If you have oily skin, keeping your makeup fresh and shine-free throughout the day can be a challenge. Oily skin tends to break down makeup faster, leading to excess shine, clogged pores, and makeup that slides off by midday. But with the right products and techniques, you can keep your makeup looking flawless for hours. In this guide, we’ll share the best tips and tricks to help you control oil and make your makeup last all day, even on the oiliest skin.
Why Oily Skin Needs Special Care for Long-Lasting Makeup
Oily skin produces excess sebum, which can cause makeup to wear off quickly or appear greasy. To combat this, it’s essential to start with a skincare routine that controls oil production and use makeup products that are designed for longevity. By choosing the right combination of mattifying and long-wear products, you can ensure that your makeup stays fresh from morning to night.
Step-by-Step Makeup Routine for Oily Skin
- Start with a Mattifying Cleanser
- Why it’s important: A good cleanser removes excess oil and preps your skin for makeup. Cleansing your skin with a mattifying formula helps reduce oil production throughout the day.
- How to apply: Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to wash your face in the morning. Focus on your T-zone, which is where most people with oily skin tend to shine the most.
- Tip: Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin, as this can trigger more oil production.
- Product Recommendation: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is an excellent option for oily skin, helping to control oil without drying out your skin.
- Use an Oil-Free, Mattifying Moisturizer
- Why it’s important: Even oily skin needs hydration, but choosing the wrong moisturizer can make your skin look greasy. An oil-free, mattifying moisturizer helps balance your skin without adding extra shine.
- How to apply: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to your face and neck. Make sure it fully absorbs before applying any makeup.
- Tip: Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which hydrate the skin without adding oil.
- Product Recommendation: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates oily skin without making it greasy.
- Prime with a Mattifying Primer
- Why it’s important: A mattifying primer helps to control oil and create a smooth base for makeup. It also helps your foundation stay in place longer by preventing excess oil from breaking it down.
- How to apply: Apply the primer to your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where oil production is highest. Use a small amount and press it into the skin to ensure even application.
- Tip: Use a pore-minimizing primer to blur large pores, which are common in oily skin.
- Product Recommendation: Benefit POREfessional Matte Rescue Primer helps to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores for a smooth, matte finish.
- Choose a Long-Wear, Matte Foundation
- Why it’s important: A matte foundation is key to keeping oily skin shine-free. Long-wear formulas are designed to stay in place throughout the day, even in humid conditions.
- How to apply: Apply a long-wear, matte foundation with a damp beauty sponge for a smooth, even finish. Start with a small amount and build up coverage as needed.
- Tip: For extra longevity, use a setting spray before applying foundation for added staying power.
- Product Recommendation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is known for its long-lasting, full coverage and matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin.
- Set Your Makeup with a Translucent Powder
- Why it’s important: Setting your makeup with a translucent powder helps absorb excess oil and keeps your foundation from sliding off. A good setting powder will lock in your makeup and control shine throughout the day.
- How to apply: Use a fluffy brush to lightly dust translucent powder over your T-zone and any other areas that tend to get oily. Focus on setting areas like your forehead, nose, and chin.
- Tip: Avoid using too much powder, as it can make your makeup look cakey. A light dusting is enough to control oil.
- Product Recommendation: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a cult favorite for oily skin, providing a smooth, matte finish without flashback in photos.
- Use Long-Wear Eyeshadow and Eyeliner
- Why it’s important: Oily eyelids can cause eyeshadow and eyeliner to crease or smudge throughout the day. Long-wear, waterproof formulas help your eye makeup stay in place.
- How to apply: Start with an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing. Apply your eyeshadow and eyeliner as usual, opting for waterproof eyeliner if you tend to get oily around your eyes.
- Tip: Avoid creamy eyeshadows or pencil liners, as these can smudge easily on oily lids.
- Product Recommendation: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion keeps eyeshadow in place all day, while Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is perfect for a smudge-proof cat eye.
- Finish with a Mattifying Setting Spray
- Why it’s important: A mattifying setting spray locks in your makeup and helps control oil throughout the day. It provides a final layer of protection against shine and prevents makeup from melting or fading.
- How to apply: Hold the setting spray 8-10 inches away from your face and mist it evenly across your skin. Let it dry naturally for the best results.
- Tip: For extra staying power, use a mattifying setting spray after applying your foundation and again after finishing your makeup.
- Product Recommendation: Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray keeps makeup locked in place while controlling oil and shine.
Bonus Tips for Oily Skin
- Blot Throughout the Day: Instead of reapplying powder, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
- Choose Oil-Free Products: Opt for oil-free makeup products, especially for foundation, primers, and moisturizers, to reduce excess shine.
- Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, which can make oily skin worse.
Conclusion:
With the right skincare and makeup routine, you can keep your oily skin under control and enjoy a shine-free, long-lasting makeup look. Focus on mattifying, oil-free products, and make sure to set your makeup with powder and setting spray for added longevity. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your makeup looking flawless all day, no matter how oily your skin gets.
