By Christa Joanna Lee September 1, 2026 Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editors Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story If your skin looks shiny by midday—and your base makeup consequently slides off—good news: The best foundations for oily skin can work wonders to keep your skin gleaming, but not greasy. And these days, they “don’t always need to be ultra- matte ,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Alexandra McCormick .
In fact, taking away every hint of glow can leave your complexion looking one-dimensional—and isn’t necessarily the secret to keeping oil in check. “Extremely mattifying formulas can sometimes make the skin look flat or even encourage the skin to produce more oil throughout the day,” she says. Instead, McCormick typically reaches for “a long-wearing liquid foundation with a natural or soft-matte finish,” which can control shine without making skin look like it’s wearing a ton of makeup.
Rule of thumb: McCormick recommends seeking out oil-free or oil-controlling, long-wearing formulas with buildable coverage rather than anything overly heavy. Liquids tend to offer the most natural-looking results while keeping oil in check, but powder foundations certainly have their place, too: “They’re particularly useful for very oily complexions and midday touch-ups,” says McCormick. And if you prefer a little more radiance, oily skin doesn’t automatically rule out a luminous finish. Look for lightweight formulas that deliver a soft, skin-like glow rather than a slick or dewy finish. Ahead, our favorite foundations that strike that just-right balance.
What is the best foundation for oily skin? How can I make foundation last longer on oily skin? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Overall: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Estée Lauder
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Why we love it: When Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation debuted in the ’90s, it basically wrote the rulebook for long-wear foundation—and nearly 30 years later, it’s still showing the category how it’s done. The recently reformulated icon now comes in a whopping 70 shades, promises up to 36 hours of wear, and, perhaps most importantly, feels lighter and more fluid than its predecessor. Credit the brand’s proprietary Polymer Mesh Matrix Technology, a breathable polymer system that moves with your skin, while color-treated micro-pigments keep your shade from shifting, even as oil from your skin might build up during the day.
“Double Wear has earned its reputation because it gives you tremendous control and dependable wear,” says New Jersey-based makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre , who reaches for it when a complexion needs to “remain polished for hours without constant maintenance.” But don't mistake its staying power for an invitation to pile it on. “All you need is a thin layer and then add coverage only where it is actually necessary,” says Ventre. And the formulation update isn't all about wear: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep moisture levels up, while the brand’s proprietary AlgaNiacin blend of niacinamide and brown algae extract reins in excess oil over time.
Cruel before applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Cruel after applying Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Tester feedback from editor i…