If you happen to have oily skin, working out how to apply makeup can be challenging. We know how incredibly frustrating it can be to look at yourself in the mirror and see a complexion that is oily.  Regardless of how well you set your face, that excess shine always seems to creep through.

This is why choosing the correct foundation is so important.

A good foundation can help you cover up a number of blemishes including acne & dark spots, and can leave you feeling confident with healthy-looking skin. But if you choose the wrong foundation? Well, that can be trouble for those of you who have oily skin types.

However, that doesn’t mean you should completely avoid foundation. You just need to know what to look for using a new formula for your oily skin.

How to Choose and Use the Best Foundation for Oily Skin

Prepare your skin

Be sure to always cleanse, moisturise, and slather on your SPF product before applying your high-quality foundation. This will ensure that your skin gets all the hydration it needs, so it won’t produce more oil to compensate for its dryness.

No need for luminisers or shimmer

They’re great for dry skin but not so much for oily skin as they accentuate pores and will make your skin look more oily (which contradicts what we’re trying to achieve here!).

Our recommendation here would be to avoid any foundations that include the word ‘dewy’ or ‘luminising’ on the package and opt for a matte or a powdered foundation product instead.

Longer is better

If you’ve got oily skin, then you’ll have a hard time finding an effective foundation that doesn’t smudge or fade throughout the date, so be sure to get yourself one that promises a longer wear time.

But which are the best foundations to use if you have oily skin to achieve that shine-free finish?

We’ve got three that we reckon you will absolutely love.

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Global mega star, Rihanna, completely changed the beauty industry when she released the Fenty Pro Filt’r foundation largely thanks to its expansive shade range.

It’s an ideal for oily skin as it has a soft matte, long-wearing finish with a coverage that still feels breathable on the skin.

This is a long lasting foundation product that doesn’t have to be set with powder.

Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup

If you have oily AND sensitive skin, then look no further than this amazing product from Clinique. 

This natural matte foundation comes fragrance-and-oil-free, and is developed with acne-prone skin. 

It also includes skin-plumping hyaluronic acid so that your complexion never looks heavy.

But don’t be fooled with its lightweight feel – it will stay put and the shine will be controlled throughout the day. 

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup

A classic foundation from Estee Lauder, this is an absolute go-to for those with oily skin as it offers longer wear, a buildable coverage, and that all-important flawless matte finish.

This is such a great option for your T-zone as that is one place that tends to get shiny throughout the day.

As the formula is waterproof and oil-controlling, it will reduce the shine even in warmer, humid weather.

Finally, it has an extensive shade range, so you’ll be able to find the perfect match.