foundation, you can protect your skin from the elements, prevent dryness and blemishes, and maintain the look you love all day. It’s especially important for people with oily skin to pick out the right matte foundation or full-coverage foundation for their skin type, as the wrong one can lead to breakouts and excessive oil production on acne-prone skin.

Avenue B has you covered. When it comes to the best foundations for oily skin, we’ve got ‘em — and we’re sharing best practices for picking the right foundation for oil control and a flawless finish. 

What Are the Best Foundations for Oily Skin?

Ready to get skin-savvy? Let’s talk about skin types.

There are five main skin types, and the more you know about your skin type, the easier it will be to pick out the right foundation and other products for happy, healthy, thriving skin every time. Dry skin can result from external factors, like extreme temperatures and conditions, or simply from pesky genetics and natural skin behaviors.

Oily skin develops when the skin produces an excess of sebum, leading to a shiny appearance. Other skin types include combination skin, sensitive skin, and normal skin, and you’ll want to pick out the right product for your skin's specific needs. The more you vibe with your unique skin type, the more it will love you back.

For oily skin types, it’s best to stick to powder foundations or liquid matte foundations. These products are perfect for tackling those breakouts and blemishes that oily skin loves to throw at you. They’re also useful for covering up breakouts and blemishes, which can (unfortunately) be more common for individuals who produce excess oil. 

These are some of our top foundation picks for oily skin. 

1. Revlon ColorStay 24-Hour Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin and Powder

You have several options with the Revlon ColorStay 24-Hour foundation, including ColorStay 24-Hour Foundation for Normal/Dry Skin and ColorStay 24-Hour Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin. 

You’ll also be able to pick the right ingredients for your skincare needs, as this product is available in both a liquid foundation and a powder, so you never need to worry about applying too much — or too little. Think liquid for that sleek runway look or powder for a velvety touch! If you’re dealing with excess oil, consider this foundation your new BFF in shining (or not-so-shining) armor.

This oil-free, long-wearing foundation isn't just sitting pretty; it's guarding your skin like a skincare superhero against humidity, pollution, and the ever-dreaded sweat. Plus, it has vitamin E to ensure your skin doesn't just look fresh — it feels fresh, glowing, and radiant (but not oily).

24 hours, you ask? It’s not a bluff. Not only does that mean protection all day long, but it means you won’t have to worry about touch-ups or new applications; the less makeup you have to apply, the less worry there will be about clogging pores or contributing to oil production and acne development. 

Whether it's rain, a yoga session, or the perils of mask-wearing, the ColorStay 24-Hour Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin laughs in the face of transfer. It's waterproof, mask-friendly, and ready to make you shine (figuratively, of course). With 43 shades in its lineup, find your foundation soulmate and face the day, no matter what it might throw your way.

2. Fit Me Matte + PorelessLiquid Foundation and Powder

The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is another fantastic option for oil-prone skin, and it’s also available in liquid and powder form. If you’re worried about the outdoor elements or the events of the day contributing to sweat, oil, and grime, the powder version of this foundation has your back, leaving you feeling confident in your makeup forever.

Featherlight on your skin, it's the invisible sidekick you didn't know you needed for days with the crew or nights with someone new. No oily business here — it's oil-free, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free. So even if your sensitive skin is just as sensitive as a rom-com protagonist, you're in good hands.

Another reason to love the Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is that it features an exclusive matte formula that works below the surface to help you get the perfect look every time… without the cakey feel. The formula's micro powders help minimize pores and control shine, so you never need to worry about taking the next great selfie. No filter needed.

Lasting all day with a natural finish that scoffs at the idea of touch-ups, this foundation has your back — or rather, your face. You’ll find the Maybelline Fit Me Matte+ Poreless foundation in over 35 color options, making it easy to pick out the shade range that best fits your skin tone and type. 

3. L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation Liquid and Powder

What makes the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation a good option for blotting, oil control, and a natural matte finish? This high-quality drugstore foundation offers 24-hour protection, which means no worrying about reapplication. 

It’s so lightweight and breathable you won’t ever be left with a heavy feeling on the surface of your skin. The lightness also means the foundation is less likely to find its way into your pores and cause clogging. Instead, you get great, buildable coverage without the drawbacks, and with no setting spray needed.

But the great coverage doesn’t stop there. The Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation was actually designed specifically for acne and oil-prone skin, though anyone with any skin type is sure to find it reliable. 

It features all-day shine control, which doesn’t transfer… aka, you never need to worry about finding your foundation on the inside of your mask or caked all over the clasp of a necklace. 

Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation is waterproof, heatproof, and sweatproof — that means no wearing off or wearing down during the day, even in extreme temperatures or conditions. Plus, it comes in 20 different colors, so you can find an Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation that fits your skin type every season of the year. 

4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 20 Foundation

Roll out the red carpet, because Neutrogena is the next star of our list. As a brand well-known for its protective skincare products, it comes as no surprise that the Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 20 Foundation is one of the best options for oily skin. This product works well for different skincare needs, but it really shines when it comes to minimizing shine. 

Greasy? Not here. This non-greasy wonder is all about giving you that flawless finish without clogging those precious pores. Got a blemish or a scar? Consider it muted. It's like Photoshop for your face (but way cooler).

In the Healthy Skin SPF 20 Foundation, you’ll find vitamin E and other antioxidants, all of which can help make your skin look and feel smooth and healthy. In fact, this product is actually specifically designed for rejuvenation and repair, and you’ll feel the nourishing effects of using Healthy Skin SPF 20 Foundation long after taking off your makeup.


To top it all off, the main benefit of the Healthy Skin SPF 20 Foundation is sun protection. You’ll get key protection against UVA and UVB rays, which can contribute to wrinkles, burns, and skin damage. In other words, there’s really no better foundation for protecting your oily skin than the Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 20 Foundation. 

5. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream

The e.l.f Cosmetics Camo CC Cream is more than makeup; it's your skin's new best friend. The e.l.f cosmetics Camo CC Cream is another type of foundation with sunscreen protection and support — it offers up to SPF 30, which means you won’t need to worry about excess sun exposure when you’re on the go. 

This gem offers medium coverage and throws in some color-correcting wizardry for that extra sprinkle of magic. Normal, oily, dry, or combination skin? This CC Cream's got you, no matter your skin type. 

This product helps hydrate and protect the skin's surface and is free from ingredients that often cause irritation, like parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Produced in a Fair-Trade Certified Factory, it's both pretty and principled.

You’ll find Camo CC Cream in several shades, including fair, light, medium, tan, deep, and rich, and the option of matching it to your skin undertone, whether you’re cool, neutral, or warm. This product is available in 30 different options, making matching easy. 

6. L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Powder

Shine control? Natural finish? Say no more. The L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Powder is a powder foundation, making it a fabulous option for oily skin. It matches a wide range of skin tones and undertones and is available in over 20 shades, making it super easy to pick the best color for a truly seamless final look.

One of the many benefits of using the True Match Super-Blendable Powder is the micro-fine powder development, which means you won’t have to worry about this product getting into your pores or causing any kind of build-up or acne production. It doesn’t settle into the lines on the skin, either, and there’s no caked-on feeling or thickness, even after a full day of wear.

Micro-fine powder ensures no pore-crashing or acne-drama, and cakey-ness is left at the door. This foundation is all about elevating your skin game, reducing pore appearance, and evening out tone and texture without feeling like a face mask. After a few weeks, you'll notice your skin sending thank-you notes. 

And all-day wear that won't transfer or turn greasy? That's on the menu, too.

With the L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Powder, you’ll also have all-day wear that won’t transfer, irritate, or leave your skin feeling greasy or shiny. When it comes to this product, all you need to worry about is the perfect angle for that next great Insta pic! 

7. CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder

Searching for the perfect lightweight foundation that barely feels like it’s on your face at all? We hear you. 

The CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder is made of a lightweight pressed powder designed not to clog pores, and can be for any skin type or skincare need.

With a shine-free formula, it makes your skin look glowing without the grease. It adds a dash of elegance to your makeup routine, making you feel like a million bucks without the weight of heavy foundations. Perfect for that natural beauty glow-up!

Hypoallergenic? Check! Dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free? Double check! We're proud to recommend this foundation as your new makeup partner in crime.

8. Revlon PhotoReady Powder

Camera lovers, it's time to meet Revlon PhotoReady Powder, your go-to for that picture-perfect look. 

The Revlon PhotoReady Powder is technically a finishing powder, but it can be used for lightweight foundation coverage as needed. It can help to give you a bright and glowing appearance that is perfect for the feed and for holding your head high all day. 

Its shine-free, oil-free, fragrance-free formula and special light reflectors make sure you're the center of attention, even under the flash. It's your skin's dream come true, and you don’t need to worry about excess oil clogging your pores or contributing to oil production.


Revlon's two-step magic begins with micro-refined powders reducing shine and perfecting skin, followed by photochromic pigments bending light for that luminous effect. The result? An elegant glow in three beautiful shades, complete with the perfect blush. Get ready to conquer the day or dazzle the night with a smooth, matte finish.

The Revlon PhotoReady Powder comes in fair light, light medium, and medium deep, and it includes the perfect blush for applying the powder to your cheeks and nose. This is also a good product for reducing shine on your T-Zone and achieving that perfect matte look before a day at the office or a night out on the town.

9. CoverGirl Trublend Minerals Pressed Powder

The CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals Pressed Powder is designed for coverage you can trust to hide any blemishes or imperfections on the skin's surface. This translucent wonder is sensitive-skin friendly, and your ticket to that sought-after matte look. 

The super silky formula in the CoverGirl Trublend Minerals Pressed Powder is designed to go on smooth, and this powder features pigments that can actually help brighten your complexion and leave your skin looking glowy.

Another reason to consider the CoverGirl Trublend Minerals Pressed Powder is that it gives you the perfect balance of coverage and natural appearance — and oil control. It's all about that perfect balance between coverage and natural appearance, making it the star of the "no-makeup" look.

It’s lightweight and easy to apply wherever needed, but it’s especially useful for achieving a matte appearance in your T-Zone, which can be especially prone to excess oil. 

Plus, it helps out the look of lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, and it never feels heavy on the face. It’s also available in five different shades for easy matching! 

10. Covergirl Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Covergirl's Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is the multitasking marvel your makeup bag has been craving. It's a powerhouse of skin protection, repair, and anti-aging prowess, ready to take on wrinkles, blemishes, and fine lines.

Ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are useful for nourishing and hydrating your skin, leaving you looking and feeling brighter and younger.

Covergirl Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation also helps even out skin tone, and helps firm the look of the skin's surface for a youthful appearance that will really last. You’ll have nearly 20, yes 20, different color options for the Covergirl Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation, so you can find the best color option to fit your needs.

Apply as much or as little as you like for full coverage or just a hint of glow, making it a versatile choice for those battling oily skin. And with the cruelty-free stamp of approval, you'll feel as good about using it as you look wearing it.

Find the Right Foundation for Oily Skin at Avenue B

Managing oily skin can feel like a daily battle, but here at Avenue B, we're your reliable ally in this skincare journey. With an arsenal of products tailored for various skin types - be it oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive — we're committed to helping you achieve comfort and confidence all day, every day.

The science of oily skin is complex. It might manifest through external triggers like sweat or extreme temperatures or stem from your skin's inclination to produce more sebum, resulting in that undesirable shiny appearance.

While cleansers and salicylic acid can help you deal with the effects of oil production, you may want to consider a foundation to help cover up shininess and any blemishes caused by oil. 

We make it easy to pick out the right products for environmental protection, blotting, and more — but we also carry moisturizers and trending makeup products that makeup artists and beginners alike can trust. Find the best oil-free foundation for your skincare needs with our beauty quiz today.

Sources:

Vitamin E | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Sun Safety | Skin Cancer | CDC

Fair Trade Certified | Fair Trade Certified

Vitamin C - Mayo Clinic

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