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How to Apply Makeup for Oily Skin: Shine-free and Flawless

Jami Stansfield
September 25, 2024
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Have you ever been there feeling that your makeup is perfect in the morning, then shiny and slipped off by lunchtime? I've been there, both with my skin and clients struggling with excess oil. As a makeup artist, I've learned that oily skin requires a specialized approach to makeup. With the right products and techniques, you can keep your makeup looking fresh and matte all day.

In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and the best makeup for oily skin with some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you achieve a long-lasting, matte finish that stays flawless all day.

Understanding Oily Skin

Oily skin is normally a result of excessively produced sebum, which often leads to shiny, clogged pores, and causes breakouts. People with oilier skin types experience struggles while trying to keep their makeup in place throughout the day at least around the T-zone area: the forehead, nose, and chin. Luckily, you can maintain your makeup intact and shine if you choose oil-free, non-comedogenic products and establish the right skincare routine.

Key Challenges of Oily Skin:

  • Shine:  Makeup becomes Greasy or shiny after a few hours.
  • Breakdowns: The foundation is inclined to break down on oily skin.
  • Clogged Pores: Oily skin is more prone to blackheads, acne, and enlarged pores.

With the right approach, you can counteract these challenges and enjoy long-lasting makeup that looks fresh.

How to do Makeup For Oily Skin

The first step in any makeup routine is prepping your skin. For oily skin, light, oil-free makeup is necessary to prevent the pores from clogging and to prevent increased oiliness. Here are some steps to follow for makeup on an oily face:

1. Cleanse and Moisturize

Start with an effective, oil-free cleanser that removes all the extra oils without removing the natural skin balance. Even though your skin is oily, moisturizing is very important because it keeps it balanced. Use a fragrance-free, hydrating formula containing hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin moisturized, not adding extra oil to it.

2. Apply a Makeup Primer

Use a suitable oily skin makeup primer. It would mattify the face, blur the enlarged pores, and even the skin. Try an oil-free primer that promises a matte finish, which is a path for long-lasting foundation.

3. Choosing the Right Foundation for Oily Skin

The type of foundation you use plays a huge role in how your makeup will be throughout the day. When you have oily skin, finding a formula that stays in place without looking too heavy is the key.

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  • Liquid Foundations for Oily Skin
  • Liquid foundations are great for oily skin, particularly when you go for oil-free, mattifying types. A medium coverage foundation or full coverage foundation gives you a perfect balance of coverage without going cakey. Matte liquid foundations, such as demi-matte finishes, keep oil at bay and offer a natural look. Prep with long-wear formulas to avoid having to mess with touch-ups. 

  • Powder Foundations
  • Powder foundations go well with oily skin as they absorb the extra oil while providing coverage. Pressed powders, particularly, are great for quick touch-ups and provide a smooth, matte finish to the skin. Opt for light formulas that do not accentuate fine lines or large pores.

  • Sheer and Lightweight Foundations
  • If one desires a more natural, light finish, proceed with sheer coverage or lightweight foundation formulas. These give just the right amount of coverage to even out the skin tone without feeling weight on the skin. They tend to work best for combination skin, where only partial areas get oily. 

  •  Full Coverage Foundations for Oily Skin
  • If you like full coverage to conceal dark spots or blemishes, a full-coverage foundation for oily skin is a must. Make sure the formula is non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores and a formula that can give a matte finish to help with shine.

    4. Blend & Set Your Foundation

    Setting powder over your foundation is key to oily skin for helping to lock it in and aiding oil control.

  • Foundation Brush vs. Makeup Sponge
  • You can finish the base with a foundation brush for an even, smooth application or with a damp makeup sponge for that skin-like finish. Another great advantage to using a sponge is it will soak up any excess product that you don't want to settle on your face and make your makeup feel thick or heavy. Whichever you use, make sure to blend well around the nose and T-zone.

  • Apply a Translucent Setting Powder
  • Set your foundation with a lightweight, transparent setting powder after the application of the foundation. This absorbs excess oil and sets your makeup without adding layers. Focus on the most oily parts of your face, like the T-zone area.

  • Pressed Powder for Touch-Ups
  • Always carry a compact of pressed powder with you for quick touch-ups throughout the day. It's just perfect to absorb shine without caking on more makeup.

    5. Conceal and Brighten

     Concealer is used to hide blemishes and dark circles, but for oily skin, consider the use of some other product that will not slip or crease.

  • An Oil-Free Concealer
  • Apply an oil-free and long-wearing concealer to cover dark spots, blemishes, and under-eye circles. Pick one that gives good coverage but won't settle into fine lines or fade during the day.

  • Set Concealer with Powder
  • To prevent creasing, set your concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder over it. This step sets your concealer and lets it last throughout the day, as would your foundation.

    6. Blush, Bronzer, and Contour

    When it comes to giving color to your face, powders are the best option for oily skin. That is because they serve to control shine.

  • Choose Powder Products
  • They absorb excess oil making it perfect for oily skin. It is better to avoid cream-based products as those tend to break down and shift on oily skin.

  • Apply Lightly and Build Gradually
  • A light dusting works great for a natural flush of color and contour on the skin without looking too overwhelming. You get the best effect when you work gradually, so avoid thick layers that eventually lead to makeup breakdown.

    7. Eye Makeup Tips for Oily Skin

    Smudgy, greasy eyelids often make eye shadow and eyeliner run or crease. These are some tips that can help you keep your eye makeup where you put it.

  • Prime Your Eyelids
  • Use an eyeshadow primer that is suited for oily lids. This provides one with a smooth and well-textured base and prevents eyeshadows from creasing or fading.

  • Opt Long-Wear, Waterproof Formulas
  • Look for long-wear, waterproof eyeliners and mascaras. All these formulas are oil-resistant, non-smudging, and smearing throughout the day.

    8. Lip Products for Oily Skin

    Though lip products are not affected by oily skin, picking the correct formula still makes a difference.

  • Long-Lasting and Mattifying Lipsticks
  • Matte lipsticks are long-lasting and have less smear or movement because of oil production in your skin. A bold matte lip finishes off the look with a shine-free complexion.

  • Lip Liner for Extra Definition
  • A lip liner that is in a shade near the shade of your lipstick prevents fading or bleeding giving an illusion of fuller lips. It helps to keep the lipstick stay and gives more definition to the lips.

    9. Set Everything with Setting Spray

    A setting spray will make everything stay in place all day. You can now seal it all with a mattifying or oil-control setting spray to keep everything locked down and shine well at bay.

  • Apply a Matte Setting Spray
  • Finish off your makeup by setting everything in its place with a matte setting spray; this helps control shine, extend wear, and give a natural finish.

  • Set with Powder for Added Longevity
  • For extremely oily skin, the trick is to set your makeup by applying a light dusting of powder, following up with a spritz of setting spray, and then lightly powdering again.

    Quick Fixes and Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin

    makeup-for-oily-skin
    • Exfoliate Regularly: Oily skin tends to collect dead skin cells and block pores. Exfoliating with washcloths 2-3 times a week helps to keep the pores clear and the makeup smooth.
    • Use Oil-Free Products: From cleansers to moisturizers, stick to oil-free products, which do not clog the pores or contribute to excess shine.
    • Keep Blotting Papers Handy: Blotting papers are a must-have for anyone with oily skin. They absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup and are great for quick touch-ups during the day. Press the paper onto your oily areas to reduce the shine.
    • Carry a Pressed Powder: Use a small brush or puff to apply the powder to any areas that feel oily or shiny giving you a demi matte finish.
    • Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and limiting sugary or greasy foods can also help reduce excess oil production.
    • Consult a dermatologist: If over-the-counter products aren’t effective, a dermatologist can recommend treatments like retinoids, chemical peels, or prescription medications to manage oily skin.

    Final Tips for Flawless Makeup on Oily Skin

    Now that you understand how to do makeup for oily skin, here are a few additional tips to ensure your makeup looks matte finish.

    1. Look for Non-Comedogenic Products: Non-comedogenic products are specially prepared to avoid blocking pores and reducing breakouts.

    2. Avoid Heavy Layers: Applying too many layers of makeup can cause your foundation to break down more quickly. Use them light and let them feel and give a natural makeup look.

    3. Experiment with Different Formulas: Don’t be afraid to try out different foundations, powders, and primers until you find the combination that works best for your skin type.

    4. Consider Using a Matte Setting Spray:  If you’re still struggling with shine, use a matte setting spray to complete your look and keep your skin fresh.

    Conclusion 

    Having perfectly matte makeup on oily skin is not impossible; you just have to know what products and techniques help keep that shine under control throughout the day. By focusing on oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas. Use mattifying products like a good primer, matte foundation, and setting powder for a more sophisticated and long-lasting finish without the shine or any heaviness. Balance oil control with hydration through lightweight moisturizers; do not use very harsh products that make your skin secrete more oil. With these techniques, your makeup feels fresh, matte, and exquisitely smooth, proving oily skin doesn't have to stand in the way of a perfect makeup look.

    FAQs for Oily Skin Makeup:

    What is the best makeup routine for oily skin?

    The best makeup routine for oily skin is to cleanse the skin with an oil-free cleanser and follow that with a light moisturizer and a mattifying primer. Apply an oil-free matte foundation and set it with a translucent powder. Finish off with a mattifying setting spray to keep the complexion shining smooth and blot with blotting papers as needed.

    What is the best way to apply foundation for oily skin?

    The best way to apply foundation for oily skin is by applying a mattifying primer, followed by an oil-free, matte foundation blended into the skin with either a foundation brush or a damp sponge. Set it with translucent powder to lock it in and keep shine under control.

    Why does my makeup get oily?

    Makeup gets oily because the sebaceous glands in your skin produce excess oil throughout the day. Excess oil production mixes with makeup, causing it to break down. Using products not designed for oily skin, or skipping oil-control steps, can also lead to a shiny appearance.

    What type of primer is best for oily skin?

    The best primer for oily skin is a mattifying, oil-free primer that works best, reducing shine and minimizing pores. Look for non-comedogenic primers to prevent clogged pores and create a smooth base.

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