The tricky thing about applying makeup on oily skin is that it worsens due to slipping, melting, and creasing with every passing hour. Skincare experts agree that makeup on sensitive skin types emulsifies the skin’s natural oils and creates a messy, sticky look. That’s why choosing a set of makeup products compatible with your skin type is important. It can distinguish between a fresh, dewy look and one that no blotting paper can save. And that means looking out for the right foundation for oily skin. 

So let’s look at what works for oily skin, starting with the basics. We will offer you a complete rundown of all the basics and advanced details needed to create that amazing makeup. We shall then top up our discussion with a few matching products as well.

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Starting fresh

Some of the best makeup experts in the world agree that the secret to long-lasting makeup starts with your skincare routine. And rightly so, good prep leaves the skin clean and clear, as a fresh canvas, which will better take to makeup once applied. When tackling oily skin, cleansing, and exfoliating come first, as they help control sebum production. 

A makeup enthusiast should never forget to moisturize their skin. They should know that hydration is the key to keeping the sweat glands in check and stopping them from producing excess oil to overcompensate. A gel-based moisturizer or lotion works best. Also, they should choose their cosmetic products carefully. This makes a clear case in favor of Mamaearth’s safe and gentle Colorcare Products.

Foundation for Oily Skin

Foundation is a makeup essential. It helps set the base for your makeup by covering up blemishes and even evening out skin tone. Be it liquid, powder, mousse, or serum-based, there are several formulations to choose from, each with its benefits. 

Since we’re currently dealing with oily skin, it’s important to look for one that is lightweight and has an oil-free formula. Gravitating toward foundations with SPF protection is an excellent way to reduce the number of products you need to use. A good foundation for oily skin should contain ingredients like salicylic acid or activated charcoal that help control excess oil and reduce stickiness. Texture also plays an important role. 

Let’s take a look at what works best when it comes to choosing a foundation for oily skin. 

What Is a Liquid Foundation?

A liquid or water-based foundation for oily skin can be used with a matte finish as a dewy finish accentuates the shiny, greasy look. The texture is ideal for even coverage, especially acne scars and blemishes. 

Powder Foundation


Powder foundation for oily skin is a no-brainer. It helps absorb excess oil and retains a matte look longer.

Oil-Free Foundation


Oil-free foundation cream for oily skin is always a good bet. They have an anti-shine texture that dissolves excess sebum and offers a natural matte finish. 

Serum-based Foundation

Applying a serum-based foundation is easier than the above two and is just as effective. In addition, it offers a longer stay and keeps the skin hydrated.

We recommend you opt for Mamaearth’s Glow Serum Foundation. It offers a 12-hour Long Stay along with 2x Instant Glow. Enriched with Vitamin C and Turmeric, this serum-based foundation offers a perfect blend of color and care, and it comes in nine exciting shades. Mamaearth’s Glow Serum Foundation protects the skin from free radicals and offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

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What to Look for in a Foundation for Oily Skin?

Looking for a good foundation for oily skin goes beyond just the formulation. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for. Please note that they would work just as well with liquid foundation for oily skin as they would with any other foundation type.

  1. Finish: A matte finish is the go-to for oily skin. However, some foundations are designed to absorb excess oil and offer a natural, satiny look. How you prime your skin will also impact the overall finish.
  2. Coverage: Oily skin prone to breakouts might require a full-coverage foundation. For those who tend to face breakouts and regular intervals, a medium-coverage foundation that can be built up to provide full coverage is recommended. However, a sheer or natural coverage foundation will also suffice if your acne is under control.
  3. Shade: This is a general rule when choosing a foundation for any skin type. The trick is to choose one that is closest to your skin tone. Some experts also recommend opting for a foundation that is a shade darker than your natural skin tone, especially if you’re looking to cover up blemishes or scars. 
  4. Longevity: As mentioned earlier, makeup sliding and melting is an even bigger problem when you have oily skin. So look for a foundation equipped to stay in place as long as needed. 

Makeup Dos

Here are a few things to remember when applying foundation for oily skin.

  • Keep the skin hydrated: Hydrate regularly with a gel-based moisturizer and follow a strict skincare routine.
  • Use a primer: Always use a primer, as it helps reduce sebum production and helps the skin retain a matte look. It also helps keep makeup from clogging pores, eventually leading to breakouts.
  • Dab the T-Zone: Powder your T-Zone or other parts of your facial canvas that are usually the oiliest. But be careful not to pack in the foundation excessively.
  • Blot away the excess: Blotting paper is your friend. If all else fails and your makeup starts to melt, dab oily areas with blotting paper to instantly absorb the excess oil. 

What is the right way to apply a liquid foundation for oily skin?

The first step to applying any foundation is keeping your skin clean. The next is applying a primer. A liquid foundation offers full coverage for a more uniform and blemish-free look. We also recommend using a brush or applicator to blend the foundation onto your skin in sweeping strokes. 

You should continue doing so until the foundation is smooth and even. A smaller brush can be used to blend around the nose, mouth, and eyes for a flawless finish. Finally, a spritz of setting spray helps keep your makeup in place longer. 

What is the correct sequence of applying makeup on the skin?

There is no perfect way to apply makeup, especially on oily and acne-prone skin. The best possible method of applying cosmetics should depend on your skin type and the look you are trying to achieve. However, there are some basic guidelines you can follow. Let’s start with the face.


You should begin by prepping your facial canvas with a thin layer of primer and following it up with a foundation. Ensure that your skin is even and all blemishes are covered. A concealer comes next to hide pesky dark circles and dark spots. Next, gently top off with powder before applying a bronzer. Wrap it up with a blush and highlighter. 


You should move on to the eyes, beginning with a primer and then applying your eyeshadow. It would be advisable to follow this process with eyeliner and mascara. You should use a pencil to shape and fill the brows and a gel to set them in place. The lips would follow, so you should use a primer or lip balm if your lips are chapped. You may then use a lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss for an attractive look. 

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Tip: A spritz of setting spray would complete the makeup process. 

What Products Can I Use for Makeup?

When it comes to makeup, the choices in products are plenty. But let’s zero in on some basics.

Part 1: For the skin:

  • Foundation: A foundation serum is one of the most basic parts of any makeup process. As the name suggests, it lays the base for the rest of your makeup, evening out skin tone and covering blemishes, acne, or scars. It also determines if your finish will be matte, dewy, or satiny. In essence, it is the foundation of your look.
  • Concealer: Concealer is proving to be a product your makeup kit can’t do without. It is an efficient and flexible product that can be used differently and makes quite a difference. It helps hide fine lines, dark circles, and blemishes and highlights the cheekbones. It also acts as a primer for lips and eyelids, as required.
  • Compact: A compact is one of the most popular makeup products, especially for touching up a look on the go. It helps add buildable coverage and sets your makeup to stay in place for hours.

    Compact also helps you get rid of excess oil and assists with evening-out skin tone. In addition, it has also proven helpful in toning down glossy lips and providing them with a matte texture. Finally, it would also help you create an eyeshadow base and fix minor mistakes.
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Part 2: For the eyes:

  • Kajal: If you want your eyes to stand out, Kajal is your best friend. It is a must-have to accentuate the eyes and make them focus. The deep, smoky effect it produces is a style that rarely falls out of favor. It can also be used to create an intense or dainty look. One thing it is not, though, is subtle.
  • Eyeliner: Eyeliner is another way to define the eyes and make them pop. It is a flexible product, allowing you to try different styles from the cat eye to wings to barely there and everything in between.

    They also come in various forms like pencil, gel, liquid, and cream. The one you choose will depend on the look you are trying to achieve. Shaper lines require the swiftness of liquid liners, while soft and diffused looks are better accomplished with eyeliner pencils or gels.
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  • Mascara: Mascara is another way to enhance the eyes. It helps darken, lengthen, and volumize lashes, making them look bolder and fuller. They are ideal for adding flair and drama to your overall look.

Part 3: For the lips:

  • Lip Balm: Lip balms are a daily essential, especially if your lips are prone to cracking. They help restore natural moisture keeping lips soft, smooth, and supple. They can also be used as an effective lip primer.
  • Lip Serum: Lip serums are great for nourishing the lips and ensuring they stay hydrated. The best serums contain hyaluronic acid and collagen, improving hydration and offering long-lasting plumpness.
  • Lipstick: Lipstick can dramatically change your look. It instantly adds a pop of color while offering a touch of glamor. They also help hydrate and define lips for a better appearance.
Recommended Product

Moisture Matte Long Stay Lipstick

12-Hour Stay | 8-Hour Moisture Lock | Smudge-Proof

The takeaway

Makeup and oily skin have never been the best of friends; however, formulations are now being designed to make both these extremes meet. The secret to acing your makeup (even when you have oily skin) is paying careful attention to the cosmetics.

And we don’t just mean looking for the right shade. Understand what your skin needs and look for a product that offers that. Worrying about your makeup running isn’t another thing to stress about. On the contrary, it should boost your confidence and help you step into every day with your best face forward. 

FAQs

  1. Which foundation is best for oily skin?

    Oily skin can make things tricky when applying foundation. Luckily, there are a few different formulations you can choose from. Powder foundations help absorb excess oil and retain a matte look for a long time. Liquid foundations also work well, so long as they have a matte finish. It provides good coverage and is ideal for covering up blemishes and acne. Oil-free formulations are also great as they dissolve excessive oil and have an anti-shine texture that helps offer a natural complexion. 

  2. Can I use foundation if I have oily skin?  

    Yes, the foundation with an oil-free formulation works great for oily skin. It should contain Turmeric, Vitamin C, or Salicylic Acid to control excess oil. Such a foundation should also be lightweight and preferably have SPF protection. The texture is also important, but that depends on the coverage your skin needs. 

  3. Is cream or liquid foundation better for oily skin?     

    Both cream and liquid foundations work well for oily skin. They both provide full coverage, although the pigment load in creams is much stronger, and hiding blemishes is easier. The important thing is that your chosen foundation must be oil-free and contain ingredients like Vitamin C and Turmeric that control excess oil. Remember that the kind of coverage you need is also a deciding factor. While creams are good for build-ups, they are heavier than liquid foundations. So it comes down to which one better suits your needs. 

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