7 Best Matte Foundations for Oily Skin

When you have oily skin, finding the perfect balance between the glowy-dewy look just before melting into a shiny face of sheen can be tricky. By now you’ve probably experimented with more matte foundations for oily skin and concealers than the chemists that have formulated them — and to no avail! 

So what’s an aspiring glow goddess to do? Ultimately, finding the best foundation for your oily skin, you’ll want to steer clear of products that are oil-based to avoid further clogging your pores and look for non-comedogenic products with formulas that conceal and remain all day, every day.

What is Oily Skin?

So what is oily skin? Oily skin is characterized by excess oil production on the face which generally feels greasy and creates a shiny appearance–particularly in the T-Zone. The infamous T-Zone consists of the forehead, nose, and chin. 

Sound familiar? These areas of your face probably remind you of every nightmare blackhead breakout as this is the most common area where many of us struggle with excess oil and acne. It’s not all bad however, oily skin actually tends to look plump for longer and overall produce fewer wrinkles, so long as we can keep things regulated.

How Do I Know If I Have Oily Skin?

The most obvious sign of oily skin is the physical characteristics of excess oil present on your face. If your skin tends to feel greasy and is prone to acne and breakouts, especially in the T-zone area, you likely have oily skin. 

What Causes Oily Skin?

There are a plethora of reasons why your face might be oily. Genetics, just like other skin types, can be a huge factor in having higher oil production, additionally, environmental factors and proper eating habits play a role in how our skin produces oil. 

Using the right products in your skincare routine is also crucially important to your oil production. Products containing oil introduced to naturally oily skin will only cause more oil, alternatively, products that deprive your face of its natural oil can also cause more oil. Let’s get this straight–taking away oil can cause more oil? Well, while it may seem a bit counterintuitive, keeping your skin moisturized is vital in aiding in the regulation of oil production. 

Having oily skin does not necessarily equate to moisture. Moisture is defined by water content whereas oil is not. Skipping out on a proper moisturizer and stripping your skin of moisture can cause your skin to overcompensate and overproduce oil. Try oil-free makeup products infused with skincare ingredients that replenish moisture instead of shine for a great way to keep oily skin at bay. *matte foundation enters the chat*

What is Matte Foundation?

Matte foundation is typically a shine-free foundation formulated for long-lasting coverage to reduce the appearance of blemishes and oil. Lucky for us there are a variety of matte foundation formulations to provide full coverage for personal skin needs. Whether in liquid or powder form matte foundations are a great oil-free solution for long-lasting makeup great for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

7 Best Matte Foundations for Oily Skin

Still want glowing skin without your natural oils betraying you–here are 7 great matte foundations to help achieve your skin goals.

#1: Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation

Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation

Your skin, but better! Uoma Beauty’s Say What?! Foundation is a liquid formula that promotes creating a natural “second-skin-like” soft matte finish–long-lasting and lightweight wear, added hydrating properties great for oil and acne-prone skin, and a shade range of over 50 shades to choose from.

#2: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

With over 55 shades to choose from, the iconic Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is a 24-hour (medium to full) coverage waterproof foundation known for its oil-regulating properties great for acne-prone skin and its natural matte finish.

#3: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

It wouldn’t quite be a ‘best’ list without mentioning a product by badgalriri now, would it? Fenty 

Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation is a best-seller in the category of matte finishes praised for its formulation’s shine control, lightweight feel, and sweat resistance.

You can also check out the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation for the same great shade range and matte finish but in a powder version.

#4: bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15

bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15

If you’re into clean beauty the bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Mineral Foundation will surely check all of your checkpoints. This lightweight loose powder foundation is formulated cruelty-free with vegan ingredients and provides a full coverage matte finish without clogging your pores. Added bonus–it has mineral-based SPF 15 for supplemental sun protection.

Is powder your go-to? See our list of the best powder foundations for oily skin!

#5: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation

Working towards bettering your skin rather than just covering it? The Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation is oil-free and designed specifically as a skin-clearing makeup formulated with salicylic acid to prevent breakouts, control excess oil and boost a clear complexion and even skin tone. This is a great foundation for acne-prone skin!

#6: Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

The Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation is a non-comedogenic solution formulated with Kaolinite Clay to draw out impurities and absorb oil. This foundation has a complete velvet matte finish that transforms from liquid to a lightweight powder.

#7: The Ordinary Serum Foundation

Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Ordinary Serum Foundation is a medium coverage semi-matte finish foundation that’s under $10! This natural-looking lightweight foundation also comes with SPF 15 and is buildable to pair perfectly over your moisturizer without the tendency to look or feel cakey.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation is a great mix between a skin tint and a foundation.

Why Is Matte Foundation Good for Oily Skin?

Matte foundations are ideal for people with oily skin in utilizing natural oils to achieve a glow without an excessive shine. Oily and acne-prone skin often needs care but not too much disturbance, so having a matte foundation stay in place throughout the day requires less hassle of touch-ups allowing your face more time to breathe.

Final Thoughts on Matte Foundation for Oily Skin

While matte foundation is a great way to layer over your acne and other blemishes, having a great skincare routine is the golden ticket to suppressing your daily oily skin struggles. To truly manage excess oil many experts advocate for challenging it with a well-curated skincare routine. But your skincare routine doesn’t have to stop at choosing the right serum or acne treatments–finding makeup products infused with quality skincare ingredients like salicylic acid can do wonders for oily skin. 

Here is a supplemental article on how to manage oily skin. Understanding this will also prepare you for choosing the right matte foundation that can conceal your oil and acne without making it worse.