Top 10 Products for Oily Skin (All Under $25)

Us oily-faced gals have it hard.  We can't just slap any ole' moisturizer, primer, or foundation on our faces and call it a day.  We try product after product in hopes that the next big thing will solve all our oil-ridden problems.  The truth is, no product, no matter how convincing, can completely stop oil production.  It's taken me a while and a lot of wasted money on worthless products to come to terms with that.  I've come across a lot of duds in the process, but have gotten lucky on the select few listed below.

I would like to mention that not all of these products will work for everyone, these are just recommendations based off of how they worked for MY pitifully oily skin.

1.  Almay TLC ($11) and 2.  Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance Foundation ($10): Although decent on their own, I prefer to use these two together for an even better foundation.  As far as controlling oil, these two are at the top of the list.  I can go pretty much all day without blotting or adding extra powder which is an absolute miracle in my book!

3.  Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation ($8): This is my most recent addition, and I couldn't be happier!  This foundation is lightweight and looks very natural while having a good medium coverage.  If you are going to purchase this, we wary of the color names.  Mine is "true ivory" and it is anything but ivory.  A great, CHEAP foundation!

4.  No. 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation ($14): This is very much like Revlon's ColorStay foundation (which is good, but is a little too heavy for me).  This is great if you want a little extra coverage without it feeling too heavy.  It sets pretty quickly and dries to a natural matte finish.

5.  Real Techniques Expert Face Brush ($9):  A brush is quite an odd thing to add to this list, but I find this to be very helpful in foundation application.  I don't know what it is about this brush, but anytime I use something else (my hands, a sponge, or other brush) my foundation doesn't last nearly as long.  A wonderful brush at a great price!

6.  Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz ($8):  This seriously puts Urban Decay's De-slick Setting Spray to shame.  De-slick was my go-to primer but since getting this impulse-buy at Target, I am hooked.  First of all, this is way cheaper and bigger than Urban Decay's and, of course, smells wonderful.  I will definitely not be wasting my money with Urban Decay while this puppy is still available!  I use this right out of the shower as a primer and follow-up with my Lorac Neutralizer (click for my full review).

7.  Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner ($8): A lot of times, with oily skin comes acne-prone skin, and this product combats both.  I wouldn't call my life stressful, but I find this to be better than regular salicylic acid toners because it doesn't irritate my skin and cause it to produce even more oil.  I use this at night after cleansing and removing makeup and before applying this next beauty...

8.  L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate ($25): This is one of those rare products that actually does what it claims.  It shrinks pores, minimizes lines, smooths skin, and helps control oil.  A great product for those twenty-somethings who, like me, are still struggling with oil and large pores.

9.  Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($5): No surprise, here!  This is always a staple for people with oily skin (with good reason)!  This is one of only two powders I use (the second is next up), and although it probably won't last all day on my skin on its own, it lasts a heck of a lot longer than other powders!  Tip: apply powder with a sponge to the oiliest parts of your face and use a brush on the rest.  Using a sponge will better conceal large pores and will allow more product to stick to those problem areas.

10.  e.l.f. High Definition Powder ($6): I just recently started using this in my daily regimen although I've had it for quite a while.  On it's own, it's pretty blah as far as oil control, however, when used with the Stay Matte powder, it makes all the difference.  I'm telling you, apply this lightly with a large powder brush to your entire face, and you'll be on your way to staying shine-free all day!

Do you have any must-have products for oily skin?  Leave a comment or tweet me your recommendations!