I have combination skin with an oily t-zone, so I prefer a matte complexion most days. Over the years I have come to know quite a few products that achieve this for me, so I am sharing my recommendations on the best matte makeup for oily skin. Almost all of these products are super affordable from the drugstore, and they will provide you with a matte finish that will last all day. There is a lot of elf Cosmetics here, but I will not apologize for this post leaning that way, as they simply have a lot of great products for us oily gals. At the end of the post, I have a full-face makeup look where I show you as many products as I can.
Best Matte Makeup for Oily Skin
Primers
I am starting off the best matte makeup for oily skin the same way that you start your makeup, and that is with primer. An OG is definitely the wet n wild photofocus Matte Face Primer. My tube is so old that it still has the original packaging, but it has since been updated to say “matte” on it. Its clear formula smooths over the face and dries down matte for the perfect base.
Another great option is the elf Cosmetics Matte Putty Primer. While it does not have the pore-filling abilities as the original Poreless Putty Primer, it does mattify your makeup and performs just as well as original Poreless Putty Primer.
Foundations
Second, I have both liquid and power foundations. I am sure you guessed both of these! For liquid, I am all about wet n wild’s photofocus Foundation. I recommend working in sections, as this foundation dries down quickly. Also, remember less is more. If you go too heavy with this foundation it will look cakey and thick on the skin. When you find the right balance for your face, it is long wearing and looks like skin while being full coverage.
Sephora’s Matte Perfection Powder Foundation delivers buildable coverage that never looks cakey, heavy, or dry. It also provides a soft blur to the skin while leaving a matte finish.
Related Post: Powder Foundation Makeup Routine
Concealer
My concealer recommendation is the most matte concealer that I own, which is the elf Cosmetics 16 Hour Camo Concealer. I have a love/hate relationship with it, as I find it to be too matte at times, even though I do not have dry skin. The key is to be mindful of how much you use, because less is more. One dot of this product is enough to cover my entire under-eye in brightening full-coverage. I see so many people going crazy with this concealer, and I do not recommend that, as you may end up looking dry. It is highly long-wearing and less likely to crease.
Setting Powder
My setting powder recommendation is the elf Cosmetics Matte Setting Powder. It will effectively set your makeup with a matte finish that is soft and not heavy. The formula really is no-nonsense and no-fuss. You can also bake with this powder no problem.
Setting Sprays
I have two setting spray recommendations for best matte makeup for oily skin. Both the wet n wild photofocus Matte Setting Spray and the Hard Candy Sheer Envy Matte Setting Spray will provide a matte finish to any makeup look, while also setting your makeup. They assist in your makeup staying matte throughout the day, but they may not extend the wear time of your makeup or cause makeup to perform better than it normally does.
An Extra
A product that everyone who desires matte makeup should know about is the elf Cosmetics Make Me Matte Foundation Adjuster. This is a mix-in powder that will mattify any foundation. It comes with a scooper that measures the perfect amount of powder for one full-face of foundation application. It does not harm your foundation in any way, meaning it will still apply, wear, and perform the same. However, it will have a nice, matte finish. This product absolutely works, leaving you no reason to buy high-end versions of this product.
Related Post: elf Haul 21: Reviews & Swatches
Full-Face Look
I am ending my recommendations for the best matte makeup for oily skin with a makeup look. This look features the products mentioned above, plus more added in to create a well-rounded, full-face look. Now, I will say up front that keeping the brands together delivers the best results. wet n wild’s primer is formulated to work best with their foundation, and the same for elf. I am mixing brands here. Here are the products that I am using:
- elf Matte Putty Primer
- elf Sheer Blurring Under-eye Primer
- Milani Eyeshadow Primer in Nude
- elf Lock On Lip Primer
- Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
- wet n wild photofocus Foundation (matte) in Nude Ivory
- elf 16 Hour Camo Concealer in Fair Warm
- elf Matte Setting Powder
- Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome in Fly
- Maybelline Brow Drama Shaping Chalk in Deep Brown
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Gel in Dark Brown
- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Matte Setting Spray
- tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
- Loreal Voluminous Primer
- Benefit They’re Real Mascara
- Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner in Hush Hush
- Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Glace
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Conclusion
We have finished my recommendations on the best matte makeup for oily skin, which are 99% from the drugstore! You do not have to spend much money in order to achieve a matte look that lasts all day, virtually lets no oils peek through, and does not look dry or heavy. Sometimes using all of these products together can look dry on my combination skin, so it is all about balance. I like to use moisturizers and sprays that hydrate the skin to combat the dry matte look, but those that will not take away the matte finish. Makeup works differently on all people, so you need to find the right combination for yourself. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
Are you more into matte or dewy makeup?
4 Responses
I really want to try the Elf concealer soon!
Danielle xx
https://www.thereluctantblogger.co.uk/
Let me know if you do! I still prefer the hydrating forumula.
My skin isn’t oily anymore ut I’d love to try the putty primer
Those with normal to oily skin can definitely benefit from the Matte Putty Primer. I think it would be too much on dry skin.