11 Top Oil-Based Foundations For All Skin Types
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Don’t let bad skin ruin your day, especially when the top oil-based foundations can easily come to your rescue.
Whether dealing with acne scars, dark circles, or hyperpigmentation, oil-based foundations have enough coverage to help you create the perfect makeup base.
You won’t have to worry about it feeling greasy, too, as the top oil-based foundations have a lightweight consistency that blends seamlessly with your skin.
Best of all, these oil-based ingredients can provide a wide range of skincare benefits. So you’re really getting two products for the price of one!
So if you’re ready to dive into the world of oil-based foundations, keep on reading.
Table of Contents
Is Oil Good in Foundation?
Just seeing the word “oil” can send shivers down a beauty lover’s spine as it is frequently associated with other words like “greasy,” “pore-clogging,” or even “acne.”
This may explain why there are significantly fewer oil-based foundations than water-based and silicone-based foundations in the market.
Contrary to popular belief, having oil in a foundation is not bad. In fact, it can be more beneficial, especially in addressing certain concerns such as dry, rough, and dull skin.
This is because oils can be very nourishing and hydrating to the skin. Depending on the oil used, it can also deliver additional skincare benefits such as brightening, soothing, and balancing skin tone.
You’ll also typically see the top oil-based foundations with clean ingredients and cruelty-free and vegan-free certifications.
This can provide added comfort knowing that you’re using oil-based makeup formulated to be as safe and eco-friendly as possible.
And of course, as a foundation, you can expect them to provide excellent and long-lasting coverage.
How Do You Know If Your Foundation Is Water-Based or Oil-Based?
The best way to differentiate between a water-based foundation and an oil-based foundation is to check the ingredient list.
However, note that almost all foundations will have water or aqua listed at the top.
Next to it, though, look for the following ingredients:
- Jojoba oil
- Avocado oil
- Argan oil
- Coconut oil
- Almond oil
- Mineral oil
These are just some of the most common oils found in base products. However, even water-based and silicone-based foundations may contain some oils in their formulations.
Make sure to check if these oil-based ingredients are found at the very top of the list. If so, you’ll be able to determine whether they are oil-based foundations or not.
11 Top Oil-Based Foundations for All Skin Types
Here’s our list of oil-based foundations that you need to try!
This oil-based foundation will help make skin look healthy and balanced.
Key benefits:Llight to medium coverage; lightweight, satin finish; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Contains six botanical oils: avocado, meadowfoam, red raspberry, jojoba, camellia, and rosehip
- Doubles as a skin elixir that moisturizes, soothes, and brightens
- Weightless serum texture feels comfortable on the skin
No oil-based makeup collection is complete without the Kosas Tinted Face Oil.
This is one of the top oil-based foundations available today. Even though it is marketed as a skin tint, it still does what you expect a foundation to do — blur imperfections, even out skin tone, and brighten your complexion.
It has light to medium coverage, perfect for achieving a “your skin but better” effect.
Best of all, the Kosas Tinted Face Oil is packed with nourishing ingredients, including the following:
- Avocado oil and meadowfoam oil that hydrate and plump the skin
- Red raspberry oil and jojoba oil to soothe and repair
- Camellia seed oil and rosehip seed oil to balance and brighten the skin
The serum formula applies seamlessly and leaves a silky satin finish. Despite being an oil-based makeup product, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
The Kosas Tinted Face Oil suits normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types.
Get fresh and dewy skin with the Maybelline Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil Base.
Key benefits: Fresh, natural finish; buildable coverage; clean vegan formula, non-comedogenic
Features:
- Formulated with jojoba oil and marula oil to nourish the skin
- Clean formula contains up to 84% natural-origin ingredients
- Adjustable coverage to suit your day-to-day skin needs
An oil-based drugstore foundation that’s eco-friendly? Sign us up!
If you’re on the hunt for a foundation that is oil-based, consider the Maybelline Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil Makeup Base.
Just one super drop gives you a fresh and natural look. However, the formula is buildable for days when your skin needs more coverage. You can use up to five drops to achieve medium coverage.
Formulated with jojoba oil and marula oil, this weightless liquid foundation also nourishes and hydrates the skin. This helps you achieve that glow from within.
Apart from being a high-performing oil-based foundation, it also feels reassuring knowing that the formula contains over 84% natural-origin ingredients.
The Maybelline Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil Makeup Base is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
When it comes to argan oil in the foundation, Josie Maran is a brand you can count on.
Key benefits: Medium to full coverage foundation; lightweight, baby-skin finish; cruelty-free and vegan
Features:
- Contains 100% pure argan oil to hydrate and nourish skin
- Packed with moisture-enhancing ingredients to restore skin vitality
- Revolutionary cold-press method helps deliver the most benefit to your skin
Restore your skin’s luminosity with the Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid.
Nobody does argan oil better than Josie Maran Cosmetics. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid has made it to our list.
This oil-based foundation has medium to full coverage. Nonetheless, the formula is lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for all-day wear.
It is infused with 100% pure argan oil, which is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E.
You also get other natural ingredients, including the following:
- Bueberry argan extract to protect the skin
- Canadian willow herb and pure ginger root extract to smoothen and soothe skin
- White bird of paradise extract to restore skin luminosity and vitality
The end result is an oil-based foundation that makes skin smooth and supple.
Lastly, the Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid is dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types.
The Physicians Formula Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir delivers an airbrushed finish.
Key benefits: Dewy, second-skin finish; sheer to buildable coverage; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Organic jojoba oil and coconut oil to hydrate and nourish
- Also contains organic aloe vera and botanical cactus flower to lock in moisture
- Lightweight consistency feels weightless on the skin
As one of the best oil-based foundations, this helps improve skin tone and texture.
The Physicians Formula Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir offers buildable coverage to suit your skin’s needs. It also gives you an airbrushed, flawless complexion.
Over time, you may notice improvements in skin tone and texture. That’s all thanks to ultra-nourishing ingredients like organic jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, and botanical cactus flower that enhance moisture retention.
This oil-based foundation has a thin consistency and does not feel heavy on the skin. With the second-skin finish, it also doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything.
The Physicians Formula Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir with Jojoba Oil suits normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
This Alexandra de Markoff Countess Isserlyn Liquid Foundation has a tried-and-tested formula that makes skin glow.
Key benefits: Hydrating, non-greasy formula; up to 12 hours of wear; water-resistant
Features:
- Non-greasy oil base that keeps skin smooth and hydrated
- Contains optical diffusers to smoothen fine lines and blur skin imperfections
- Coated micro-pigments deliver long-lasting coverage
Loyal customers have been using this oil-based foundation for decades!
The Alexandra de Markoff Countess Isserlyn Liquid Foundation was first formulated in the late 1920s. The fact it is still around speaks to just how good this oil-based foundation is.
This has a unique two-phase formula. So even if it has oil as its base, this liquid foundation is not greasy on the skin. It is also packed with humectants and emollients that help keep skin smooth and hydrated.
In addition, the formula is water-resistant. This helps provide long-lasting coverage of up to 12 hours — even for those who live in hot and humid climates.
The Alexandra de Markoff Countess Isserlyn Liquid Foundation best suits dry, delicate, and normal skin types.
A next-generation oil-based foundation that works with the skin you have.
Key benefits: Light to medium coverage; luminous, radiant finish; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Contains a blend of tsubaki oil, sunflower oil, and almond oil to strengthen and firm skin
- Lightweight oil consistency with serum-like strength
- Designed to work with the skin to boost complexion from within
If you want to try a premium oil-based foundation, check out the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops.
The Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Complexion Drops has a light to medium coverage that smoothens and even out skin tone. It leaves a luminous and radiant finish.
The hybrid formula features a lightweight oil consistency that becomes a serum once applied to the skin. Since the texture is very lightweight, coverage is still breathable.
This is one of the top oil-based foundations because it also helps improve your skin as you wear it.
That’s because it’s packed with nourishing ingredients such as tsubaki oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, ginseng extract, pomegranate extract, and ginseng root extract.
This complex blend helps hydrate, soothe, and strengthen your skin.
Best of all, the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Complexion Drops is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. It is best for dry, normal, and combination skin types.
This oil-based foundation not only covers imperfections but also delivers anti-aging benefits.
Key benefits: Flawless, youthful finish; buildable to full coverage; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Contains organic safflower oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and grapeseed oil
- Vitamin-rich phyto-pigments deliver as much coverage as you need
- Coconut alkanes to smoothen and prime skin without the use of silicone
As one of the best oil-based foundations, the Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Finish Serum Foundation is as natural as it gets.
The Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation takes clean beauty to the next level.
It features a unique base with a blend of oils, including safflower, sunflower, olive, and grapeseed — the last of which is also known for providing anti-aging benefits.
Plus, the formula uses botanical juices instead of water, phyto-pigments instead of artificial dyes, and coconut alkanes instead of silicones.
Nonetheless, you’re still getting a high-quality foundation that can provide up to full coverage. It also leaves a flawless and radiant finish.
This oil-based foundation has a weightless consistency, making it comfortable enough for all-day wear. The hydrating formula also won’t crease and settle into your fine lines.
And just in case you’re wondering, Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation is suitable for all skin types.
The Vapour Soft Focus Foundation gives you flawless but natural-looking skin.
Key benefits: Natural, radiant finish; light to medium coverage; clean, cruelty-free, and non-toxic formula
Features:
- Contains organic camellia seed oil, bergamot peel oil, and sunflower seed oil
- Lightweight consistency allows you to build as much coverage as you need
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients that soothe, nourish, and protect
You’ll never stop getting compliments while wearing this glowy oil-based foundation.
The Vapour Soft Focus Foundation provides coverage that lasts all day. This foundation can help give your skin a sheer and subtle glow for casual days. You can also build it up to medium coverage for a more flawless and radiant finish.
Aside from being one of the top oil-based foundations, this is a formidable skincare product.
It’s packed with botanical ingredients — including organic camellia seed oil, bergamot peel oil, and sunflower seed oil — to nourish and protect the skin.
Best of all, these oils are easily absorbed into the skin. This makes the foundation apply easily, leaving a smooth satin finish that lasts all day.
The Vapour Soft Focus Foundation is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Foundation offers unbeatable and instant coverage.
Key benefits: smooth, natural finish; full and long-lasting coverage; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Creme formula is hydrating and non-cakey
- Broad spectrum SPF 30+ protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays
- Helps maintain skin barrier function
With versatility in mind, you can also use this oil-based foundation as a concealer or contour.
When it comes to coverage, the Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Foundation is unbeatable.
It contains high-performance pigments that can cover hyperpigmentation, dark circles, acne scars, and birthmarks — giving you a smooth and even complexion.
Note that this product has mineral oil as its base, which can be controversial for some.
However, knowing that this oil-based foundation is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free may be assuring. It suits those with normal, oily, combination, and sensitive skin.
This high-coverage creme foundation has a balmy consistency that seamlessly glides onto the skin. It leaves a soft, smooth finish that doesn’t cake or feel heavy.
It also claims to be smudge-proof and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours.
With broad spectrum SPF 30+ and skin barrier-enhancing ingredients, you can feel confident using this foundation throughout the day — and until all hours of the night!
By covering imperfections, this oil-based foundation helps bring out your true natural beauty.
Key benefits: Flawless, natural finish; medium to full coverage; cruelty-free and gluten-free
Features:
- Packed with antioxidants from organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and wildcrafted buriti oil
- Signature RMS adaptogenic blend nourishes skin and boosts radiance
- Rich and creamy texture that smoothens fine lines and wrinkles, blurs imperfections
The RMS Beauty Uncover Cover-Up Cream also delivers amazing skin benefits.
It seems confusing for a product to cover and uncover simultaneously — but this oil-based foundation from RMS Beauty does just that.
The Uncover Cover-Up Cream has buildable coverage to suit your skin’s needs. By smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, blurring imperfections, and evening out skin tone, you can achieve a natural and youthful complexion.
It’s not just about concealing imperfections, though. This foundation also delivers skincare benefits to enhance your complexion from within.
At the center of it all is a signature blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, and buriti oil — all of which are packed with antioxidants that help nourish and protect the skin.
There is also an adaptogenic blend of nine herbs that work to improve skin tone and texture.
Your natural beauty will truly shine with this rich and creamy oil-based foundation.
The RMS Beauty Uncover Cover-Up Cream Foundation best suits normal, dry, combination, and oily skin. It is also suitable for mature and sensitive skin types.
This oil-based foundation is for days when you want to look like you woke up with a flawless complexion.
Key benefits: Smooth, natural finish; medium to high coverage; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Certified organic jojoba oil and shea butter to nourish and moisturize the skin
- Buildable coverage to conceal redness, blemishes, and even out skin tone
- Silky smooth consistency blends seamlessly with natural skin
Your skin will love the natural, organic ingredients of the Benecos Natural Creamy Make-Up Foundation.
As much as we want perfect skin, blemishes, redness, and other imperfections can get in the way. For those bad skin days, you can count on the Benecos Natural Creamy Make-Up Foundation.
This oil-based foundation delivers the coverage that you need to even out your complexion. It will blend seamlessly into your skin whether you choose light or full coverage.
In terms of natural ingredients, you have certified organic jojoba oil and shea butter to nourish the skin deeply. With these skin-loving ingredients, there will be fewer bad skin days to endure.
The overall finish is smooth, natural, and matte. However, the lightweight and silky texture makes it very comfortable to wear throughout the day.
The Benecos Natural Creamy Make-Up Foundation suits all skin types — including oily, mature, and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Water-Based or Oil-Based Foundation Better for Dry Skin?
An oil-based foundation can be beneficial for dry skin. Since dry, flaky, and itchy skin can be due to decreased sebum production, oil-based foundations can help nourish the skin.
You can also create a smooth canvas by incorporating an oil-based foundation primer and oil-based concealer.
However, if you have dry and acne-prone or sensitive skin, you can opt for a water-based foundation. Water-based foundations are lightweight and easily absorbed.
With water as the first ingredient, the formula won’t be as pore-clogging or irritating on the skin.
Keep in mind, though, that many water-based foundations also have oils in their ingredient list because they are amazing at hydrating the skin.
Avoid using an oil-based makeup primer with a water-based foundation, as this can cause pilling.
Whether you choose a water-based or oil-based foundation for dry skin, make sure to look for other hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, squalane, and ceramides.
What Is the Top Oil-Based Foundation for Dry Skin?
In our list of oil-based foundations, you’ll be able to find options that are best suited for dry skin.
In general, look for foundations that feature oils like jojoba, argan, coconut, sunflower, and olive – all of which can hydrate and soothe dry skin. They are also packed with antioxidants that can provide anti-aging benefits.
What Is the Top Oil-Based Foundation for Oily Skin?
Since those with oily skin already deal with excess sebum production, an oil-based foundation might not seem like a good idea. It may feel too heavy on the skin and clog your pores — leading to acne breakouts.
That isn’t to say that you can’t use oil-based foundations. Look for options with lightweight or weightless consistency.
You can also opt for oil-based foundations with jojoba or grapeseed oil since they are known to have sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Experience the Skin Benefits of the Top Oil-Based Foundations
By now, you have a good idea of what an oil-based foundation is and how to differentiate it from water-based and silicone-based foundations. We’ve also rounded out the top oil-based foundations available in the market today.
Our list of oil-based foundations caters to different skin types, skin needs, or concerns, as well as your personal preferences on coverage and finish.
With our list, you’ll be able to find the top oil-based foundation to add to your makeup collection.
Now that you’ve made your choice, it’s time to give it a try!
Want to Learn How to Create the Perfect Makeup Base?
Check out these articles:
- How To Apply Foundation, Concealer, and Primer
- Foundation vs Concealer: What’s The Difference?
- Why Your Foundation Separates + 6 Quick Fixes