15 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Drugstore Oil-Free Foundations (2024)
Keep away the shine and achieve lasting coverage with the best mattifying formulas.
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.
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Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Do you have oily skin? Then picking the right foundation for your skin type might be somewhat overwhelming. This is because everything starts wearing off after a few hours, and your face starts getting shiny due to excessive sebum production. Though there are quite a few high-end foundation formulas, nowadays, you can easily find the best drugstore foundations for oily skin that are easy on your wallet.
If you are looking for a statement-making oil-free foundation, your search ends here. Here we have rounded up a list of the 15 amazing drugstore foundations for oily skin. So keep scrolling through our top picks, and grab one now!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Foundations For Oily Skin For Medium To Full Coverage
1. Best Non-Comedogenic:Maybelline Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation is extremely lightweight. It mattifies and refines pores and leaves a natural, seamless finish. It covers all scars, dark spots, and blemishes and makes your skin look flawless and refreshed. The foundation contains micro-powders that absorb any excess oil for a matte and poreless looking finish. It provides medium coverage with long-day makeup wear. It is dermatologist- and allergy-tested and resists clogging pores. You can choose from 40 shades as per your skin tone. Watch this tester’s experience in this video for a thorough understanding of the product.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Matte finish
- Long-lasting
- Available in 40 different shades
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- All-day wear
Cons
- May stain clothes
- Leaves a cakey appearance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 9,365 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Lightweight:RevlonColorstay Makeup Foundation
The Revlon ColorStay Makeup Foundation wears for up to 24 hours. It offers the best coverage with SPF 15. It glides on smoothly onto the skin, leaving a gorgeous look. It also withstands the oil and greasiness and stays on the skin throughout the day. It does not settle into the fine lines. Its time-release technology, which is specially formulated for combination or oily skin, controls oil secretion and shine and leaves a matte finish. The pore-minimizing foundation is available in 43 different shades, ranging from light to medium to dark. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Also, this product from the celebrity-endorsed brand has multiple positive reviews online.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fortified with SPF 15
- Wears up to 24 hours
- Minimizes the appearance of large pores
Cons
- None
Pro TipAlways use a damp makeup beauty blender to apply foundation to oily skin. First, wet the blender, then drain the excess water for seamless application.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 4,203 great reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Breathable:Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Foundation
If you want a natural coverage and blur your breakouts, the Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Foundation is the right pick. The foundation is formulated with MicroClear technology that is scientifically proven to dissolve oil and help boost the natural salicylic acid formation. It helps treat blemishes and prevents acne breakouts. It provides excellent breathable coverage and controls shine for long hours. This natural coverage with a matte finish is perfect for combination, oily, or even sensitive skin types. The expertly formulated foundation is non-comedogenic and reduces the appearance of large pores.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically-proven
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Naturally breathable coverage
- Treats blemishes
- Helps fight acne breakouts
Cons
- Leaves an orangish tone
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 721 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
| Maybelline Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup Best Non-Comedogenic | RevlonColorstay Makeup Foundation Best Lightweight | Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Foundation Best Breathable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal; OilyColor | CombinationColor | Acne-ProneColor |
| Dimensions | 1.18 x 1.18 x 4.33 inches | 1.25 x 1.25 x 4.13 inches | 6 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 3.88 Ounces | 0.13 Ounces | 0.11 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,365 | 4,203 | 721 |
| Price | $6.2 | $9.99 | $7.09 |
4. Best Matte Finish:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
The Maybelline New York Superstay Liquid Foundation provides full-coverage and glides on the skin smoothly for a luminous matte finish. It delivers 24-hous. It has medium coverage and is perfect for everyday use. The product does not settle into fine lines. It is lightweight, dermatologically tested, and non-comedogenic.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Leaves a matte finish
- Transfer-resistant
- 24-hour shine control
Cons
- Leaves a streaky orange finish
Quick TipUse a setting spray before and after applying the foundation to oily skin so that it does not wear off easily.
5. Best Long-Lasting Effect:Maybelline New York Superstay Liquid Foundation
The Maybelline New York Superstay Liquid Foundation glides on the skin smoothly for a luminous matte coverage and finish. It delivers 24-hour long-wearing coverage with a flawless look. The saturated colored pigments infused in the foundation minimize the appearance of imperfections and reduce blemishes and acne breakouts. The product does not settle into fine lines. It is lightweight, dermatologically-tested, and non-comedogenic.
Pros
- Provides full coverage
- Easily glides on the skin
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
Cons
- Leaves a cakey appearance
"This foundation gives good coverage to my pale, oily skin. It feels lightweight and stays put all day, lending me a nice glow that does not look overdone. The pump on the bottle is super handy. It has become a staple in my makeup routine for those days when I need something reliable."
6. Best For Minimizing Pores:Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation is something that deserves a notable mention. It is lightweight and has an airy mousse texture that will keep your skin from feeling oily or greasy throughout the day. It blends in well with the skin and minimizes pores. It offers a flawless, shine-free, and gorgeous matte makeup finish. This product is not tested on animals, which makes it a good choice for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Leaves a matte finish
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Available in 23 extensive shade range
Cons
- Leaves a thick, cakey look
- May not blend well with skin
7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Covergirl Clean Matte Liquid Foundation
The Covergirl Clean Matte Liquid Foundation is made of ultra-light absorbers and is gentle on the skin. This mattifying product is specially made for oily skin and gives supreme shine control. It does not dry the skin out. It is non-comedogenic and is suitable for sensitive skin. The brand does not test on animals and has a leaping bunny certification stating the same.
Pros
- Provides full coverage
- Provides natural, dewy finish
- Non-comedogenic
- Sweat-resistant
- Suits sensitive skin
Cons
- Difficult to wash off
"This foundation is ideal for covering acne scars and hyperpigmentation on my oily skin. It offers buildable coverage without making my makeup look cakey. It is easy to blend and works great for my everyday makeup looks."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 378 rave reviews on Amazon.
8. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation
A heavyweight, cakey formula often leads to skin bumps and acne breakouts. The e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation is lightweight. It is infused with key ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, camphor, tea tree extract, and soothing aloe vera that fight blemishes, reduce acne breakouts, and improve skin tone. The anti-inflammatory and oil-absorbing properties of the natural botanical extracts reduce acne redness, soreness, and clear your skin.
Pros
- Fights acne
- Long-lasting
- Natural ingredients
- PETA-certified and cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- Improves uneven skin tone
Cons
- May leave an orangish tinge
- Unpleasant smell
Did You Know?This foundation contains anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil. They control excess oil and sebum production and keep your skin oil-free throughout the day.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 566 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
9. Best Buildable:Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation
The Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation is a high-performing, skin-perfecting formula that delivers a radiant-looking skin complexion. It is formulated with a matte, light-diffusing complex. It also helps prevent the white cast in photographs. It delivers buildable coverage without any cakey appearance. According to the reviews, people experience an airbrushed and imperfections-blurring finish with this foundation.
Pros
- Made with a light-diffusing complex
- Prevents white cast in photographs
- Provides buildable coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Flawless finish before bright lights
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
- Consistency is too thin
"This foundation is matte and gives an oil-free finish. It comes with a spatula which makes application easier. It blends seamlessly without any stickiness."
Quick TipBlend this foundation with a flat-top kabuki makeup brush to achieve a seamless finish and maximum coverage.
10. Best Waterproof:Milani Conceal+ Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation
If you want a multi-tasking formula with a dewy finish and high coverage, The Miliani Conceal+ Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation is the ideal beauty edition. It is a lightweight, oil-free formula that reduces dark undereye patches and unwanted redness. It blurs other skin imperfections with just a single tap. It is a water-resistant concealer and foundation that gives you a bright, bold finish and retains your natural look. This smart formula serves all purposes and evenly blends with the skin tone to conceal and brighten your appearance. It provides medium to full coverage and long-day makeup wear. Reviewers have highly praised the smooth formula that feels high-end even at such affordable rates.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Glides easily on the skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,197 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
11. Best Travel-Friendly:Maybelline New York Fit Me Shine-Free+ Balance Foundation
If you are a frequent traveler, the Maybelline New York Fit Me Stick Foundation can be ideal for you. It easily fits into your purse for long-day wear. The lightweight pigments easily blend into your skin tone, leaving a fresh, natural look. It is oil-free and blurs the appearance of blemishes and skin redness; moreover, this skin-balancing foundation also reduces pore size. This brand does not conduct any animal testing, which makes this product a good fur-friendly option. It’s time to switch from sheer coverage to a fuller spread that looks even and radiant for a long!
Pros
- Reduces acne breakouts
- Blends easily with the skin tone
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to apply
- Breathable coverage
Cons
- Sticky consistency
12. Best Alcohol-Free:Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
The Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Foundation gives full coverage that mattifies the skin and blurs imperfections for up to 24 hours. It is ultra-lightweight and easily blends with the skin tone. It leaves an oil-free, shine-free matte finish. This foundation is a perfect illuminator for normal to oily skin types.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Provides high coverage
- Alcohol-free
- No added fragrances
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May cause dry patches on the face
"This foundation lasts all day and leaves my skin feeling soft. It blends well and the coverage is buildable. I pair it with my hydrating primer for a dewy finish."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,228 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
13. Best For Skin Discoloration:Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Make-Up Foundation
The Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Make-Up Foundation is an oil-free formula that provides full coverage for any makeup application. It evens the skin tone and reduces skin imperfections for a matte, dewy finish. It glides smoothly on the skin for a natural look.
Pros
- Full-coverage formula
- Glides smoothly and evenly
- Available in different shades
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
"This foundation covers my blemishes and lends my skin a natural finish. The creamy formula glides seamlessly on my skin and stays put for hours. It does not cake up or develop crack marks. My skin looks luminous and even once I apply this foundation."
14. Best Multi-Use: Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation
The Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation is a premium product that promises full coverage while being lightweight on the skin. It is available in 22 shades, making it easier for everyone to find their perfect match and get exceptional results. It never flats your look and provides a natural finish for a seamless and flawless look, making it perfect for everyday wear. To ensure it is suitable for all skin types, tones, and conditions, they mix high performance pigments that meet standards prescribed by dermatologists. It is also tested for sensitive skin and allergies, which makes it safe to use on any skin type.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Mineral-enriched composition
- Water-free
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan formula
- Full coverage foundation
Cons
- None
"This foundation is lightweight and blends easily. It offers full coverage and hides all my skin blemishes, while giving a natural finish. It also evens out the skin tone."
15. Best Semi-Matte Finish: e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
The e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation is an oil-free formula that provides a semi-matte finish. It is lightweight and glides smoothly over the skin, leaving a shine-free, gorgeous, plump look. The liquid formula helps restore uneven skin texture, reduces blemishes, and provides a brighter look. This is a perfect liquid foundation for all skin types including mature skin!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Blends easily with the skin
- Smooths skin texture
- Provides semi-matte finish
Cons
- May clog pores
"This foundation is ideal for covering fine lines and wrinkles without caking up. It has a thin consistency, which makes it easy to blend. It offers good coverage for everyday use. I wear it to work and for casual meet-ups."
These are the 15 best drugstore foundations for oily skin. In the following section, we have discussed how you can apply a foundation to oily skin. Check it out.
How To Apply A Foundation To Oily Skin
- Before starting your makeup application, it is essential to clear excess oil, dirt, and impurities. Use a suitable cleanser and an exfoliant to cleanse your skin and buff away the dead skin cells. Try to make this cleansing process a part of your everyday beauty routine for the best results!
- Apply an oil-free moisturizer to nourish the skin.
- Tap excess oil with a tissue paper.
- Ensure you use a primer before applying the foundation. It helps hold the makeup properly by creating a canvas.
- Apply the foundation to the forehead, cheeks, in between the brows, and smoothly blend with a makeup blender.
- After setting the foundation, tap some translucent powder to absorb the oil.
The following section discusses the factors you need to look for before purchasing a foundation for your oily skin.
Best Drugstore Foundations For Oily Skin – A Buying Guide
- Check the label or instructions – your foundation should be oil-free to give a natural dewy glow and finish.
- The foundation must offer long-lasting makeup wear. Foundations that are not specifically formulated for oily skin may fade away with the formation of excess sebum.
- The foundation should be able to provide medium to full coverage.
- Choose a foundation that suits your skin tone and budget.
- Opt for dermatologist-tested or expert-recommended formulas if you have sensitive skin.
Infographic: How To Apply Foundation To Oily Skin
Applying oil-free foundation the right way can reduce shine throughout the day, leaving your skin with a clear, matte finish. It can also help you say ‘goodbye’ to clogged pores and breakouts because its coverage is lighter and more permeable than its oil-based counterpart. Check out the infographic below to learn how to apply an oil-free foundation for medium to full coverage.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Excess production of body oils can melt down makeup on oily skin. People with oily skin need makeup products that control sebum production and give you flawless skin. The best drugstore oil-free foundation can refine your pores and cover your blemishes, uneven skin texture, and imperfections to give you a smooth finish. Choose your perfect match from the 40 shades that Maybelline Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup offers. For everyday subtle makeup, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is a good pick, while the Milani Conceal+ Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation is perfect for a bright finish and full coverage. These foundations are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and give you a matte-like finish. They are available in various shades to match every skin tone. Check out the buying guide to choose products that suit your skin tone and offer all-day shine control. It’s time to flaunt your best celebrity makeup artist look to get all the eyes on you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Liquid foundation Vs. Powder foundation – which is good for oily skin?
A powder foundation has better oil-absorbing properties but may wear off quickly. A liquid foundation has staying power. You can use a mix of both for the best results. Apply a liquid foundation and follow by tapping translucent powder over it for long-day wear.
Are stick foundations good for oily skin?
Stick foundations are suitable for those who want extra coverage with no mess. They have a slightly drier consistency, and hence, are a perfect makeup tool for oily skin.
Can foundations cause pimples?
Picking the right type of foundation for your oily skin will not cause any pimples or acne breakouts. Choosing a foundation that does not suit your skin type or tone may lead to pimples.
Can people with oily skin wear foundation?
Yes, people with oily skin can wear foundation, but always look for matte finishes rather than dewy or satin finish, to get a shine-free natural look.
Are water-based foundations good for oily skin?
Yes, water-based formulas are made without oil or silicone; this makes them suitable for oily skin types.
Is liquid or powder foundation better for oily skin?
Powder foundations are better for oily skin as they help control oiliness and shine. They also have larger particles that do not clog your pores, leading to breakouts.
What are the best clean drugstore foundations for oily skin?
The e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation, the Milani Conceal+ Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation, and the Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation are some of the clean drugstore foundations for oily skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry and has a keen interest in experimenting with different makeup products. She understands the struggle of finding a perfect foundation for oily skin that does not separate and makes the skin patchy. Therefore, she has conducted in-depth research to find the best drugstore foundations for oily skin. These listed products will give flawless complexion and improve uneven skin tone instantly.
Read full bio of Mary Ajaka
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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