My Top 5: Foundations for oily skin

After a small hiatus from the blog, I'm back! I have been experimenting with various foundations, from drugstore to luxury, that will regulate my oiliness and give me the matte look I so desperately want. Being oily in nature, plus living in a humid climate like Austin, can lead to makeup meltdown- quick. I need a foundation that can not only withstand oils, heat and humidity, but one that also has lasting power. I don't want to have to reapply my face during an 8 hour shift. I've used powder foundations in the past, and I do like them. Lately, however, I've been on a liquid foundation kick, as I feel they offer more coverage and can be built up more. Below you will find my top 5 liquid foundations for oily skin, ranked 1 (my must have) through 5 (a good one to have on hand).

Foundation #1- Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

I've searched high and low and have yet to find anything that works as well or gives me as flawless of a finish as my Hourglass Cosmetics Immaculate Foundation. I hesitate calling something like a foundation a "Holy Grail" product, because my skin is always changing based on the season, as well as factors like tanning can seriously impact foundation. After exploring a variety of brands, I can say with absolute certainty that this is my Holy Grail of foundations.

My current shade in this foundation is Nude. You can visit your local Sephora shop to pick it up, or order it directly from Hourglass at www.hourglasscosmetics.com

It's claim to fame is that the Immaculate foundation turns from a liquid to powder, offering a velvet-matte finish on the skin. I have tried other liquid to powder formulas (I'm looking at you, Benefit Cosmetics The Big Easy) and it ended in a chunky over-powdered disastrous mess. Hourglass has done something magical with their formula. It comes out of the bottle a creamy liquid texture- not too thick but certainly not runny. It does turn to powder fairly quickly, so it needs to be applied to the face instantly after pumping out of the bottle. Because this foundation does tend to set so quickly, I apply by separating my face into four sections and building each section before moving on. I don't know that I would describe the finish as velvet- I feel it is a bit more matte than other traditional velvet-matte foundations.

It starts out as a creamy liquid, and then turns to a subtle, soft powder look when dry. I love how the formula is a soft, fine powder without drying to a cakey powder finish. It's easy to blend with fingers or brushes. I would not use a sponge with this foundation, as it may absorb the product too much and increase the drying rate.

I can't rave about this foundation enough. Seriously, it's like magic! The finish is indescribable. It's not too powdery, but certainly matte. It's not flat matte, but it's also not shimmery or too glowy on the skin either (which I hate). It looks so natural and skin-like, and covers imperfections without making the skin look too porcelain. It is easy to work with and build, and I have yet to have it look cakey or streaky on my skin. It also truly does what it claims; it absorbs oil and keeps the skin shine-free all day. No matter which primer I used with it, or which finishing powder, the result is always the same- a flawless finish. When I put this foundation on, I know I won't have to worry for the rest of the day. I self-tan, so my face often varies in shade. I wear the color "nude" and I have found that even if my face is lighter than usual, it still blends naturally and does not make me look orange or too dark. It also gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty free- just another reason to love it and the Hourglass brand!

Me (on the left) wearing my Hourglass foundation. This photo was taken after 10 hours of wear with absolutely no touch-ups, and it still looked flawless!

My only minor issues with this foundation are sometimes it can dry out and the cost of the product. Originally, when I used this foundation as my daily, I was going through the bottle about every 6 weeks. At $55 a pop, I don't think it is feasible to use as your every day foundation. Since exploring other foundation options, I've had this bottle for about 5 months now. I am noticing that the product dries MUCH quicker than it used to (which means I have to go even faster), and sometimes it even comes out of the bottle on the dry side. Because of the nature of the foundation, this is one that you don't want to have lying around your house for a year. It will dry out too quickly when exposed to air for that long.

Foundation #2- Givenchy Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance  

My next go to foundation is Givenchy's Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance with SPF of 20. To be honest, I have yet to make the plunge and purchase this foundation yet. It can be purchased at Sephora for $51, and at that price, my experimenting over the past month has already gotten the best of my bank account. I have tried this foundation on numerous occasions though, and I feel I have a firm understanding on how it works and how it holds up.

This foundation can be difficult to find. Some Sephora shops carry it, but not all. You can order it from Sephora's website: www.sephora.com

I was fairly nervous to try this foundation for multiple reasons. For one, the shade range is limited. When I tested it on my hand in the store, I immediately noticed a fragrance, which is also a red flag for me. I will also say, I'm not a huge fan of the bottle either. You flip up a piece of the cap, which reveals a short pump. However, the nozzle is so short that when you press down, it runs down the front of the bottle rather than squirting onto your hand or brush. Worries aside, I decided to give it a try as I love the Givenchy brand. I've sampled shades #3, #4, and #5. For Summer, #5 is a lovely choice for me. However, it can look a bit orange when my face is on the lighter side. I found shade #4 to be the best match for me, as I find it is one of the more neutral shades they offer.

Upon application, this foundation is VERY liquidy- almost watery. It applies easily, blends well, and dries fairly quickly. There is a very sweet and noticeable fragrance to the foundation, which I did not have any issues with bothering me or breaking me out. I actually enjoyed the scent, and once it was on my face I did not notice it. Anything that says "radiant finish" usually has me running the opposite way with my oily skin. I found that I actually really enjoy the finish of this foundation. It is light and glowy, but there is no shimmer or dewy nature to the foundation at all. It makes the skin look healthy and natural. I love how it feels so lightweight on the skin. It literally feels like you are wearing nothing and is very breathable. What sold me on this foundation, however, was the lasting power. I wore this foundation while moving in the hot Texas heat, for about 16 hours, and it did not budge nor did I blot or touch up. I will say I was wearing a setting spray, and of course I had a bit sweat showing through, but overall this foundation kept me oil free throughout my move. Pretty impressive!

Foundation #3- Sephora Collection Airbrush Mist Foundation

I stumbled upon this foundation after hearing it was a dupe for Dior's Airflash foundation. I was intrigued by the idea of using a spray to get the ideal "airbrushed" look, but was not quite willing to spend $62 on Dior's foundation. I also heard that Sephora's version offered a much more mattified finish, which I agree that it does. I must applaud Sephora for this foundation. I've tried some of their products in the past (powders, mascaras, liners) and have never been overly thrilled with the end result. However, I'm on my third bottle of the airbrush mist foundation! Again, like the Givenchy, there isn't a huge color selection, especially in the lighter tones. I picked up the shade "medium" and found it to be a perfect match for my skin tone. I did see on their website that they recently added more shades- both on the lighter and darker spectrum- so if they did not originally have your shade I would give it another try.

I've heard that some people find this product to be difficult to apply or buff into the skin evenly. I haven't had any issues with it. Some people have said that they prefer to spray the foundation onto their brush or sponge and then work it onto their face, but I disagree. I found that spraying onto my brush soaked up much of the product, so I was constantly having to re-spray. I simply divide my face into 4 sections and just spray the foundation directly onto my face, making sure I'm only applying it to a small area rather than spraying across my entire face. I haven't had any issues with the mist getting onto my clothes or into my hair- perhaps it's because I do hold the canister fairly close to my face when spraying?

I can use both a beauty blender and a brush to blend this product out, and I've found that either works great. This foundation is fairly blendable and doesn't dry as quickly as the Dior version. I absolutely love the finish this foundation gives me. Every time I wear it, people comment specifically on how "airbrushed" my makeup looks- thus, success achieved! It does have a matte finish as well, rather than a dewy look I noticed with the Dior foundation. At $26 a bottle, it more than half the price of my Hourglass foundation, so it definitely a staple in my makeup bag.

I would have ranked this foundation higher, however, I didn't find that is was as oil absorbent OR had the staying power that my top 2 foundations have. It does offer a matte finish, but I do have to be cautious as to which primer and finishing powder I use with it, since it does not necessarily offer much oil control throughout the day. I find this foundation to be perfect when I don't want to do a full face, or when I have a day off/ am working a shorter shift.  I notice that it begins to wear off after about 6 hours. This is still excellent, especially in Texas heat, but it wouldn't be my first choice to wear when I know I have a long shift and will then be going out later that evening.

Foundation #4- NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation

For those of you in search of a quality drugstore foundation, let me introduce to you NYX's Stay Matte But Not Flat. As someone who typically gravitates towards luxe brands, I was pleasantly surprised at how effective this foundation is for helping with oil control. Ulta carries the entire NYX Cosmetics line, and at only $7.49, this foundation is certainly worth a shot. I picked up a bottle of this along with the Stay Matte But Not Flat powder foundation (to use as a setting powder) during Ulta's 40% off NYX sale. This is another positive about this foundation. Ulta almost always has some sort of sale going on involving NYX, and you can use their $3.50 coupons on this brand as well. I got the liquid foundation in the shade 02 Nude, which is a tad dark for me at times but I can still work with it. Again, I didn't find the color range to be super impressive, but I don't find the darker shades give me orange undertones, which is my main concern.

This makeup is oil-free, water based and claims to be full coverage. It is definitely a thicker formula. When you squeeze some of the tube, it isn't going to run ANYWHERE. I would say that it is fairly full coverage. I do have to reapply it in some areas for a bit more coverage, so it isn't like Kat Von D's Lock- It Foundation. It is by no means sheer though. I apply this using both a brush and a sponge. I find that I prefer the sponge a bit more, as it does sheer it out a bit, making it easier to blend and work into the skin. A brush works just fine, and I never noticed any streak marks. I felt a brush took more work to fully buff this formula out and blend it in.

Thick formula that does not run. Though this shade is a bit dark for me, I find it is easy to blend.

For a drugstore makeup, I am really impressed with the staying power- even WITHOUT a setting spray to hold it in place. Many people felt they only got about 3-4 hours out of it before fading, but I can typically go about 6 hours before noticing anything. I also find this keeps me matte fairly well- especially for the price. I do pair this foundation with the powder foundation to set it, and I think the two together are amazing. I do think, however, the oil control could be contributed more to the powder rather than the liquid, but for the cost I am impressed. Both the liquid and the powder also great for traveling. I hate lugging around my makeup case, and it also makes me nervous to take my extremely expensive makeup with me it case it is lost, stolen, or damaged. At the cost for both of these items, plus the travel-friendly packaging, I can take these items with me free of stress and worry.

I really like the packaging. So easy to throw in your bag and go! You can pick these up at your local Ulta store, or order online at www.ulta.com

NYX is not vegan, as this foundation does contain beeswax. NYX used to be a cruelty free brand until this June, when they were bought out by L'Oreal.

Foundation #5- Boots No. 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation SPF 15

Recently, I've seen a lot of hype surrounding the Boots brand, and the mattifying foundation in particular. It is the most recent oil control foundation I've tried ( I got this about a week ago), but I do feel it is worthy of oily-skinned folks' attention. I picked this up from my local Target for $13.99. It's not terribly expensive, but it's a bit more on the pricy side for a drugstore option. Once again, the color range is bleak (Hello cosmetic companies!) and most of their foundations are cool with pink undertones. This typically equals orange tint on my skin. After much debate, I picked up the shade deeply beige, which I'm not in love with, but seems to be the closest match to my skin tone in their range.

This foundation claims that it offers full coverage and an oil free finish for up to 12 hours, which I do and don't agree with. I will say, this foundation truly is full coverage. Just one pump is usually enough to cover any hyper-pigmentation, discoloration and blemishes I may have. I highly recommend using a beauty blender with this formula. I think a brush works fine, but just like with the NYX foundation, I find it is A LOT more work to blend and buff it into my skin. The beauty blender sheers this formula out, which I think is necessary. I would also agree that this foundation offers a shine free finish throughout the day. This was really the defining factor that put this foundation on the list for me. It stays MATTE, all day long. I actually recommend not using an oil-control primer or blotting powder with this foundation. The first day I tried it, I used one of my oil-control primers and the NYX powder to set it and my face was almost too matte (a rarity for me). I noticed as the foundation wore on it began to look a little too powdery, which is why I recommend easing up on the finishing powder.

This is one pump of foundation, which is usually the amount I need to cover my entire face. If I need a little more coverage I will do another half pump. A little goes a long way!

I don't agree that this foundation lasts 12 hours or more. I do think it has decent lasting power, but around hour 6-7 I noticed the finish waning a bit and wearing off. I will also caution- this foundation transfers very easily, so get dressed prior to applying it. This is one of my biggest issues with the foundation. It applies well and sets, and does what it is supposed to do. However, it doesn't ever really attach to the skin, so it smudges, smears and transfers onto anything you touch your face with. I made the mistake of getting dressed after applying this foundation (even after setting it), and I instantly noticed streak marks of makeup on my shirt. I also have an issue with the finish of the foundation. It finishes very porcelain, but almost too porcelain. I feel like my skin no longer looks like skin, and that it looks too perfect. It isn't necessarily flat matte, but it definitely isn't skin- like either.

Overall, I think this foundation is worth checking out if you are in desperate need of coverage and oil control, as it will offer you both and will also last a decent amount throughout the day.

HONORABLE MENTION- Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20

I went back and forth between putting the Armani Lasting Silk and the Boots foundation as my number 5. The first few times I tried the Armani Lasting Silk in the store (on my face) I loved it. I thought it was the perfect amount of coverage, kept me matte, offered lasting power and a flawless finish. I made the plunge and purchased this foundation. I must say, for $62 I am a bit disappointed. I picked the foundation up in shade 5.75. I had initially been matched for shade 6, but they were out of that color. I will also say- the only counter in Austin that sells Armani is not the most helpful or most stocked either...

I got home and eagerly used this foundation for the next week, thinking I had found something to rival my Hourglass foundation. Alas, it was not to be. Perhaps the particular batch I received is a bit off, because my bottle is very liquidy and runny. I remember the foundation being a bit more cream-like in texture in the store, but mine is not even close to a cream. I applied it each day before going to work, and that is where I began to notice the flaws. When I had first tried the foundation, I recall it feeling very lightweight and matte- almost as if nothing was on my skin. However, the more I wear it the more I do feel it on my skin. Also, it is not nearly as matte as I expected. Even with setting sprays, oil-control primer and a setting powder, I cannot make it through a full shift without having some oil shining through. This was really the deciding factor as to whether it would make my top five or not. It simply does not have the mattifying or lasting powers that the other foundations mentioned above do.

The packaging is bulky. The bottle is glass so it is not easy to travel with, and my lid does not fully lock onto the bottle when closed. I also find the pump to be messy. It doesn't push the product out hard enough so it runs and drips down the bottle after every use.

I also noticed that it has a much more radiant finish than I recall- almost too radiant. I really love a mattified look, so a little glow is fine, but I'm not big into shimmer, dew or radiance on my skin. I have considered taking it back to the kiosk and having them evaluate it (making sure there isn't anything wrong with my batch), which I may do in the next week or two.

Even after all of my negativity, I DO think the Armani lasting silk is a lovely foundation. For a "designer brand" it is one of the better cosmetics that I have experienced. It simply does not offer the look or oil reduction that I personally need. However, if you are in search of semi-matte, light and airy coverage, with a luminous glow I highly recommend it. Of the many foundations I have explored over the past few months, the Lasting Silk is certainly worth mentioning.


I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on my top 5 list! What are your favorite oil control foundations? Do you find primers and powders matter more, in regards to helping regulate oil control?

Also, if there is a foundation you're interested in and hesitant to try, let me know. I love trying new products and would be more than happy to share my thoughts on my experience.

Until next time,
- The POSH Lady