7 Face Oils for Smooth Makeup Application

September 22, 2021

By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Using face oil during the day can be intimidating — after all, no one wants their makeup to look greasy. But for just a moment, we urge you to put your concerns aside because layering a hydrating oil under your foundation can actually provide a radiant, lit-from-within look that no single makeup product can match on its own. This beauty hack is especially useful if you have a dry complexion. To help you find the best face oil to use under foundation, we’re rounding up our favorite non-greasy options that will have your skin glowing in no time.

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Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate

Made of ginger root, sunflower and tamanu oils, this concentrate helps reduce signs of fatigue and make the skin appear more youthful and radiant. Plus, makeup glides right over top, making it the perfect way to prime your face before foundation.

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Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil

Lancôme’s ultra-lightweight oil blends seven precious botanical oils including rose oil to deeply nourish and replenish skin. It melts on skin making a smooth base perfect for makeup application.

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil

This is the ultimate hydrating face oil for dull, tired-looking skin that needs a little pick-me-up before applying makeup. It’s formulated with a unique blend of five ceramides and sunflower oil called CeraPlex that works to moisturize every crevice and dry patch.

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YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Blur Primer

This YSL primer-oil hybrid will forever change the way your makeup looks throughout the day. It conditions the skin and increases luminosity with four nourishing oils — corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil, and rice bran oil — to leave skin feeling incredibly soft without a greasy residue.

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Kinship Oat Ceramide Relief Oil

This fast-absorbing face oil is formulated with oat ceramides that help soothe stressed skin before applying makeup on top. Plus, it's rich in fatty acids identical to those in skin, helping support the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s also the perfect addition to any clean and/or vegan beauty routine.

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Africa Miranda Facial Elixir

This Black-owned brand drew inspiration from Brazilian beauty to create its facial elixir blended with maracuja oil, cupuacu butter with other skin-nourishing ingredients. Not only can you use this under your makeup, but mix a small amount with foundation for a dewy finish.

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Everyday Oil: Mainstay

Having hydrated and supple skin makes a world of difference when you’re applying foundation. Don’t believe us? Apply this product, which is formulated with a mix of argan, jojoba and coconut oils, before your foundation to create a smooth base, and prepare to be amazed by the difference. You can also mix a bit of the oil in with your foundation for an even glowier finish.

Photo: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy