Dealing with oily skin can make makeup application feel like a never ending battle. Whether you’re fighting midday shine, stubborn foundation that slides off, or that constant worry about your makeup lasting throughout the day, it can be frustrating.
But don’t worry with the right products, techniques, and tips, you can achieve a flawless look that stays put all day long.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about makeup for oily skin, including the best products, techniques to minimize shine, and key ingredients that help keep your makeup in place.
So, if you’re tired of your makeup melting away by midday or looking shiny, keep reading!
What Causes Oily Skin?
Before we dive into the makeup solutions, it’s important to understand why oily skin behaves the way it does. Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum (oil).
This excess oil can clog pores, leading to acne, enlarged pores, and, of course, that shiny, greasy appearance.
Several factors contribute to oily skin:
- Genetics: If your parents had oily skin, you’re more likely to have it as well.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can increase oil production.
- Climate: Hot and humid weather can also trigger excess oil production.
- Skincare choices: Over washing your face or using harsh products can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil.
Understanding these factors will help you select the best makeup products and techniques to manage excess oil throughout the day.
Best Makeup Products for Oily Skin
The right makeup products for oily skin are formulated to absorb excess oil, mattify the skin, and ensure your makeup lasts longer without sliding off. Here are the key products you should have in your kit:
Primer for Oily Skin
Primers are essential for creating a smooth, long lasting makeup base. For oily skin, look for a mattifying primer that controls shine and helps keep your makeup intact.
Primers with silicone (like dimethicone) can help fill in pores and create a matte finish.
Some top rated primers for oily skin include:
- Benefit POREfessional Primer A popular choice for minimizing pores and controlling oil.
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Helps control oil and keeps makeup in place for hours.
- Tatcha The Silk Canvas Provides a matte finish while nourishing the skin.
Oil Free Foundation
For oily skin, you’ll want an oil free foundation that doesn’t contribute to additional shine. Foundations with a matte finish or long wearing formulas are your best bet.
Some foundations to consider are:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation Known for its long wearing power and matte finish.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation Offers great coverage and oil control.
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation An affordable, reliable option for oily skin.
Setting Powder
Setting powders are crucial for locking in your makeup and controlling shine throughout the day. Choose translucent powders to avoid adding any extra color and help set the foundation in place.
Top setting powders for oily skin include:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder A cult favorite known for its ability to control oil.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder Provides a soft matte finish.
- RCMA No Color Powder Offers great oil control without flashback.
Setting Spray
A setting spray helps your makeup stay in place and reduce shine throughout the day. For oily skin, a matte setting spray is a must to prevent your makeup from sliding off.
Some top picks include:
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray A long lasting option that locks in your makeup.
- NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray A budget friendly option that provides a matte finish and long wear.
- Morphe Continuous Setting Mist Keeps your makeup fresh without excess shine.
Techniques for Long Lasting Makeup on Oily Skin
In addition to using the right products, you need to employ the right techniques to ensure your makeup lasts all day without caking or fading.
These methods will help you keep your skin matte, even in the most humid conditions.
Start with a Clean, Moisturized Base
Although it may seem counterintuitive, moisturizing is essential even if you have oily skin. Dehydrated skin can lead to an increase in oil production, so always use a lightweight, oil free moisturizer before applying makeup.
Look for a gel based or water based moisturizer, which hydrates without making your skin greasy.
Apply a Mattifying Primer
Using a mattifying primer will help create a smooth base and prevent oils from breaking down your makeup. Apply primer all over your face or only to areas prone to excess oil, such as the T-zone.
Don’t overdo it! A small amount will work wonders without making your skin feel heavy or congested.
Choose Oil Free Foundations
When selecting foundation, go for a formula designed to control shine. Matte foundations are ideal for oily skin, as they absorb excess oil throughout the day, leaving you with a smooth, non shiny finish.
Make sure to blend foundation well into the skin to avoid unevenness, especially around oily areas like the forehead, nose, and chin.
Set with Powder
Setting powder is a game changer for oily skin. After applying foundation, use a fluffy brush to lightly dust translucent powder across your face.
Focus on your T-zone, which tends to get the oiliest.
Avoid baking the powder under your eyes unless you need extra setting power; it can leave your skin looking cakey.
Finish with Setting Spray
Once your makeup is in place, set it with a mattifying setting spray. This final step locks everything in place and controls oil and shine. Hold the spray about 6 inches from your face and spritz it evenly to avoid soaking certain areas.
Blot Throughout the Day
Even with the best products and techniques, oil can build up over time. Blotting papers are your best friend for removing excess oil without disturbing your makeup. Keep a pack in your bag for quick touch ups.
Avoid Touching Your Face
The oils from your fingers can transfer to your face, making it even harder to keep your makeup intact. Resist the urge to touch your face throughout the day, especially if you’re prone to oiliness.
Best Ingredients for Oily Skin Makeup
When shopping for makeup products, pay attention to the ingredients. The right ingredients can help control oil, mattify the skin, and even help treat acne. Here are some key ingredients to look for in makeup for oily skin:
- Salicylic Acid: Helps treat and prevent acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
- Niacinamide: Reduces excess sebum production and has anti inflammatory properties.
- Tea Tree Oil: An antimicrobial agent that fights acne and soothes inflammation.
- Clay: Absorbs excess oil and keeps your skin matte.
- Charcoal: Draws out impurities and controls oil production.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Makeup for Oily Skin
Even the best products won’t work if you’re not using them correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying makeup on oily skin:
- Overloading on products: Layering too many products can lead to makeup that feels heavy or cakey. Stick to a minimal routine with oil controlling essentials.
- Skipping primer: Primer is a key step for creating a smooth base and controlling oil. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a rush.
- Using the wrong foundation formula: Avoid foundations that are too thick or creamy. Stick to oil free and matte foundations for a shine free look.
- Not setting makeup: Setting your makeup with powder and spray is essential to prevent midday shine. Always set your makeup with a mattifying setting spray.
FAQs
- How can I prevent my makeup from melting off my oily skin?
Use a mattifying primer, oil free foundation, and setting powder to lock everything in place. - Is it better to use a stick foundation or liquid foundation for oily skin?
Liquid foundations with a matte finish are generally better for oily skin as they blend more easily and offer better oil control. - Can I use highlighter if I have oily skin?
Yes, but use a powder highlighter instead of a cream or liquid one. Powder formulas are less likely to add excess shine. - How often should I blot my face during the day?
Blot your face whenever you notice excess shine, but avoid over blotting, as it can make your makeup break down. - Can oily skin benefit from a dewy makeup look?
Oily skin should avoid a full dewy look, as it can emphasize shine. However, a slight dewy finish with the right products is fine if you’re careful with powder.
Conclusion
Makeup for oily skin doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right products, techniques, and ingredients, you can achieve a long lasting, shine free look that stays put all day.
Prioritize oil free, mattifying formulas, and always set your makeup to ensure it remains flawless. With these expert tips in your arsenal, you can conquer oily skin and wear makeup with confidence!