4 of the Best Affordable Foundations for Oily Skin

If you’ve followed my oily skin journey on Beauty IQ, you’ll have heard me rave about Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation (I actually annoy myself with how much I talk about it). It’s the GOAT of sweat-proof, long-lasting foundation.

If Meryl Streep was a foundation, she’d be Estee Lauder Double Wear.

It lasts and lasts and lasts. You can sweat up a storm on the dancefloor, and your Double Wear WILL NOT MOVE.

But at $74, it’s not going to be in everyone’s budget, which is why I wanted to road-test affordable foundations for my fellow oily skin gals.

I also wanted to trial some lighter, natural coverage options since Double Wear is a full-coverage, matte foundation.

And with party season almost upon us, we all need a foundation that will withstand the sweaty Christmas party dancefloor!

Best Foundations for Oily Skin.

1. The Best Affordable, Full Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin.

What: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

Fast facts: 

• $21.95.

• Medium-to-full buildable coverage.

• Matte finish.

• Ideal for normal to oily skin types.

• Sweat- and sebum-resistant for 5 to 6 hours.

• Micro-powders help control shine and blur pores.

My mini Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation review:

This foundation was the closest match to Double Wear, however, it’s not as full coverage. It’s more of a buildable, medium coverage.

Unlike Double Wear, I had to keep building it up to get fuller coverage.

A few people had already recommended it to me as an affordable matte foundation, and it didn’t disappoint.

It’s super lightweight yet has great coverage!

My skin looked flawless; it blurred my oversized pores and concealed any pigmentation.

I loved this foundation, and would definitely wear it again. Dancefloor-approved! 

2. The Best Affordable Skin Tint for Oily Skin.

What: Maybelline Superstay 24 Hour Skin Tint

Fast facts:

• $37.99.

• Light-to-medium, buildable coverage.

• Natural, radiant finish.

• Suitable for all skin types.

• Sweat-proof and long-wearing.

• Contains Vitamin C derivatives for skin brightening benefits.

My mini Maybelline Superstay 24 Hour Skin Tint review:

For everyday wear, I wouldn’t wear the Maybelline Fit Me foundation as I save full coverage for weekends and events.

I like to feel like my skin can breathe when I’m at work. I was really interested in the Maybelline Superstay 24 Hour Skin Tint, as the product page said it’s long-wearing (24 hours!) with a radiant finish.

Skin tints aren’t always suitable for oily skin because they’re too dewy and don’t last all day.

This skin tint was the opposite!

It has a natural finish with enough coverage to smooth out imperfections.

It genuinely felt sweat-proof - I loved it! It truly had the perfect amount of coverage for me.

3. The Best Affordable, Natural Coverage Foundation for Oily Skin.

What: L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation

Fast facts:

• $33.99.

• Medium coverage.

• Natural, skin-like finish.

• Suitable for all skin types.

• Formulated with up to 6 pigments for their most precise shade match.

• Formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

My mini L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation review:

I’ve spoken to people with oily skin who really dislike matte foundations and want something more natural and glowy.

So I wanted to find an affordable foundation with more of a skin-like, satin finish.

I read through the reviews of L’Oreal Paris True Match and could see how highly people rate this foundation for the price ($34!).

It’s got medium coverage and looks radiant on the skin - it’s the most natural coverage foundation I tried in this road-test.

However, if you’re really oily, I would recommend using a powder over the top.

As much as I love a hydrating formula, I’ve found that these foundations tend to get a little shiny throughout the day, and require a few powder touch ups.

4. The Best Affordable, Light Coverage Powder for Oily Skin.

What: Nude by Nature Mineral Cover Foundation

Fast facts:

• $42.95.

• Sheer-to-light coverage.

• Satin finish.

• Evens out skin tone.

• Controls oil and shine.

My mini Nude by Nature Mineral Cover Foundation review:

This was a blast from the past: I used this powder all the time when I was younger.

They’ve revamped the packaging and it’s super luxe! I don’t generally go for sheer-to-light coverage foundation but if you have oily skin and prefer light coverage, this would be the perfect everyday foundation for you.

It would also be great if you get treatments like skin needling or chemical peels as it’s a mineral foundation.

It also blurs imperfections and controls oil and shine.

For me personally, it’s not enough coverage, but it would be great for someone who wants a light wash of colour and wants to control shine throughout the day!

Check out more of Hannah's recent Beauty IQs below:

• This Pore Blurring Primer Is Like an Instagram Filter In a Tub

• My Honest Thoughts on This Powerful Retinol Cream That Improves Firmness, Tone and Texture

• M.A.C’s Hyper Real Skincare Gave Me More Luminous, Hydrated Skin and Is Perfect Under Makeup