Found: Oil-Free Foundations That Won't Clog Your Pores

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Oil-free foundations are a saving grace in the summer months when humidity is at its highest and makeup is melting and sliding off your face. But for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, oil-free foundations can prove to be beneficial year-round. If you have a temperamental complexion, you can still achieve a flawless full-coverage finish without clogging your pores, thanks to one of our favorite oil-free formulas below.

The best oil-free foundations leave skin with a clean, matte look while continuing to absorb oil and reduce shine throughout the day. Coverage from oil-free foundations will feel more lightweight and breathable than their oil-based counterparts, so you can bid adieu to congested pores and subsequent breakouts. Even better, many of these formulas contain ingredients that actively improve skin during wear, leaving your complexion looking even more radiant once you rinse off your makeup.

Keep scrolling for the best oil-free foundations that won't clog your pores.

Best Overall

Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation

urban decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Reduces wrinkles

  • Boosts radiance

What We Don't Like
  • Can cling to dry patches

What do buyers say? 2,900+ Ulta reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Lightweight and airy, this liquid foundation goes on easily and evenly. It has a demi-matte finish, meaning it's not too matte but not too dewy. It's a perfect balance that won't leave you glistening. Infused with light-diffusing spheres and wrinkle-reducing ingredient Matrixyl 3000, it expertly buffs your canvas for a gorgeous, seamless look.

The feathery texture glides right on and feels practically weightless, so it's made for the hotter temps when wearing makeup isn't ideal, but coverage is still needed. Plus, the formula is brightening, leaving your skin still looking like yours, except better.

Price at time of publish: $40

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 50 | Finish: Demi-matte | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Budget

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation

Courtesy of Target

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Buildable

  • Works for all skin types

What We Don't Like
  • Contains fragrance

With over 40 shades, you're certain to find your true match when it comes to this oil-free foundation. It's e.l.f. 's best-selling liquid foundation for a few reasons: its long-lasting wearability, the clean semi-matte finish, and the incredible price. When applied, the formula blends right into your skin, covering up any patchiness, discoloration, and blemishes. The best way to apply it is by using a dense foundation brush or a sponge, so the product ends up on your face and not buried in the brush's bristles.

Price at time of publish: $6

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Semi-matte | Size: 0.68 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Runner-Up, Best Budget

NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation

4.7
NYX Total Control Drop Foundation

Target

What We Like
  • Customizable coverage

  • Affordable

  • Doesn't settle into fine lines

What We Don't Like
  • Can be drying

If you aren't looking for a dewy look but still want to get coverage, Nyx's Total Control foundation is the one for you. The velvety matte finish of this foundation can be achieved with each drop of product onto your skin and blending it in with a brush, Beautyblender, or even your fingers. You can achieve any level of coverage with this foundation at half the cost of its competition.

Price at time of publish: $6

Coverage: Sheer to full | Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.43 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Testers Say

"If you're looking to get maximum bang for your buck, NYX's Total Control Drop Foundation is bound to impress." — Stephanie Montes, Product Tester

Best Drugstore

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation with Clay

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Absorbs oil

  • Non-comedogenic

What We Don't Like
  • Can oxidize

Get the perfect matte look with this foundation, which helps absorb all excess oil and leaves pores basically nonexistent. At a very affordable price tag, this product is sure to make its way into everyone's makeup bag sooner or later. With 40 shades to choose from, there's a reason why it's one of the best-selling drugstore foundations on the market.

Price at time of publish: $9

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Runner-Up, Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation

4.9
L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match
What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Nourishing

  • Contains SPF

What We Don't Like
  • Reviewers note it is heavy

Finally, the buildable, blurring, perfecting drugstore foundation you've been looking for. L'Oréal's formula works to match your skin tone perfectly and gives you the control you need to get the exact amount of coverage you've been looking for in a foundation. Complete with vitamins A and C, your skin will be left healthy and nourished with all-day coverage.

Price at time of publish: $9

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 45 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15

Sephora

What We Like
  • Allgery-tested

  • Reduce age spots

  • Contains SPF

What We Don't Like
  • Uses chemical SPF

Ah, sensitive skin types. You apply a foundation, feeling hopeful, and it seems to go okay, but then it all starts happening: the itchiness, the redness, and gasp, the breakouts. Another foundation to bid adieu to. Well, not anymore. Say (an enthusiastic) hello to a dermatologist-developed oil-free liquid foundation that will not only cooperate with your skin but visibly reduce the appearance of age spots and uneven skin tone. The allergy-tested formula has a combo of luminous minerals, antioxidants, and SPF 15 coverage that brightens and prevents new discolorations from forming.

Price at time of publish: $33

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 56 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Sheer Coverage

LORAC Sheer POREfection Foundation

LORAC Sheer POREfection Foundation

Courtesy of Ulta

What We Like
  • Provides antioxidant protection

  • Boosts radiance

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like
  • Shade range isn't inclusive

Sometimes, all you want is a hint of coverage—just enough to keep your skin looking dewy, clean, and seamless. Made up of anti-aging antioxidants, like vitamin E and lemon fruit extract, this super-light formula feels silky smooth as it glides onto the skin for a healthy, natural-looking finish.

The satiny texture provides a lustrous glow while reducing the appearance of pores. Plus, the coverage is buildable, so you can go as sheer as you like or add more product for medium coverage. Any way you like it, this is definitely the right oil-free foundation for the coveted "no-makeup makeup look."

Coverage: Sheer to medium | Shade Range: 10 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.2 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Full Coverage

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

4.3
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

 Courtesy of Sephora

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Long-lasting

  • Doesn't oxidize

What We Don't Like
  • May not work for oily skin

When you're in need of full coverage, this little bottle has got it. A favorite amongst makeup connoisseurs and beauty editors alike, this foundation boasts up to 12 hours of long-lasting wear, is photo-friendly, and offers 40 face-perfecting shades. Infused with hydrating coconut water, plumping hyaluronic acid, and strengthening alpine rose, it not only buffs away any imperfections, but it also helps heal the skin at the same time. In short: It's totally ideal for those with skin that tends to act out.

Price at time of publish: $45

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 35 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Testers Say

"I found Too Faced's Born This Way Foundation to be really impressive: It didn't take much to achieve even coverage, the product felt comfortable on, and my skin had a natural finish that mimicked its best days." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

Best Medium Coverage

Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil Free Foundation

Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil Free Foundation

Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Long-lasting

  • Buildable

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • May not work for oily skin

A makeup-artist favorite, this high-pigment, oil-free foundation delivers color-true pigments and 12-hour coverage. What we love most is its versatility: You can wear this foundation every day for natural-looking coverage or build it up for special events or on days your skin looks worse for wear.

Price at time of publish: $49

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 16 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup

4.7
Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Contains salicylic acid

  • Lightweight

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Can oxidize

An oil-free foundation that provides coverage and helps to clear skin? Sign us up. The MicroClear technology and blemish-fighter salicylic acid band together and make a power-packed acne-fighting formula. As much as it can keep breakouts at bay, the formula still feels lightweight and gives skin a clean, natural look, all without the dreaded greasiness. In a clinical test, 100% of users said they felt it improved their skin over time.

Price at time of publish: $12

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 14 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Matte Finish

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation

 Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like
  • Long-lasting

  • Lightweight

  • Sweat-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • Dries fast; must blend quickly

For a truly seamless, no-shine-in-sight look, a matte foundation is your best friend. This particular option gives that desired soft-focus look, hiding imperfections with its rich and creamy formula. The best part? It's super long-wearing and ultra-lightweight, so your airbrushed finish lasts for up to 24 hours without weighing down your face.

Price at time of publish: $14

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Demi-matte | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Shade Range

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Lasting Foundation

lancome teint idole foundation

Courtesy of Lancome

What We Like
  • Long-lasting

  • Absorbs oil

  • Contains SPF

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

Enjoy a natural-looking, velvety-matte finish for up to 24 hours with this long-wear formula. Infused with perlite and silica, this oil-free foundation also works to absorb oil to keep you shine-free from start to finish. Choose from 50—yes, 50—different shades.

Price at time of publish: $52

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 50 | Finish: Natural matte | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Powder

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

What We Like
  • Long-lasting

  • Absorbs oil

  • Provides antioxidant protection

What We Don't Like
  • Can cling to dry patches

For a long-lasting, velvet-matte finish, this liquid-to-powder foundation formula absorbs 75 percent of its weight in oil without drying skin. It features advanced cashmere kaolinite clay to control oil throughout the day, antioxidants to protect skin against free radicals, and oxygenating solvents to help clear pores. Plus, the formula is vegan and gluten- and cruelty-free.

Price at time of publish: $60

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Velvet matte | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Skin Match

Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation

Natural Finish Foundation G20 1 oz/ 30 mL
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Long-lasting

  • Nourishing

What We Don't Like
  • Reviewers note it is heavy

We can't talk about this foundation without mentioning that it's available in 40 shades. Not to mention its buildable formulation offers a lightweight, silky finish to the skin. No caked-on look here, thanks to this hydrating blend that focuses on matching your skin's undertones.

Price at time of publish: $42

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

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