Understand Your Skin Type
The first step to controlling oily skin with makeup is understanding your skin type. Knowing your skin type will help you choose the right products when it comes to makeup. Oily skin is characterized by skin that appears shiny, greasy and often has visible pores. It usually presents as a combination of different skin types, so it’s important to understand the specific needs of your skin.
This article will give you some helpful tips on how to control oily skin with makeup:
Identify if your skin is oily
In order to maintain healthy and balanced skin, it is important to know your skin type and understand its needs. Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production which can cause the pores to become clogged, leading to acne breakouts. This type of skin also has a tendency to look shiny – especially on the forehead, nose and chin – due to the extra oil present on the surface.
Although this might sound like all bad news for those with oily skin, there are several benefits as well! Having an oily complexion means that your skin will age slower than other types of skin since the extra sebum provides natural hydration and serves as a barrier against external factors like pollution. Also, oily skin tends to have fewer wrinkles because of its high collagen content.
Some common signs that you are dealing with an oily complexion include:
- Noticing oiliness soon after washing your face
- Having shiny or greasy patches on your face, especially in specific parts such as the forehead and cheeks
- Enlarged pores around these areas
- Feeling them getting congested more easily
If any of these signs coincide with each other, then you are more likely to have an oily complexion.
Determine the severity of your oily skin
It is important to first identify how oily your skin is before beginning a skin care routine to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Oily skin can range from mild to severe, so keeping it balanced and healthy is key. Knowing the severity of oiliness can help to determine which methods work best in managing it.
- Mild Oily Skin: Those with mild oily skin may experience their T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) becoming shiny or feeling slightly greasy throughout the day. It may also feel tight or dry in other areas of the face such as the cheeks or around the eyes and mouth.
- Moderate Oily Skin: People with moderate oily skin may find that after a few hours following washing their face, excess oil begins to appear on their forehead, nose and chin – sometimes spreading over other areas of their face as well. This type of oiliness may require more frequent cleansing than milder cases but not necessarily require more intensive treatments than non-oily skin types might receive.
- Severe Oily Skin: Severely oily individuals may experience extreme amounts of shine on their face only moments after cleansing it and by midday, may have large amounts of oil spread all over their face leading to clogged pores and/or breakouts. It’s important for those with severely oily skin to wash several times a day (no more than twice), use harsh cleansers sparingly but consistently, remain consistent in their routine, use blotting paper when needed, etc., paired up with an appropriate professional treatment plan designed specifically for them by a dermatologist or esthetician.
Choose the Right Products
Controlling an oily face with makeup can be a difficult job. However, it’s not impossible! Choosing the right products is essential in order to keep the shine from coming through. Primers, foundations, blushes, face powders, and setting sprays are all important items to have in your makeup toolkit if you want to minimize oily skin.
In this section, we’ll cover how to choose the right products for oily skin:
Use oil-free and non-comedogenic products
If you have oily skin, it is important to use facial care and makeup products that are labeled oil-free and carry a non-comedogenic label. Non-comedogenic means that the product has been formulated in such a way that it won’t clog your pores, which makes this type of product ideal for oily skin. Look for brands like Neutrogena, Cetaphil and Clean & Clear to keep your face free from grease and shine.
Your moisturizer should also be oil-free and water based. When shopping for oils creams or lotions, ask the department store salesperson to tell you which ones are oil free. Make sure to check not only the label but also ingredients list in order to verify which one is suitable for your skin type.
When choosing foundation for an oily complexion, look for one that includes dimethicone – this ingredient helps absorb excess oil on the face. Many brands also offer special formula foundations specifically designed for those who suffer from excess shine throughout the day or have acne prone skin as they’re designed with special properties like matte finish or oil-absorbing coverage technologies. You can also look out for press powders which will help your makeup last longer while absorbing excess facial oils at the same time so that you can stop worrying about unwanted shine all day long!
Look for products labeled as mattifying
When shopping for facial products, it is important to know the differences between products designed to reduce shine and those designed to keep your skin properly hydrated. Oily skin needs hydration, but if you don’t choose the right product, you can end up feeling greasier than when you started. Look for labels like “mattifying,” “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” on facial cleansers and moisturizers to help control shine.
Specifically, mattifying products contain ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), clay or other absorbent minerals that help draw excess oil away from your face without over drying your skin. They are also often formulated with light reflecting ingredients that create a subtle glow while keeping your appearance smooth and polished. Mattifying serums, foundations, powders and setting sprays can also be used daily or intermittently as needed throughout the day to maintain a matte finish for hours.
Choose a foundation with a matte finish
Foundations come in a variety of finishes, from dewy to matte. To determine if you need a matte foundation, consider your skin type: oily and combination skin types will benefit from the shine control that matte foundations offer. However, certain matte foundations can be too drying for those with already dry skin. Opt for a tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation with lightweight coverage if you have dry skin.
Before choosing a foundation, consider the application process: the best way to apply your foundation is with either fingertips or an applicator brush. Fingertips offer warm coverage and easy blending, while an applicator brush gives you greater control over the amount of product applied and where it’s placed on your face. For thicker mattifying formulas, using an applicator brush is highly recommended as it creates a more even and streak-free finish! Whichever application method you choose, make sure to blend thoroughly so that you get seamless coverage without any obvious lines or streaks.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect product for your needs, double-check its shelf life—as any makeup with expired ingredients can cause irritation or breakouts on skin!
Prep Your Skin
Before applying any makeup products to an oily skin, it is important to properly prep your skin. It is essential to start with a clean and clear base, so make sure to use a gentle cleanser to remove any excess dirt, oil and makeup.
After cleansing, you can use a toner to help balance the skin’s pH levels. Finish off your skin care routine with a moisturiser designed for oily skin to help keep your skin hydrated. Going through these steps helps create a smooth base for makeup application.
Cleanse your skin
The first step to controlling oily skin is to double cleanse your face. Start with a cleansing oil to dissolve makeup, dirt and other impurities on the surface of your skin. Massage it into your skin for a few minutes and then wash it away with lukewarm water. Follow up with a foaming cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which helps to further break down makeup, clear clogged pores and control shine. Massage the foam over your skin for at least one minute before rinsing away. Both cleansers should leave you with a clean slate so the next steps in prepping can be properly applied.
Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliation is an important step in any skin care routine as it helps remove dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of the skin. When performed regularly, exfoliation can help reveal healthier looking skin and give it a more even texture and tone.
There are two main types of exfoliants: mechanical and chemical.
- Mechanical exfoliants are used by physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive material. This can be done with a gritty scrub, gentle brush, or washcloth. The most important thing to keep in mind when using a mechanical exfoliant is to use gentle pressure so as to not damage or irritate the skin.
- Chemical exfoliants are products that contain special ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA). These substances work to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be rinsed or wiped away more easily. AHA’s and BHA’s are available in cleansers, masks, toners, moisturizers and scrubs that can be used at home once or twice a week for best results.
Apply a light moisturizer
For optimal effect and to help keep your skin hydrated, use a light moisturizer for daily skincare. There are many different types of moisturizers to consider when prepping your skin; cream, oil-based, or lotion based should be selected according to the type of skin you have and the condition it is in.
- Cream-based moisturizers, while heavier and thicker in texture, are commonly formulated with vitamins that provide deeply nourishing effects.
- Oil-based formulations help protect skin’s natural layer while providing an additional protective barrier.
- Lotion-based moisturizers are much lighter than the other two types but still contain essential nutrients needed for optimum protection.
Choose a good quality lightweight moisturizer with SPF protection to apply before exposing your skin to sunlight or other harsh environmental conditions as this will help protect against damage caused by UV rays, dehydration and irritation.
Apply Makeup
Applying makeup is a great way to control oily skin as it can help reduce shine and redness while providing coverage. The type of makeup you use is also important, as it should be oil-free and non-comedogenic. To ensure the best results, it is important to use the right foundation and setting powder to give your skin a matte finish.
Keep reading to learn more about how to apply makeup for oily skin:
Start with a primer
The key to achieving a long-lasting and smooth makeup look starts with a good primer. Primers provide an additional layer between your skin and makeup, helping to create an even canvas for foundation and other products. Primers help to lock in moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, create a smoother base layer that will help your makeup stay in place longer, and even out the tone of your skin before you apply makeup.
Generally speaking, primers should be applied before foundation to achieve maximum staying power.
Use a mattifying foundation
Matte foundations are formulated to give you a smooth, non-shiny complexion. They work well for anyone with oily skin or simply anyone who wants to keep their skin looking natural. Most matte foundations are oil-free and contain matte ingredients like silica to create a long lasting shine-free finish.
Look for mattifying primers prior to applying your foundation that will control excess oil, reduce pore size, and help make sure your makeup lasts all day. Additionally, using a good setting powder is essential for getting that “no makeup look” with your foundation – it helps keep everything in check so you don’t have to worry about mid-day touch ups or the dreaded T-zone shine!
Use a loose powder to set your makeup
Applying a loose powder to your face helps prevent oiliness throughout the day. First, wash your face using a gentle cleanser and then apply a primer on the face before applying any other makeup. After you apply your foundation and concealers, use a damp sponge or brush to lightly dust the loose powder on your face.
You can also use an oily skincare product underneath your makeup for better coverage. When it comes to setting makeup, try using a medium-coverage translucent powder as it is lightweight and helps prevent shine without looking overly made up. Finish with a coloured pressed powder that matches your skintone for added coverage, durability and control of shine.
Other Tips
To better control your oily face, there are many other helpful tips you should consider outside of using makeup. For instance, you should use products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and labeled “for oily skin”. You should also make sure to never skip moisturizing and wash your face twice a day using a mild cleanser. Making sure to exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week can also help to absorb oil and keep your skin looking fresh.
Use blotting papers to absorb excess oil
Blotting papers are an essential tool to control oily skin by quickly absorbing any excess sebum (oil) on the surface of your skin that may be causing shine. They effectively absorb excess oils from the skin, help minimize pores and even out skin tone – all without disturbing your makeup.
To use, simply press a sheet of blotting paper against any shiny areas of your face. You’ll be amazed at how much oil it soaks up from your T-Zone and other facial areas where sebum builds up most easily. When you’re finished, wait for a few minutes for the oil absorption to take effect then apply powder or a light matte foundation – not heavy liquid foundations – over top to keep oil at bay throughout the day.
Avoid heavy or creamy makeup products
Opt for noncomedogenic makeup that won’t clog your pores and lead to a greasy-looking finish. To combat oiliness, you should use lightly textured and oil-free products that have fewer emollients that can potentially add more excess oil to the face. Choose a lightweight foundation, serum, or tinted moisturizer with mineral pigments and powder formulas instead of creamy formulas.
And if you find yourself still too shiny after applying your makeup base, apply a loose powder foundation on top of it. This will help absorb the excess sebum and give your skin a matte finish. As an added bonus, using powder foundations can also help strengthen its staying power even when exposed to humidity.
Reapply makeup throughout the day, if needed
At midday or during the day, your skin’s oils may start to break through whatever makeup you put on in the morning. To combat this, try carrying a few oil-blotting papers in your bag to help remove some of the excess oil without upsetting the makeup you already have on. Blotting papers usually come in small packs and fit neatly into a pocket or cosmetic bag.
You can also use contact lens solution and clean cotton swabs to gently remove oily areas of your face and reapply makeup without damaging your existing look. Using a light powder can help temporarily set any oily patches as well, especially if you have a combination skin type that is prone to oiliness in some areas throughout the day. Make sure not to cake face powder on all areas of the face, since wetness and subtleness are key when creating an even complexion while highlighting facial features such as cheeks and eyes with blush/bronzer/eyeshadow.