Best High-End Foundations for Oily Skin

Many makeup junkies create tutorials centered on products that cost less, but what about the high-end brands?

We love a good bargain just as much as the next MUA, but sometimes, you get what you pay for, and foundation is definitely a product worthy of the splurge.

Here, we highlight the best high-end foundation for oily skin types and offer you some tips when it comes to selecting the right one. Read on to see which brands made the cut and see what our experts thought of the top three products.

The Key to Finding a Successful Foundation

Regardless of how much you spend, use these helpful tips when shopping for a foundation to avoid shining like the sun just a few hours into your day.

• Matte Finish – Foundations that are formulated with a matte finish are best for oily skin since they contain ingredients that will help you combat the shine.

• Primer – None of the products we suggest will work as well if you do not use a primer before applying them, so if you do not yet prime, now is the time!

A good primer is the key to keeping your skin smooth and helping keep the shine minimal throughout the day.

• Coverage – Most foundations for oily skin offer medium to full coverage, so if you are looking for something sheer, Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup is definitely a good choice.

If you are hesitant to dive into a purchase this important without knowing how it will look on your skin, visit a local department store or retailer who carries the brand and have a professional do your makeup.

Not only will this give you a chance to see how the products look and how they feel on your skin, but the artist will also help you select the right color, which is something that is rather difficult to do when you are looking at a screen full of products!

Top 5 Picks

1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Estee Lauder is definitely considered one of the best high-end foundations for oily skin, and if you are looking for a long-wear product that offers medium to full coverage, we highly recommend that you try it.

As an oil-free formula that is also designed to help control excess oil production from your skin, it is ideal for those with an oily T-zone or oil all over the face. The finish is matte – ideal for oily skin – and it will not clog your pores. Those who have sensitive skin will also appreciate that it is fragrance-free.

Whether you are 25 or 55, this liquid foundation is looks great and feels great when you wear it. Blending is easy, and the coverage is buildable, so it works great as a daily foundation or one that you use for a full coverage evening look, as well.

The shade range is impressive, so with 38 different colors to choose from, you are bound to find a match. They offer everything across the board, from light to deep shades.

2. Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup

Giorgio Armani offers an elite foundation that is worth splurging for if you haven’t had much luck with the other products on this list.

Many are fans of the Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation, and while we agree that it is a wonderful product, the Maestro foundation is specifically formulated for those with normal, combination and/or oily skin.

It is one of very few that we tried that goes on sheer, so anyone who wants to obtain a nude, natural makeup look will love having this on the makeup shelf. The finish is semi-matte, so don’t confuse it for their Maestro Glow formula that will give you more of a glow!

As a sheer foundation, it is quite thin and watery, which is surprising to some users since most creams are denser and thicker. The great thing about it, however, is that a little product goes a long way, so this bottle will last a while if you use it sparingly.

They offer it in 16 different shades, most of which are medium. If you have an in-between skin tone, you might find a good match.

3. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear

Lancôme is very popular in department stores, and their shade range is huge. There are 40 different shades to choose from, so whether you are porcelain white or beautiful chocolate brown, they have a shade for you.

It is comparable to Estee Lauder since both are long-lasting and transfer-resistant, and since this is more affordable than the Giorgio Armani foundation, you won’t feel so guilty about using it on a daily basis. The formula is also free of oil and fragrance, and it is non-comedogenic.

Expect a natural matte finish from a formula that is easy to apply yet incredibly lightweight. Users with acne-prone or oily skin will do well with this formula, especially if you are looking for fuller coverage.

The balance in quality and price is ideal, so if you haven’t had any luck with other foundations that are in the same price range, Lancôme just might be a winner for you.

4. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

If you are looking for a high end foundation, then this is possibly one of the best to go with. Perhaps the best aspect of this particular foundation is the fact that it comes with the coverage of a concealer, the weightlessness of a powder, and the fluidity of a liquid. In other words, it is extremely easy to apply and to blend.

You can use a brush your fingers or a sponge to apply it and to blend it, and yes, it comes in more than enough shade options so you should be able to find one that works right for you.

On a side note, this is also a very convenient foundation to use because it comes with a simple applicator stick, so you can apply it on the go. Not to mention that the package itself is very small and lightweight as well.

Now something that really stands out about this hourglass vanish seamless Finish Foundation is the fact that it lasts for up to 12 hours, thus providing you with all day coverage. Even better is the fact that this product is completely waterproof, so excessive heat, moisture, humidity and sweating won’t cause it to rub or come off.

The fact that this product has the ability to cover up all sorts of blemishes as well as to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles is of course another big bonus. You may also appreciate the fact that this product is vegan friendly and has not been tested on animals, thus making it a totally cruelty free product.

On that same note, it also does not contain any sulfates, synthetic dyes, fragrances, or parabens. In other words, it’s free of harsh chemicals that may cause damage to your skin.

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

If you are looking for full coverage foundation that works beautifully to conceal all sorts of spots and blemishes, then this particular product could be the right one for you.

When it comes to concealing spots and blemishes and more, this is hands down one of the best products out there, not to mention that it also provides you with a very smooth finish that therefore allows you to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles for a much younger appearance.

What also stands out about this foundation is the fact that it does not contain any oil, and it is therefore ideal for people who have oily skin, as it is also designed to help control excess oil on the skin at the same time. However, it does also come with some hydrating and skin nourishing ingredients to help protect your skin from drying out. On that same note, this product also contains nonchemical sunscreen filters which help to provide you with a broad spectrum SPF 15 protection.

Do keep in mind that this product is designed for people by the light or medium skin, but does not really come in any options for people with darker skin. The fact that this product is free of a variety of harsh ingredients, such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and other such products is also a pretty big deal.