The Top 6 Foundations Perfectly Suited for Oily Skin: Achieve a Matte, Long-Lasting Finish
Discover the top six foundations specially formulated for oily skin, offering matte, long-lasting coverage. From lightweight creams to powder finishes, these products help control shine and maintain a flawless look throughout the day. Perfect for busy schedules and professional settings, these foundations are essential for achieving a natural, oil-free complexion with durability and comfort. Read our comprehensive guide to find your ideal match and elevate your makeup routine effortlessly.

Discover the Best Foundations for Oily Skin Types: Matte, Flawless, and Long-Lasting
Oily skin presents unique challenges when it comes to makeup application, especially in finding a foundation that can control excess sebum, prevent shine, and stay put throughout the day. Many products tend to slide off, oxidize quickly, or appear greasy after just a few hours. This comprehensive guide introduces six of the most effective foundations specifically formulated for oily skin, helping you achieve a matte, smooth complexion with lasting wear. Whether you're preparing for daily activities, a special event, or professional photos, these foundations are designed to meet your needs by offering excellent coverage, a non-greasy finish, and durability that withstands the rigors of daily life.
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
This iconic foundation is renowned for its ability to deliver a perfect matte finish with a lightweight, creamy texture that feels comfortable on the skin. Designed to control excess oil and reduce shine, it offers medium, buildable coverage that seamlessly blends into the skin, leaving an invisible, velvety surface. Its formula is ideal for those with oily or combination skin types looking for a foundation that maintains a matte appearance without feeling heavy or cakey. The long-lasting nature of this foundation makes it a popular choice for daytime wear.
What to Expect from L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte:
Provides a shine-free matte finish that lasts approximately 8 hours
Lightweight, breathable formula enhances comfortable wear
Creates an impeccable look suitable for photography and video
Offers customizable medium coverage for versatile applications
Limited shade options compared to other lines
Affordable at around $10, making it accessible for most budgets
This foundation is an excellent choice for those seeking a matte, long-lasting makeup solution that remains fresh and natural throughout busy days.
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
As a versatile product that functions as a primer, concealer, and foundation, CoverGirl's Outlast Stay Fabulous employs a formula that provides full coverage with a matte finish, without feeling heavy or greasy. Its 3-in-1 design helps streamline your makeup routine while ensuring the skin remains shine-free, and the makeup adheres firmly without oxidizing or melting away. It is particularly suitable for oily skin types yearning for a resilient, all-in-one foundation with a matte finish.
What to Expect from CoverGirl Outlast:
Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
Matte, non-greasy finish stays intact throughout the day
Exceptional lightweight feel for everyday comfort
Stays effective for approximately 4 hours before touch-ups needed
May oxidize slightly over time, so shades should be chosen carefully
Priced very affordably at around $9, offering excellent value
This foundation is perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go touch-ups, providing a reliable matte look for oily skin.
Maybelline Fit Me! Shine-Free + Balance Stick
Compact and convenient, Maybelline's Fit Me! Shine-Free Stick is an ideal companion for touch-ups during the day. It directly addresses oil control, ensuring a fresh appearance for 3-4 hours. The stick's easy application makes it perfect for quick blends on busy days, keeping excess shine at bay while providing a natural matte finish.
What to Expect from Maybelline Fit Me! Shine-Free + Balance:
Prevents excess sebum production, reducing shine
Non-comedogenic, won't clog pores
Simple to apply—just swipe and blend for instant matte results
Feels light and comfortable
May require reapplication or touch-ups as the day progresses
Affordable, at approximately $6.64 per unit
This stick foundation is highly portable and effective for quick fixes, ensuring a fresh, matte look wherever you go.
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse
Infused with mattifying powders and enriched with oxygen, this whipped mousse foundation offers an airbrushed, flawless finish. Its innovative formula provides medium coverage that can be layered for a fuller, more polished look. The lightweight mousse texture is designed to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores, making it an excellent choice for oily skin types seeking a matte, smooth complexion.
What to Expect from Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse:
Creates a poreless, matte appearance with a soft-focus effect
Typically lasts around 4 hours before requiring touch-up
Delivers a velvety, airbrushed finish that diffuses light evenly
Lightweight on the skin, suitable for daily use
Potential for breakouts if not removed properly at night
Oxidizes quickly; shades should be chosen carefully
Priced competitively at about $7.21
This mousse foundation is favored by those wanting a non-oily, matte look with a soft, natural glow, perfect for casual or professional settings.
NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
A finely milled powder offering full coverage with a velvety matte finish, NYX’s Stay Matte foundation is perfect for those who prefer powder formulations. Its texture is lightweight yet effective at absorbing excess oil and controlling shine for up to 6 hours. Available in a broad spectrum of shades, it caters to diverse skin tones and can be built up for fuller coverage or used lightly for a natural finish.
What to Expect from NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat:
Provides an all-day matte finish that lasts up to 6 hours
Offers full coverage with a lightweight feel
Ideal for touch-ups and reapplication throughout the day
Affordable at $9.50, making it accessible for budget-conscious consumers
This powder foundation is especially suitable for oily skin, offering a matte, smooth complexion with a natural look without the heaviness of liquid foundations.
Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Oily/Combination Skin
Known for its reliable performance, Revlon’s Colorstay foundation for oily and combination skin resists grease, controls shine, and provides high coverage without clogging pores. Its long-wearing formula is available in 35 shades, accommodating a wide variety of skin tones, and maintains a fresh, matte finish from morning till night. Revlon’s Colorstay is highly regarded across the beauty community for its durability and flawless application.
Choosing the optimal foundation for oily skin involves considering a few factors: coverage level, finish, longevity, and skin compatibility. The six options highlighted above offer solutions tailored to oily skin's demands, helping you achieve a matte, polished look that endures all day. When selecting your foundation, always consider your specific skin type, shade match, and personal preferences to find the perfect match for your beauty routine.