Best Drugstore Foundation for Oily Skin: 2024 Guide

Oily skin can be a challenge when it comes to finding the perfect foundation. You need a product that not only offers great coverage but also keeps shine at bay throughout the day. Fortunately, drugstore foundations have come a long way, offering high-quality options that cater to different skin types, including oily skin.

If you’re on the hunt for the best drugstore foundation for oily skin, you’re in the right place. This guide will explore the best foundations available in drugstores, tips for choosing the right one for your skin type, and how to apply it for a long-lasting, matte finish. Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

Why Oily Skin Needs Special Foundation?

Before we get into the recommendations, let’s discuss why oily skin requires special consideration when choosing a foundation. People with oily skin tend to have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands that produce excess oil throughout the day. This can lead to several challenges for your makeup, including:

1. Shine and Greasiness: Excess oil can cause your foundation to slide off or break down, leading to a shiny and greasy appearance.
2. Clogged Pores: If the foundation isn’t formulated correctly, it may clog your pores, leading to breakouts or blackheads.
3. Uneven Application: Oily skin can make it harder for foundations to adhere evenly, which can result in patchy or streaky makeup.
4. Short-Lasting Coverage: Many foundations can wear off quickly on oily skin, leaving you needing touch-ups throughout the day.

A good foundation for oily skin should control excess oil, minimize shine, and provide a matte or satin finish. It should also be breathable to allow your skin to function without clogging pores.

Key Features to Look for in Foundations for Oily Skin

When selecting a drugstore foundation for oily skin, you should look for certain characteristics to ensure the best results:

1. Oil-Free Formula: Look for foundations labeled “oil-free” or “mattifying” to help control shine and prevent your skin from feeling greasy throughout the day.
2. Long-Wearing: Opt for long-lasting formulas that can stay in place without breaking down. Foundations with 12-hour or 24-hour claims are ideal.
3. Mattifying Properties: Foundations that control oil and have mattifying ingredients (such as silica or kaolin clay) are great for keeping your skin shine-free.
4. Non-Comedogenic: A non-comedogenic foundation ensures that it won’t clog your pores or contribute to acne breakouts.
5. Buildable Coverage: You want a foundation that allows you to layer and build coverage without looking cakey or heavy.

Best Drugstore Foundations for Oily Skin in 2024

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in a foundation for oily skin, let’s explore some of the best drugstore options available. These foundations are affordable, effective, and ideal for controlling oil while providing beautiful coverage.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Best for: Everyday use with a natural matte finish.

Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is one of the top picks for those with oily skin. It offers a buildable medium coverage with a matte finish that controls oil throughout the day. The foundation is designed to blur pores and smooth out the skin’s texture, making it perfect for oily skin prone to clogged pores and shine.

• Pros: Affordable, wide shade range, natural finish, controls oil.
• Cons: May not work for very dry skin types.

2. L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Best for: Long-wear coverage and oil control.

L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation offers a smooth, matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. This foundation is known for its oil-absorbing properties, which makes it perfect for those with oily skin. It provides full coverage without feeling heavy and stays in place all day.

• Pros: Long-wearing, full coverage, matte finish, lightweight.
• Cons: Limited shade range.

3. Revlon ColorStay Combination/Oily Skin Foundation

Best for: Full coverage and all-day wear.

Revlon ColorStay is another drugstore favorite for oily skin. This foundation is formulated specifically for combination to oily skin, offering a matte finish that controls oil without drying out your skin. It provides medium to full coverage, is transfer-resistant, and lasts for up to 24 hours.

• Pros: Oil-controlling, long-lasting, full coverage, available in two formulas (normal/dry and combination/oily).
• Cons: May be too thick for some skin types.

4. e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation

Best for: Matte finish with buildable coverage.

e.l.f. Cosmetics is known for offering high-quality makeup at affordable prices. The Flawless Finish Foundation provides a semi-matte finish that is perfect for oily skin. It controls oil, minimizes pores, and provides full coverage without looking cakey.

• Pros: Affordable, smooth texture, good coverage.
• Cons: Limited shade range.

5. CoverGirl Outlast Active Foundation

Best for: Sweat-resistant, active lifestyle.

CoverGirl’s Outlast Active Foundation is perfect for oily skin types who need a foundation that can handle sweat, humidity, and long hours. It offers a natural matte finish and is formulated to stay in place for up to 24 hours. Plus, it’s oil-free and provides medium to full coverage without feeling heavy.

• Pros: Sweat-resistant, long-lasting, medium to full coverage.
• Cons: Slightly thicker texture.

6. NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation

Best for: Full coverage and long-lasting wear.

NYX’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation is a fantastic option for oily skin that requires a foundation that can handle long hours of wear. This foundation offers full coverage with a matte finish that controls oil and doesn’t budge, even in humid conditions. It’s available in a wide range of shades to match various skin tones.

• Pros: Full coverage, long-wearing, great for hot climates.
• Cons: Can feel heavy on the skin if applied too thickly.

7. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation

Best for: Full coverage and long wear.

Maybelline’s Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation is a great choice for those who need a foundation that can stand the test of time. It offers full coverage with a matte finish and can last up to 24 hours. This formula is oil-free and designed to withstand sweat and humidity, making it a great pick for oily skin.

• Pros: Full coverage, long-lasting, transfer-resistant.
• Cons: Limited shade range.

8. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

Best for: Full coverage and lightweight feel.

Milani’s Conceal + Perfect Foundation offers a 2-in-1 formula that serves as both foundation and concealer. This foundation provides full coverage and a matte finish, while still feeling lightweight on the skin. It’s designed to control oil without drying out the skin, making it a great option for oily skin types.

• Pros: Full coverage, lightweight, smooth application.
• Cons: Some shades may not be suitable for deeper skin tones.

How to Apply Foundation for Oily Skin

To get the most out of your drugstore foundation for oily skin, follow these steps for flawless application:

1. Prep Your Skin

Before applying foundation, start with a clean, moisturized face. Use an oil-free or mattifying primer to create a smooth base. A good primer will help control oil and ensure that your foundation stays put all day. You can also opt for a mattifying primer that blurs pores.

2. Apply the Foundation

Use a makeup sponge or a foundation brush to apply your foundation evenly. Start in the center of your face and blend outward. If you need extra coverage, build it up in layers, but be careful not to go overboard, as too much product can look cakey.

3. Set with Powder

To lock your foundation in place and control shine, set your makeup with a translucent or mattifying setting powder. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where oil production tends to be the highest. A setting spray can also help to keep everything in place.

Tips for Oily Skin

1. Avoid Heavy, Oil-Based Foundations: Heavy, creamy foundations can contribute to excess oil production. Stick to oil-free, mattifying formulas.
2. Blot Throughout the Day: If you start to get shiny during the day, blot with a tissue or oil-absorbing sheets instead of adding more product.
3. Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps the foundation adhere better to your skin. Choose a gentle exfoliator that won’t irritate oily skin.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best drugstore foundation for oily skin, it’s important to find a product that offers long-lasting, oil-controlling properties while still providing the coverage you need. The foundations listed above are some of the best options available in 2024, offering everything from matte finishes to sweat-resistant formulas.

Whether you prefer a natural matte look or full coverage, there’s a drugstore foundation out there for your oily’s skin. With the right application and a few tricks, you can keep your makeup fresh and shine-free all day long!

Also, Read. Best Foundation for Oily Skin: Top Picks for Shine-Free, Long-Lasting Coverage.