When you’ve got oily skin, finding a light and natural-looking foundation can be especially challenging. You need a formula that won’t cake, and can help keep your face shine-free without constant touch ups. But you also have to be careful about the formula, because oily skin is often acne-prone. Here are some of our favourite foundations for oily skin.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

What we love: you can apply with your fingers for a fast makeup routine

This oil-free tinted moisturizer hydrates your skin (because oily skin still needs hydration!) and doesn’t feel greasy or heavy at all! It’s the perfect lightweight foundation for evening out your skin tone, and it’s so quick and easy to apply. You can use your fingers, patting it in, and layering where you need extra coverage. Once it’s set, you feel like you’re not wearing any makeup at all.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Hydrating Foundation

What we love: Wide shade range for a perfect match

This lightweight foundation gives medium coverage, so it’s great for hiding acne marks or smoothing out large pores. It’s sweat and humidity resistant (which we absolutely need in our Singapore climate) and is non-comedogenic. Beauty reviews also attest that even if it’s really pigmented, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.

We also love Fenty’s wide, inclusive shade range. Asian skin tones can vary from very fair to very deep, and have both pink or yellow undertones. It’s a relief to be able to shop for a lightweight foundation without worrying that it’ll look like a pale mask on your skin.

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

What we love: Treats and prevents pimples

This lightweight foundation contains salicylic acid, which can help prevent breakouts and clear out pores. It also helps soothe away redness! And don’t worry: unlike many foundations for acne-prone skin, it isn’t super heavy or cakey. It contains hyaluronic acid, which water to your skin so it applies smoothly and stays dewy the whole day.

Clinique also prides itself on testing its makeup products for skin reactions. This is clinically tested to be hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic. No wonder so many women with acne says it’s their Holy Grail lightweight foundation! One of the best foundations for oily skin that’s prone to acne! (Read about the best concealers for acne.)

MAC foundations for oily skin

MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

What we love: Matte finish that lasts the whole day

One of the best full coverage foundations for oily skin! Your skin stays matte the whole day, and it never dries up and look cakey. It’s so pigmented that a tiny amount goes a long way — keep blending it out with a brush or damp sponge for a light, natural-looking finish. Set with translucent powder and a very fluffy brush. If you apply too much powder on it, it will look too matte and highlight fine lines.

Want a very sheer finish? Mix with sunscreen or a light moisturizer and apply with bare fingers.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Makeup

What we love: 15 hours of shine-free skin, even in humidity

While it’s not as pigmented as MAC’s, it is easier to apply. The liquid formula is easy to blend and buff into the skin. If you’re in a rush, you can even use your fingers — but just make sure you start with just the smallest amount.

The formula was designed to withstand heat and humidity, and can be layered for more coverage. However, if you have very oily skin, reach for Laura Mercier’s award-winning primer — it works beautifully with this foundation for flawless makeup that lasts all day.

korean foundations for oily skin

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Skin Cushion

What we love: Radiant, natural-looking finish

If you’re a fan of Kbeauty, this lightweight foundation for oily skin is for you! The cream formula transforms into a powdery finish after you apply it. You won’t even need setting powder (except if you want extra coverage on your T-zone).

And since Kbeauty loves a glow, you get a radiant finish. Your skin looks dewy (not oily!) and youthful. It has SPF 50 and extra skincare benefits from apricot seed and Korean herbs. One of the most popular Korean foundations for oily skin!

foundations for oily skin

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water

What we love: The airbrushed effect looks gorgeous in photos

This oil-free foundation gives medium coverage and an airbrushed effect. It also photographs beautifully — your skin won’t look ashy, and it blurs out imperfections. Think of it as an Instagram filter in a bottle!

Unfortunately, this isn’t a foundation you can apply on-the-go — it uses a dropper dispenser, so you do need a table or bathroom counter to avoid messy spills. But once you apply it, it stays on and just needs a few powder touch ups.