Matte Foundations That Actually Work for Oily Skin: They DO Exist!

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With a change of season it’s important to not only switch up your outfits, but also your beauty regimen. And to help you better understand the importance of investing in a great matte finish foundation for all seasons, we’ve created this handy guide to answer the following questions:

What is a matte finish foundation?
Why are matte foundations effective?
What are the best matte foundations?

Some women choose to use lighter foundations that better accommodate hotter/cooler weather and associated oily skin tones.

matte foundation makeup brush with rear view mirror

That’s exactly where matte finish foundations enter the scene. By using a matte foundation, you’ll be able to achieve buildable coverage that won’t clog your pores, leaving you feeling comfortable in your own skin.

No idea where to start with a matte finish foundation? Don’t worry, read on to get started!

What Is a Matte Finish Foundation?

Matte finish foundations create a look that is free of any excess oil and perfects the velvety finish that pulls light inward. These foundations often have powdery textures and work great for women with excessively oily skin and those that are prone to breakouts.To help minimize the appearance of oil on the skin, women that don’t want to add any additional moisture to their skins often choose to use matte finish foundations.

Why Should You Consider Using a Matte Foundation?

It’s true that matte finish foundations can sometimes exaggerate flaky skin, and wrinkles too. However, these formulations are easy to manipulate to your liking by simply applying a light layer of moisturizer before applying the foundation. There are actually a lot of great reasons why women with oily skin should consider using matte finish foundations. Let’s take a look at the advantages of using matte finish foundations.

Benefits of Matte Finish Foundations

They offer a lightweight texture and finish that won’t leave the skin feeling heavy
They’re easy to blend and provide buildable coverage
They’re super effective when it comes to cutting down on excess oil
They’re safe to use if you have acne-prone skin
They’re great for women that live in humid climates looking for a long-wear foundation

Best Matte Finish Foundations

1. Stay Naked Weightless Foundation

by Urban Decay

Best Lightweight Matte Foundation

We love this weightless foundation from Urban Decay’s Naked Skin range. It gives a light and breathable coverage with a semi-matte finish. The formula is great for combination skin types because it soaks up excess oils without stripping the skin of its natural hydration.

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2. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup

By Clinique

Best Drugstore Matte Foundation

For a quick drugstore fix, we love Clinique’s Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup because it’s affordable and still provides full coverage without weighing down the skin. The formula is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types that require full coverage. And because it absorbs shine, controls oil, and resists sweat, it’s perfect for all-day wear.

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3. Matte Velvet Full Coverage Foundation

by Make Up Forever

Best Matte Foundation for Full Coverage

If you need superior coverage and an extra-matte finish, Make Up For Ever’s Matte Velvet Skin might be your ideal fit. Keep in mind that this formulation is hard to move around once it dries. So if you decide to use it, it has to be blended as quickly as possible when applied.

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4. bareMinerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15

By Bare Essentials

Best Matte Powder Foundation

The bareMinerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum powder is an excellent alternative to heavier, liquid formulation matte foundations. Made with sea minerals, this foundation offers excellent coverage for just about all skin types. You can apply the powder with a denser brush if you need more coverage, and for a lighter washed appearance, just use a fluffier brush!

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5. L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hour Foundation

By L’Oréal

Best Matte Foundation for Long-Wear

With its lightweight texture, L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hour Foundation offers a full matte coverage and the ability to withstand up to 24 hours of long wear. It’s an ideal pick for women that need perfect coverage without the need for setting powders and touch up’s during the course of the day.

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6. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water

By Smashbox

Best Matte Foundation for Very Oily Skin

We love the Camera Ready BB Water from Smashbox. It’s an oil-free formulation that features built-in primer water technology, resulting in a liquid silk consistency that’s super easy to apply. This BB water offers medium, buildable coverage that moves with the skin. Plus, oil-free means it could be the perfect solution to an oily-skinned woman’s problems.

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Matte Foundations That Actually Work for Oily Skin: They DO Exist!

What Is a Matte Finish Foundation?