Foundation for Oily Skin: Exactly How I Get a Flawless, Dewy Finish That Lasts All Night
I'm Adore Beauty's resident beauty newbie. Before working at Adore, I was travelling the world for 4 months with just one tiny tube of Jurlique moisturiser. I washed my face with warm water and used olive oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Oh, how things have changed!
Low on time? Check out our key takeaways below
Key Takeaways
- Proper skin prep is essential for achieving a long-lasting dewy finish, especially for oily skin types.
- Use a glowy moisturiser like KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer in moderation to avoid over-hydrating oily skin.
- Choose the right primer such as MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer to absorb excess oil without compromising the glow.
- Opt for long-wearing foundation like Estee Lauder Double Wear to ensure your makeup lasts through the day and night.
- Employ cream concealers that are humidity-proof and sweat-resistant for a flawless finish.
- Never skip setting powder and spray, as they are crucial for locking in makeup and controlling shine.
- Invest in tubing mascara to prevent smudging and ensure your eye makeup stays put all day.
- Experiment and adapt your routine through trial and error to discover the best products for your unique skin type.
Back to the full article...
Story time: I recently posted this photo to my Instagram Stories, mentioning I had used Estee Lauder’s Double Wear (a matte foundation).
I got an influx of messages asking how I got my skin to look so damn dewy.
It's what we all want, but for those of us with oily skin, a dewy finish is as elusive as a great first date. And when we do get it, it very quickly slips through our fingers (just like the foundation slips off our faces).
Oily skin types can, of course, use dewy products... but just know it’ll last for one good selfie. In less than an hour, I usually end up with patches where the foundation has completely slipped off my skin.
Well, not anymore.
After three long years of testing and trying every oily skin foundation and primer under the sun, I have found the *magic formula*.
(Side note, you can learn more about the best foundation for oily skin in our YouTube video below!)
How to Do Dewy Foundation for Oily Skin.
The answer? It’s all about The Skin Prep.
I decided to do a little experiment to show you the difference between prepping the skin properly, and doing no skin prep.
In the first photo, I'm out here with no skin prep or setting powder. The makeup was great... for about 30 minutes.
Compare that to this next photo that shows the power of properly prepping your skin before makeup application.
The makeup looks great AND lasts. Happy days.
So, keep scrolling for the aforementioned magical formula that is my best foundation for oily skin routine.
Best Makeup For Oily Skin
First, here are the products you'll need for:
It looks like a lot, but trust me when I say the hard work pays off.
Step 1: A Dewy Moisturiser.
When I posted my skin prep routine to the gram recently, I got DMs questioning why I would use a glowy, rich moisturiser when I have oily skin...
This seems to be a big no-no for oily skin types, but I hate makeup rules. I feel like it’s only through trial and error that you’ll find your own magic formula for your skin type.
I suggest using a moisturiser like KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer Jar 50ml that'll smooth and plump the appearance of your skin.
But just a pea-sized amount; don’t over-hydrate your skin.
Step 2: The Best Primer for Oily Skin.
After that, I use a primer like MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer 30ml but just on my t-zone where oil seeps out of my pores like bacon sizzling in a pan.
The formula contains mineral clay powder to absorb excess oil, and lasts up to 20 hours (now that would be a great first date).
You could also try the MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Pore Minimizer Primer 30ml if you're looking for a product to minimise the appearance of pores in a certain area like the cheeks or nose.
Step 3: The Best Full Coverage Foundation.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Foundation has a reputation for being a flawless, full-coverage, matte foundation. It's also one of the best foundations for oily skin.
It’s the longest-wearing foundation I’ve ever used, and the best for oily skin. It’ll definitely last you that 20-hour first date!
But if you want more of a satin finish, Double Wear foundation pairs well applied over the glowy moisturiser. Ah, now it's all making sense, isn't it?
Lately, I’ve been using a synthetic fluffy brush like Spectrum A01 Domed Powder Brush rather than a traditional foundation brush. I got this tip from a makeup artist, and I find it delivers lighter coverage that's still completely flawless.
Step 4: Concealer & Contour.
Now, for the products to finish my base.
I pair my Double Wear foundation with Estee Lauder Double Wear Instant Fix 24H Concealer + Hydra Prep because it's humidity-proof and sweat-resistant, but with a satin finish.
Then, I'll use a cream contour to add definition to my face, but I need it to be long-wearing.
I recommend using the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Stick Foundation in your contour shade. Mine's #Y505.
Step 5: Powder & Setting Spray for Oily Skin.
Never forget your setting powder and spray. These lock everything in place.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder - Translucent 6.8g is my pick for oily skin because it also reduces the appearance of pores.
And where do you think all that oil seeps out of? Those pores!
You can read more about the Bye Bye Pores powder here in my road-test article.
Onto the setting spray, which is a new addition to my routine I'm loving.
Finish your makeup off with IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray 100ml - a product that manages to be hydrating, glowy and mattifying, all in one.
Applying this over foundation will help to extend makeup wear time by 16 hours using long-wear polymers and mattifying powders.
BONUS: Eye Makeup for Oily Skin.
Let's end with a note on eye makeup, because panda eyes are enemy number one for oily skin humans.
Always prime your eyes: I use M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot in the shade Groundwork. It's a cream shadow/primer with a crease-free and streak-resistant formula that comes in a range of colours.
Finally, once you go tubing mascara, you will never go back. I don’t care if it’s a nightmare to remove, it’s worth it.
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Rebel Length + Lift Mascara- Black will not move from your eyelashes until you soak them at the end of the night.
You can read more about this tubing mascara for oily skin types here.
And that’s it! You’re all ready for a magical first date that'll last as long as your foundation.
Because if I can create a long-lasting dewy foundation finish for the oil slick that is my face, anything is possible.
Our Top Picks for the Best Foundation for Oily Skin.
Shine Free Face Foundation for Oily Skin
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation SPF15 is a highly rated lasting foundation for oily skin. With a velvety matte finish, it's a bougie choice for when you want your skin to look absolutely flawless. Shine-free and transfer-proof, this formula is infused with oil absorbing ingredients for exceptional wear time. Definitely a fancy choice that is 100% worth it.
Affordable Foundation for Oily Skin
Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation is an effective long wear foundation for oily skin, that comes at a super affordable price. We reckon it's one of the best foundations for oily skin Australia wide because it performs as well as luxury brands. With a blurring, shine free matte finish, this non-comedogenic formula is our go-to for oily, acne prone skin.
Weightless Foundation for Oily and Sensitive Skin
Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Long-Wear Foundation SPF15 is an ideal foundation for oily and sensitive skin, as it is non-acnegenic and dermatologically tested. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, sulfites, as well as animal products, this sweat proof foundation for oily skin ticks a lot of boxes. It's lightweight formula and excellent coverage are what keep it at the top of our lists though!
Liquid Mineral Foundation for Oily Skin
Aspect Minerals Liquid is usually a foundation recommended for dry skin. Can oily skin wear dewy foundation? Well, this silicone free foundation for oily skin is your answer. While this mineral formula has a radiant finish and hydrating ingredients, it helps to balance the skin and also contains Kaolin Clay to purify the complexion. Just top with powder for a long lasting finish!
Want to read more of Hannah's product reviews? Check out her articles below:
