​List of Foundation Makeup and Matte Powder
​for Oily, Acne Prone Skin 

Oily Skin can be one of the most difficult types to work with when applying foundation. Skin oils literally break down the chemical composition of makeup. If the products designed specifically for oily skin are not used, the result will be an uneven, blotchy, streaky finish that fades within a couple of hours. 

​Fortunately, more and more vendors are creating makeup that’s up to the task of absorbing oil and preventing breakouts. Some key terms to look for when purchasing foundation for oily skin are: oil-free, matte, waterproof, long lasting.  Key terms to look for when purchasing foundation for acne prone skin are: water-based, mineral-based, paraben-free, full coverage, matte. Click here to view a list of waterproof makeup. 
   

​Below you will find a list of the best foundation makeup for oily skin & acne prone skin:

Dinair Airbrush Matte Makeup (Glamour or Paramedical) – A water-based, medium coverage foundation that feels like your own skin. This matte makeup creates a flawless finish and can be applied using an airbrush sprayer, or fingers. Click here to view how to apply airbrush makeup without the spray gun. Since the product is water-based, without any heavy waxes or silicone, it is an excellent choice for acne prone skin, as it allows for the circulation of oxygen within pores. $24​​

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​Colorescience Pressed Mineral Foundation – A medium to full coverage foundation made from a skin-friendly mineral blend that also contains sunscreen. This pressed powder is perfect if your skin objects to liquid foundation. Stays color-true and shine free for hours. ​$55

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​Jane Iredale Makeup   - This brand is known as "the skin care makeup" because it is safe for use on acne prone, sensitive skin. Their powder blends can even be used directly after a microdermabrasion treatment to reduce the look of redness and irritation. The products do not clog pores and provide light to medium coverage.  ​​

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​L’oreal Pro Matte Foundation – One of the best drugstore brands for oily skin, this foundation stays matte for hours and is long lasting. It provides medium coverage and absorbs excess oil. Application works best with finger tips or a damp beauty blender sponge. Stays looking fresh on oily skin for about 3 hours before a touch-up is needed. $8

​Tarte Amazonian Clay 16 Hour Foundation - Similar to the benefits of Kaolin Clay, Amazonian Clay has long been known for its detoxifying and oil absorbent properties. This foundation provides long wear and full coverage, making it perfect for covering blemishes or acne scars.  Gentle ingredients make this a fantastic choice if you have acne prone skin, yet still prefer a liquid foundation.

Mattify Cosmetics Best Makeup for Oily Skin Matte Foundation – This mineral makeup line is designed to allow skin to breathe, so acne blemishes heal faster, or do not occur at all. Each item contains Kaolin Clay, which continually absorbs oil & dirt, cleansing skin as you wear it. Used alone, Mattify Tinted Powder Foundation provides light to medium coverage. It can also be worn over any liquid foundation to provide extra coverage and long lasting oil control. $15

​Stila Stay All Day Foundation – This foundation provides a full coverage matte finish,  stays in place for hours, and is even water resistant! It comes complete with a matching concealer hidden in the lid. This highly blendable formula minimizes pores, for a flawless look.  It also contains botanical extracts and antioxidants to protect and improve skin condition. $40

​Too Faced Born this Way Foundation - 
This light weight foundation provides medium to full coverage and is an expert at concealing the redness of acne breakouts. Works wonderfully with a beauty blender sponge or silicone pad applicator. Looks natural on skin, never heavy or cakey - and is designed to be long lasting on oily skin. ​

Best Types of Matte Powder for Oily Skin 

If troubled by oily skin, you’re probably all too familiar with powder as a means of controlling oil. Few products allow for a fresh-faced look like proper powder application. It can also help minimize the redness of acne, and when applied over foundation, it allows blotchy skin to appear even-toned and flawless.

How does face powder help control oil?  The dry filament in powder is designed to literally soak up oil produced by your skin. Tiny powder spheres normally hold several times their weight in oil. Once the spheres have filled completely, oil “spills” out of them & your complexion begins to look oily again. When this occurs, it’s best to blot skin using an oil blotter sheet to sop up the excess oil. These are designed to lift oil from your face without disturbing or removing makeup.

In the world of beauty, powder sometimes gets a bad rap. This is usually due to incorrect application, or improper blending. There are two things to keep in mind when using face powder:

1. BLEND!  Regardless of how you applied the powder (via pad, puff, or brush), always blend one final time using a fluffy powder brush. This will ensure that no streaks or patches are present. It will also prevent powder from looking white in photographs.
2. BLOT!  When you start to notice skin becoming oily, do not simply apply another layer of face powder. This will lead to a heavy, cakey look. As the fresh layer of powder begins absorbing the excess facial oil, it will cause skin to look thick and uneven. Instead, blot oil from your face by dabbing with an oil absorbent blotting sheet, or a paper napkin. During this process, do not rub (as this will smudge your makeup), but instead blot each section by pressing down & then lifting up. Most surface oil will adhere to the sheet or napkin, and will be removed from your face.You can now proceed with your favorite oil absorbent powder, to achieve an fresh-faced look.

​Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Powder for Acne Prone Skin

​A great selection for acne prone skin, this matte powder soothes, calms and helps prevent blemishes with the help of bamboo, minerals and organic fruit extracts. Minimizes redness and conceals breakouts, while helping to heal them.  Comes in 1 color that suits most skin tones. Does not contain Talc or Mica and is 100% Natural & Organic. $29.00 online

​Laura Mercier Oil Control Pressed Setting Powder 

This oil free, oil controlling setting powder minimizes shine with a naturally derived Shine Control Complex. Its pale mint green tint helps tone down redness, while its oil control properties help makeup stay fresh and flawless. Glides over pores and fine lines for a high-definition finish. Talc and fragrance free. $35 online ​

​​Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

​It seems as though this powder has been around since the dawn of time , and with good reason – It works! Provides a clean, fresh looking air-brushed finish without depositing a thick layer of color. Absorbs oil for several hours and keeps makeup looking fresh. This one does contain Talc, so avoid if your skin is sensitive to that ingredient. Comes in 1 color that compliments most skin tones. Around $7 at drugstores. ​​

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​Mattify! Cosmetics Powder for Oily Skin + Primer 

A top selling powder for oily skin, this transparent matte powder offers a silky, flawless finish on any skin tone. It provides an airbrushed matte finish, absorbs oil for hours, and can be reapplied without looking cakey.  Can also be worn as a primer before foundation, to prevent clogged pores & stop oiliness before it gets a chance to ruin your makeup . Does not contain bismuth oxychloride, talc, mica, or pearl powder, and is 100% natural. Available online in ULTRA, Sensitive, and Original for $8-$13. ​​

​L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Pressed Powder for Oily Skin

Absorbs excess oil and reduces shine on the skin’s surface for several hours. This lightweight pressed powder can be used alone, to set foundation after application, and/or throughout the day for quick touch-ups. Available in 8 colors for around $9 at most drugstores. ​​

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​Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Powder 

The clay in this light weight setting powder absorbs oil and allows skin to obtain oxygen – which helps in prevention of acne breakouts. Can be worn alone to even out skin tone, if you don’t need the high coverage of a foundation. Also works great over foundation to set makeup and provide and extra coverage. Does not contain talc. Available in an 4 skin enhancing colors for $34 ​​