Best Makeup for Oily Skin: The Complete Guide to Shine Control That Still Looks Like Skin

By Ashley Ocampo

Close-up of lightweight makeup texture designed for oily skin

If you’ve ever said “my makeup won’t stay on,” you’re not alone. Oily and combination skin changes how formulas behave - foundation can slide, concealer can crease, and powders can cake. The truth: oily skin isn’t the problem - formula design is. 

This guide breaks down the best makeup for oily skin, what to look for in each category, and which products consistently perform for shine control, long wear, and a natural, non-cakey finish- including standout formulas from HALEYS Beauty and leading prestige brands. 

We’ll also cover a simple everyday makeup routine for oily skin and exactly how to set makeup for oily skin so it lasts all day. 

What Actually Works for Oily Skin (Formula Rules) 

When evaluating oil control makeup, look for formulas that are: 

  • Designed with oil–water balance in mind 

  • Lightweight but buildable (lightweight full coverage > heavy full coverage) 

  • Blurring without being drying 

  • Flexible film-formers (helps makeup that doesn’t fade) 

  • Powder systems that absorb oil without texture buildup 

  • Labeled or clearly formulated for oily skin 

 

Step 1 - Primer for Oily Skin (Grip + Blur First) 

A strong primer for oily skin reduces breakthrough shine and helps everything layered above last longer. 

Best in Class:

 HALEYS Re-fine Soft Matte Poreless Primer -  best blurring makeup for texture 

  • Designed specifically for oily & combo skin 

  • Creates a blurred skin finish 

  • Balances oil without dryness 

  • Improves grip for makeup that lasts all day 

  • Ideal under lightweight makeup for oily skin 

Before and after applying blurring primer on oily skin with visibly reduced shine

Popular Alternatives  

Milk Hydro Grip Primer - strong hold, more glow than matte 

Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Mattifying + Blurring Primer – gripping primer that makes your makeup last all day  

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer  - classic mattifying base 

 

Step 2 - Foundation for Oily Skin (Lightweight + Long Wear) 

The best foundation for oily skin is not the thickest - it’s the most stable. Look for lightweight foundation for oily skin that offers breathable, flexible coverage. 

Best in Class:

HALEYS Re-set Liquid Foundation - best lightweight full coverage 

  • Built for oily & combination skin 

  • Skin-synced formula approach 

  • Natural finish makeup — not flat matte 

  • Non cakey makeup texture 

  • Long wear without heavy film 

  • Best for shine control + comfort 

Before and after lightweight foundation on oily skin with more even coverage

Popular Competitive Icons  

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation - maximum durability, heavier feel 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Longwear Foundation - soft matte, medium-full coverage 

NARS Soft Matte Foundation - higher coverage, thicker texture 

 

Step 3 - Concealer That Doesn’t Crease 

Oily skin often means more movement under eyes and around nose. The right concealer that doesn’t crease must flex — not just cover. 

Best in Class:

HALEYS Re-wind Full Coverage Blurring Concealer - best flexible full coverage concealer 

  • Lightweight full coverage 

  • Designed for movement areas 

  • Smooth, non-drying film 

  • Works well on oily lids + under eyes 

  • Non cakey makeup layering 

Before and after concealer application on oily skin under eyes showing smoother appearance

Popular Alternatives 

Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape Concealer - very full coverage, can feel dry  

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - glowier finish 

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer -  medium-full, more hydrating 

 

Step 4  - Setting Powder for Oily Skin (Absorb Without Caking) 

The best setting powder for oily skin absorbs oil but keeps skin texture visible. 

Best in Class:

HALEYS Re-touch Ultra-Blurring Setting Powder - best long wear setting powder 

  • Oil-absorbing without chalkiness 

  • Blurring makeup for texture 

  • Maintains natural finish makeup look 

  • Ideal for makeup for oily combination skin 

  • Supports makeup that doesn’t fade 

Before and after setting powder on oily skin showing reduced surface shine

Popular Alternatives

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder - industry staple loose powder that locks in makeup for long-lasting wear 

Huda Beauty Loose Easy Bake Powder - strong bake hold 

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder - smoothing, lighter oil control 

 

How to Set Makeup for Oily Skin (Pro Method) 

  1. Oil-balancing primer 

  1. Lightweight foundation for oily skin 

  1. Spot conceal (not full face) 

  1. Press powder - don’t sweep 

  1. Powder again only where needed 

  1. Blot - don’t layer more product 

This creates makeup that lasts all day without heavy buildup. 

 

Everyday Makeup Routine for Oily Skin  

5-minute makeup routine for oily skin: 

  • HALEYS Beauty Re-fine Primer 

  • HALEYS Beauty Re-set Foundation (thin layer) 

  • HALEYS Beauty Re-wind Concealer (target only) 

  • HALEYS Beauty Re-touch Setting Powder (T-zone press) 

  • HALEYS Beauty Mascara that holds a curl if lashes are straight/short 

 

Best Makeup for Shine Control - Final Take 

If your priority is best makeup for oily skin, choose formulas that are: 

  • specifically formulated for oily skin 

  • lightweight but buildable 

  • blur + balance focused 

  • oil-absorbing but not drying 

  • tested for long wear stability 

Brands like HALEYS Beauty stand out because their product architecture is built around oil & combo skin behavior, not just matte marketing claims. 

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