Best Foundation for Oily Skin


A liquid-based foundation gives you a shine Charlie Chaplin's shoes would be proud of, besides enlarged pores! It's foul play, for the luminosity of the skin bears the brunt no end. Whereas, a powder-based foundation tends to rub off very fast, lasting for little more than an hour or two. Plus, it clogs pores, and acne might be the so-called "reward" for your skin. If your experience with using a foundation is similar, then perhaps, you have oily skin.

To judge your skin type, use the simple blot-test: Right after you wake up in the morning, grab a tissue, place it to cover your entire face, and press gently. Observe the tissue -- if there are oily spots on most of the area, you have oily skin; if the spots are only in the T-zone, you have combination skin; and if the tissue has no spots at all, you have normal to dry skin.

The Best Picks

The trick to get gorgeous, vibrant skin is to find the right foundation -- one that covers spots, blemishes, hides the pores effectively, and doesn't look cakey. It should also reduce shine and stay good for a minimum of 4 hours. Following is a list of foundations in the market that seem to work best on oily skin:
  • Burberry Velvet Foundation
  • Revlon Colorstay Foundation
  • GloMinerals GloPressed Base - Powder Mineral Foundation
  • Clarins Ever Matte Skin Balancing Foundation
  • Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Foundation
  • Naked Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation Duo
  • M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
  • Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer
  • Flawless Skin Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF15 Foundation
  • Bare Escentuals - Bare Minerals Ready Foundation
  • Clarins Ever Matte Skin Balancing Foundation
  • Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Radiant Firming Makeup
  • Chanel Vitalumire Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup
  • Laura Mercier Silk Crme
  • Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation

Criteria to Choose the Best Foundation

When choosing a foundation for oily skin, the most important words to look for are noncomedogenic. These products are formulated for oily, acne-prone skin, and are less likely to cause breakouts. In case they are not available, go for oil-free foundations -- gel-based or liquid-based, powder or mineral products work best. Other words to look for, include mattifying and shine-reducing. Avoid using heavy cream-based foundations as they are more suitable for people with dry skin. These will not only leave your face looking greasy and shiny, but it will also lead to clogged pores and blackheads.

The next criterion to consider would be the kind of coverage you want besides the condition of your skin -- if you have a relatively smooth skin, i.e., free of spots and blemishes, then you may opt for a light-tinted moisturizer for daily wear. It provides coverage while letting your skin breathe. However, if your skin requires more coverage and you are planning to attend an important event or party, you, definitely require a foundation that can conceal all your imperfections. Most women keep two foundations -- one with sheer cover for daily wear and the other offering medium-heavy cover for special occasions.

The third step is determining the right shade for you -- the right shade will make your skin look naturally flawless. Go to a department store and use the testers there. Apply a shade that you think is the closest match to your natural color, then a shade lighter, followed by one that is darker. Blend the shades in your skin, then go for the one that doesn't show any lines around it, and has a slight yellow undertone. Test the shades on your jaw as well as forehead. Do repeat the test every 4 months as your skin tone changes.
Applying Foundation -- Learn What's Right!

Just buying the right foundation that is suitable for oily skin is not enough, it is also vital that you use it right. Never apply foundation directly on your skin. Apply an oil-free primer first; if you don't have one, use a light moisturizing lotion. A primer allows the foundation to glide smoothly on your skin and helps the makeup last longer.

If you have a lot of freckles or discoloration on your skin, the best way to hide them is to use a good-quality concealer. Use it before you apply the foundation so that it blends well, and stays invisible. Take a small amount of foundation on your makeup brush, then start from the center of the face and move outwards. Do not forget the neck region -- apply the foundation right till your shirt starts, so that you don't get a 'mask-face'. Wait 5-10 minutes for the foundation to set and then use a face powder to absorb any excess oil and 'set' the base.
For best results, use a shade darker than your original shade with warm, yellow undertones. Invest in a good-quality brush, too, for it gives a lissome finish to your makeup. Do sanitize all your makeup brushes and sponges regularly as they tend to harbor bacteria. Remember: The ideal foundation for oily skin is one that will conceal enlarged pores and give you a luminous finish without a hint of shine, lasting for more than 6 to 8 hours.

Blog Archive