Best Makeup for Oily Skin: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having an oily complexion can be a real challenge when it comes to makeup. It often seems like no matter what you do, the results aren't quite right, leaving your skin shiny and uncomfortable by mid-day. From an uneven look or getting cakey foundation during warmer temperatures, we've all been there before and are sure you don't want it happening again – luckily, there IS hope! 

With the help of some great products formulated specifically for oily skin types, achieving your desired makeup look doesn't have to be a struggle. In this blog post, we'll discuss all the best tips and tricks on finding just the right makeup formula for your needs so that you can make every day beautiful!

How To Apply Makeup To Oily Skin

The key to successfully applying makeup when you have oily skin is to start with the right products. Make sure you look for makeup specifically designed for an oily skin type, preferably oil-free foundations and pressed powders. 

These are formulated to create a matte finish while absorbing excess oils on your face and providing a more natural, even look. To achieve smooth, long-lasting coverage, begin by prepping your skin with a light moisturiser and a light-based primer before applying your foundation or pressed powder. Once your base is in place, buff out the edges with a damp sponge to avoid streakiness. 

Finally, lock it all in with a lightweight setting spray to help keep everything in place and provide protection against sweat and oils throughout the day!

Recommended Makeup For Oily Skin

If you struggle with oily skin, mastering your makeup routine can be a major challenge. With the wrong products, you may find yourself dealing with a slippery and shiny face throughout the day - not exactly the look you were going for! 

Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to help create an ideal makeup situation that works well with oily skin. Below, we’re sharing our top recommendations for makeup specifically designed to address issues related to an oily complexion.

Foundation for Oily Skin 

Finding a good foundation for oily skin can be a real challenge. Not all foundations are created equal, and not all formulas work for every skin type. But don't worry; we have got you covered! In this article, we will walk you through the process of finding the right foundation for your oily skin type, and recommend some highly-rated foundations that are perfect for oily skin.

Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog your pores. Non-comedogenic formulas are designed not to block pores, so they won't contribute to developing acne, blackheads, or whiteheads.

Secondly, a matte finish helps to control oil and shine throughout the day. So, when choosing a foundation for oily skin, you should opt for a matte finish foundation to help control oiliness. A matte finish can also help to minimise the appearance of pores and create a smooth, flawless look.

It’'s essential to choose a foundation that is transfer-proof and has long-wearing coverage. These formulations last longer and don't melt or smudge, making them perfect for oily skin types.

Luckily, we've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of some of the best foundations for oily skin you can try.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Full Coverage Liquid Foundation ($105) has has an oil-to-powder formula that stays on the skin for a lasting finish, making it perfect for oily skin. It is buildable, allowing you to adjust coverage as needed, and comes with sun protection.

GA-DE Matte Perfect Foundation SPF18

GA-DE Matte Perfect Foundation SPF18 ($35)provides medium to full coverage and has a natural matte finish, making it ideal for those who want to look flawless while keeping their oil production under control.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 Foundation 

M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation ($57) is an oil-free, matte finish foundation that hydrates the skin without adding shine. It minimises the appearance of pores and provides long-lasting coverage, perfect for individuals with oily skin.

Dior Forever Clean Matte Foundation 24H Wear No Transfer

Dior Forever Clean Matte Foundation 24h Wear No Transfer ($71) has a transfer-proof formula that provides a flawless, soft-matte finish while refining pores and keeping oil production in check. It includes nourishing skincare ingredients that help to keep skin looking its best.

Concealer for Oily Skin 

If you have oily skin, you know how challenging it can be to find makeup products that work well for your skin type. The good news is that finding the right concealer for oily skin is not impossible. With a few tips on what to look for and some product recommendations, you can have flawless, shine-free skin all day long.

To combat shiny skin, opt for a concealer with a matte finish. Matte formulas will help control shine and keep your skin fresh and flawless all day. Avoid dewy or glowy finishes, as they can make your skin look greasy.

Long-wearing formulas also help to keep makeup in place without fading away or breaking down during the day - look for formulas that say long-lasting or long-wear!

GA-DE High-Performance Concealer Stick

GA-DE High-Performance Concealer Stick ($22) is a highly pigmented formula effortlessly covers imperfections, dark circles, and blemishes, leaving you with a perfectly even skin tone. The long-lasting, water-resistant formula ensures that your makeup stays put all day.

Lancôme Effacernes Long Lasting Concealer

Lancôme Effacernes Long Lasting Concealer ($65) has a hydrating formula that effortlessly blends into the skin without looking cakey. The SPF coverage protects delicate facial skin, while the long-wearing formula lasts all day long.

INIKA Certified Organic Full Coverage Concealer

INIKA Certified Organic Full Coverage Concealer ($45) This concealer is the perfect solution for those looking for perfect dark circles and imperfections coverage. Formulated with skin-caring botanical ingredients like Certified Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Shea Butter, this concealer provides buildable coverage while nourishing and hydrating your skin.

Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer ($71) The easy-to-blend, moisturising formula conceals dark circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. The range of shades suits all skin tones, and the long-wearing formula will keep your skin looking flawless all day.

Primer for Oily Skin 

When it comes to makeup, oily skin can be a challenge. We've all been there: you carefully apply your foundation in the morning, only to see it slide off your face by lunchtime. But don't worry; there is a solution. By choosing the suitable primer for oily skin, you can ensure your makeup stays put and your skin looks flawless all day.

When choosing a primer for oily skin, the most important thing is to learn what ingredients work with your skin type. A silicone-based primer is best for those with oily skin because it helps blur out imperfections and control shine. Look for a product that contains oil-absorbing ingredients like silica or sodium polyacrylate, which can help keep excess oil in check and provide a matte finish to the skin. 

Additionally, look for an oil-free primer that won't clog pores, which will help minimise breakouts. Ultimately, you want to choose a product that matches your level of oiliness, so take some time to test out products on a small section of your face until you find one that works well for you.

Now that you know what to look for in a primer, let's talk about the best primers for oily skin. Here are our top picks:

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector ($45). This primer instantly improves the look of pores and leaves your skin with a matte finish. It's perfect for those with oily skin, as it helps to reduce shine and keeps makeup in place all day.

Dr Jart+ Pore-Remedy Smoothing Primer

Dr Jart+ Pore-Remedy Smoothing Primer ($69) not only smooths the appearance of visible pores but also infuses lasting hydration into your skin. It's perfect for those with oily skin who also struggle with dryness.

GA-DE Essentials Matte Perfecting Primer

GA-DE Essentials Matte Perfecting Primer ($54) is long-wearing primer is talc-free and paraben-free, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It's perfect for those with oily skin, as it helps to control oil and keep makeup in place all day.

Setting Powder for Oily Skin 

A setting powder is a must-have for oily skin. They lock everything into place, and provide a final mattifying step to keep your skin looking fresh - not greasy and oily!

There are a few things to keep in mind. First, the powder should be oil-free, non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores), and lightweight. Second, it should be matte, able to absorb excess oil and provide a shine-free finish. Lastly, it should have long-lasting staying power, ensuring your makeup looks fresh all day long.
Now, let's have a look at some of the recommended setting powders for oily skin:

M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation 15g ($57) stays matte all day long without looking flat, so your skin looks fresh and natural. Plus, it's sweat and humidity-resistant so that it won't cake, crease, or fade. It also works as a powder foundation.

INIKA Mineral Setting Powder Mattify 8g

INIKA Mineral Setting Powder Mattify 8g ($59) works wonders to mattify oily skin all day long, which means you won't have to blot your face constantly. It sets your makeup in place and even blurs the appearance of pores.

La Mer The Sheer Pressed Powder

La Mer The Sheer Pressed Powder ($180) blends away imperfections with weightless coverage. It provides a soft blurring effect that's matte but never flat, giving you a multi-dimensional look that's both natural and beautiful.