If you have oily skin, you know the struggle of searching for good foundations. You need one that resists the oils of your skin, helping it to appear matte and smooth. It’s not the most desirable look to walk around with an extremely shiny face, which is why finding a good foundation is vital.

When you wear a foundation that isn’t made for oily skin, your natural oils break down the product, causing it to melt. This is a problem many face, and most people go through trial and error to find the right one. However, you have Beauty Insider, and we have experimented with many foundations to give you a list of only the best!

The Best Foundations for Oily Skin

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation

Facts in a Flash
Maybelline Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation
Type: Normal to oily skin types
Main Function: This foundation is perfect for oily skin, as its blendable formula mattifies and leaves a seamless finish with no sticky feeling

To start, we need to talk about the most popular foundation for oily skin: the Maybelline Fit Me Matte Liquid Foundation. This cult favourite has been the go-to for many people, as it not only effectively provides a matte finish but is also incredibly affordable. Not only that, its formulation also helps refine pores, so your makeup can look flawless throughout the day. Many favour this foundation for its beautiful and smooth finish, and it is also easily accessible at drugstores. Additionally, there are as many as 27 blendable shades to choose from that are shine-proof and have no sticky after-feel.

Price: RM48.37

Where to buy: Watsons

Final Verdict

4.7

Insider Ratings

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performance:

PROS:

  • Shine-proof formula
  • Matte flawless finish
  • Easy to find both online and at physical stores

Cons:

  • Not a cruelty-free product

2. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation

Facts in a Flash
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Type: Combination, dry, normal, oily skin types
Main Function: This foundation contains Hydramatte Balancing Complex that keeps oil production in control while leaving hydration to the skin

NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is perfect for your everyday go-to makeup look. This lightweight formula features a Hydramatte Balancing Complex that controls oil production while hydrating the skin. With the Anti-Oxidation Complex, it prevents colour shifting and protects the skin from blue light damage. In addition, it has unique oil-absorbing powders that keeps you looking fresh and matte all day long. The coverage ranges from medium to full but is buildable, making it great for natural makeup looks. Plus, this foundation is available in 21 shades, so we bet there is one for every skin tone.

Price: RM185.00

Where to buy: NARS Cosmetics’ website

Final Verdict

4.5

Insider Ratings

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PROS:

  • Controls sebum production
  • Infused with oil-absorbing powders
  • Protects against blue light damage

Cons:

  • Can be cakey

3. L’OREAL Infallible 24h Matte Cover Foundation

Facts in a Flash
L’OREAL Infallible 24h Matte Cover Foundation
Type: All skin types
Main Function: This foundation leaves a smooth and effortlessly soft appearance with no cakey feel, as it blurs acne and texture

Another cult favourite drugstore foundation that we must include in the list is undeniably the L’OREAL Infallible 24h Matte Cover Foundation. The lightweight formula offers high coverage and is oil-free, ticking off everything you need in a foundation for oily skin. It finishes with a soft, smooth appearance that looks effortlessly airbrushed once you apply powder on top. Moreover, the coverage is buildable but does not create a cakey feel, which is common with most foundations. As one of the best foundations for oily, acne-prone skin, it works wonders if you need to cover acne, redness, or texture.

Price: RM62.91

Where to buy: Shopee

Final Verdict

4.3

Insider Ratings

price:
ingredients:
performance:

PROS:

  • Lightweight formula
  • Works well on oily skin
  • Will not leave a cakey feeling

Cons:

  • Most shades may not be available online

4. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Facts in a Flash
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Type: All skin types
Main Function: This foundation is a cult favourite for its shine-free formula, flawless finish, and inclusive range of shades available

When Rihanna launched her much-anticipated makeup line, Fenty Beauty, the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation was the main star. Many were initially impressed, including us, by the large array of shades offered, but once people got their hands on the foundation, the formula was what they truly fell for. It has made a pedestal for itself in the people’s favourites hall of fame. The formula gives a matte finish that appears smooth and flawless. As one of the best foundations for oily skin, you can expect a lasting shine-free appearance. There is also an extensive range of shades available from light to deep — talk about inclusivity!

Why we love it:

  • Leaves a smooth finish
  • Offers a shine-free appearance
  • Available in a range of shades

Cons:

  • The foundation may cling to dry patches

Price: RM205.00

Where to buy: Sephora

5. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation

Facts in a Flash
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation
Type: Combination, dry, normal, oily skin types
Main Function: This makeup artists' favourite foundation is famous for its long-lasting wear power, as it prevents shiny skin with its oil-proof formula

If we are talking about foundations vouched for by makeup artists, the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation is a classic. This foundation is known for its long-wear powers and finishes with a smooth, matte look. Plus, its lightweight formula makes it breathable for building coverage seamlessly. It also evens skin tones and blurs imperfections with no touch-ups needed. Additionally, the formula is oil-proof and waterproof, which works well to combat shiny skin after a few hours. Along with its wide range of shades, this waterproof foundation for oily skin works exceptionally well with Malaysia’s hot and humid climate.

Why we love it:

  • Has long-lasting staying power
  • Combats shiny skin
  • Ideal for hot and humid climates

Cons:

  • May need to repurchase frequently due to its small size

Price: RM240.00

Where to buy: Estée Lauder’s website

6. Maybelline Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation (Discontinued)

Facts in a Flash
Maybelline Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation
Type: All skin types
Main Function: This foundation offers amazing high coverage with remarkable oil-controlling benefits, making it ideal for oily skin

A foundation that we believe does not receive enough recognition in many beauty recommendations is the Maybelline Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation. This foundation is the hidden gem of drugstore foundations for oily skin. Many have expressed how much they adore this formula, which offers high coverage and excellent oil-controlling properties. Moreover, this foundation is often overlooked, but with its reasonable price and amazing formula, it is a secret that needs to be shared.

Why we love it:

  • Features oil-controlling properties
  • Provides high coverage
  • Comes at an affordable price

Cons:

  • May cause breakouts

Price:

Where to buy:

7. M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Matte Foundation + Oil Control

Facts in a Flash
M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Matte Foundation + Oil Control
Type: All skin types
Main Function: This foundation blends effortlessly into the skin, providing a matte finish for oil and shine control, plus sun protection with SPF 15

One of the absolute classics of foundations for oily skin goes to the M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Matte Foundation + Oil Control. One concern for many oily skin beauties is that their pores are more visible, but the foundation’s long-lasting formula blends into the skin effortlessly and finishes matte. Additionally, it builds easily to provide more coverage while remaining lightweight and breathable. With its 24-hour wear and sweat- and humidity-resistant properties, we love that this foundation controls oil and shine on the face. Plus, it has SPF 15 for that extra sun protection when you are out and about.

Why we love it:

  • Sweat-resistant formulation
  • Controls shine and oil on the face
  • Offers SPF 15 for sun protection

Cons:

  • The new formula may be drying for some people

Price: RM200.00

Where to buy: M.A.C Cosmetics’ website

8. Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation

Facts in a Flash
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation
Type: Acne-prone, all skin types
Main Function: This foundation works for oily skin because it absorbs oil to prevent shininess while also delivering much-needed hydration to the skin

Our list of the best foundations for oily skin would not be complete without the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation. If you are in the mood to splurge, this is the one to get. Many think buying high-end products is just for the brand name, but this foundation proves otherwise. It works brilliantly for oily skin, absorbing oil while being waterproof, transfer-proof, and even sport-proof. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, it also provides hydration to the skin. Moreover, it is formulated with skincare ingredients to create a polished, natural look. With this foundation, your makeup will stay fresh and naturally luminous with a matte finish.

Why we love it:

  • Absorbs oil from the skin
  • Provides hydration
  • Waterproof and transfer-proof

Cons:

  • More expensive compared to other foundations on the list

Price: RM280.00

Where to buy: YSL Beauty’s website

9. Laneige Neo CushionMatte Foundation

Facts in a Flash
Laneige Neo CushionMatte Foundation
Type: All skin types
Main Function: This foundation has a semi-matte finish for comfortable wear all day long while also ensuring lasting coverage and hydration

For those who prefer a semi-matte finish, we have got your back! Laneige Neo CushionMatte Foundation offers light and enhanced blended coverage that feels comfortable and seamless. It is infused with skincare ingredients such as corn mint extract for oil control and blue hyaluronic acid for moisturising, all for a healthy, natural glow. Plus, this compact foundation comes with a puff featuring slit pockets that open and close while in use to achieve that lightweight matte finish. As one of the best Korean foundations for oily skin in Malaysia, it provides lasting coverage, so you do not have to worry about touching up your face.

Why we love it:

  • Offers a semi-matte finish
  • Contains skincare ingredients
  • Promises lasting coverage

Cons:

  • Lacks a range of deeper shades

Price: RM182.00

Where to buy: Laneige’s website

10. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation

Facts in a Flash
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation
Type: All skin types
Main Function: This foundation blurs skin imperfections and texture for a smooth filter effect and matte finish, all without any fragrance

If you are a true Huda Beauty fan, we bet you know the #FauxFilter is known for its full coverage and lasting properties. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation offers 24-hour wear with a glowy matte finish and now has no fragrance at all. Its true filter effect delivers instant, seamless coverage that evens your skin tone and texture, giving you a youthful radiance. Plus, it features a non-cakey formula that is water, sweat, fade, transfer, and humidity-proof. Thanks to its non-comedogenic and non-drying formula, people with oily skin can truly enjoy this enhanced formulation as much as they enjoy the OG.

Why we love it:

  • Evens out skin tone and texture
  • Non-comedogenic formula
  • Fragrance-free

Cons:

  • Some reported that the foundation oxidises over time

Price: RM216.00

Where to buy: Sephora

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