These Foundations Will Actually Keep Oily Skin Shine-Free in Summer Heat

Figuring out how to apply makeup on oily skin can be challenging. You know how frustrating it is to look in the mirror midday and see a complexion that looks greasy—despite how well you set your face, that excess shine seems to always seep through.

This is why choosing the right foundation is so important. It can can help you cover up dark spots, blur acne, and leave you feeling confident with healthy-looking skin. But the wrong foundation? That can spell trouble, especially for oily skin types.

“Oily skin is often genetic, but certain products can clog pores and stimulate the overproduction of sebum (the oily stuff that comes out of your pores), making matters worse,” says Kenneth Mark, M.D., a dermatologist practicing in New York City and Aspen, CO. (Parched skin more your problem? Check out the best foundations for dry skin.)

That doesn’t mean you need to completely avoid foundation—you just have to know what to look for when trying a new formula for your oily skin.

How to choose and use the best foundation for oily skin

Prep your skin: Even if you’re oily, always cleanse, moisturize, and slather on your SPF before applying your foundation. This will ensure that your skin is still getting a needed dose of hydration, so it doesn’t produce more oil to compensate for dryness. If you have issues with your makeup slip-sliding around, you can also use a primer for extra grip.

Skip luminizers or shimmer: “These light-reflecting properties are great for dry skin, but in oily skin, luminizers accentuate pores and make skin look more oily,” says Neil Scibelli, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York. “Avoid foundations that list the words ‘dewy’ or ‘luminizing’ on the package and go for matte or powdered products instead.”

Opt for longer wear: People with oily skin often have a hard time finding a foundation that doesn’t smudge off or fade throughout the day, so look for options that promise a longer wear time.

To make things a bit easier, we rounded up both budget-friendly and higher-end formulas below—from cult favorite picks to expert-approved buys. Below, the best foundations for oily skin for a shine-free finish.