Finding a good drugstore foundation that works for your skin is hard enough. But finding one for oily skin? Now that’s a difficult task. With dry skin, you’ll need something that moisturizes your face and keeps it hydrated all day. Oily skin is a little bit more complicated than that. For oily skin, a formula that mattifies your skin or at least prevents oil from shining through is absolutely necessary.
Even though it can be extremely challenging to find a great foundation that works for your oily skin, don’t lose hope. There are some great options out there for you. To make things easier for you, we have gathered the best drugstore foundations that are made for oily skin types. Choosing a product like the NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation will help you see that there are products out there that are suitable for you.
Things to look for when buying a foundation for oily skin
Even though we have put together a list of the best drugstore foundations for oily skin, you might still want to do some searching for yourself. In that case, you’ll need to know what exactly to look for. Also, these are just some general key things to take note of if you have oily skin.
A major factor that is going to tell you whether a foundation is curated for oily skin is the finish. We’re not talking about whether the finish is light or full coverage. We mean the overall finish of the foundation. For oily skin, a satin or glowy finish is only going to enhance the oils in your skin. With these types of finishes, it does not conceal your oily skin. Choosing a matte finish is going to work much better because no oils or shine will show through. Sometimes you can get away with a natural finish depending on how it reacts with your skin specifically.
Another thing to look for when choosing a foundation for oily skin is if the product is waterproof or not. A waterproof foundation helps a lot with concealing sweat, so it is going to also help to conceal oils. Choosing a non-waterproof foundation is fine, but a waterproof foundation will just add that extra layer of protection.
Lastly, let’s talk about the ingredients in foundation. If you have oily skin, you know that acne breakouts and blemishes can be a real struggle. So, it’s a good idea to get a foundation with ingredients to prevent this from happening. Ingredients like salicylic acid will help to clear away any blemishes that could happen while wearing the foundation. Ingredients like vitamin c will help to leave your skin looking glowy, but not oily. Also, ingredients like SPF will prevent sun damage on your face.
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
Our Pick
This full-coverage classic foundation hustles to cover imperfections so you don’t have to.
NYX is one of the best makeup brands at the drugstore, so it is no surprise that their Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation is so popular. It is a lightweight and comfortable foundation that provides medium to full coverage. This foundation is available in an abundance of different shades in a wide range. Also, all of NYX’s makeup products are completely cruelty-free. This foundation specifically can be difficult to remove at the end of the day since it is so matte.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day
- Wide range of shades to choose from
- Completely cruelty-free
Cons:
- Can be difficult to remove
Where to buy it: Amazon
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Liquid Foundation
This liquid foundation is formulated with MicroClear Technology to dissolve oil and help boost the delivery of salicylic acid to the source of breakouts.
This foundation is a great option at the drugstore because it is made by a company that typically makes skincare. So, you know that this product will take care of your skin and you’ll have a lower chance of breaking out afterward. Their formula has salicylic acid in it which helps to prevent any acne or blemishes from occurring. While still controlling shine, this foundation has a very lightweight and breathable finish. But, it does tend to fade as the day goes on, so you may need to reapply more the once throughout the day. Additionally, it can sometimes transfer onto other surfaces. This is an easy fix though, as you just need to apply a translucent powder over the top.
Pros:
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Contains salicylic acid to prevent breakouts
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
- Not transfer-proof
Where to buy it: Amazon
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
This lightweight foundation mattifies and refines pores and leaves a natural, seamless finish.
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is one of the best foundations in the drugstore, and it works great for oily skin! The foundation provides medium coverage, but it can build up to full coverage. The foundation lasts all day long, so you shouldn’t need to reapply throughout the day. Also, it is available in a very wide range of shades to choose from. One thing to note is that the foundation will transfer onto other things if you do not set it with a translucent powder.
Pros:
- Easily buildable
- Long-lasting, so you won’t need to reapply
- Wide range of shades to choose from
Cons:
- Not transfer-proof
Where to buy it: Amazon
E.L.F. Flawless Finish Foundation
The lightweight, oil-free foundation blends into your skin for a semi-matte finish that lasts the whole day.
e.l.f. is one of the best and cheapest brands at the drugstore, so no wonder they’re so popular! The e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation is specifically one of their best sellers. It has a super lightweight feel while being full coverage. If you are looking for something not quite as matte, this one only has a semi-matte finish. Also, all of e.l.f.’s products are 100% cruelty-free, so it is an ethical option. Something to note about this product is that the smell is a bit weird. Also, if you have a long day ahead of you, you may need to reapply it once or twice.
Pros:
- Lightweight, but still full coverage
- Semi-matte finish
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Weird scent
- May need to be reapplied throughout the day
Where to buy it: Amazon
Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream
This BB Cream provides the perfect amount of coverage to even skin tone, hide blemishes, and keep you shine-free all-day.
The Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream is an oil-free foundation that leaves a matte finish. Since it is a BB cream, it is going to be a lot more comfortable on the skin. It will give you some hydration without enhancing the oils in the skin. It is easy to apply and it is very blendable, so it is great for beginners. Unfortunately, this foundation does not come in a wide range of shades to choose from. Also, if you apply too much, it may feel and look cakey on the skin.
Pros:
- Comfortable on the skin
- Easy to apply
- Very blendable
Cons:
- Does not come in a wide range of shades
- Will get cakey if too much is applied
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
Having oily skin can be such a struggle, especially when looking for a good foundation. But, it doesn’t have to be! That is why we created a list of the best drugstore foundations made for oily skin… our favorite being the NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation. That way, you’ll get a great foundation made for your skin type without spending a lot of money.