Best foundations for oily skin

If you have oily skin then you’ll know only too well the never-ending battle of getting your foundation to stay put.

Whether you spend endless hours reapplying your base in the bathrooms at work or try to combat the problem by really piling it on in the morning only to find it still slips off and clogs your pores in the process, worrying about your foundation is not something anyone of us need on our endless to-do lists.

For some women, oily skin may be connected to our menstrual cycle, getting worse around that time of the month; while for others it might be part of an on-going acne condition involving spots and cysts as well. However you experience it, it can end up being frustrating and even causing self-confidence issues.

In order to help combat oily skin ruining our makeup we tested out some of the best foundations on the market, from supermarket to high-end, that will keep your face looking flawless throughout the day.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Long lasting and thorough coverage, this foundation keeps skin looking matte throughout the day without looking like you’ve applied your makeup with a spatula.

Those with oily skin often also rave about the Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation but we found it’s sister product to give us that extra glow as well as effectively covering rosacea, spots and blemishes.

£42 | Debenhams | Buy it now

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

This incredibly long-lasting formula is perfect for long days of meetings or better yet, a big event as it lasts all day without the need for a touch up.

This high coverage foundation also covers redness and gives a flawless finish, without looking caked on. It works on all skin types but is a specifically great for oily skin as it brilliantly covers shine and moisture.

£29 | Selfridges | Buy it now

Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation

Loved by celebrities, beauty editors and dermatologists alike, Oxygenetix foundation delivers an oxygen-enriched formula that allows skin to breathe. Handily, for anyone with oily skin, this foundation is also water-resistant, sweat proof and you only need to apply once for full coverage.

The formula also contains 2% Salicylic Acid, which is clinically-proven to treat acne, calm redness and soothe the skin, whilst also exfoliating within the pores to limit sebum secretion, which can also worsen the effects of acne.

£58 | Amazon | Buy it now

Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation

If you’re not a fan of wearing makeup or find high-coverage foundation uncomfortable then this is a great option. It feel’s light on the skin but conceals spots and blemishes for up to 12-hours as well as keeping oil and shine at bay.

You might have guessed from the name but this product is particularly suited to events or days where there will be photo ops a-plenty as it offers a flawless matte finish.

£35 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Revlon ColorStay Makeup Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin

If you’re looking for long lasting shine control than this very affordable foundation’s matte finish is ideal. With up to 24-hour matte coverage (though we must confess we didn’t do an all-nighter in a bid to test this), this oil-free, fragrance-free formula is ideal for oily skin.

Perhaps best of all it also comes in 22 different shades and so can be easily matched to skin tone to build the perfect, full coverage.

£12.99 | Boots | Buy it now

Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation

It’s the priciest product on our list but it’s dual function might convince you to invest. Perfect as both a foundation and a concealer, this product seamlessly blends into oily skin and the waterproof formula means that come summer, winter, rain or shine (on even the oiliest patches of skin) there’s no budging this.

It covers spots and blemishes as well as creating a matte finish that effectively hides shine.

£66 | John Lewis | Buy it now

e.l.f. cosmetics Oil-Free SPF 15 Sunscreen Flawless Finish Foundation

A great option for travelling, this high coverage foundation won’t slip off your face in the sun offering shine control throughout the day and so is perfect for oily skin.

Though it isn’t as long lasting as some of the other products we tested it does leave your skin feeling calm and soft.

£10.66 | Amazon | Buy it now

Make Up Forever Mat Velvet+ Matifying Foundation

With its smooth and fluid texture, this custom coverage foundation glides over skin with ease for a comfortable finish. When applied with a light touch, it provides skin with a natural-looking matte effect. Apply several layers to conceal blemishes, for a finish that caresses skin with a supple and elastic velvet look that lasts for hours.

£30 | Debenhams | Buy it now

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

This cult brand is known for it’s very affordable but good quality products and it’s Coverage Foundation is no exception to the rule. Offering a good coverage but managing to feel, and look, lightweight this foundation spreads easily over oily skin and keeps it looking more naturally matte.

It’s a great option for acne-sufferers as it doesn’t clog pores or exacerbate breakouts.

£5.90 | Cult Beauty | Buy it now

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

If you’re a fan of the many airbrushing filters on Instagram then you’ll be pleased to hear that you won’t need them with this foundation for oily skin.

It feels airy and lightweight but it’s simple to blend and seems to mop up the oiliest areas of your skin eliminating shine and hiding pores. Shade options are limited but if you can find it in your colour then it’s a great option.

£6.49 | Superdrug | Buy it now

Clarins Pore Perfecting Mattifying Foundation

Oily skin can end up looking dull after continuous make-up application and cleaning so this foundation is a reliable way to inject a real healthy glow and help keep it looking fresh throughout the day. This makeup/skincare hybrid banishes shine, refines pores and fine lines and is easy to blend to create a balanced-looking complexion.

£24.59 | Escentual | Buy it now