10 Best Foundations for Oily Black African Skin

There’s nothing quite like a little bit of makeup to completely transform your look and boost your confidence when you go out. As a dark-skinned person, though, finding the right shade of foundation to match your skin tone can be quite tricky. This is even more difficult when you have oily skin and need a foundation that also caters to the need of your skin type. Because we understand your struggle to find the right products to achieve a flawless look, we’ve put together a great list of foundations. It does not only come in shades that will ideally suit darker skin tones but are also great products to use on oily skin.

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

It’s one thing to be able to find a foundation that works well with your oily skin, and it's another thing to be able to find something like this as a dark-skinned woman. If you’ve been searching far and wide for a foundation that will be perfect for your oily dark skin, then we’ve got some very good news for you. The NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation comes in 20 different skin shades, 10 of those shades are suited for women ranging between medium skin to deep skin tones. This foundation offers you natural-looking coverage that’ll have you looking effortlessly flawless.

One of the problems with wearing foundation is that it can sometimes look too heavy, however, with the NARS foundation, you don’t have to worry because it gives you a weightless look. That’s because it is specially formulated with flexible polymers and rich pigments that make it perfectly balanced for your oily skin. In addition to that, it blends easily and effortlessly. The NARS foundation delivers on 16-hour wear so that your make up looks perfect all day long.

Key features

• Comes in 20 different shades
• Offers a 16-hour wear
• Full yet natural-looking coverage
• Incorporates flexible polymers and rich pigments

MAC Mineralize Moisture Fluid SPF15 Foundation

If you appreciate the effortlessly natural look, then you’ll be sure to love the MAC Mineralize Moisture Fluid SPF15 Foundation. This foundation gets rid of any fine lines and imperfections without looking too heavy or cakey. Suitable for different skin types, this product is dermatologically tested and proven to work well with sensitive skin. It is a buildable product in terms of coverage, as such, it can deliver medium to full coverage depending on how little or how much you apply. This MAC product is impressive in so many different ways.

To start with, it is a hydration foundation, making it perfect for people with oily skin. It further reduces the production of sebum on your face by providing moisture for your skin. It also contains SPF15, which acts as a form of protection from sun damage. In addition to this, it is extremely long-wearing, so you'll look flawless for up to 15 hours after the initial application. It is also true to color, coming in 13 different shades, 7 of which are suited for medium to dark-skinned women.

Key features

• Works as a hydration foundation
• Contains SPF 15
• Comes in 13 different shades
• Is suitable for people with sensitive skin

Lancôme Teint Idole Long Wearing Foundation

A bestselling foundation, Lancôme Teint Idole Long Wearing Foundation is one to die for, especially if you have oily skin. When you wear foundation, one of the everyday worries is how your makeup will be affected when exposed to hot or humid weather. With oily skin, your concerns are heightened, as heat typically results in a greasy looking face. With this foundation, however, you can wave goodbye to all your worries, as this product is specially designed to suit oily skin since it's not humidity resistant. This simply means that it delivers a natural, matte finish that stays perfect throughout the day.

It is also transfer-resistant, so regardless of whether you finish your makeup routine with a setting spray or not, this foundation isn’t going anywhere. It is equally free from any oils, making it non-comedogenic and ideal for sensitive skin. It is also lightweight and breathable on the surface, with a long-lasting color that does not fade or oxidize. To crown it all up, it's tested under dermatological control, and comes in 50 different shades, with provisions for darker skin.

Key features

• Is non-comedogenic
• Comes in 50 different skin shades
• Are humidity and transfer-resistant
• Delivers a well set, matte finish

L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation

When you wear makeup, the goal is typically to look stunning, and there’s no better foundation to help you achieve that goal than the L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation. This foundation is unlike any other that you’ve worn before, trust us. When you think of a natural-looking foundation, your mind should automatically go to the True Match foundation. This product delivers medium coverage that is completed with a natural finish so that no one can tell just where your skin ends and where the foundation begins.

It not only matches your skin shade but also comes in shades that match your undertone, for a genuinely natural-looking result. As an oily skin diva, you need a foundation that will work well with your skin type, and True Match is just that. It is oil-free and so won’t clog your pores, even more, it's hydrating and incorporates SPF for protection from sun damage. This foundation can also be used to achieve a full coverage look if that’s what you’re after. It comes in 45 actual shades and is lightweight wear.

Key features

• Is hydrating and contains SPF
• Comes in 45 different skin shades
• Different shades to also match your undertone
• Delivers a natural, skin-like finish

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

If you have dark skin, then this foundation is what you’ve been searching for since you discovered how to put on makeup. When it comes to skin tone matching, it doesn’t get any better than Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. The foundation comes in 40 different shades, with impressively accurately matching shades for dark-skinned people. But it is so much more than that.

Let’s start with the formula; it's specially formulated to deliver full-coverage on acne scars, or dark spots so you can achieve a truly radiant, camera-ready look. It is one of the best foundations on the market for oily skin, as its oil-free formula is made using a climate-adaptive technology that makes it sweat and humidity-resistant. It is also non-comedogenic and free from fragrances, so don't worry about it clogging your pores. To crown it all up, it's lightweight and is long-wearing so you can look and feel gorgeous throughout the day.

Key features

• Is lightweight and long-lasting
• Comes in 40 different skin shades
• Are oil and fragrance-free
• Are sweat and humidity resistant

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is a most viable option if you're looking for an all-rounder. This product is impressive in more ways than one. When you talk about a natural-looking foundation, it delivers on all fronts. Just like its name implies, this Fit Me Matte foundation is guaranteed to match your exact skin tone. It comes in 40 different shades and four different tone categories; you can choose from ‘medium/deep to medium’ and ‘deep to medium/deep'.

It also offers medium to full coverage that you can build on depending on the look you’re going for. It is equally all-day matte wear that is humidity proof. As a result, you’re left looking smooth and glowy instead of greasy throughout the day. Furthermore, it is free from oils and is non-comedogenic, and as such, is ideal for oily skin. It is also dermatologically tested and can be used on sensitive skin as well.

Key features

• Comes in 40 shades and 4 skin categories
• Delivers a natural, matte effect
• Is free from oils and fragrances
• Is humidity-proof

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

The most natural-looking foundation from this brand yet, the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is high for achieving your everyday look. This foundation offers medium to full coverage and covers up any blemishes, fine lines, and dark spots so that your skin is effortlessly exceptional. It equally contains a fantastic list of ingredients that all work together; not only help to achieve a great makeup look but also contribute towards healthier skin overall.

This product incorporates coconut water, which delicately hydrates and moisturizes the skin all day long. It also contains alpine roses that help improve your skin’s health and resilience. In addition to that is the hyaluronic acid component that gives the appearance of a smoother and more youthful glow. Altogether, the Born This Way foundation is free from oils, and as such, would be a good fit for oily skin. It doesn’t clog your pores, so you never have to worry about acne breakouts after wearing it. In 35 different skin shades, this product offers a wide selection for dark skin.

Key features

• Is a long-lasting foundation
• Delivers on medium to full coverage
• Contains coconut water and alpine rose
• Improves skin health and moisturizes the skin

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

Available in 30 shades, more than half of which can be worn by people with a range of skin tones, the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 is the foundation that oily skin cries out for. This foundation is water-based instead of oil-based, and so works throughout the day to provide your skin with much-needed moisture and hydration. As a result, you can rock a clean, smooth look instead of a greasy one. It contains SPF 15 for UV protection and is free of any oils and ingredients that could clog your pores. This makes it a great pick for people with oily skin and sensitive skin.

Even more, the Bobbi Brown foundation offers you buildable coverage, so you can accomplish a medium, more natural coverage, or full coverage depending on your personal preference. It is also easy to apply and lightweight, so it doesn’t look caked up when used. The best thing about it is that it is very affordable, so you don’t need to break the bank to get it.

Key features

• Is available in 30 skin shades
• Is a water-based foundation
• Is suitable for oily and sensitive skin
• Medium and full coverage offering

BECCA Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation

Cover up those stubborn spots, blemishes, and lines with the BECCA Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation. This foundation removes any appearance of imperfection from your look so you can leave home feeling and look confident. However, it is one thing to have a great foundation, and it's another thing to have a foundation explicitly designed for your oily skin. This product is both; it absorbs any excess oil on your skin so you can achieve a genuinely matte look.

It is equally free from oil, alcohol, phthalates, and fragrances, and so it is non-comedogenic and gentle enough to be used on susceptible skin. The BECCA foundation comes in a super creamy formula that smoothly glides over your face for an effortless application. It is also buildable so you can achieve medium to full coverage with this product. It keeps your skin grease-free thanks to micro-fine oil-absorbing powders included in the formula, and it comes in 20 true-to-shade tones that do not oxidize and change color.

Key features

• Contains micro-fine oil-absorbing powders for a shine-free look
• Comes in 20 different skin shades
• Covers any imperfections and blemishes
• Is free from oils, alcohol, and fragrances

REVLON ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation

The REVLON ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation is a product created especially for people with oily and combination skin types. This formula is lightweight and easy wearing so you never feel like you’re wearing heavy makeup. It comes in a smooth, gliding consistency that makes it even easier to apply. Further, REVLON Foundation offers you an even matte look that is tested and proven to last you all day long.

If that doesn’t impress you, then its long-lasting shine control technology, which is guaranteed to maintain the matte, will surely stand out. The ColorStay foundation is oil-free, as such, it will not clog your pores and cause breakouts. It also offers you SPF protection to prevent sun damage. A convenient pump for a mess-free application is included in the package. This handy addition can be used for full or medium coverage. Available in 43 shades in light, medium, and dark categories, this product makes provisions for dark-skinned people.

Key features

• Can be suited for both oily and combination skin
• Provides medium to full coverage
• Delivers 24 hours, all-day wear
• Contains SPF 15

FAQs

Why is black skin oily?

There are different skin types, with the most common being dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. Now, if you didn’t already know, people with darker skin tones are more likely to have oily skin than people with lighter skin tones. But why? To understand why black skin is more likely to be oily it's important to understand the science behind black skin.

Black skin is a result of very high levels of melanin, which is a substance present in the skin that produces a dark pigment. When a person has high levels of melanin in their skin, they'll automatically have dark skin. High amounts of melanin can also be present in the hair and eyes, resulting in dark hair and eyes. When a person has dark skin as a result of melanin, they are more likely to have more prominent sebaceous glands.

For clarification, sebaceous glands are tiny glands responsible for secreting layers of sebum or oil that act as lubricants. With more prominent sebaceous glands, more sebum is produced, which further results in oily skin. This is the primary reason why black skin is more likely to be oily.

Why is black skin shiny?

When it comes to black or dark skin, research has shown that people with this skin shade are more likely to have an oily to combination skin type, compared to people of lighter or whiter shades. In fact, there was a study done on women, which showed that up to 65% with highly pigmented (darker) skin have oily/combination skin. But how does oily skin translate to shiny skin? Well, as aforementioned, people with dark skin tend to have oily skin types due to larger sebaceous glands that end up producing more amounts of oil.

Dark-skinned people have larger sebaceous glands, as this is usually one of the effects of having high levels of melanin. When dark-skinned people live in temperate environments, their skin tries to fight dehydration by producing more oil or sebum. This excessive production of sebum is the skin attempting to moisturize itself. However, this often results in a shiny or greasy appearance. Sometimes, excess sebum production can even cause clogged pores and acne breakouts. If you're unlucky, it'll also cause dark spots. Altogether, this is how an oily skin type can translate to shiny looking skin.

How do you stop African Americans from getting oily skin?

Dark skinned people with oily skin often ask how they can adequately manage their skin type in order to avoid experiencing greasy looking skin and unnecessary acne breakouts. When you have dark, oily skin, sometimes managing it can be tricky. That being said, there are still a good number of things you can do to help the overall appearance of your skin. Some of them include:

• Cleansing: It is essential that you wash your face with a mild face wash twice a day; morning and night. Avoid using any harsh face washes with alcohol or astringent, as this can over-dry your skin and lead to excessive sebum production, and eventually, breakouts.
• Moisturizing: Another important step to incorporate into your skincare routine is moisturizing. Some people with oily skin tend to stay away from moisturizing as they believe it makes their skin greasier, however, the opposite is the case. Moisturizing hydrates your skin in the right way and controls oil production.
• Exfoliating: Exfoliating your skin when you have an oily skin type is critical. It is advised that you exfoliate your skin at least once every week to remove any dead skin cells and control your oil production. Make sure you use an exfoliant or scrub that is not too harsh or abrasive, as this can damage your skin in the long term.

What does it mean if your skin is oily?

This is one of the most common questions asked by people with oily skin. Again, oily skin is a result of larger sebaceous glands that produce more oil and sebum. That being said, different factors may cause oily skin or increase oiliness/sebum production. Some of the reasons you might have oily skin include:

• Genetics: Most times, a person simply has oily skin because it is in their genes and runs in the family. If you notice that your parents or other family members also deal with oily skin, oily skin probably runs in the family.
• Age: A less known factor connected to oily skin is age. People in their teens and 20s tend to have more oily skin compared to when they get to their 30s or get older. This is because the skin produces less oil as you grow older, so if you’re young with very oily skin, this may be one reason.
• Weather: Arid weather and environments can make your skin more oily or greasy than usual. Hot, dry, and humid areas and weather conditions can result in more sebum production as your skin tries to hydrate itself.

Does oily skin make you look darker?

Of course, having oily skin comes with its own concerns, one of which is whether it makes the skin darker. The good news is that your oily skin doesn’t inherently make you darker, the same way dark or combination skin doesn’t affect your skin complexion. However, there are some ways which oily skin, and not taking proper care of it, can result in a darker looking appearance.

First of all, having oily skin does not automatically cause you to have a darker skin tone. But, sometimes, people with oily black skin can look darker than they are. This is because the layer of oil resting on their surface of the skin is more likely to attract any dirt, dust, soot, or external form of pollution. Once it sticks to the skin, it results in a darker and dirty-looking appearance.

Although oily skin doesn’t darken the shade of the skin, it can make your skin particularly sensitive to exposure from the sun and UV rays. This can cause skin burns, become hyperpigmented, and then darken. Based on that, it's advisable to take proper precautions by wearing sunscreen when you leave the house.