17 Drugstore Foundations That Will Keep You Shine-Free All Day Long

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Calling all besties with oily skin. You're probably all too familiar with your matte foundation transforming into a dewy one despite how hard you worked for your desired finish. You probably have a stash of oil-blotting sheets hidden in all of your handbags just in case oil starts to seep through your foundation, leaving a layer of greasy film sitting on top of your skin. Then there are the other times when you layer on tons of powder to lock your foundation into place, only to wind up with your skin looking super-cakey and dry.

Finding the right foundation that delivers an air-brushed, shine-free finish takes some trial and error, but there are some makeup must-haves that get the job done without breaking the bank. You can even snag some of the best foundations for oily skin at your local drugstore.

The first step to finding the best foundation for oily skin is to choose a non-comedogenic foundation that won’t mix with your skin’s natural oils and turn into “pore-clogging makeup mush,” says Heidi Waldorf, MD, of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics. Waldorf recommends looking for a foundation labeled specifically for oily or acne-prone skin — even better if it contains exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, an ingredient that helps fight acne and control oil.

Which foundation finish works best on oily skin?

According to celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa, besties with oily skin should look for foundations with a matte finish, which provides medium to full coverage. "Anything dewy or too sheer will make the skin look more oily," she says. Figueroa prefers using liquid foundations on clients with oily skin, but she suggests following up with a powder as a quick touch-up. "This way, you can control the oil on the go," she explains.

How should you prep oily skin before using foundation?

Working to combat shine and oil breaking through your foundation begins before you even apply it. Figueroa recommends applying a moisturizer that controls oil as a base before applying a mattifying primer and foundation. Hydrating the skin with a moisturizer may seem like a recipe for disaster, but it's actually helpful. "Many times people think that adding a moisturizer will make your skin more oily," she says, "but not including one will definitely make your skin more oily because your skin can become dehydrated and over-produce oil."

Get ready for a shine-free makeup look when you check out the best drugstore foundations for oily skin. These beauty must-haves will not only keep your shine under control all day, but they also won’t leave you broke.

essence Makeup Keep Me Covered Foundation

Figueroa recommends essence Makeup's Keep Me Covered foundation because it has a long-wear formula and provides great coverage while providing a natural finish on the skin.

L'Oréal True Match Foundation

If you're looking for a drugstore foundation that works well on oily skin and has a lengthy shade range, Figueroa recommends L'Oréal True Match. Not only does it have an expansive shade range (47 colors, if you were wondering), but it's buildable to help achieve as light or heavy of a finish as you'd like.

e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation

If you're looking for an affordable foundation with 18 different shades, this is it. It's made with a lightweight and oil-free formula that brightens up your skin without overcoating it. You can say goodbye to forehead shine.

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

If you deal with acne, the oil-absorbing formula in this full-coverage foundation won't make your breakouts worse. This matte formula will eliminate shine without sacrificing your skin's glow.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation

If your skin is extra oily, it may be best to skip the liquid foundation and go straight for a powdered one. This powdered foundation from Maybelline is creamy, glides on easily, and will make your pores seem as if they've fully disappeared.

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Foundation

If you're going to be snapping pics all night long, this is the foundation for you. You can trust that it will hold still whether you're hitting the gym or dancing the night away – no filter required.

NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation

If you're looking for a matte, full-coverage finish, this is your ~soul foundation~. Just like the name says, it can do all that for up to 24 hours without stopping.

L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

There's a reason this foundation went viral on TikTok. This formula feels super-light on your skin, but you don’t have to worry about it wearing off — it stays in place all day and absorbs oil so your skin won’t feel greasy.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup

When you’re breaking out, the last thing you need is a foundation that clogs your pores even more. But this one actually pulls double duty — it offers natural-looking coverage and contains salicylic acid to remove gunk from pores and ward off blemishes.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

“Micropowders” are the secret weapon in this foundation — they absorb oil and smooth out the texture of your skin so your pores basically disappear. And with 40 shades to choose from, you’ll find a flawless match for your skin tone.

Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combo/Oily Skin

This long-lasting foundation holds its matte finish all day, so you won’t feel like a greaseball by noon. And the lightweight formula is buildable, so you can add another coat or two when you need a little extra coverage.

ColourPop Pretty Fresh Foundation

Just because you want a matte, full-coverage finish doesn't mean you have to sacrifice hydration. ColourPop's Pretty Fresh Foundation is buildable and great for combination skin that tends to have dry spots. It's also formulated with fruit extracts, coconut water, and Hyaluronic acid to nourish your skin.

Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

This lightweight, oil-free foundation acts as blotting sheets in a bottle. Catrice's HD Liquid Coverage Foundation conceals imperfections and creates a smooth, ultra-matte finish that lasts for up to 24 hours.

Milani Conceal + Perfect Smooth Finish Cream-To-Powder Foundation

This cream-to-powder formula is essential for building a full-coverage, shine-free look. The cream aspect makes for an easier application while the powder sets and covers any oils that might peek through. You can use this product alone or pile it on top of a liquid foundation for extra coverage — either way, you get the best of both worlds.

Juvia's Place I Am Magic Foundation

Juvia's Place is known for its efforts to diversify the beauty community with its extensive shade ranges. This specific collection of foundation comes in 35 different shades and offers a smooth, natural, and soft matte finish to give flawless coverage.

Maybelline Super Stay Longwear Liquid Foundation

If the powder formula isn't your jam, you can always opt for Maybelline's classic liquid foundation. The product claims to deliver 30-hour transfer-proof wear. If you have long days ahead of you, this may be your fave new foundation.

e.l.f. Camo CC Cream

The e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is a long-lasting color-correcting foundation with a natural finish. You can build up the coverage as you please with this medium-to-full coverage formula. Plus, it protects you from sun damage with SPF 30, so consider this your all-in-one holy grail.

Need some beauty inspo? Follow Sam and Jasmine on Instagram!

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