These 8 foundations will last all day on oily skin

Navigating the world of makeup when you have oily skin can often feel like walking a tightrope. On one hand, you desire a foundation that delivers impeccable coverage and a flawless finish; on the other, you need a product that can effectively manage excess oil, prevent shine, and stay put throughout the day. Achieving this balance is crucial, as the wrong foundation can lead to a host of issues like clogged pores, acne breakouts, and an undesirable shiny complexion.

To avoid the dreaded ‘melting makeup’ feeling, we’ve compiled a list of the best foundations that are specifically formulated to address these concerns. Whether you're preparing for a long day at work, an evening out, or simply seeking a reliable everyday makeup solution, finding the right foundation is a game-changer. 

2024’s top 3 foundations for oily skin

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation, $75, THE ICONIC
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $59, Sephora
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32Hr Liquid Foundation, $27.89, Amazon Australia

Dior Forever Matte Foundation

Forever Matte is a dream come true for oily skin. Like the name suggests, its matte finish ensures a shine-free complexion throughout the day. The formula is lightweight, allowing the skin to breathe, and offers medium to full coverage. It's perfect for those who desire a natural, yet polished look.

Key features:
- 30mL size
- Pump bottle
- 86 per cent floral skin care composition

Available at:
- $99 from Sephora
- $99 from Adore Beauty
- $99 from Dior
- $99 Myer
- $99 David Jones

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

This Rare Beauty formulation stands out for its feather-light texture. Designed to mimic skin texture for a more natural appearance, the oil-free formula balances the skin's natural moisture levels, making it an excellent choice for oily skin prone to breakouts.

Key features:
- 28ml size
- Doe foot applicator
- Natural finish
- Cruelty-free

Available at:
- $49 from Sephora

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Control Matte SPF 40

This multifunctional product serves as a full-coverage foundation, a hydrating anti-aging serum, and a physical sunscreen. It's particularly beneficial for oily skin, thanks to its oil-free and matte formulation, which helps to control shine and provide a smooth, even coverage.

Key features:
- 32mL size
- Pump tube
- Cruelty-free

Available at:
- $73 from Adore Beauty
- $77 from Sephora
- $72.27 from Cult Beauty

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32Hr Liquid Foundation

For a drugstore option, this foundation from L'Oréal Paris is a standout. Offering up to 32 hours of wear, it's designed to resist sweat, heat, and humidity, making it a reliable choice for long days. Its lightweight, breathable formula makes it comfortable to wear, even on oily skin.

Key features:
- 30mL size
- Pump bottle

Available at:
- $36.99 from Priceline
- $27.89 from Amazon Australia
- $36.99 from THE ICONIC
- $30.99 from Chemist Warehouse

Eye of Horus Ritual Skin Foundation Stick

Ideal for those who prefer stick foundations, this product from Eye of Horus offers a creamy application that dries to a powder finish. It's easy to blend and buildable, allowing for both light and full coverage. Its formula is designed to balance the skin, making it suitable for oily complexions.

Key features: 
- Solid stick formula
- 10g size
- Cruelty-free

Available at:
- $68 from Eye of Horus
- $68 from Activeskin

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation

This iconic foundation is renowned for its long-wearing formula that stays put for up to 24 hours. It's a favorite among those with oily skin due to its matte finish and impressive oil control properties. The foundation offers medium to full coverage and comes in a wide range of shades.

Key features:
- 30mL size
- Pump bottle
- SPF 10

Available at:
- $75 from Sephora
- $75 from Estée Lauder
- $75 from THE ICONIC
- $75 from Myer
- $75 from Adore Beauty
- $75 from MECCA

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Maybelline's Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a popular drugstore pick that delivers impressive results for oily skin. It's specially formulated to blur the appearance of pores and control shine. The foundation offers a natural, matte finish and is non-comedogenic, making it ideal for those who are prone to acne. 

Key features:
- 30mL size
- Open top glass bottle

Available at:
- $18 from Kmart
- $21.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $12.99 from Amazon Australia
- $26 from Coles
- $10.97 (50 per cent off RRP) from Adore Beauty
- $12.99 (50 per cent off) from Priceline

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

This foundation has quickly become a favourite in the beauty community, especially among those with oily skin. The Pro Filt'r Foundation offers a soft matte finish that's long-wearing and resistant to sweat and humidity. Its oil-free formula ensures that the skin looks smooth and shine-free without feeling heavy or cakey. Plus, the extensive shade range pioneered by Rihanna ensures an inclusive selection for all skin tones.

Key features:
- 32mL size
- Pump bottle
- Cruelty-free

Available at:
- $59 from Sephora
- $59 from Fenty Beauty

How to make foundation last all day on oily skin

Ensuring that foundation stays in place and maintains its matte finish on oily skin throughout the day requires a combination of the right preparation and application techniques. 

The key step is using a mattifying primer; it creates a smooth canvas and helps to control shine, providing a better grip for your foundation. Setting your foundation with a translucent powder, especially in the T-zone, will further absorb excess oil and lock your makeup in place. 

Consider using a setting spray designed for oily skin to seal your makeup and add an extra layer of longevity. Regular touch-ups during the day with blotting papers or a compact powder can also be beneficial in maintaining a fresh, matte appearance.

Related articles:
- How to make your makeup last all day (and night)
- The best matte foundations for oily skin
- The best blotting papers for shine-free makeup

Main image credit: @sofiawylie