Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts
Sign up for our free IndyBest email
Sign up for our free IndyBest email
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy
Finding a foundation when you have oily skin is no easy feat. It seems so many formulas work against oily skin and pill, peel and separate, leaving our complexions looking far from flawless. Trust me, I would know.
Make-up artist and beauty guru Adeola Gboyega tells me: “It’s all about choosing a formula that controls shine, offers long-lasting wear, and doesn’t clog your pores. Oily skin can be tricky, but with the right products, you can achieve a flawless, matte finish without feeling heavy or greasy.”
Although a glowy base is always the desired look, in my experience with oily skin the best way to achieve this is with a soft matte foundation. It allows for some degree of luminosity without leaving the skin overly shiny. I tend to really steer clear of powder foundations, while these work well to set liquid foundations, on their own they can separate, look too cakey.
“Liquid foundations are usually the best for controlling shine and offering buildable coverage,” Adeola adds. “Stick foundations can be convenient, but they tend to be thicker, so it’s important to find a formula that doesn’t feel heavy or clog pores. Overall, look for oil-free, long-wear options that suit your coverage needs.” A great base can also aid oil control, I have found the Soothe and Smooth moisturiser works wonders.
How we tested
I have tried and tested a plethora of foundations to create a hall of fame of the best foundations for oily skin. To really give these the ultimate assessment I applied the foundation in the morning, with little powder and observed how it felt on my skin, the staying power and of course how oily I looked at the end of the day.
Why you can trust us
At IndyBest, the dedicated shopping section of The Independent, all of our testers will have used and assessed each and every product that you’ll find in our round-ups. As for this article, our reviewer is Lollie King, a beauty and entertainment writer who has sampled, tried and tested each foundation, to bring you her full verdict.
English (US) ·