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You feel like your skin has a tendency to get oily even after you have finished applying your makeup. You’ve tried and tried, but you just can’t find the best drugstore foundation to suit your oily skin. If you’re sick of the excess sebum shining on your face, your pores appearing like craters and even breakouts popping up, then we’re here to help! Blotting papers and clay masks can be helpful, but when you’re out all day, you need makeup made to suit your skin type!
There are many foundations on the market, but many of them are not affordable. That’s why we narrowed our search to more affordable options, our goal to find the best drugstore foundations for oily skin. But what does this actually mean?
How we determined the best drugstore foundations for oily skin
DermNet NZ explains that “the oil on the surface of skin is a complex mixture of sebum, lipids (from the surface skin cells), sweat and environmental material.” We wanted to find foundations that considered these factors, providing more than just pigment and coverage. This meant we needed to find ingredients that we liked in skincare products for oily complexions.
We considered both liquid and powder foundations, BB and CC creams and more, and we searched for words like “matte” and “shine-free.” We kept an eye out for oil-absorbing/fighting ingredients like salicylic acid as well. We also looked for formulas that were oil-free. Not all oil in skincare is bad, but if you’re not into the whole dewy skin thing, oil-free formulas can be the way to go!
13 of the Best Drugstore Foundations to Oily Skin
1. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
Our overall favorite
This affordable and non-comedogenic product from one of the most well-known drugstore makeup brands is a huge hit with shoppers! It offers full, matte coverage and claims to last for 24 hours — though you should certainly still wash your face at the end of every day!
Pros:
- Over 40 shades
- Claims to be waterproof and transfer-proof, as well as humidity-proof
Cons:
- Matte formulas may be more difficult than other types of removal
It’s amazing!
Available at: Amazon. Ulta. Target
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Oil-Free, Worry-Free
This foundation caught our eye because it’s both dermatologist- and allergy-tested! It’s a liquid formula, but it contains micro-powders to help control shine for matte makeup that lasts and lasts. This medium coverage option is great for combination and oily skin.
Pros:
- Over 40 shades
- Shoppers prefer it to more expensive options
Cons:
- Some people wish it had a pump to make it easier to use.
It’s amazing!
Available at: Target, Ulta, Amazon, Walmart
3. e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation
A smooth finish
Powders may be more suitable for oily skin. This pressed powder is a wonderful pick because it’s infused with primer, helping to create that pore-free, airbrushed look. It has a semimatte finish and is made without parabens, phthalates, and talc.
Pros:
- Powder sponge included
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- It may be more difficult to find the exact shade match.
It’s amazing!
Available at: Ulta, Target, Walmart
4. Almay Clear Complexion Cosmetics
Best for Acne Prone Skin
This foundation has been dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. It is ideal for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It’s fragrance-free and contains salicylic acid, a fan-favorite ingredient for unclogging pores and preventing future breakouts. It’s easy to recycle the glass bottle and has a clean ingredient listing.
Pros:
- Contains added prebiotics for healthier skin
- Aloe vera may soothe irritation
Cons:
- May be a little drying if skin isn’t very oily
It’s amazing!
Available at: Target, Amazon, Walmart
5. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
Added SPF
We love makeup with SPF sun protection. It gives us an extra anti-aging boost. This oil-free foundation has broad spectrum SPF 15 and claims to provide matte coverage for up to 24 hours — even underneath a mask. Truly the type of modern foundation we’ve been waiting for!
Pros:
- It can withstand heat, sweat, and humidity
- Buildable coverage — medium to full
Cons:
- 1 fl oz size may be a little small
It’s amazing!
Available at: Target. Amazon. Ulta
6. ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic acid Tinted Moisturizer
Light as a Feather
Many foundations for oily skin offer more coverage with matte finishes. But what if that’s not necessarily your preference? If you’d prefer something super lightweight and breathable, to help your pores breathe, we love this oil-free, hydrating foundation!
Pros:
- Hydrates without oil
- Ulta has received over 1,300 reviews
Cons:
- Dewiness may still be a way to improve oily skin
It’s amazing!
Available at: Ulta
7. Maybelline Dream Pure BBB Cream
Best BB Cream
This BB cream is a lighter option than most. It’s oil-free, however, and contains 2% salicylic acid to target oil and acne. It claims to improve skin clarity and mattify, while avoiding the use of heavy ingredients.
Pros:
- Combining skincare and makeup in one step
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
It’s amazing!
Available at: Walmart, Ulta, Amazon, Target
8. Covergirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation
Covers Like a Liquid, Applies Like a Powder
Another popular choice is this hypoallergenic, non-acnegenic powder. This powder provides a lot of coverage. It provides a matte finish and even comes in a mirrored compact if you’re ever in need of touch-ups — or simply want to check on your lipstick!
Pros:
- Recommended for sensitive skin
- Shoppers are calling it their “holy grail”
Cons:
It’s amazing!
Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Target
9. Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation
For a smooth, satin finish
This foundation is completely vegan and non-comedogenic. It is free of silicone, parabens phthalates, phthalates and petrolatum. It’s oil-free and aims to give you a shine-free, satin finish. Satin finishes are glamorous and give you a glamorous look without looking oily.
Pros:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Six weeks of skin smoother, healthier appearance
Cons:
- Size is restricted to less than 1 fl. oz
See it!
Available at: Ulta, Target, Amazon
10. Neutrogena Clear Coverage CC Cream
Best CC Cream
This color-correcting crème provides matte coverage to reduce the appearance of pores, redness, discoloration and redness. It’s oil-free, but it does contain skin-favorite ingredient niacinamide to help even out tone and soothe skin. It’s breathable too!
Pros:
- Developed with dermatologists
- Hypoallergenic and without oil, fragrance, parabens, phthalates and parabens
Cons:
- On the thicker side, which may not fit everyone’s preference
It’s amazing!
Available at Target, Amazon
11. L’oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder
Magic-Like Makeup
When it comes in contact with the skin, the liquid foundation transforms into soft, powdery-like makeup. Simply shake it and apply! It looks great even after a long day. Shoppers love that it comes with SPF 18 protection.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- One shopper said it was similar to Dior foundation
Cons:
- Dries quickly so it is important to work quickly
It’s amazing!
Available at: Walmart, Amazon
12. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Simpler your Routine
This product is a foundation and concealer all in one. It has a natural matte finish and claims to be waterproof as well as sweat-proof. It made the skin appear more even, according to 100% of consumers who took part in a panel survey.
Pros:
- May help reduce redness
- Oil-free formula
Cons:
- Some shoppers may find the material too thick
It’s amazing!
Available at: Ulta, Amazon, Target, Walmart
14. Ulta Velvet Matte Longwear Foundation
Velvety-Smooth Beauty
This foundation is made to last 12 hours and provides a matte, velvety finish instead of being hard and cakey. It’s infused with spherical and light diffusing powders, and it’s clinically proven to last all day long!
Pros:
- Contains vitamin E for extra antioxidants
- Oil-free, fragrance-free
Cons:
- Only one retailer.
Available at: Ulta
Other Drugstore Foundations We Love For Oily Skin:
You are looking for ways to enhance your beauty routine? More ideas are available below.
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