The 10 Best Matte Foundations for Oily Skin That Actually Last in 2025
Finding a foundation that stays put on oily skin can feel like a never ending search. You start the day looking fresh and polished, only to check the mirror a few hours later and see shine peeking through your T zone, makeup settling into pores, and your foundation slowly slipping away. Oily skin has its own rhythm and personality, and it takes the right formula to work with it rather than against it. The goal is not to completely erase natural oils. It is to balance the complexion, support longwear, and maintain a smooth and comfortable finish.
Matte foundations have come a long way in recent years. Instead of that flat, heavy, chalky look that older formulas sometimes had, today’s matte foundations are soft, breathable, and flexible. They control shine without swallowing your skin’s natural texture. They help blur pores and create a more refined finish that looks polished but still real. The key is choosing a foundation that controls oil without feeling drying, blends well, and lasts through heat, movement, and long days.
If you have oily or combination skin, the right matte foundation can make your makeup routine feel effortless. To make your search easier, we rounded up the top matte foundations that hold up throughout the day, look smooth in natural light, and keep shine to a minimum. These formulas work well with blotting powders, setting sprays, and all-day wear. Whether you wear a full face or prefer a lighter touch, there is a matte foundation here that can support your skin rather than fight it. Let’s see the ten best options that genuinely last.
If you’re looking for a broader comparison of formulas for oily skin, see our main list: [Best Foundations for Every Skin Type]
Our Top Picks
1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation
This foundation has earned its reputation as a staple for oily skin. It creates a smooth, even finish that resists humidity, sweat, and long workdays. The texture feels lightweight yet offers reliable medium to full coverage that does not break apart or slide. The formula settles in place and maintains a balanced matte look without appearing heavy. It blends well with a sponge or brush and once set, it stays comfortable for hours.
What makes this foundation stand out is its longevity. You can wear it from morning to night without needing frequent touch ups. It is a dependable choice for people who want a base that will not shift, fade, or become shiny by midday. It also comes in a wide shade range which makes shade matching much easier.
2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Fenty Beauty changed the foundation landscape by offering an extensive shade range with thoughtful undertones. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation is designed specifically for oily and combination skin. It helps blur the appearance of pores and uneven texture while maintaining a smooth soft matte finish that does not feel tight or chalky. The formula is buildable, so you can adjust the coverage depending on your needs for the day.
This foundation holds up well in warmer temperatures and busy environments. It helps balance shine in the T zone and stays consistent throughout the day. If your skin leans oily and you want a matte finish that still looks skin like, this foundation is reliable and adaptable.
3. Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation
This foundation is a popular drugstore favorite because it performs like a high end formula at an affordable price. It smooths the appearance of pores, controls shine throughout the day, and blends easily into the skin. The coverage is natural looking and comfortable, offering a soft matte finish that works well for everyday wear.
Fit Me Matte and Poreless pairs nicely with setting powder and setting spray for longer wear. It never feels heavy and is a suitable option if you want something breathable that keeps your oil levels balanced without feeling drying. The shade variety has also expanded, making it easier to find your match.
4. NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
NARS Soft Matte offers impressive coverage that looks smooth and refined rather than heavy. It helps minimize shine and blurs texture, giving the complexion a polished appearance. Even though it is matte, it has a flexible formula that moves with the skin so it does not crack or separate over time. This is especially helpful for oily skin that tends to break makeup apart.
This foundation provides reliable wear for long days or evenings. It holds up to humidity and adds a soft filtered finish that works well in both indoor and natural lighting. If you want coverage that stays secure without looking overdone, this foundation delivers balance and staying power.
5. L’Oréal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
This foundation is known for its impressive longevity. It has a lightweight texture that feels breathable while still offering good coverage. Once applied, it settles into a natural looking matte finish that smooths the skin without emphasizing dryness or fine texture. It handles heat and long hours gracefully, making it ideal for active days.
The finish remains even and controlled, helping to manage shine without blotting constantly. It pairs well with pressed powders if you want extra staying power. If you want a drugstore foundation that behaves like a performance base, this one is a strong option.
6. Huda Beauty Faux Filter Luminous Matte Foundation
This formula provides full coverage with a plush, smooth finish. Although it is matte, it has a soft glow quality that keeps the complexion from looking flat. It blurs pores and texture while offering strong staying power. It is a good option for those who want a flawless finish that holds up throughout the day.
The coverage is buildable, so you can decide how polished you want your look to be. Once it is set, it resists shine and maintains a consistent appearance even in warm environments. This foundation works particularly well for special occasions or days when you want extra confidence in your base.
7. Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination and Oily Skin
Revlon ColorStay has remained a dependable choice for years because it simply works. The formula is designed to manage shine and maintain a matte finish while feeling comfortable on the skin. The coverage is medium and buildable, making it a versatile option for many everyday routines.
This foundation helps control oil throughout the day and maintains an even appearance without slipping or patching. It is a good runway foundation for those who want reliability and longevity without needing constant adjustments.
8. Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation
This foundation balances coverage and comfort. It feels light on the skin and blends smoothly, creating a matte finish that still looks natural. It helps keep shine at bay while maintaining a fresh appearance through daily activities. The coverage levels can be customized from light to full depending on application method.
The formula does well in various climates, holding up in heat and humidity. If you like a matte foundation that does not feel matte, this is a thoughtful and well rounded choice.
9. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Foundation
This foundation is known for its smooth texture and flattering finish. It gives a soft matte look that enhances the skin without exaggerating pores or uneven areas. It has a long wearing formula that stays consistent, making it suitable for people who want dependable coverage.
The finish looks polished in photography and real life, making it an excellent option for events, daily wear, and professional settings. It also feels lightweight which adds comfort for extended wear.
10. Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Makeup
This Clinique foundation is designed specifically with oily skin in mind. It controls shine and creates a matte finish that remains natural throughout the day. The texture is light and easy to blend, and it feels comfortable on the skin even in warm or active situations.
This foundation is a good option if your skin is sensitive or tends to react to heavily fragranced products. It delivers a clean matte effect that stays balanced and refined.
What makes a foundation suitable for oily skin
Oily skin produces more natural oil, especially in the T zone area which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. A foundation that works well for oily skin usually has ingredients that help balance shine, resist separation, and stay in place throughout the day. These formulas are designed to create a soft matte or natural matte finish so the skin looks even without looking flat. They also tend to have a slightly longer setting time to ensure the foundation has a chance to attach to the skin properly. When choosing a foundation, consider oil control claims, a lightweight feel, and a formula that blends smoothly without settling into pores.
How can I prevent my foundation from sliding off during the day
One of the most effective ways to help foundation last is to start with clean and balanced skin. A gentle cleanser followed by a lightweight moisturizer helps create a smooth base. Allow your moisturizer to fully absorb before applying any makeup. Using a primer that is designed for oily skin can help control shine and give foundation something to hold onto. After applying foundation, lightly set your skin with a pressed or loose setting powder and finish with a setting spray. Small touch ups throughout the day with blotting papers rather than powder can help control shine without layering product too heavily.
Should I avoid moisturizing if I have oily skin
Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can backfire because when the skin feels dehydrated it may produce even more oil. The key is to choose a moisturizer that is lightweight, comfortable, and absorbs fully without leaving a residue. Gel based moisturizers or water based moisturizers are often a good match for oily skin. Once the skin is hydrated properly, foundation applies more evenly and lasts longer. The goal is balance rather than removal of all moisture.
How do I choose the right shade of matte foundation
Choosing the right shade involves both depth and undertone. Depth refers to how light or deep the foundation is, while undertone refers to the subtle color within the skin. Undertones usually fall into cool, warm, or neutral categories. Checking your skin in natural daylight is the most reliable way to determine undertone. Matte foundations sometimes appear slightly deeper once they set, so try testing on your jawline and allowing the shade to settle for a minute before deciding. If you are uncertain, leaning slightly lighter and adjusting with bronzer often creates a more natural result than choosing a shade that is too deep.