20 Beauty Products Reviewers Say Actually Helped To Avoid Shine

Mar 12, 2024

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

You'll want these oil-fighting products in your rotation.

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Promising review: "Very lightweight and provides smooth sheer look! Last at least 12 hours and helps control shine." —Andrea Nunn

Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes and five shades).

Promising review: "My skin is a strange combo of dry and oily and it's frustrating because moisturizers are either way too heavy or not hydrating enough. This primer helps control the oil and shine throughout the day, I highly recommend!" —jinxy903

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "I really like this mask, I use it two times a week and it has a light fresh scent, and immediately after use, I can see my pores are smaller and for the next few days it really keeps my oily/combination skin in check, my midday shine is nonexistent the next day and then is significantly reduced the next two days before I use again." —amelia

Get it from Amazon for $11.45.

Promising review: "Love this powder. I use it on top of my foundation to 'lightly set it' and take off the shine. It works great and the shade is perfect for me (#5 = Pearl). I have a very pale skin and most face powders look either orange or yellow on me. This one is perfect! And it lasts." —Diana Dewolf

Get it from Amazon for $11.09 (available in 20 shades).

Whether I'm braving the summer heat or jumping into the pool, this setting spray keeps my makeup perfectly intact. While I've tried others, I find myself returning to this one because it truly lives up to its claims. By the end of the day, my mascara, blush, and foundation are precisely where I left them in the AM.

Promising review: "I first tried out this product New Year's Eve. After getting caught in the rain, sitting on a humid bus, and walking some more through the rain, I reached my destination looking no different than when I first left my apartment. As the night progressed, my face stayed in place and this product prevented the shine/oil that typically occurs mid-night with my makeup. It was a shame to wash my makeup off at the end of the night because it still looked so gorgeous." —kryssimarie

Get it from Sephora for $16+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I love it. I have extra oily skin and this product has changed the game. No pimples, no extra shine, no irritation." —Ivis Villarreal

Get it from Amazon for $11.75+ (available in two sizes).

This foundation is a go-to of mine and is the only one I find myself repurchasing over and over again. With each application, it feels lightweight on my skin yet still conceals blemishes and evens out my skin tone. Also: it's super hydrating *and* buildable.

Promising review: "This is my holy grail foundation! I have oily skin and this is one of the very few foundations that really lasts all day and leaves me without shine. It also looks super natural and doesn't get cakey, especially after I've been wearing it for hours which is usually a problem for me with other foundations." —nikkifoxy

Get it from Sephora for $45+ (available in two sizes and 39 shades).

Promising review: "This product definitely controls the shine on my T-Zone. I've tried so many loose powders. Most of the disappear after a few hours after applying it. My skin stays matte all day when I use this one. And it lasts forever!" —Sephora reviewer

Get it from Sephora for $29+ (available in two sizes and six shades).

Promising review: "This is my go-to product. I don't use goopy foundations, just this miracle powder to lighten the ugly blackness under my eyes and take the shine off my face. As other people have mentioned the effect on the skin is wonderful. I rarely ever have breakouts anymore. I can't ever think of using a product other than this one. I used to use the MAC equivalent, but this is more reasonably priced and actually does more. If they ever stopped making this, I'd cry!" —Maggie Bouldin

Get it from Amazon for $28.03 (available in 24 shades).

Promising review: "This is great, it doesn't leave a white residue when you spray it. Soaks in and take the oily shine away. Keeps hair nice for an extra day or two between washes. Smells great as well. My stylist recommended this brand to me." —Kim D.

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "This is the first foundation I have used that actually looks natural, is lightweight, doesn't clog my pores, doesn't require powder, isn't shiny or matte, and feels like nothing! And still, it provides superior, buildable coverage where needed. The best part is the neutral shades are truly that; no pink or yellow tones to clash with my natural complexion. It matches perfectly and saves me time because it blends quickly without caking or streaking, and I can apply powdered blush or bronzer over it without telltale drag marks because this doesn't stay wet or sticky on my skin. I am absolutely sold on this foundation!" —benb

Get it from Sephora for $55 (available in 42 shades).

Promising review: "I have used many different primers, and this one stands out as one of the best. It does just what it says it will do, giving your skin a more even tone and keeping the afternoon pools of shine away. In essence, I've purchased it before, I'll purchase it again, and I am happy to recommend it to anyone looking for good quality at a modest price. My experience was perfect, but everyone's skin can react differently." —J. Arena

Get it from Amazon for $6.61 (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I have extremely oily skin and have tried tons and tons of primers, mattifying foundations, etc. I’ve never had any luck with primers, as they either break me out or make my skin look even greasier...until now. I wore this out last night and it kept my skin matte, but not overly matte. It kept my t-zone shine free but still let my skin have a nice glow to it, without looking oily. I usually touch up with Make Up Forever HD powder throughout the night (or day) every hour or so, but with this, I only did it once over the course of 6 hours, and even then it wasn’t that necessary and I did so more out of habit. I would definitely recommend this to those who haven’t had luck with primers for oily skin in the past. Also, with this primer, I tap/pat it into my skin instead of rubbing it and then let it dry and set for a few minutes before I put on foundation. You don’t need a lot so I think it’s definitely worth the money and it’s the only thing that has kept my oily skin at bay without breaking out." —Sephora Reviewer

Get it from Sephora for $45.

Promising review: "I have an extremely oily T zone. An hour after applying makeup I need to apply more powder. I used this primer for the first time today. It was in the '90s and I was running around for hours at work sweating like crazy BUT my face and T zone were shine-free! Never once did I need to add powder! I am honestly shocked by how well this product worked! I have tried countless oil-controlling moisturizers, toners, primers, foundations, and powders none of which have come close to how well this worked!" —Sarah

Get it from Amazon for $12.59.

Promising review: "Finally decided to give this a whirl and I’m not mad at all. It goes great with my olive tone complexion and OMG it takes away any shine but isn't drying out your skin. Also a little goes a long way andddd lasts for hoursssss. At first I thought it was a lil' pricey but after using it price shmice lol who cares about a price when it’s a great product lol." —alisa

Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is the first product to EVER have a positive impact on my oily skin! I have wasted money on mattifying primers, face washes, masks...my face always felt slimy to me and my skin was so sensitive, everything made it break out. After just a couple days, I see my skin is looking smoother and there's a noticeable difference in shine control, even though it's been 90+ and humid! So pleased with this product and certainly can't beat the price." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.16.

Promising review: "Read about Paula's choice BHA toner from various beauty blogs and thought I’d give it a try. The product arrived in a nice secured package, the bottle was shrink-wrapped with ingredient list and exp date on the wrap, product seal on the cap. I apply using cotton which I can foresee to be quite wasteful considering the cotton ball keeps sucking in the liquid, unlike other toners. (Might want to just tap on your face with your fingers instead if you want it to go further). Works wonder, my face is definitely brighter and clearer that same day. Less shine through the day as well. (I have combination skin and tend to have shines a few hours after makeup routine). I also feel that my face lotion gets absorbed better after using acid toner so I don’t have to use too much. Keep in mind that a sunscreen is highly recommended afterward as this is an acid product which makes your face more sensitive to light." —bbz

Get it from Amazon for $12.35+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "No scent. Light mist. Keeps the shine down all day." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.54.

Promising review: "All the YouTube videos were right: This stuff really works! Set with some translucent powder and you’re shine-free and pore-free for over 8 hours!" —Caroline

Get it from Amazon for $9.

Promising review: "I love this! My forehead is very oily, and I have to check for shine at least 2–3 times a day. I always hated using blotting papers because they felt so wasteful. This is the perfect solution! It's small and easy to carry in a purse or even a wristlet. The handle ergonomics make it comfortable to hold. And it is so satisfying to use! You can see the stone absorbing oil as you roll it, and you're left with a perfectly matte effect. I use this on my forehead, between my eyes (behind my glasses) and along the sides of my nose, and on my chin. Ten seconds and voila, no more shine! I wash the stone once per week and let it air dry overnight, then pop it back in the holder and I'm good to go. No waste! Highly recommend." —haileynicole

Get it from Amazon for $9.49.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.