Finding the right kind of foundation that matches your skin tone, works for your skin type, and looks like second skin is literally like striking gold. If you are a makeup junkie, then you know that this is no easy task and often takes years of trial and error before you can finally find that one foundation that ticks all boxes.
If you are someone with oily skin, then the task of finding the best foundation for your skin type is even more of a struggle, because you don’t just need the right shade, but also need to ensure that the formula doesn’t break you out or worse, melt and move through the day. *Sigh* sounds pretty tiring, doesn’t it?
We have some good news in store for you. After a lot of research, we have discovered a few tips and tricks to help you choose the best foundation for oily skin. Follow these tips to make the most of your foundation and keep your skin healthy and nourished even with regular use.
- Before we move ahead, it is important to know some dos and don’ts to make applying foundation on oily skin easier:
- Powder foundation
- Liquid foundations
- Oil-free foundations
- Don’t skimp on skincare
- Use a primer without fail
- Don’t forget to powder your T-zone
- Carry blotting papers
- Frequently asked questions about the best foundations for oily skin:
Before we move ahead, it is important to know some dos and don’ts to make applying foundation on oily skin easier:
Curious enough? Read on for a list of different foundation textures that suit oily skin type well. This list will help you pick the best foundation for your oily skin type.
Powder foundation
This is an absolute no-brainer. If you are someone who has oily skin, then a powder foundation should be right up your alley. This type of foundation helps absorb excess oil and keeps your skin looking matte for a longer period of time. But the problem with powder foundations is that they tend to oxidise quite easily when mixed with oil-based products, giving your skin a very orange-y or grey effect. Therefore, before picking a powder foundation, we recommend you first test it under natural light or wear it for a couple of hours to see how it settles on your skin. This will help you make a more informed decision.
BB recommends: Lakmé Absolute White Intense Wet & Dry Compact
Liquid foundations
Liquid foundations that settle into a matte finish on your skin are another great option for girls with oily skin. Since your skin is already producing so much oil, choosing a liquid foundation that gives you a dewy finish will make your skin look extra shiny and greasy. That’s not something you want, right? Therefore, picking a liquid foundation with a matte finish is a great choice. The best thing about this foundation texture is that it provides a lot more coverage than your powder foundation, and is perfect for covering acne scars, blemishes or any other skin problems.
BB recommends: Lakmé 9 To 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation
Oil-free foundations
If you have excessively oily skin, and want more coverage than a powder foundation offers, and liquid matte foundations make your skin appear greasy, then an oil-free foundation is your best bet. These foundations come with an anti-shine texture that work beautifully to dissolve excess oil and give your skin a nice matte finish that looks natural and does not cause any sort of breakouts. Awesome, right?
Pro tips to ensure that the foundation stays put on oily skin without melting or moving:
Don’t skimp on skincare
One of the best ways to make your foundation last is not to skimp on your skincare routine, especially moisturiser. This is because dehydrated skin tends to compensate by producing excess oil, leading to acne and other problems. Therefore, ensure that you apply a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser such as the Pond’s Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser twice a day, post-cleansing your face.
Use a primer without fail
The advantage of using a primer is not just limited to extending the wear time of your makeup, but it also does a great job of restricting excess sebum production and keeping your skin looking matte. Additionally, it forms a protective layer between your skin and makeup to ensure that your products don’t clog pores and is therefore a must-have to prevent breakouts.
Don’t forget to powder your T-zone
If you don’t want to powder your entire face, that’s okay. But be sure to powder the areas of your face that are the oiliest. This could be your T-zone or U-zone. Use a large, fluffy blush and a very light hand to dust the powder on and not pack it on your skin as this will make it settle in the creases
Carry blotting papers
Despite doing all of this, if you still feel like your make is melting, then there’s blotting paper to the rescue. Simply carry a few sheets in your bag and dab it on whenever you think like your skin feels too oily. This will not only zap all the excess sebum, but also prevent your makeup from melting. Isn't it cool?
Frequently asked questions about the best foundations for oily skin:
1) Is liquid foundation better for oily skin?
If you want something that provides medium to high coverage without looking cakey, then a liquid foundation is your best bet. This is because a liquid matte foundation settles on to your skin in a soft-matte finish that looks really natural.
2) How do you make the foundation last on oily skin?
With a few simple makeup techniques such as following a proper skincare routine, applying primer before makeup and powdering the oily zones of your face, it is very easy to make foundation last on oily skin.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Jun 23, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!