14 Best Powder Foundations For Oily Skin

Powder Power

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As someone with oily skin, powder foundation is vital to my makeup routine. I like to stay as mattified and poreless as possible throughout the day, and that requires powder that helps to control shine and has intense staying power. I use a combination of my tried and true products for a flawless, shine-free base: NARS Soft Matte Foundation, Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, and, to top it all off, the Maybelline Super Stay Powder Foundation. I’ve tested a lot of different brands over the years to see which ones are worth the money. Keep reading for the best powder foundations that fit all budgets.

Best Powder Foundation Options For Oily Skin:

  • Maybelline: Super Stay Powder
  • ColourPop: Pretty Fresh Face Powder
  • Fenty: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
  • Pür: 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15
  • Ulta: Adjustable Coverage Foundation
  • bareMinerals: Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
  • Maybelline: Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
  • IT Cosmetics: Celebration Full Coverage Powder Foundation
  • Sephora: Matte Perfection Powder Foundation
  • Clinique: Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder Foundation
  • Lancôme: Multi-tasking Longwear Powder Foundation
  • Essence: 16h Cover & Last Powder Foundation
  • Rimmel: London Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder
  • CoverGirl: Clean Matte Pressed Powder

First on the list is my holy grail powder foundation that I mentioned above. The Maybelline Super Stay Powder has the coverage of a liquid foundation and the matte finish of a powder. The formula is non-comedogenic, allergy tested and lasts up to 16 hours. This works for even those with sensitive and dry skin. You can find it at basically any drugstore, making it extremely accessible and affordable.

The ColourPop Pretty Fresh collection is known for giving a natural finish, but the face powder actually keeps my face matte and not as oily when used with a high-quality setting spray. It’s lightweight on the skin and doesn’t feel too heavy, plus the formula has sunflower seed and cucumber fruit extracts for a fresh feel. This is another good option for those on a tight budget.

Fenty liquid foundation changed the beauty industry in more ways than one, and the powder itself is also an excellent choice to splurge on. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder comes in 50 diverse shades so you’re bound to find the perfect match. Its non-cakey formula gives you light to full coverage, depending on your preference, to complement any look. Also, the compact itself is absolutely adorable and includes a large mirror.

The Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 has amassed over 6,300 reviews on Ulta with an average of 4.5 stars. It’s chock full of nourishing ingredients like shea butter, encapsulated retinol and vitamin E, so it doubles as a makeup and skincare product in one. One reviewer wrote that the shine control is “amazing,” saying, “I usually become an oil slick before lunchtime, and I need a couple blotting sheets to soak it all up…but not anymore! I actually don’t even need to blot ALL DAY!”

Don’t sleep on the Ulta collection. There are some real gems in there, including the Adjustable Coverage Foundation. You can use this product wet or dry for a long-wearing, affordable powder experience. It has a luminous finish but also works to keep shine in check without compromising the aesthetic.

bareMinerals has been a long-time player in the beauty space, and their Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 is a worthy selection on this list. Made with only seven ingredients, the talc-free formula provides sheer-to-full coverage that helps control oil production and last all day. Plus, it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

One of the cheapest options on this list, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder evens your complexion for a price that won’t break the bank. It’s light and breathable in a convenient little compact that can easily be slipped into a backpack or purse when you need touch-ups on the go. This is dermatologist- and allergy-tested and suitable for sensitive skin. The rest of the Fit Me family is just as reliable, especially the Loose Finishing Powder, which rivals high-end products.

Just the name of this brings me joy! The IT Cosmetics Celebration Full Coverage Powder Foundation is a skin-loving party you don’t want to miss. Peptides, hyaluronic acid, aloe and tons of vitamins work to pamper your face while also blurring pores and controlling oil. It’s the best of both worlds.

Just like the Ulta collection, the Sephora collection has some can’t-miss makeup. The Matte Perfection Powder Foundation comes in 35 shades for buildable coverage that can be found at your local Sephora for easy restocks. No more impatiently waiting for something to get shipped in the mail. One reviewer praised the variety of the powder and said, “I’ve used a lot of high-end powder foundations in the past–but this one most closely matched my skin tone and undertones.”

Next up is the Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder Foundation. It provides moderate coverage for an end result that won’t settle in fine lines or make your face look cakey. Clinique says this product was tested for fading 88°F with a constant 80% humidity rate to prove its resilience. 

Sometimes you just want to splash out on something luxurious and be bougie. Hey, I get it. Try the Lancôme Multi-tasking Longwear Powder Foundation if you’re in the market for something more upscale. It provides a full-coverage matte finish or can be used as a sheer-coverage setting powder. Heads up for those sensitive to fragrance: some reviewers say this has a strong flowery smell.

Essence has my heart forever. The 16h Cover & Last Powder Foundation is only a few dollars and is formulated without fragrance, preservatives, parabens, or microplastic particles. It’s waterproof and ready to help control shine wherever the day takes you. The compact comes with a mirror and applicator sponge.

Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder is the most affordable on this list, but that doesn’t mean quality is compromised. With over 38,000 reviews on Amazon, the powder is raved about for its surprisingly solid staying ability and how well it rivals high-end goodies. Since it’s thinner than most powders, it’s probably best for those who don’t wear a ton of makeup and just need a light dusting to control shine.

I’m always a fan of minimalistic, non complicated packaging, and the CoverGirl Clean Matte Pressed Powder checks those boxes–plus it’s great for oily skin, too. Rest assured your makeup will stay looking smooth with this oil-free formula that is clean and natural-looking. Sometimes simple is best.


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