9 Best Stick Foundations For Oily Skin (2024)
Bid goodbye to oily skin with these transfer-proof foundations and look flawless.
Elizabeth Hickman is a hair and makeup artist in Southern California with over 15 years experience in styling people for weddings and special events. She believes in the ‘less is more’ concept and focuses on enhancing the natural beauty of her clients to help them look and feel their best on their special day.
Read full bio of Elizabeth Hickman
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.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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Oily skin overproduces sebum that clogs the pores and results in acne. So, the foundation might spread badly and even transfer to your clothes. This is where the best stick foundation for oily skin comes in handy. This foundation provides flawless skin and exceptional results on oily skin by covering fine lines and wrinkles. Stick foundations are a perfect option for those looking for a foundation for combination or oily skin. They offer extra coverage and blend well over the skin offering smooth texture and making you appear natural on your statement-making events. A non-comedogenic and oil-free foundation is ideal for oily skin. They smooth the skin, absorb excess oil, and won’t break out your skin. These stick foundations are ideal for traveling and are convenient to use. They provide a long-lasting effect making your skin appealing. They come with creamy or liquid texture, providing a natural finish.
Selecting the ideal foundations can be tricky. But whether you are new to the makeup game or are looking for a better foundation formula, we have got you covered! In this article, we have curated a list of the 9 best stick foundations especially designed for oily skin that have positive reviews online. Read on below!
In This Article
9 Best Stick Foundations For Oily Skin For Clear, Shine-Free Skin
1) Best Water-Resistant:Dermablend Quick-Fix Body – Sand
Say hello to beautiful coverage and flawless skin with this high-performance foundation stick for oily skin that glides on smoothly to cover up all scars and imperfections. What’s more, this multi-purpose, dermatologist-tested foundation stick provides broad-spectrum SPF 25 while hydrating your skin so that you always look and feel your best with glowy coverage. It has even been tested for allergies so sensitive skin types can use it. Easy to use and water-resistant, this quick-fix body makeup has a creamy texture and can even be used to cover up your tattoos before that fun photoshoot or important job interview. Click this video to learn more about the product and a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Made with high-performance pigments
- Water-resistant and smudge-proof formula
- Free of phthalates, SLS, and fragrances
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested for safety
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the consistency of this foundation stick a bit thick.
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 4,423 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
2) Best Hypoallergenic:Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation – Heavenly Honey
Highlight, contour, and get that gorgeous even-toned glow with this matte stick foundation for oily skin that promises a beautiful, flawless finish. Hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types, this creamy formula helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections while providing seamless coverage and a natural finish. Enriched with skin-loving vitamin E and brightening vitamin C, this versatile foundation nourishes the skin while providing essential sun protection. So, get your hands on this popular foundation stick and say goodbye to unsightly dark circles and oily patches. Learn more about the product in this video that details the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Provides broad-spectrum SPF 15
- Pore-minimizing
- Velvet, matte finish
- Enriched with vitamins E and C
- Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this foundation stick a bit greasy.
3) Best Long-Lasting:Maybelline Super Stay Multi-Use Foundation Stick – Classic Ivory
Here’s a multitasking foundation stick that you can use to conceal, contour, highlight, and cover, all in a cute package that comes with a hassle-free precision blender sponge for easy application. This must-have essential is the perfect accessory for your handbag for touch-ups on the go, so you’re always looking your polished best. Featuring a creamy texture, this stick foundation for oily skin provides a beautiful matte finish with fuller coverage so that you can banish those greasy patches and acne scars for good! This video gives you more information about the drugstore foundation, along with a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Long-lasting, creamy formula
- Provides full-coverage with a matte finish
- Suitable for all skin types
- Comes with precision pointed blender sponge
Cons
- Some might find this foundation a bit hard to blend.
Pro Tip| Dermablend Quick-Fix Body - Sand awards1 | Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation - Heavenly Honey awards2 | Maybelline Super Stay Multi-Use Foundation Stick - Classic Ivory awards3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Combination, Oily Sensitive, NormalColor | Oily, Combination, Dry, NormalColor | Normal; Oily |
| Dimensions | 1.13 x 1.13 x 3.5 inches | 2.2 x 2.2 x 3.15 inches | 1.01 x 1.01 x 4.35 inches |
| Weight | 0.42 Ounces | 1.6 Ounces | 1.18 Ounces |
| Color | - | - | Classic Ivory |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,423 | 2,837 | 2,982 |
| Price | $30 | $16.49 | $8.46 |
4) Best Oil-Free:Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation – Fair
Here’s a revolutionary formula for oily and combination skin that gives you the dreamy blown-out effect you never thought you could achieve. This highly-pigmented liquid foundation provides beautifully polished skin by diffusing light to blur acne, scars, dark circles, and skin discoloration. Lightweight enough to use during the day without feeling caked up, the real benefits of this oil-control foundation shine through when used during the night, giving you a natural finish and a flawless look through evening cocktail hours, a late dinner, or bar-hopping with friends.
Pros
- Oil-absorbing, longwear formula
- Flawless matte finish
- Waterproof and transfer-resistant
- Free of parabens
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- This foundation might not be best suited for darker skin tones.
5) Best Vegan:True + Luscious Camera Stick – Warm Beige
Clean beauty never looked this good! Get a beautiful shimmering finish with this stick foundation for oily skin made with pure plant-derived pigments and skin-loving ingredients. Effective and safe, this easy-to-blend formula of the creamy foundation stick melts onto the skin to blur fine lines and imperfections and provide natural, airbrushed results. Designed for up to 18-hour wear, this skin-friendly, dermatologist-tested foundation hydrates and nurtures the skin and has you looking camera-ready all day long!
Pros
- Easy to blend and lasts up to 18 hours
- Made with clean, skin-loving ingredients
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of parabens and harmful toxins
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the consistency of this foundation a bit oily.
6) Best Lightweight:BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick – Clear
Elevate your makeup routine with this hydrating stick foundation for oily skin which combines the goodness of your favorite tinted moisturizer with flawless buildable coverage and shine-free skin. This lightweight foundation has a creamy texture and a moisturizing formula that blends effortlessly to provide a radiant finish which lasts all day long. What’s more, this versatile formula helps protect against sun damage and environmental pollution, making it a favorite amongst women who are always on-the-go.
Pros
- Provides non-chemical SPF 25 sun protection
- Lightweight formula
- Hydrating formula
- Shine control
- Contains over 30% enhanced mineral water
- Vegan
Cons
- Some might find the scent of this foundation a bit unpleasant.
7) Best Non-Comedogenic:Glo Skin Beauty HD Mineral Foundation Stick – Fresco 3N
Get your hands on this feel-good formulation made of clean, nourishing ingredients to provide you with an unmatchable, perfected finish. This lightweight foundation stick for oily skin is infused with a blend of vitamin E, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid to provide nourishing antioxidant protection and a boost of hydration without weighing your skin down. Get a gorgeous flawless complexion and beautiful sheer coverage with this must-have essential that is perfect for carrying along in your handbag for touch-ups on the go.
Pros
- Lightweight and long-wearing formula
- Contains skin-plumping hyaluronic acid
- Non-comedogenic and paraben-free
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- This foundation stick might not be best suited for very dry skin.
8) Best Cruelty-Free:Sephora Make No Mistake Foundation & Concealer Stick – Birch
If you’re looking for an affordable option and a 2-in-1 multitasking makeup product that can be used as both a foundation and a concealer, your search ends here. This creamy, easy-to-blend formula provides medium to full coverage without settling into lines and wrinkles for a natural look and matte finish, which is perfect for hot weather. Made of non-comedogenic ingredients, this beauty must-have is infused with cranberry and pomegranate seed oils, making this matte foundation an ideal pick for oily and combination skin.
Pros
- Natural matte finish
- Contains soothing cranberry and pomegranate seed oils
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this foundation a bit thick.
9) Best Dermatologist-Tested:Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick – Buff
If you’re looking for a good stick foundation for oily skin that stays fresh all day without fading or oxidizing, you’re in the right place. This lightweight, oil-free formula provides full coverage with a flawless matte finish while seamlessly covering imperfections and blurring fine lines. The 2-in-1 formula of the powder-cream texture glides smoothly to create a beautiful, polished look without letting your skin feel weighed down. What’s more, this dermatologist-tested product is suitable for sensitive skin and provides stellar sun protection making it a popular make-up bag favorite.
Pros
- Resistant to sweat, humidity, and transfer
- Natural matte finish
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested
- Provides broad-spectrum SPF 21
Cons
- Some might find this foundation a bit difficult to remove.
Quick TipNow that we’ve had a look at our pick of the 9 best stick foundations for oily skin in 2024, let us look at some things to consider when picking the best product for your gorgeous skin.
How To Choose The Best Stick Foundation For Oily Skin
- Coverage
Not all foundations are created equal when it comes to the kind of coverage they offer. If you’re looking for a flawless finish that covers all signs of imperfections and blurs any fine lines, scars, or uneven skin tone, pick an expertly crafted foundation stick that offers full, buildable coverage. Want just a lightweight, airy finish that allows your skin to breathe? Pick a foundation stick with a breathable formula that offers sheer-to-medium coverage and does not overpower your look.
- Ingredient list
Oily skin comes with its own set of problems that get further exacerbated by certain ingredients. When dealing with sebum-filled pores and acne-prone skin, it is best to closely look at the key ingredient list and labeling to ensure they’re non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic ingredients don’t clog up your pores and let your skin breathe under all that makeup. As always, steer clear of harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, particularly if you have dry patches or sensitive and allergy-prone skin. And make sure to patch test it before usage.
- Shade and color
This might seem like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of us are still using the wrong shade of foundation as it fails skin tone matching. It is essential to ensure the shade of your foundation stick matches your skin perfectly to avoid a white-out look. A pro tip — especially if you are looking for a darker shade, check your foundation under a bright light to ensure you’re not caught unaware when you have a bright camera flash directed on your face. Also, always use your foundation stick not only on your face but also your neck and decolletage, especially if you’re wearing a low-cut blouse. You can also check reviews online from users with a similar skin tone to yours to find your ideal shade range.
How To Use A Stick Foundation For Oily Skin
Step 1
– Prep your skin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser formulated specially for oily skin.
Step 2 – Use a lightweight moisturizer on your face and neck to keep the foundation from drying out your skin.
Step 3 – Use the foundation stick to swipe or dot the foundation across your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, under both eyes, and on your chin and cheeks.
Step 4 – Blend the foundation using clean fingertips or a foundation brush.
Step 5 – Apply the rest of your makeup, and voila! You’re all done and ready to step out looking beautiful and flawless.
“Many with oily skin can have an issue with the foundation oxidizing and the color of the foundation darkening as you wear it throughout the day. It is better to get a shade lighter than your natural skin color and use a setting powder so your skin will stay perfect all day,” advises Elizabeth Hickman, Wedding Hair & Makeup Specialist.
Infographic: Tips And Tricks For Using A Foundation Stick
Foundation sticks are very versatile as they can be used to conceal, cover, highlight, and even contour. But using them can be difficult as they are slightly dry in texture. Check out the infographic below for tips to use a foundation stick the right way.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Foundation sticks are a multitasking product in the makeup world. Ask any celebrity makeup artist! Not only do they offer coverage, but can also be used for concealing and contouring. When it comes to oily skin, stick foundations are the best because they offer the right coverage, blend well over the skin, and offer smooth texture while making your makeup look very natural. These foundations also help to absorb the excess oil and offer a bright appearance. The Dermablend Quick-Fix Body – Sand is water-resistant with broad-spectrum SPF 25 to achieve hydration and good coverage. The Maybelline Super Stay Multi-Use Foundation Stick – Classic Ivory has a multi-use aspect, meaning you can use it as both a foundation and concealer, convenient for touch-ups on the go. And the Glo Skin Beauty HD Mineral Foundation Stick – Fresco 3N is gentle on the skin, hence suitable for all skin types. These budget stick foundations reviewed in the curated list are non-comedogenic, long-lasting, and free from synthetic chemicals. These foundations will help banish those oily patches, flaunt the complexion you’ve and always wanted, and efficiently accentuate your best features. Consider the coverage shade and undertone, and go through the ingredients list thoroughly before choosing the best stick foundations for oily skin. Use clean fingertips or a foundation brush during application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is powder foundation good for oily skin?
Yes, powder foundations are good for oily skin, especially for people living in hot and humid conditions. They absorb excess oil while offering a non-greasy, matte look.
Is a blurring foundation good for oily skin?
Yes, a blurring foundation is good for oily skin. They offer a matte coverage while making your skin appear moisturized and well-hydrated.
Which foundation is the best for oily skin – stick or liquid?
Stick foundations are the best for oily skin as they blend well and offer a smooth texture. They tend to absorb excess oil and keep your pores cleared.
How long do stick foundations last?
Stick foundations can last up to 2 years. Make sure to keep checking their texture and smell after using them for a year and a half to know when it’s time to discard them.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De is a makeup enthusiast and has researched numerous user reviews to bring you this list of the best stick foundations for oily skin. She chose these products after carefully considering their coverage, side effects, and suitability to the skin type. This article also includes a buying guide and explains the pros and cons of each product to help you make the right decision.
Read full bio of Elizabeth Hickman
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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