The Best Drugstore Foundations for Combination Oily Skin

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I will go on record and say that the best foundation I have used to date is Chanel (not drugstore), but finding the best drugstore foundations for combination oily skin has been a journey.

And I think I did it.

To share or not to share–that is the question.

Of course I have to share.

What to Look for in a Drugstore Foundation

The first thing I look for is the finish.

Growing up, you literally got what you paid for and in today’s world, thanks in large part to beauty bloggers and YouTubers….

Drugstore makeup brands had to step up their game if they wanted to get in the competition.

In order to be mentioned with high regard in makeup tutorials and product launch reviews, they had no choice but to compete with bigger brand names.

What is the biggest thing you think of when seeing if something is a great foundation?

The finish, right?

I think the finish is a really important factor when investing in makeup.

After your skincare, your foundation is holding up all the other products to either fail or to thrive on the canvas that is your face.

Do you guys remember the BIG Easy BB Cream by Benefit cosmetics?

It was about $40 and had a finish like a heavy chalk — I hated it.

I don’t like my foundations to feel heavy or chalky. I want them to feel like a part of my skin.

These foundations are great to mix and match together — especially if you have an oily t-zone — like I do.

#1 Fuller Coverage – Elf’s Flawless Finish Foundation

I cannot rave about this product enough. This has to be my favorite medium coverage foundation because it goes on matte but still feels sleek, smooth, moisturizing and dewy all at the same time.

It’s also $6, which is a steal.

This is the one product that I am surprised more people don’t talk about a lot more.

Even for the price, it’s better than most name brand foundations.

It’s also a buildable foundation, and it really does a great job of making sure my t-zone stays matte all day.

I use shade 300

#2 Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

I first learned about this foundation being the real MVP when I was going out on a date in college.

I had forgotten to order my Mary Kay foundation, so I had to run to the drugstore.

This foundation does a really great job of looking so smooth and hydrating,

Keeping my t-zone oil free along with a finishing powder.

My only gripe about this product is that I wish it had a pump. I am not a fan of pouring it out onto a beauty blender or a foundation brush.

Also, the smell reminds me of calamine lotion, which isn’t terrible, but this foundation does have a scent.

I use the shade 310

#3 Illuminating Foundations – Elf Halo Glow

Did someone say Charlotte Tilbury DUPE…..

I honestly wouldn’t know. I haven’t tried CT foundation. I have tried her lipsticks, and I am happy staying at the ELF price point for this genre of makeup product.

If I can have the same product for half the price…..Yes, please.

What do I love about this product? So much.

I love that on its own, it adds a glow that seems au natural, and I also love that it works well as a base before putting on a heavier foundation.

I have this in two shades.

Shade 4 is my lighter shade for colder months, and shade 5 is my summer shade.

#4 Milani Glow

This is my summer go-to. It’s a very sheer product, but it also leaves your skin feeling so dewy.

I do avoid my t-zone with this product.

I also add powder to make sure I don’t become too oily, but on the drier parts of my face — this product works well.

This product also goes well under a higher coverage foundation.

I cannot love these products enough.

I use the shade 210.

What are your favorite drugstore foundations for combination oily skin?

Let me know in the comments if you also love these products?

xx,

Nikita