As a Makeup Artist and Beauty Editor with oily skin, here are the foundations I truly rely on.

      If you have oily skin like I do, you’re probably aware of how challenging it can be to find a suitable foundation. In the past, I would choose a matte formula, but they were often too drying, causing my makeup to become cakey and lifeless by lunchtime. On the other hand, when I tried more hydrating, glowy formulas, they only made me look shinier and tended to slide off within a few hours. Finding a base product that works for me has certainly been difficult, and I frequently relied on the best primers or concealers to achieve the finish I wanted.

      Fortunately, makeup has improved significantly over the years, and I've learned more about my skin type and which formulas suit my complexion best. Nowadays, there are foundations specifically designed for oily skin that provide a soft matte finish without that unpleasant drying feeling. Additionally, if you prefer a luminous look but also seek longevity, there's a foundation available for that as well.

      I've been actively testing some of the top foundations for oily skin, and I've compiled my favorite formulas below. I also consulted an expert to gain insight into selecting the right foundation for oily skin so you can discover your ideal match.

      **What to Consider When Choosing a Foundation for Oily Skin**

      So, what should you be looking for while shopping for a foundation? Experts emphasize the importance of longevity. "Throughout the day, natural oils can begin to surface on the skin, affecting the appearance of your complexion, making it shiny and diminishing coverage," explains Jennifer Lyons, national education manager at Nars Cosmetics. "A long-wear product ensures your makeup looks great all day." Coverage and finish are also key considerations. Would you like a high-coverage foundation or one that allows your natural skin to show through? Once you've made that decision, you can choose between a matte or luminous finish.

      **How to Apply Foundation for Oily Skin**

      Now that you've identified your ideal formula, it's essential to think about how to apply it. "At Nars, we recommend applying foundation with your hands, as this helps the product warm up and meld into the skin," shares Lyons. "This method still provides your desired coverage level while allowing you to control the product and apply it where necessary." Lyons also suggests using a touch of setting powder with a fluffy brush for added smoothness and longevity.

      **The Best Foundations for Oily Skin**

      - **Best Overall**: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £40

      - **Best Matte Finish**: Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, £45

      - **Best Luminous Finish**: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £49

      - **Best Full-Coverage Finish**: Estée Lauder Double Wear Longwear Matte Foundation, £40

      - **Best Affordable Option**: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation, £14

      1. **Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation**

       - **Finish**: Natural matte

       - **Number of Shades**: 44

       - **Pros**: Lightweight formula, natural matte finish, blurring effect, long-lasting

       - **Cons**: Might offer too much coverage for some

      

       This is a personal favorite from Charlotte Tilbury. It's a versatile foundation that provides good coverage, a natural matte finish, and a long-lasting formula, allowing you to go through your day without worrying about your makeup smudging. The lightweight formula creates a blurring effect and feels surprisingly hydrating despite its mattifying properties. It offers a radiant matte finish instead of a flat, dull appearance, making it particularly photogenic. My biggest tip for this product is to use it sparingly and build up coverage as needed, especially if you have areas of dry skin, as it may cling too much if you apply excess. Other than that, it's truly hard to find fault.

      2. **Nars Natural Matte Longwear Foundation**

       - **Finish**: Natural matte

       - **Number of Shades**: 49

       - **Pros**: Mattifying effect while allowing natural skin to shine, incredibly lightweight

       - **Cons**: May not suit those who prefer a glowy finish

      

       I recently discovered this Nars foundation and have been wondering why I hadn't tried it before. It’s incredibly lightweight; one application leaves my skin with a smooth, blurring effect. The finish is naturally matte without feeling drying, emphasizing my skin’s texture instead. This is indeed an excellent everyday formula that I can see myself using for many years.

      3. **Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation**

       - **Finish**: Naturally luminous

       - **Number of Shades**: 44

       - **Pros**: Adds a luminous effect without being overly shiny, good coverage

       When I first entered the beauty industry, the buzz around Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation was overwhelming. However, seeing the term "luminous"