23 Best Foundations for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Types for Gentle Complexion Coverage
By Sarah Han, Wendy Sy , and Jennifer Hussein
If your skin breaks out faster than a Disney Channel star onto the music scene, it's time to give one of the best foundations for oily, acne-prone skin a try. You're probably well-aware of how hard it is to find a suitable foundation that's devoid of pore-clogging ingredients and won't leave you looking greasy, shiny, and — worst of all — with fresh breakouts. So what are we naturally glossy people to do?
According to both Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD and cosmetic chemist Ginger King, salicylic acid is a key ingredient to look for in a foundation. As useful as it is in your cleansers, serums, and acne treatments, it also helps retexturize and even out your skin tone when infused into a foundation. The two experts also agree oil-free, noncomedogenic (meaning it won't cause pore blockages, otherwise known as comedones) foundations are the way to go.
In terms of specific ingredients to avoid, King calls out myristyl myristate, a waxy emollient found in some foundations. But, generally speaking, "anything that is heavy — like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin — has the potential to clog pores," she adds.
A common misconception is oily skin can't be dehydrated, but that couldn't be further from the truth. "Dehydrated skin is [caused by] a lack of water, not oil — so you can actually have an oily complexion but still have dehydrated skin," Ross C. Radusky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Therefore, you should enlist a foundation containing some form of hyaluronic acid (which doesn't trigger acne, by the way) to increase hydration and strengthen your skin's moisture barrier. This way, less water escapes, according to Dr. Gohara. She also recommends choosing a foundation spiked with antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) that have anti-inflammatory properties and fight off destructive free radicals.
Look for keywords on the packaging, like "oil-free, long-wear, mattifying, and 10- (or any other double-digit number) hour wear," says makeup artist Mai Quynh. She also notes to check for ingredients with soft-focus microsphere powders and water as the first or second ingredient in the product. "Avoid ingredients like jojoba or any other types of oils or emollients," says Quynh, as these can make oily skin look shinier.
Whew, that was a lot of information, and now it's time to put it all into practice. We rounded up the best foundations for acne-prone skin and oily complexions — so say adiós to pore-clogging, face-drying, and skin-irritating complexion bases for good.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/23
It Cosmetics
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Oil-Free Matte CC+ Cream
New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli says IT Cosmetics's Oil-Free Matte CC+ Cream is an awesome buildable-coverage pick for oily skin. "It leaves a matte yet still airbrushed-like finish to the skin, preventing shine and blurring pores," he says.
On top of its natural finish, this foundation features the oil-absorbing properties of charcoal and clay, whereas tea tree oil acts as an anti-inflammatory blemish buster. Not to mention, Scibelli says its formula gets brownie points for being infused with broad-spectrum SPF 40. However, it is worth noting that this CC cream only comes in 12 shades to choose from, with most of them leaning on the fairer end of the skin-tone spectrum.
- 2/23
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation has become a favorite within the Allure office for its hydrating yet non-greasy formula that works on both oily and dry skin types. This medium-coverage foundation contains hydrating hyaluronic acid to draw moisture onto the surface of the skin, creating a plumper look while evening skin tone. Charlotte Tilbury's latest complexion-enhancing foundation comes in 30 shades to choose from, so finding the right hue for your skin tone will be a breeze.
- 3/23
Make Up For Ever
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation
With a medium-to-full-coverage finish, Make Up For Ever's HD Skin Foundation completely camouflages pores, blemishes, and fine lines without feeling the least bit heavy. It's even ideal for stage performers, who can be subject to the most unforgiving circumstances. Yet, the hyaluronic acid-spiked formula is still hydrating enough that it won't feel like chalk on your face. And best of all, it comes in 50 shades.
- 4/23
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Serum Foundation
Contrary to its name, The Ordinary Serum Foundation's formula isn't skin-care-related at all — the "serum" actually refers to the texture. This 36-shade foundation has a slippery, serum-like texture that immediately dries down to an ultra-light finish, blurring blemishes without feeling cakey or settling into fine lines.
- 5/23
Tarte
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation
Oily complexions are probably well-aware of the full-coverage mattifying powers of Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation. Scibelli says acne-prone skin types should follow suit, considering the fact that its formula is infused with oil-absorbing kaolin clay and anti-inflammatory vitamin E. "The mousse-like matte texture also helps to camouflage active breakouts while controlling oil and blurring the appearance of pores," he says.
- 6/23
Clinique
Clinique Acne Clearing Solutions Foundation
Whether you're acne-prone, oily, or both, Scibelli says the Clinique Acne Clearing Solutions Foundation is a must. "It contains a base of salicylic acid, a common acne-fighting ingredient, built into the foundation," he says. This oil-free, lightweight foundation comes in 16 shades to choose from, each providing a semi-matte finish and medium-buildable coverage that can be layered as you please without drawing attention to texture.
- 7/23
BLK/OPL
Blk/Opl True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation
If you prefer a full-coverage foundation, Blk/Opl's True Color Skin Perfecting Stick is your best bet. This Allure 2021 Best of Beauty-winner glides and blends effortlessly onto skin, and it has a no-budge formula that won't smudge or fade throughout the day.
The foundation stick is also spiked with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E to brighten and hydrate skin without creating a greasy film. If you have fairer skin, be aware that this pick comes in 21 shades targeted to deeper skin tones, so you may want to opt for a different pick on this list.
- 8/23
Fenty Skin
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
Powder foundations have gotten a bad rap after the thick, cakey-looking formulas of yesteryear. However, Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation is lightweight and buildable. Use the base for a barely-there makeup look or layer for more coverage.
"It stays put even in humid climates, comes in 50 shades, and is ideal if you have oily and/or breakout-prone skin,'' says makeup artist and photographer Robin Black. "This power compact comes with a convenient sponge for touch-ups, but for daily at-home, full-face use, I prefer a powder brush or a blender sponge." She recommends applying a light layer over your entire face, blending at the jawline, temples, and ears; then, go back and apply an extra coat to any areas that could use a little more coverage.
(P.S. To keep your skin from looking too matte, lightly spray your face with a hydrating face mist or gently pat on a highlighter to the high point of your cheekbones, tip of your nose, cupid's bow, and chin.)
- 9/23
Dior
Dior Forever Matte Foundation
Want a red carpet-worthy matte finish? Then Scibelli says to grab Dior's Forever Matte Foundation, stat. This medium coverage foundation's shade range contains 42 colors to choose from, which is impressive enough, but Scibelli says its long-wear, 24-hour transfer-proof formula and "matte yet skin-like finish" is what makes this buildable foundation worthy of adding to your makeup routine.
- 10/23
L'Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
As light as air: That's the feeling of this barely-there, oil-free foundation that we love. L'Oréal Paris's Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation makes an instantly noticeable difference in bringing down shine. The base goes on smooth like silk and covers with a demi-matte finish that lasts 24 hours without looking too flat or too shiny. Available in 28 shades, this Readers' Choice Award winner is the ultimate my-skin-but-better base, even through sweat, heat, and humidity.
We're not the only fans of this drugstore foundation — Scibelli notes that he's also been a long-time fan of this foundation, especially for his oilier-skinned clients. "It leaves a true matte finish to the skin while controlling oil production and minimizing the appearance of pores," he says.
- 11/23
Chanel
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation
A soft-matte finish, 24-hour wear, and 35 shades to choose from — what's not to love about the Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation? This mattifying foundation has a full-coverage finish that sits like an ultra-thin veil on your complexion, providing a skin-like finish without feeling cakey.
- 12/23
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
Classics are iconic for a reason. The full-coverage, matte formula behind Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup keeps shine away and stays put all day long. The formula blends across skin like water but dries to a powder-like finish so redness and shine are eliminated on the spot. And since the formula is oil-free, it won't encourage breakouts or bail at the first sign of sweat, sun, or humidity; in fact, it promises an impressive 24 hours of wear. Clocking in at a whopping 56 shades, the Misty Copeland-approved formula doesn't give darker skin tones a grayish tint.
When applying, keep in mind that this formula sets quickly. "It's key that you are relatively speedy when blending it in," says Black. She says to start by using a foundation brush to swipe on a small bit of it from the center of the face toward the edges. "Then, using the same brush, blend in short, circular motions from the center outward. Remember to blend under your jaw, down your neck, into your hairline, and dab a tiny bit on your ears."
- 13/23
Maybelline New York
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Oily skin types, rejoice. This foundation gives you medium coverage and expertly conceals your pores (and doesn't clog them). Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation feels velvety-smooth on your skin and won't sink into fine lines or highlight inflamed pores. The liquid makeup comes in 40 shades, is fragrance-free, and oil-free. Your skin will still feel like your skin since the texture is lightweight and breathable.
Allure contributing editor Marci Robin says that she skips the concealer because this 2020 Readers' Choice Award winner is that good at blurring blemishes, discoloration, and fine lines. It also eliminates afternoon shine, so you can throw away that wad of blotting papers littering the bottom of your purse. Fit Me Matte + Poreless even comes in a 1.3-ounce (compared to the regular bottle's one-ounce) mess-free pouch, if you prefer that format.
- 14/23
Exa Beauty
Exa High Fidelity Foundation
"This foundation isn't exactly geared toward oily skin, but it does work well for all skin types — including oily skin," says Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants. "It's not too mattifying, gives a very realistic coverage, and isn't heavy at all." Other benefits? It protects against pollution and is vegan- and cruelty-free. "This one is gentle enough for blemish-prone skin," she adds.
- 15/23
Ilia
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
If you're looking for a light-coverage foundation that'll tone down discoloration and infuse skin-care benefits, Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is the way to go. This 2020 Best of Beauty winner is spiked with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to drive moisture into dehydrated skin. "Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin so that it doesn't get too dry, which may make the skin overcompensate and produce more oil," says Morgan Rabach, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
Though it leaves a dewier finish than the other foundations in this roundup, the formula is still oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it doesn't clog pores or aggravate existing blemishes. Plus, it also has SPF 40 to protect against UV rays and blue light. Seriously, what can't this skin tint do?
- 16/23
Juvia's Place
Juvia's Place I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation
Makeup artist Delina Medhin has high praise for Juvia's Place I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation, which comes in a wide range of 42 shades. If you're looking for intense coverage that doesn't budge all day and a soft matte finish, this is the formula for you. Medhin says you can even use it in place of concealer because it seamlessly covers your active pimples and any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- 17/23
Alima Pure
Alima Pure Pressed Foundation with Rosehip Complex
Ah, the power of powder. "Some people with oily skin do really well with powder foundations," says Koestline. "Powder helps absorb oil naturally, mattify the skin, and keep makeup in place." This one has the added value of a rosehip complex that also hydrates the skin, which, again, is important for oily skin. The formula is housed in a refillable compact that you can throw in your bag for easy touch-ups anywhere.
- 18/23
Uoma Beauty
Uoma Say What?! Foundation
Buckle in, it might take us a minute to go over all of the reasons why we love Uoma's Say What?! Foundation, a 2020 Best of Beauty Award winner. Available in 51 shades (ordered from darkest to lightest, mind you), this long-lasting, buildable formula contains blurring pigments that minimize the appearance of large pores and fine lines.
From there, six custom formulations, split into various "skin kin" categories — White Pearl, Fair Lady, Honey Honey, Bronze Venus, Brown Sugar, and Black Pearl — address common skin-care concerns for each group. Brown Sugar and Bronze Venus (brown and tan skin tones) target hyperpigmentation with ingredients like woolly thistle extract and white tea extract, respectively. Black Pearl, on the other hand, is spiked with complexion-brightening tomato extract and hydrating red raspberry extract to address dullness.
- 19/23
MAC
MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
Designed to shine (but not overly so, if you catch our drift) on both Broadway stages and Fashion Week runways, MAC's Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation has been a makeup bag staple since it launched in 2015. (It's the successor to the original, now-discontinued MAC Pro Longwear Foundation.)
The oil-free, sweat- and transfer-resistant formula wears comfortably on the skin for up to 36 hours, so it's basically stuck to you like glue until you're ready to take it off. Worry not, it doesn't actually feel like glue, thanks to sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid found naturally in your skin). You'll also find antioxidant-rich caffeine for a healthy dose of free-radical protection.
- 20/23
BareMinerals
Bareminerals Matte Foundation
Bareminerals took its classic Original Foundation and turned it into a loose mattifying powder that somehow feels like a cream. When swept onto skin, the Matte Foundation instantly de-slicks and smooths pores. Plus, it has one of the widest powder foundation shade selections. You're sure to find your perfect match among the 30 options.
- 21/23
Lancôme
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear is another one of Medhin's favorites, as it comes in 50 shades, provides full coverage (which can be easily sheered out or built up) that doesn't fade throughout the day, and doesn't budge on oily skin. She says it's great to use on sensitive skin because "it helps cover up acne as your skin heals." On top of that, this oil-free formula is also packed with perlite and silica to absorb excess oil and mattify.
- 22/23
Tom Ford
Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation
Tom Ford's Traceless Soft Matte Foundation infuses ample moisture-binding ingredients — including hyaluronic acid and vitamin E — into its mattifying, medium-coverage formula. As a result, you can go about your day without worrying your base will cake or settle into uneven texture. Antioxidant-rich ingredients like caffeine and the ever-dependable vitamin C also make an appearance, neutralizing free radicals, repairing damaged skin cells, and brightening dark spots along the way. Pretty rad for a makeup product, isn't it?
- 23/23
Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
This particular Bobbi Brown foundation was made with acne in mind. Spiked with marine sugar cane, the medium-coverage foundation will ensure that any shine your skin may have is intentional dewiness. We love that the Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation doesn't oxidize either. What you see on your skin when you first blend it in is what you'll get for the rest of the day.
By Annie Blay