Oil-Free Makeup Musts
Ethan Sullivan
| 04-08-2025
· Fashion Team
Hey Lykkers! Ever feel like your makeup looks amazing in the morning, but by lunchtime, it’s all melted into a shiny, patchy mess? Yup — oily skin can be that friend who just doesn’t know when to quit. But don’t worry, we’ve got a fix! With the right makeup products in your routine, you can totally go from slick to stunning — and keep it that way all day.
Let’s dive into the best makeup must-haves for oily skin and how to actually use them without turning into a greaseball by 3 PM.

1. Prime Time: Start with a Mattifying Primer

Oily skin? A good primer is non-negotiable. It’s like giving your face a smooth, oil-free base before the rest of your makeup goes on. Plus, it keeps everything in place longer.
Top Picks:
- e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer – budget-friendly and blurs pores like a filter
- Benefit POREfessional Matte Rescue – perfect for T-zone control
- Tatcha The Silk Canvas – a luxe option that smooths skin beautifully
Quick Tip: Focus on your oily zones (like your forehead, nose, and chin) instead of slathering it all over.

2. Choose a Foundation That Stays Put

The wrong foundation can break down on oily skin faster than you can say “midday meltdown.” Go for oil-free, long-wear, and matte formulas that won’t slide off your face.
Top Picks:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear – serious staying power and full coverage
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless – light, breathable, and wallet-friendly
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte – a smooth, buildable formula that lasts

3. Set It Smartly with Powder

Powder is your secret power move — but don’t overdo it! Too much can look cakey, but the right amount locks in your foundation and keeps oil at bay.
Top Picks:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder – iconic for a reason
- Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder – affordable and effective
- RCMA No-Color Powder – no flashback, no fuss
Pro Tip: Press powder in gently with a puff or damp sponge for long-lasting results — brushing can sometimes just move your makeup around.

4. Keep Blotting Sheets Handy

Even with all the right products, oily skin might peek through — and that’s okay! Blotting papers soak up shine without messing up your makeup.
Try These:
- Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets – classic and super absorbent
- Tatcha Aburatorigami Papers – chic and gentle on skin
- NYX Matte Blotting Paper – easy for quick fixes on the go

5. Stick with Smudge-Proof Eye Makeup

Oily eyelids can ruin your eye look fast — especially if you’re rocking liner or shadow. Long-wear and waterproof formulas are your best friends here.
Top Picks:
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil – creamy but won’t budge
- Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Liner – precise and long-lasting
- L’Oréal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara – fluttery lashes that stay put

Final Thoughts

Oily skin doesn’t have to mean constant touch-ups or makeup disasters. With the right products, you can stay matte, fresh, and flawless from morning coffee to bedtime scrolls. The key is lightweight, oil-free formulas that work with your skin, not against it.
So Lykkers, ready to kick the shine and embrace that confident glow? You’ve got this — and your skin’s about to look better than ever.
Need a full oily-skin routine or makeup tips on a budget? Just say the word!

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