Makeup That Lasts: The 9 Best Techniques for Oily Skin

How many times have you gone through the cumbersome routine of putting a full face of makeup in the morning only to have your face bare and greasy by the middle of the day? If you have oily skin, then you would be all too familiar with the dilemma of finding makeup that works for you. Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum. Because of the natural oils produced in your skin, makeup tends to emulsify or disintegrate easily.

You could end up with your makeup faded, uneven, or altogether gone before even the end of the day. Worse, sebum could build up and leave you with an uncomfortable, sticky layer of product on your face. Having oily skin isn’t necessarily all that bad, though. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the skin’s natural oils can protect and help preserve it. The key lies in maintaining your skin’s natural oils and moisture and meeting it halfway with the right products.

Skincare:

It all begins with a choice. Makeup and skincare go hand in hand. Makeup is not meant to cover up flaws; it should enhance what you already have. It shines through the most when your skin is well taken care of. Thus, start by making sure you have the correct skincare products for your skin type.

1. Moisturizing is key

No one should skip this step. No matter the type, the skin can lose moisture due to external causes such as exposure to pollution or harsh cleansing. This also makes the skin increase its production of oil. First, remember to stick to a moisturizer specifically formulated for oily skin. People with oily skin types need a gentler moisturizer than those with dry skin. Make sure your skin is not only moisturized but also well-hydrated. You can consider products with humectants rather than occlusive or emollient, such as hyaluronic acid, to lock in moisture.

2. Cleanse gently

Do away with the myth that oily-skinned people need to wash and cleanse their faces more often. Excessive cleansing strips away the skin’s essential oils in turn, causing it to produce more oil. Opt for a mild face wash and cleanser to use a couple of times a day. And though tempting, never scrub your face. Avoid oil- and alcohol-based cleansers. Something like micellar water is suitable and gentle on the skin.

3. Exfoliating is your best friend

Exfoliating is another skincare step that people should pay more attention to, regardless of their skin type. As oiliness makes it more difficult for the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, it’s essential for people with oily skin to add an exfoliating scrub maybe once or twice a week to their routine. Salicylic acid is a great chemical exfoliant to consider. Make sure not to go overboard, though! Over-exfoliating can leave your skin irritated and dehydrated.

4. Finish off with sunscreen

Always cap off your skincare routine with sunscreen, and if you’re out and about, carry it with you for easy reapplication. To reduce the number of products you apply on a regular routine, you might want to consider a multi-tasking product, like a tinted SPF or a priming moisturizer with sunscreen.

Makeup:

Making the right choice when it comes to makeup is just as crucial as the skincare routine you’re keeping. In general, if you have oily skin, the keyword to look out for is “matte” choose mattifying products that will keep your face looking even and fresh throughout the day.

5. Achieve an even base

The first rule to makeup that sticks for people with oily skin is an even base. You may or may not be a fan of using primer, but it definitely helps control excessively oily patches. If you wish to keep your products to a minimum, have a primer on hand so you can spot it where you need it most. Opt for a mattifying primer and avoid silicone primers.

6. Choose a foundation that won’t budge

If you’re applying foundation, make sure it’s a specifically formulated foundation for oily skin. Choose oil-free formulas that are long-wearing, so your makeup is guaranteed to stay in place. If you have a long day ahead or are heading into an important event, apply infallible matte foundation, whether liquid or powder, in a light, even layer. Your makeup should not look caked on, leave room for slight touch-ups, and most importantly, be budge-free.

7. Let it set

Setting your makeup right is a crucial step to achieve a fresh, matte look. A great translucent loose powder is your best friend. You can dust on another light layer of setting powder just to lock in all the products. Avoid creams or liquid products that tend to melt or crease. Finally, finish off with a setting spray.

8. Carry some extra help

If you have oily skin, adding just a few more products to your everyday kit will help keep your makeup looking fresh. A good pressed powder is essential to minimize shine. If you’re not keen on too much powder, blotting papers will easily absorb excess oil without damaging your makeup.

7. Avoid too much makeup

The last tip is to avoid too much makeup. Whether it’s for building your base or touching up through the day, too much product is a no-no to prevent your skin from producing even more oil. Instead, invest in long-wearing and multi-tasking products that won’t require multiple layers of application. At the end of the day, use a water- or oil-based makeup remover to wash it off right away.

Look fresh throughout the day

It’s true; every skin type has its own set of challenges. For oily skin, makeup that actually lasts is one of them. If you have oily skin but want to achieve a fresh, matte complexion, it’s completely understandable and achievable.

Author’s Bio:

Pia is a content marketing manager of Maybelline, a global cosmetic brand offering innovative, affordable, and effortless cosmetics for every woman. With years of experience, she manages Maybelline’s marketing content from creation down to its production. For Pia, being able to create content that helps empower women is a dream come true. She likes to spend her free time reading books, visiting art galleries, and watching feel-good movies.