15 Best Foundations for Oily Skin in India [August, 2024]

Oily and acne-prone skin types know the constant battle with shine, large pores, clogged pores and breakouts. Not all foundations work well on persistently slick complexions. We tend to experience foundation sliding off midday, settling into fine lines or looking patchy and flaky. Choosing the right formula makes all the difference in keeping skin fresh and flawless for hours without needing constant touch ups.

I’ve tested and curated the 15 best foundations in India explicitly designed for oily, acne-prone skin. These foundations contain oil-controlling ingredients and non-comedogenic formulas that provide smooth medium coverage, a true color match and a shine-free refined finish. Read on for reviews of my top picks!

1. Maybelline New York Liquid Foundation

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Description

The Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless liquid foundation is specially formulated for normal to oily skin. It has an oil-absorbing matte finish that leaves your skin with a soft, natural, poreless-looking finish.

Key Features

• Matte finish
• Absorbs excess oil
• Contains SPF
• Lightweight formula
• Natural, poreless finish
• Long wearing – up to 12 hours
• Available in 40 shades

Our Expert Opinion

This budget-friendly foundation glides smoothly onto skin and offers medium to full coverage that masks imperfections effectively. The matte finish helps control oils and shine for hours while the pore-minimizing effect makes skin look refined. It doesn’t feel heavy or cakey despite the full coverage. The extensive shade range ensures you’ll find a seamless match for your complexion. Overall, it’s one of the best matte foundations available in India for oily and acne-prone skin types.

2. Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Active Wear Liquid Foundation

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Description

The Maybelline Super Stay Active Wear Foundation delivers flawless full coverage with a lightweight feel and an active sporty finish that lasts. This transfer-proof foundation is sweat-proof and heat-activated to remain intact through 30 hours of wear.

Key Features

• Full coverage matte foundation
• 30 hour wear
• Transfer resistant
• Heat-activated to stay fresh
• Sweat proof
• Lightweight texture
• Available in 18 shades

Our Expert Opinion

This foundation is specially designed for extremely oily and active skin types. It stays budge-proof through intense exercise, heat, and humidity thanks to its tenacious formula. The matte coverage camouflages imperfections nicely without appearing cakey or feeling heavy. Plus, it’s formulated to last all day on oilier skin types. For maximum sweat and transfer resistance, powder lightly after application. It’s a top choice for those needing reliable coverage during sports, travel, and more.

3. SUGAR POP Liquid Foundation – 05 Fig for Medium to Dusky Skin Tone

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Description

Sugar Cosmetics POP Liquid Foundation offers a lightweight, full coverage, matte finish with a 10 hour stay. It is infused with polyamide microspheres that absorb oil and blur pores. The water-resistant formula is non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin.

Key Features

• Full coverage, matte foundation
• Lightweight texture
• 10 hour wear
• Water-resistant
• Oil-absorbing
• Pore-blurring
• Non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin
• Fragrance free
• 30 ml

Our Expert Opinion

This lightweight foundation provides maximum coverage to even out skin tone and cover blemishes, without feeling heavy or appearing cakey. It glides on smoothly, offering a soft matte finish that controls oils and resists fading, melting, and transferring even in humidity. The formula is free of fragrance and other common irritants making it suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. With good shade diversity for Indian complexions and an affordable price tag, it ticks all the boxes.

4. Mamaearth Glow Serum Foundation Mini Tube with Vitamin C & Turmeric for 12-Hour Long Stay- 18 ml l 12-Hour Long Stay | 2X Instant Glow (Nude Glow)

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Description

Mamaearth’s Glow Serum Foundation contains vitamin C and turmeric for brightening and antioxidant benefits. This lightweight, skin-loving formula provides buildable coverage with a silky satin-matte finish.

Key Features

• Skin-loving formula with vitamin C and turmeric
• Lightweight texture
• Buildable coverage
• Satin-matte finish
• 12 hour wear
• Instantly brightens
• Water-resistant
• No parabens, sulfates, etc.
• Cruelty-free, toxin-free
• 18 ml tube

Our Expert Opinion

If you desire a clean foundation that smooths and perfects skin while delivering a healthy glow, this is an excellent option. The luminous matte coverage feels ultra-light and comfortable while diminishing the look of pores and controlling oils for hours at a time. Plus, the brightening and antioxidant-rich ingredients nourish skin – a major benefit for acne and breakout-prone complexions. With sheer to medium customizable coverage, this foundation adapts well to everyday or special occasions.

5. Lakme Perfecting Liquid Foundation

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Description

Lakme Perfecting Liquid Foundation has a lightweight, dewy finish that makes skin look flawless, fresh and brighter instantly. The long-wearing, nourishing formula provides medium coverage with vitamin E.

Key Features

• Dewy finish
• Lightweight texture
• Waterproof
• Contains skin nourishing vitamin E
• Long wearing
• Medium coverage
• 27 ml

Our Expert Opinion

This foundation has a featherlight formula that seamlessly blends into skin providing a luminous, no-makeup look. While the finish is radiant and moisturizing, the formula controls shine and keeps oiliness at bay for sufficient hours, preventing patchiness or fading. It feels super comfortable on the skin too. Affordable, smoothing, buildable coverage for everyday wear on combination or oily skin.

6. Swiss Beauty Airbrush Finish Lightweight Foundation

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Description

Swiss Beauty’s airbrush finish lightweight foundation is a high coverage foundation enriched with hyaluronic acid, Aloe vera and vitamin E for hydration and skin nourishment. The full coverage foundation comes in various shades.

Key Features

• High coverage foundation
• Lightweight
• Infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E
• Nourishing and hydrating
• Blends smoothly
• Shades for various skin tones

Our Expert Opinion

This oil-free foundation offers full coverage with a matte, flawless finish that flatters combination to oily skin types the best. It allows your skin to breathe while delivering a smooth, airbrush effect. The hydrating formula doesn’t cake or become patchy on the skin either. For a luminous yet pore-defining finish, set it with a mineral powder afterwards. At its affordable price point, this foundation definitely impresses with the skin-conditioning and long wearing abilities.

7. FACESCANADA Weightless Matte Finish Foundation – Ivory

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Description

Face Canada’s Weightless Matte Finish Foundation has a lightweight texture that delivers medium coverage and smooth diffusion with a natural velvet skin finish. The non-acnegenic formula nourishes skin and helps blur the appearance of fine lines and pores thanks to its hydrating botanical extracts and antioxidants.

Key Features

• Medium coverage
• Non-acnegenic
• Skin nourishing and smoothing
• Refines pores
• Natural matte finish
• Lightweight texture
• For all skin types
• Enriched with olive seed oil, grape extract and shea butter
• Paraben-free and cruelty-free
• 15 ml

Our Expert Opinion

If you want a skin-enhancing foundation that perfects your natural complexion with a smooth veil of full yet breathable coverage, this weightless foundation fits the bill. It keeps skin fresh, matte and shine-free for hours while feeling invisible on skin. The botanically enriched, non-comedogenic formula also minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven tone for a radiant, airbrushed effect. The convenient packaging and kind-to-skin properties make this is a handbag staple.

8. Swiss Beauty Flawless Finish Foundation

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Description

Swiss Beauty Flawless Finish Foundation provides a radiant medium coverage with a lightweight oil-absorbing formula. It contains Panax Ginseng Root extract for anti-aging benefits and is suitable for all skin types.

Key Features

• Medium coverage
• Radiant finish
• Lightweight texture
• Oil controlling
• Non-comedogenic
• Infused with Panax Ginseng extract
• Buildable coverage
• Suitable for all skin types
• Available in 8 shades
• Paraben-free
• 50 gm tube

Our Expert Opinion

This liquid foundation evens out skin tone and covers minor imperfections with a luminous yet fade-resistant medium coverage. The oil-free formula ensures your natural radiance prevails without excess shine or grease throughout wear. It feels lightweight and comfy while controlling oils for a smooth, picture-perfect look that lasts. Available in versatile neutral and warm undertones for Indian skin tones. Overall an ideal everyday foundation for combination to oily skin types.

9. L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation with Opaque Finish (Golden Beige 3D3W, 30ml)

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Description

Lóreal Paris True Match Foundation has a super blendable formula that adjusts to your skin’s texture and tone. This foundation comes in 40 shades with 4 undertones to closely match Indian complexions. It delivers opaque yet smooth and even coverage with a natural, radiant result.

Key Features

• Super blendable
• Available in 40 shades with warm, cool, neutral, and gold undertones
• Adjusts to your unique skin tone and texture
• Opaque yet smooth and even coverage
• Natural, radiant finish
• Vitamin E, ceramide, and Aloe Vera nourish skin
• 30 ml

Our Expert Opinion

This iconic foundation adapts seamlessly into your skin for the ultimate customized skin match. The vitamins and skin-benefiting ingredients provide breathable comfortable wear that controls oils and treats skin over time. Opaque yet fade and transfer resistant coverage masks imperfections and discoloration flawlessly with a polished finish. With the True Match shade range’s pinpointed selection, anyone can achieve sheer to full diffusion that looks and feels like real skin.

10. The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide High Coverage Foundation With 1% Hyaluronic Acid & SPF 40 PA+++ for 12 Hour Long Stay & Oil Control – 01 Ivory

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Description

The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide foundation minimizes oiliness, enlarged pores and imperfections with high buildable coverage and a comfortable soft matte finish. The formula is powered by niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and SPF for optimal correction of skin concerns in oily, acne-prone skin with added sun protection.

Key Features

• Matte full coverage foundation
• With 2% niacinamide, 1% hyaluronic acid
• SPF 40 PA+++
• 12 hour oil control
• Blurs pores
• Buildable coverage
• Soft focus effect

Our Expert Opinion

If hydration, high coverage, oil regulation and skin refinement with lasting power are what you need from a foundation, this formulation brilliantly satisfies on all those aspects. Designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin, the soft matte liquid base visibly improves skin tone while blurring the look of pores and imperfections effortlessly all day. You also reap intense anti-aging and protective advantages from the potent blend of active ingredients. Weightless and quick-absorbing despite the fuller coverage.

11. Elle18 Lasting Glow Liquid Foundation

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Description

Elle18 Glow Foundation provides a natural radiant finish with medium buildable coverage for a consistent glowing look. Enriched with shea butter and jojoba oil, this foundation nourishes skin while keeping it fresh and moisturized for up to 12 hours.

Key Features

• Natural radiant finish
• Medium, buildable coverage
• 12 hour fresh glowing skin
• Shea butter for hydration and nourishment
• Oil-free
• Suitable for normal to dry skin
• 27 ml

Our Expert Opinion

This skin-loving foundation brightens dull skin and provides a flawless yet lively luminous finish. Medium sheer coverage allows your natural radiance to beam through, with the option to build up opaque coverage where needed. The hydrating lightweight texture feels like a serum, absorbing into skin smoothly and comfortably for non-greasy wear. Dry skin will stay refreshed, nourished and dewy all day long, while oil proneness is also kept under control by the oil-free formulation.

12. MARS Lightweight Foundation with BB Cream Formula for Daily Use

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Description

MARS BB Cream Foundation features a lightweight BB cream formula that offers buildable medium coverage with color correction benefits. This nourishing foundation helps even out skin tone with a breathable skin-like finish. It is suitable for all skin types.

Key Features

• Medium coverage BB cream foundation
• Color correction formula
• Evens & brightens skin tone
• Buildable coverage
• Lightweight texture
• Hydrating & nourishing
• Suitable for all skin types
• Fragrance free
• 30ml

Expert Opinion

Enjoy the skin care and coverage benefits of BB cream with the customizable coverage of foundation with this cleverly formulated base. It glides over imperfections seamlessly, covering and correcting as you build to your desired opacity while delivering vital hydration to balance all skin types. The lightweight texture allows you to touch up quickly when needed without risking extra shine or congestion of pores, maintaining a like-skin radiant matte finish for up to 8 hours comfortably.

13. HUDA GIRL BEAUTY 2in1 Korean Foundation & CC Cream with Mushroom Head Brush Sponge- Waterproof

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Description

HUDA GIRL BEAUTY hydrating foundation combines CC cream and waterproof foundation with the moisturizing effects of hyaluronic acid + mushroom head brush sponge. It provides full coverage yet natural-looking finish with 12 hour long wear that works for oily and dry skin types.

Key Features

• 2-in-1 CC cream foundation
• Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid
• Natural finish full coverage
• Waterproof
• 12 hour wear
• Suitable for dry, oily & sensitive skin
• Mushroom head brush sponge for smooth application

Our Expert Opinion

This multitasking base simplifies makeup application with a specially designed sponge tip applicator and transformative formula. The versatile full coverage foundation adapts comfortably onto skin providing ample correction and perfecting while delivering vital anti-aging hydration and guarding against smudging. No matter your skin type, redness, dullness, and blemishes get covered flawlessly for long hours with a barely-there feel and radiant finish that closely mimics your skin’s real texture.

14. L’Oreal Paris Liquid Foundation

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Description

Lóreal Infallible Fresh Wear 32H Foundation is an oil-absorbing formula that provides long wearing full coverage for 32 hours. This transferproof, heatproof foundation gives a matte finish that doesn’t budge.

Key Features

• 32 hour transferproof wear
• Oil absorbing
• Heatproof and sweat resistant
• Full coverage, matte finish
• Lightweight texture
• Waterproof and smudgeproof
• 30ml squeeze tube with dosing hole for hygienic use

Expert Opinion

If you need your coverage to outlast even the most hectic of days or humid climates this heavy-duty formulation delivers. Built to stay budgeproof through heat, humidity, transfer contact or general wear and tear the absurd lasting power keeps skin shine and flaw free. Brings picture perfect matte full coverage instantly while absorbing oils as they happen so skin stays balanced and fresh without patchiness. Despite the amplifier matte finish the feel on skin is like you’re wearing nothing at all. For extra oily skin types.

15. Plum Soft Blend Weightless Foundation

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Description

Plum’s Soft Matte Foundation is a hydrating vegan, full coverage foundation infused with hyaluronic acid and Licorice to keep the most oily acne prone skin nourished while mattifying skin and disguising imperfections. This weightless wonder is uniquely designed for the Indian skin tone with intense yet natural fusion ability. The 100% cruelty free formula glides on like a beauty serum while providing a seamless velvet like matte finish in one stroke.

Key Features

• Full coverage vegan foundation
• With Hyaluronic acid and licorice for oily, acne-prone skin
• Super hydrating formula in matte finish
• Weightless texture
• Blends evenly with natural finish
• All Skin-Loving, 100% cruelty free
• 12 adaptable Shades for Indian skin tones
• Fragrance and Oil Free

Expert Opinion

Finding full coverage for oily skin that actually treats and nourishes skin over time yet mattifies instantly without needing layers of product is difficult, but this skin-fusion innovation does the job beautifully. It truly cares for skin’s needs with nourishing, repairing ingredients while blurring the appearance of pores and imperfections seamlessly. The patented microfluidic technology allows easy bending without settling into fine lines or emphasizing dry patches. Feel confident this sweat resistant formulation won’t rub off, separate or become patchy even in high heat and humidity environments. With the extensive shade range offering undertones catered towards Indian skin and thoughtful vegan ingredients it delivers everything you want in a foundation while keeping your values in mind.

Comparison of Best Foundations for Oily Skin

How to choose the best foundation for oily skin

With so many foundations in the market claiming oil control, choosing the right one for your oily skin can get overwhelming. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a foundation tailored for oily and acne-prone skin:

Matte or Velvet Finish – Choose a foundation with an explicitly matte or velvet finish instead of glowy or luminous options to avoid looking greasy. Matte foundations contain oil-absorbing ingredients.

Non-Comedogenic & Non-Acnegenic – Ensure the foundation is labeled non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. Avoid comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil.

Transfer-Resistant Formula – For excessive oiliness, pick sweat-proof and transfer-resistant foundations that can last through heat, humidity and contact without sliding off your face.

Oil-Free Base – Oil-free foundations prevent excess shine and are safer for clogging-prone skin types. But make sure the formula still hydrates.

Light-Medium Coverage – Sheer to medium coverage foundations feel lightweight and lets skin breathe while covering just enough. Heavy, thick foundations can feel suffocating.

Shine-Control Skincare – Using oil-control primers, blotting powder or blotting paper helps manage shine between touch ups.

Avoid Irritants – Steer clear of fragrances and known acne-triggers like chemical sunscreens if you have highly sensitive or reactive skin.

Testing out samples of foundations first before purchasing the full size can also prevent product mismatches. When trying foundations, check for any pilling, separation, oxidation or breakouts overnight.

Different Types of Foundations for Oily Skin

1. Matte Foundation

Matte finish foundations contain oil-absorbing ingredients like clay and mattifying polymers that leave a powdery, shine-free finish. These provide the best oil and shine control for extremely oily skin types. They can look flat on dry skin. Examples include Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Matte Foundation, Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation.

2. Serum Foundation

Serum foundations have lightweight, watery textures infused with skincare ingredients and pigments that give sheer to medium buildable coverage with a skin-like luminosity. They deliver color correction while still allowing skin to breathe. Examples include MAC Studio Waterweight Foundation and Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Serum Foundation.

3. Stick Foundation

Convenient stick foundations quickly perfect small areas and touch ups on the go. The creamy formula blends seamlessly without absorbing lots of oils. Examples include Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Foundation Stick and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick.

4. BB & CC Cream

BB (blemish balm) and CC (color correcting) creams prime, perfect and protect skin with lightweight sheer coverage and bonus skin care benefits like SPF. Better suited for everyday enhancement than correcting flaws. Examples include IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream and Clinique Age Defense BB Cream.

5. Powder Foundation

Portable pressed or loose powder foundations set makeup for prolonged oil control and a smoother finish. Loose mineral options offer lighter coverage. Examples include MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder.

Guide on Foundation Usage, Maintenance and Care

Prep Skin – Moisturize face well before foundation application, allowing enough time for products to absorb into skin to maximize smoothness. Matte foundations especially can cling to dry, flaky patches. Exfoliate and use hydrating serums as needed.

Tools – For fuller coverage foundations, dense flat-top foundation brushes provide an airbrushed finish. Beauty blenders or makeup sponges work well for thinner liquid textures. Some foundations come with special applicators.

Application – Dot foundation in a few areas of your face and use a brush or sponge to blend outwards using buffing and stippling motions to evenly distribute onto skin. Avoid excess rubbing. Layer product as needed for more coverage.

Set Makeup – Dust a fine layer of translucent loose setting powder immediately after foundation application to set makeup in place, prevent transferring and reduce oil breakthrough over time. Carry blotting paper for quick touch ups.

Double Cleanse – Use an oil-based makeup remover before your regular face wash to thoroughly remove all traces of foundation without irritating skin. This helps prevent clogged pores and acne.

Replace Regularly – Toss out liquid foundation within 6 months to 1 year of opening to prevent risk of contamination or separated, unusable product. Unscrew pumps regularly to avoid build up and clumping.

FAQs about Best Foundation for Oily Skin

Q. Which foundation is best for oily skin?

A. Some of the best foundations specifically formulated for oily skin include:

• Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
• L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 32H Foundation
• Sugar Cosmetics POP Liquid Foundation
• Swiss Beauty Airbrush Finish Lightweight Foundation
• The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Foundation

These provide oil-controlling, pore-minimizing and long wearing matte coverage ideal for excessively oily skin types.

Q. Which type of foundation is best for oily skin?

A. The best type of foundation for oily skin is a matte finish, oil-free foundation. Matte foundations contain ingredients like silica, clay and oil-absorbers that help control excess sebum production and shine. They provide a flawless, shine-free finish that lasts longer on oily skin before needing touch ups. Matte foundations come in lightweight liquid formulas as well as convenient compact and stick formats for touch ups on the go. Some also offer medium coverage to camouflage imperfections without feeling heavy.

Q. What finish is best for oily skin?

A. Matte finish foundations are best for oily skin types because they contain oil-controlling ingredients that help disguise shine and last longer before needing touch ups. Velvet matte foundations also work well. Avoid luminous, dewy and glowy finishes.

Q. How do I make foundation last on my oily skin?

A. Using mattifying primers before foundation application and setting powder on top to lock everything in place ensures your foundation lasts longer. Using an oil-free formula also reduces shine breakthrough. Carrying oil blotting paper for quick absorption of excess oils as needed also prolongs wear.

Q. What brands make the best foundation for oily acne prone skin in India?

A. Some top brands in India making foundations tailored for oily, acne-prone skin include Maybelline New York, Lakme, Sugar Cosmetics, Swiss Beauty, L’oreal Paris, Huda Beauty and Plum. These contain oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas.

Q. Can you wear dewy foundation if you have oily skin?

A. While luminous, radiant foundations tend to break down faster and become shiny on oily skin with wear, using mattifying and long-wear primers underneath can allow you to wear dewy foundations for short term use. Opt for transfer-proof formulations as well. Using powder products on top gives longevity.

Q. Is it okay to wear foundation every day if you have oily, acne-prone skin?

A. Dermatologists advise allowing skin to breathe regularly. But if you use non-comedogenic foundations and remove makeup thoroughly with double cleansing every night, wearing foundation daily should not clog pores or worsen acne. Pay attention to any irritation and give skin a break when needed.

Key Takeaways on Best Foundations for Oily Skin

Caring for oily, clog-prone skin while wearing foundation starts first with choosing an explicitly non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that contains shine-stopping ingredients like silica, clay and oil-absorbers. Prioritize lightweight textures. Prepare skin well before application and set makeup with powder to maximize wear time. Always remove makeup thoroughly before bed, and incorporate clarifying and deeply hydrating skincare as part of your overall routine.

I hope this guide to the 15 best foundations in India for oily skin helps you discover your new favorite base product that keeps excess shine under wraps and your complexion looking fresh-faced and flawless!