The best oil-free foundations for a perfected finish

Finding the perfect foundation is a big challenge. It has to offer enough coverage to leave the complexion looking naturally lit from within, the texture has to blend in seamlessly and with little effort, it has to be comfortable to wear whatever the day (and night) brings, and it should without being endanger our skin health. Add oily skin to the equation, and striving for the one seems nigh impossible.

Luckily, there are now many oil-free foundation options that offer all of that without feeling heavy or greasy for combination to oily skin. “One of the great things about an oil-free foundation is that it feels lighter and has a more natural, matte finish,” says Hollie Harding, Beauty Buying Manager at Brown’s. “They’re also a great choice when adding highlighter as you get a sharper contrast against a solid matte base – making that shine stand out even more.”

Achieving a velvety-looking complexion with an oil-free foundation starts with good skincare prep. Rachel Hardie, Nars lead artist, begins by gently exfoliating the skin to remove any flaking and making sure the skin is properly hydrated before applying the foundation. “With Nars, we use our fingers to create the seamless blend as it blends the foundation beautifully into the skin,” she explains. When setting with powder, Hardie recommends a finely ground formula like Nars Light Reflecting Powder to mattify without obliterating your natural shine.

Below are 10 of the best oil-free foundations for a perfect finish: