Do you ever feel like your shiny complexion is holding you back? Trust me, finding that perfect foundation that stays put beyond brunch isn't easy when your skin loves to show off its natural sheen a little too much. It's like hunting for a tiny, elusive treasure amid an endless sea of makeup sponges.
But I've got some good news for my fellow oily-skinned pals: water-based foundations are the secret weapon we’ve been waiting for! They deliver moisture without turning your face into a slip 'n slide – think hydration with restraint.
These foundations are like your best friend who always knows not to overstay their welcome; they provide coverage without congestion or that unwanted glistening look as if you're moonlighting in olive oil production.
After scouring the makeup universe and putting products through their paces (all in the name of research), I've unearthed 8 stellar options designed specifically to maintain that matte finish we desire – all while letting our natural radiance peek through just right.
Are you excited yet? Great, because there's a match out there ready to help you achieve that impeccably balanced look. Let's dive in and find it together!
- Water-based foundations are a game-changer for oily skin as they provide hydration without adding excess oil, maintaining a fresh and matte look throughout the day.
- These foundations are lightweight, easy to blend, and non-comedogenic, ensuring comfortable wear without clogging pores or creating unwanted shine.
- The top 8 water-based foundations for oily skin include options such as Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, and L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Serum, offering buildable coverage and long-lasting wear.
- Embrace practicality with these foundations that cater to various skin tones while delivering full coverage and skincare benefits for individuals seeking an effortlessly flawless complexion.
Our Top Picks for Water-Based Foundations for Oily Skin
| Product Name | Best For | Stars | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecco Bella Natural Foundation | Oily or acne-prone skin, matte finish | 4.3 | Amazon |
| L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Serum | Oily skin, natural matte finish | 4.5 | Amazon |
| e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation | Sensitive or acne-prone skin, satin finish | 4.3 | Amazon |
| COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation | Oily skin, natural matte finish | 4.7 | Amazon |
| Art of Air Airbrush Makeup Foundation | Oily skin, airbrushed finish | 4.1 | Amazon |
| Kiss NY Professional PRO TOUCH Drop Foundation | Oily skin, matte finish | 4.5 | Amazon |
| Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation | Oily skin, hydrating matte finish | 3.3 | Amazon |
| Too Faced Born This Way Foundation | Oily skin, natural matte finish | 3.7 | Amazon |
Top 8 Water-Based Foundations for Oily Skin
Here are the top 8 water-based foundations that are perfect for oily skin.
Ecco Bella Natural Foundation provides lightweight and breathable coverage for oily skin. It is oil-free, noncomedogenic, and offers a matte finish that helps control shine throughout the day.
This foundation contains natural ingredients suitable for sensitive skin and provides hydration with medium coverage without adding excess oil, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Ecco Bella Natural Foundation offers full coverage while still feeling weightless on the skin, making it ideal for individuals seeking a natural-looking makeup solution.
Pros
- Oil-free, noncomedogenic formula won't clog pores
- Lightweight and breathable texture
- Buildable medium to full coverage
- Matte finish helps control excess oil and shine
Cons
- Not ideal for very dry skin types
- Can transfer onto fabrics if not set properly
- Needs to be reapplied throughout the day
According to my research, this foundation is odeal for oily and blemish-prone skin. Ecco Bella's lightweight formula camouflages imperfections with buildable coverage and a seamless, shine-free finish. So, if you need building up the foundation, this one is your best friend!
L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Serum
4.5 stars with 13,528 global ratings
L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Serum provides a lightweight, hydrating coverage that is perfect for oily skin. This water-based foundation contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep the skin moisturized without adding excess oil.
Its non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores or cause breakouts, making it an ideal choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The serum also offers a natural matte finish and buildable coverage, allowing you to customize your desired look while maintaining a shine-free complexion throughout the day.
This tinted serum from L'Oréal Paris is formulated to provide a smooth and even application, effectively blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of pores. Its oil-free composition ensures it doesn't exacerbate oiliness and helps control shine without feeling heavy on the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight, hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic, won't clog pores
- Buildable coverage from light to medium
- Natural matte finish controls shine
Cons
- Limited shade range doesn't work for all
- Needs to be set with powder for longer wear
If you are looking for a natural matte finish, this one is the best option. This affordable, lightweight serum foundation smooths the complexion with a breathable tint, making it the perfect choice for those seeking fuss-free coverage.
e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation is a lightweight, water-based formula that provides a satin finish for oily skin. This foundation is oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it an ideal choice for those looking to control shine without clogging their pores.
With its buildable coverage and easy blendability, e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation offers a smooth, matte finish while ensuring hydration without adding excess oil to the skin. Additionally, this foundation offers a wide range of shades to cater to various skin tones.
It contains hyaluronic acid, providing extra moisture and helps keep the skin nourished throughout the day while offering protection from external elements - perfect for acne-prone or sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Good for sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Lightweight feel, not heavy on skin
- Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid
- Buildable light to medium coverage
Cons
- Not ideal for very oily skin types
- Can transfer onto fabrics if not set
- Coverage is not very buildable
Elf is my forever favorite for it lightweight feel and hydrating formula. You can build your ideal level of natural coverage with this blendable formula that creates a photo-ready canvas without excess shine or oil.
COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation offers a lightweight, breathable coverage suitable for oily skin. With its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula, this foundation effectively controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores while providing a natural matte finish.
The water-based formulation ensures that it doesn't add excess oil to the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Additionally, this foundation is easy to blend and provides hydration without clogging pores, ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day.
The COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation is a wise choice for individuals seeking a water-based foundation that delivers both coverage and skincare benefits for oily skin. Its ability to provide shine control, minimize pores, and offer hydration makes it an ideal option for those looking to achieve a flawless complexion without exacerbating their oiliness.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable texture
- Easy to blend and layer on skin
- Provides natural matte finish
- Controls excess oil and shine
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
Cons
- Lower coverage than some foundations
- Requires powder for longevity
COVERGIRL's classic drugstore foundation keeps skin fresh with a creamy medium coverage and oil-controlling formula suitable for everyday wear. It's affordable and is an easy to blend formula that would make it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
Art of Air Airbrush Makeup Foundation provides a flawless, airbrushed finish that is perfect for oily skin. It offers lightweight coverage with a matte finish, making it an ideal choice for those looking to control shine and achieve a natural look.
This water-based foundation does not contain oil and is noncomedogenic, which helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts. The formula allows for easy blending and buildable coverage, ensuring a smooth and even application.
The Art of Air Airbrush Makeup Foundation is designed to provide long-lasting wear while keeping the skin hydrated. Its water-based formula delivers the benefits of hydration without adding excess oil, making it suitable for oily skin types.
Pros
- Oil-free, noncomedogenic formula
- Lightweight, buildable coverage
- Matte finish controls shine
- Airbrushed, flawless look
- Easy to blend on skin
Cons
- Limited shade range
- Can accentuate dry patches
- Requires setting with powder
- Higher price point
Get flawless, buildable full coverage that feels weightless while controlling shine - this airbrush foundation was made for confident wear. I highly recommend it for people who have acne-prone skin that is more susceptible to breakouts.
Kiss NY Professional PRO TOUCH Drop Foundation
4.5 stars with 121 global ratings
Kiss NY Professional PRO TOUCH Drop Foundation is a standout choice for those with oily skin. It offers a lightweight and oil-free formula, making it an ideal match for oily skin types.
The water-based foundation provides full coverage while ensuring a matte finish, helping to control shine throughout the day. With its non-comedogenic properties, this foundation won't clog pores, making it perfect for those prone to breakouts.
Kiss NY Professional PRO TOUCH Drop Foundation also offers long-lasting wear, providing a flawless look without accentuating oiliness.
This water-based foundation from Kiss NY Professional not only helps in combating excess oil but also delivers hydration without adding extra shine or weight to the skin. This makes it an excellent option for individuals seeking a breathable, lightweight formula that can withstand oily tendencies.
Pros
- Buildable full coverage
- Matte, shine-controlling finish
- Hydrating without adding excess oil
- Easy to blend and layer on skin
- Non-comedogenic, won't clog pores
Cons
- Not ideal for extremely oily skin
- Can feel heavy and mask-like if applied too much
I love this foundation for the fact that it helps you achieve the smooth, photo-ready skin that stays shine-free with this light yet complete coverage foundation perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation is a lightweight, water-based foundation that provides excellent hydration without adding excess oil. This full coverage foundation, which contains hyaluronic acid and minerals, works well for oily skin due to its noncomedogenic formula. Its matte finish ensures shine control throughout the day.
With Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation's buildable coverage and breathable texture, it's a top choice for those seeking lasting wear without clogging pores. The serum-infused formula delivers a natural-looking glow while providing adequate coverage for blemishes and imperfections.
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable texture that doesn't feel heavy on skin
- Buildable medium to full coverage that can cover imperfections
- Matte, yet glowing finish that controls shine
- Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid and minerals
- Doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts
- Long-lasting wear throughout the day
- Easy to blend and layer on skin
- Provides a healthy, natural glow
Cons
- Can cling to dry patches and emphasize flaky skin
- Needs to be set with powder to control oil breakthrough
I love this foundation for its hydrating and pore-friendly formula. The best thing about this serum foundation is that it delivers flawless coverage without compromising skin health - perfect for those seeking a natural glow!
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation offers a matte finish and long-lasting wear, making it an ideal choice for oily skin. This oil-free foundation is infused with coconut water and hyaluronic acid, providing hydration without adding excess oil, giving a smooth and natural-looking coverage.
Its lightweight formula is non-comedogenic, ensuring pores remain unclogged throughout the day. The Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is a great option for those seeking full coverage while maintaining shine control and minimizing imperfections.
This foundation also contains ingredients like alpine rose to brighten the complexion and promote elasticity in the skin. Additionally, its wide shade range ensures that everyone can find their perfect match, making it suitable for various skin tones.
Pros
- Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores
- Provides hydration with coconut water and hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight feel, not heavy on the skin
- Buildable medium to full coverage
- Matte finish controls excess oil and shine
Cons
- Can accentuate fine lines if layered too heavily
- Can transfer onto fabrics if not set properly
Infused with skin-nourishing ingredients, Too Faced's oil-free formula blurs imperfections for a smooth, natural matte finish that outlasts the day. This is one of my favorites for long lasting wear.
How to Choose the Right Water-Based Foundation for Oily Skin
When choosing a water-based foundation for oily skin, it's important to consider your skin type and look for labels that indicate "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" formulas. Additionally, opt for lightweight, water-based foundations to help control shine and minimize excess oil production throughout the day.
Consider Your Skin Type
When choosing a water-based foundation for oily skin, it's important to consider your skin type. Look for foundations specifically formulated for oily or combination skin. Opt for keywords like "oil-free," "shine control," and "non-comedogenic" on the label, as these indicate suitability for oily skin.
Additionally, lightweight and matte finish foundations are ideal choices to combat excess oiliness.
Take into account that water-based foundations work well with oily skin due to their non-oily composition, providing hydration without adding extra shine. Choosing a foundation offering acne-fighting properties is also beneficial if you're prone to breakouts.
Check the Label for "Oil-Free" or "Non-Comedogenic"
When choosing a water-based foundation for oily skin, it's essential to check the label for terms like "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic." These indicators ensure the foundation won't clog pores or exacerbate oiliness, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Opting for an oil-free formula helps control shine and prevents pore blockage, while non-comedogenic foundations reduce the risk of breakouts.
You can find a water-based foundation that provides lightweight coverage without adding excess oil to your skin by checking the label for these specific terms. This step is crucial in selecting a foundation that works harmoniously with your oily skin type, ensuring a smooth application and lasting wear throughout the day.
Tips for Applying Water-Based Foundation on Oily Skin
- Use a primer to create a smooth base for the foundation application.
- Set the foundation with a light dusting of powder to help control shine throughout the day.
- Avoid over-applying the foundation, as this can lead to an oily and cakey appearance.
- Be sure to touch up your makeup throughout the day if needed, especially in areas prone to excess oil production.
Use a Primer
Applying a primer before your water-based foundation creates a smooth base for makeup application. This essential step helps to fill in pores and fine lines, giving your skin an even texture and reducing the appearance of oiliness.
Primers also help to prolong the wear of your foundation, providing a mattifying effect that keeps shine at bay throughout the day.
Water-based foundations adhere better to primed skin, ensuring a flawless application that lasts longer. By using a primer specifically formulated for oily skin, you can further control excess oil production and maintain a matte finish all day long, making it an ideal preparatory step for achieving a flawless makeup look with water-based foundations tailored for oily skin types.
Set with Powder
I set my water-based foundation with powder to help control oil and shine throughout the day. This step is crucial for oily skin, as it helps the foundation last longer without becoming too greasy. I opt for a translucent powder for my skin tone that won't add extra coverage but will effectively mattify the skin.
Using a sponge or brush, I lightly dust the powder over my T-zone and any other areas prone to excessive oiliness. It sets my foundation in place and gives me a smooth, velvet finish.
Avoid Over-Applying
When applying water-based foundation to oily skin, it is important to avoid over-applying the product. Over-application can lead to a heavy and cakey appearance, which may exacerbate oiliness and cause makeup to break down throughout the day.
Instead, start with a small amount of foundation and build up coverage as needed, focusing on areas where extra coverage is necessary such as the T-zone or any blemishes. By using a light hand and blending thoroughly, you can achieve a natural and seamless look without overloading your skin with excess product.
Over-applying water-based foundation on oily skin can also contribute to clogged pores and potential breakouts. It's crucial to find the right balance between achieving the desired level of coverage without suffocating your skin.
Touch up Throughout the Day
When I have oily skin, I make sure to carry blotting papers or a compact powder with me to touch up throughout the day. The excess oil that builds up can be minimized by gently dabbing the T-zone area with blotting papers or applying a light layer of powder to mattify and freshen up my foundation.
Additionally, keeping a travel-sized water-based setting spray on hand helps revitalize my makeup and controlling shine while providing an instant boost of hydration on-the-go.
Benefits of Water Based Foundation for Oily Skin
Water-based foundation provides hydration without adding excess oil, is lightweight and easy to blend, and does not clog pores, making it ideal for oily skin.
Provides Hydration without Adding Excess Oil
My skin soaks up moisture from water-based foundations without getting greasy. It’s a game changer! They keep my face looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. Plus, these foundations steer clear of oils that could weigh down my complexion or make it shinier.
I especially love how they give me that perfect balance – hydration meets matte finish. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid in Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation, I get all the moisturizing benefits without any extra shine.
It's like this invisible barrier that holds back oil production while keeping my skin quenched.
Choosing one of these top 8 water based foundations means I can manage my oily skin with confidence. Longwear foundation isn't just a dream anymore; it's a reality that doesn't compromise on keeping my skin comfortable and smooth.
Every application feels light but packs a punch against unwanted sheen, giving me full coverage that looks and feels natural all day long.
Lightweight and Easy to Blend
Water-based foundations are known for their lightweight texture and seamless blending capabilities, making them an excellent choice for oily skin. The smooth consistency allows for effortless application, ensuring a natural and even coverage without feeling heavy or clogging pores.
These foundations provide a breathable feel while effectively concealing imperfections, giving the skin a matte finish without adding excess oil.
When it comes to choosing the right foundation for oily skin, prioritizing lightweight and easy-to-blend formulas is essential. Water-based foundations offer a comfortable wear throughout the day without weighing down the skin or accentuating shine.
Their ability to blend easily ensures a flawless application that lasts, providing a desirable solution for those with oily skin seeking long-lasting coverage.
Does Not Clog Pores
Water-based foundations are ideal for oily skin as they do not clog pores, allowing the skin to breathe and preventing the formation of acne. By opting for non-comedogenic formulas, you can ensure that your foundation won't exacerbate oiliness or lead to breakouts.
Look for foundations labeled as "non-comedogenic" to guarantee that they won't block your pores and will help keep your skin clear and healthy.
Choosing a water-based foundation that does not clog pores is essential in maintaining smooth, blemish-free skin. With options available in both drugstore and high-end ranges, finding the right fit for your routine should be simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes water-based foundations good for oily skin?
Water-based foundations are oil-free and noncomedogenic, which means they won't clog pores or increase shine, making them perfect for managing oily skin.
Can I find a waterproof foundation that's suitable for oily skin?
Yes, you can! The top 8 water-based foundations for oily skin include options that are both waterproof and provide shine control.
Are there full coverage water-based foundations that help with acne?
Definitely! Many water-based foundations offer full coverage while being lightweight and containing acne-fighting properties to keep your skin clear.
Do any of the top 8 offer Mineral Foundations designed for oily skin?
Certainly! Among the top 8, you'll find mineral foundation choices tailored specifically to absorb excess oil and give your complexion a fresh look all day long.
Conclusion
Transform your makeup routine with these top 8 water-based foundations for oily skin. Achieve a flawless, shine-free look with foundations that offer hydration without excess oil and pore-clogging formulas.
Embrace practicality as you select lightweight, water-based foundations that are easy to blend and provide full coverage for oily skin. Have you found the perfect foundation match? Apply these tips for a smooth finish and long-lasting wear throughout the day.
Go ahead, and take that next step toward a radiant complexion! Ready to make an impact on your beauty routine? Explore our suggested foundations and get ready to glow confidently all day long. If you have tried any of the above foundations, share your experience with us in the comments below.
Learn More About Water based Foundations
Nisha Zahid
