Best Powder Foundations For Oily Skin: 2021 Reviews and Top Picks

Finding the right foundation can be a nightmare, especially for those of us with oily skin. We have put together a short selection of products that are perfect for oily skin types with some information to help you in your search for the perfect powder foundation.

There are so many powder foundations on the market, it can be difficult to decipher which is the best for your skin type. We’ve taken out the hard work for you and included powders to suit all budgets, along with the benefits of each of them.

Editor's review

This foundation from M.A.C is renowned as the go-to powder by many women. Its easy application and ability to absorb oils on the face makes it an ideal choice for those with oily skin. It contains Silica which is used to absorb oils on the skin and provide a matte finish.

This powder is also made with talc which is crushed to a near invisible size which allows the skin to breathe whilst also giving a beautiful finish. The M.A.C Studio Fix foundation leaves the skin much less reflective than many other foundations on the market. The matte effect is wonderful for getting rid of unwanted shine and leaving the skin soft and smooth.

One thing that sets this powder above the rest is the applicator that is included, along with the mirror attached on the inside of the container. The applicator is spongey and makes putting the powder on a breeze. The vast range of shades available is also a benefit when choosing this foundation, whatever skin shade or tone that you require, this company almost definitely caters for it.

The applicator that is included is also brilliant for making a little of this stuff go a very long way, so although it may be a bit more expensive than other brands, it does last. This foundation really is fantastic value for money and its quality does rank above a lot of more expensive brands.

Editor's review

This powder is exactly what it says on the tin, with only five natural ingredients it’s an obvious choice for those with sensitive skin. Free from waxes and oils, those with oily skin will benefit massively from investing in this powder. Its natural ingredients also help to prevent outbreaks of spots and is proven to actually enhance the overall appearance of the skin when used regularly. 

The SPF is a great addition to prevent against sun damage and the foundation is so light when applied it almost feels like you’re not wearing any!

The foundation is also a great selection for those wishing to cover lines and wrinkles, as it hides this brilliantly without drying out the skin. It provides perfect coverage and does not cake when applied and buffs wonderfully, leaving a silky and soft texture.

This is also an excellent choice for anyone wishing to cover large open pores as it does a splendid job at making these disappear without any clumping at all. The coverage with this powder is amazing and compares to a higher priced liquid foundation, however, be aware that it isn’t advised that you use any moisturisers or lotions directly before applying. This can cause it to clump, so you should probably wait a while for these to absorb before application.

Editor's review

Clinique have always been famous for their high-quality cosmetics and this powder truly lives up to the expectations of the brand. This powder is exceptional at covering nasty spots and blemishes, think of it as a concealer built into a foundation, truly revolutionary! It also is totally oil free making it magnificent for applying to oily faces, it’s also really good for dry skin types.

Complete with an applicator sponge, the compact container with built-in mirror is a definite handbag essential. You can either use this simply as a concealer to target oily spots, or as a foundation, so its capabilities are very flexible.

The powder is slightly more expensive than others with similar traits but you do get what you pay for. If you think of this as a dual purpose powder then you are essentially getting two products for the price of one, a foundation, and a concealer.

This stuff works best when applied with a brush, although it does come with an applicator sponge, you’ll get better results using a brush. Clinique’s reputation is definitely something that is worth paying a little bit more for and they often include free gifts with their cosmetics which is always a bonus!

Editor's review

For those on a budget, this foundation from NYX provides everything you need to combat oily skin. With it’s oil free and talc free formula, it has a lot of the characteristics of more expensive powders. This foundation is also another valuable bit of kit to pack for your holiday as it’s both sweat and water resistant.

However, be aware that this is not SPF rated so it may be a good idea to apply suncream prior to usage. This foundation less than half the price of more expensive brands but its formula to include natural minerals, which is impressive. Available in nearly 20 different shades, it should suit most skin tones.

The container is very similar to the M.A.C Studio Fix and comes complete with a mirror and applicator sponge. Do not confuse the formula with M.A.C’s Studio Fix powder as the NYX is talc free, which means it’s better when trying to avoid drying out the skin. This stuff covers better when applied with a brush instead of the applicator sponge that is supplied, but does provide both flawless and complete coverage when applied correctly.