Finding a foundation when you have oily skin feels like searching for a unicorn. You want coverage that actually covers, a finish that stays matte all day, and most importantly a formula that won’t clog your pores and trigger a breakout. The struggle is real and honestly I’ve been there.
The best part is that with so many options battling it out, the matte foundation scene has never been better. Formulas are now smarter and we now have plenty of truly great options. So we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up 9 best matte foundations for oily skin that are genuinely lightweight, forgiving, and made to work with your skin.
FYI, this list isn’t ranked! These are simply my top picks, all amazing for different reasons.
Why Matte Foundation for Oily Skin?
Before diving into my top picks, let’s talk about why matte finishes are the MVP. If you’ve got oily skin, a matte foundation isn’t just a nice-to-have but its mandatory to have. These formulas are literally made to drink up excess oil like a sponge.
They keep shine under control and usually last way longer on skin. Plus, oily skin often comes with more visible pores, and that soft matte finish helps blur and diffuse their appearance so your base looks smoother and more refined.
But I’m not going to pretend any foundation is 100% pore-safe. Makeup is still makeup. If you’re wearing it, matte or not, a good double cleanse at the end of the day is non-negotiable.
What to Look for in Your Next Matte Foundation
Not all matte foundations formulas are created equally, especially when you’re managing oily skin. If you’re hunting for your next holy grail, the first step is making sure it proudly labels itself as non-comedogenic and oil-free. Seriously, that’s half the battle won.
Some acne-fighting foundations like Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions or NARS Soft Matte pack salicylic acid to fight breakouts. It sounds amazing but using salicylic acid in your foundation every day can seriously overdry your skin. Skip them if you tend to use your foundation daily.
The formula matters a lot. I always go for lightweight and buildable foundations with light-to-medium coverage in liquid formulas. They won’t cling to your pores or amplify every texture bump on your skin. That said, if you’re on the super oily end of the spectrum, powder foundations are legit game-changers. They’re loaded with shine-absorbing powerhouses like silica and kaolin that work overtime to keep excess oil in check.
The 9 Best Matte Foundations for Oily Skin
1. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation is hands down the best foundation for super sensitive skin. Seriously. It’s even comfortable to apply right after a laser treatment. It’s super gentle but it still delivers. You get incredible coverage and a totally seamless finish. The secret is the formula. It has a magical Aloe Vera base. That means your skin can actually breathe while you wear it. If you have oily skin and everything else makes you react? This is the one you need. It’s the most gentle formula out there.
2. Dior Forever Matte Foundation
Dior Forever Matte Foundation is honestly one of the best I’ve ever tried. If you have oily skin, this is a total lifesaver. It knocks out that oily shine almost instantly. What I love is that it doesn’t give you that harsh, flat matte finish. It actually looks natural on the skin, which is a big deal for me and definitely at the top of my priority list.
It wears beautifully throughout the day, even on skin that gets oily fast. The finish is that airbrushed look we all try to achieve but rarely get, especially if you have oily skin. This one really delivers.
3. L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is a creamy texture foundation that applies smoothly and delivers a semi-matte finish for a smooth complexion. It’s perfect if you want to skip the powder foundation vibe but worry that liquid foundations won’t work well on oily skin. This one is it. It has micro-sponge technology that absorbs excess oil and works like a charm. The staying power is amazing. If you don’t want to splurge on pricier options, this is your best bet for a matte finish.
4. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Estée Lauder Double Wear is the ultimate luxury holy grail for a reason. It has amazing staying power from morning to night. No fading, oxidizing, or color shift. You won’t need to blot for summer days as it’s totally sweat and humidity-resistant. It controls oil all day and gives a smooth, cashmere matte finish. It blends in beautifully and delivers medium-to-full coverage without feeling heavy at all. This is a huge win for oily skin. People have been using this foundation for more than 15 years and that is serious loyalty. This might just be the foundation that has it all.
5. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is a total game-changer because it absorbs oil and blurs pores thanks to clay and micro-powders in the formula. You get that smooth, high-end look without dropping serious cash. It gives you comfortable, buildable medium coverage that lasts all day. Plus, they offer a whopping 40 shades, making it easy to find your perfect match.
6. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation Makeup honestly such a game-changer if you’ve got super oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin. The foundation feels light, blends beautifully, and you can build it up without it ever looking heavy. Plus, it has 0.5% salicylic acid, which is great for calming down active breakouts—though I personally wouldn’t use it every single day, because even that tiny bit of SA can get a little drying if your skin is already sensitive.
What I love most is that you don’t end the day looking greasy. It hits that perfect sweet spot between not looking too matte neither too cakey. And honestly, it kind of doubles as a mini acne treatment thanks to the salicylic acid. Just make sure you’re still being gentle with your skin.
7. Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation SPF 20
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation is a powder foundation, and honestly, for anyone who just can’t vibe with liquids or creams, this one is such a solid pick. It’s incredibly lightweight yet still delivers impressive full coverage. Plus, it’s a clean formula — definitely a bonus for all my clean-living lovers.
What surprised me most is the finish. It doesn’t look flat or powdery at all. Instead, it leaves this soft, natural, subtle glow. Perfect for anyone who wants that polished-but-not-trying-too-hard look.
8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Matte Foundation is honestly a staple if you love that flawless, velvety matte finish. It’s the kind of finish that almost feels like a real-life Instagram filter (not an exaggeration). The coverage is medium to full and its completely buildable without ever feeling heavy or cakey.
One thing I really appreciate is the precision blur technology. It subtly blurs fine lines and texture, giving your skin this effortlessly chic look. It lasts solidly for around 9 to 10 hours, and the wear feels comfortable. I would say it’s perfect for anyone with oilier or combination skin who wants a soft matte look that still feels breathable.
9. Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation gives you a nice medium coverage, and the best part is that it’s totally buildable—so you can customize your look depending on how much you want to even things out. It wears really well throughout the day, and the finish sits right between matte and natural, which makes it super wearable.
If you’ve got more prominent blemishes, I’d say you might want to explore other options with higher coverage. But for mild to moderate blemishes, this holds up really nicely. It’s actually a great pick for oily skin because it keeps things balanced without feeling heavy.
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