How to Apply Makeup for Oily Skin and Make It Last?

When it comes to skin, choosing the best products to apply is crucial. It not only ensures that you look fabulous but also your skin stays safe and protected from rash or acne. Different skin types require you to use different beauty products. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, each requires a specific formulation that helps your makeup stay for longer hours. Makeup steps for oily skin are especially different and require proper prep. Before we understand more about makeup for oily skin, let us know more about your oily skin type.

Understanding Oily Skin

Oily skin is common and characterized by excess sebum production, a natural oil your skin produces. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous gland in your skin, and the amount it produces decides the type of skin. More sebum is usually a sign of oily skin. This condition often results in a shiny appearance, enlarged pores, and a chance for more acne and blemishes. Various factors contribute to oily skin, which are:

• Genetics is a major factor causing oil on the skin. If your parents have oily skin, you're prone to have it too. 
• Hormonal Changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect sebum production.
• Diets high in sugar, dairy, and processed foods can contribute to skin oiliness.
• Hot and humid weather can cause the skin to produce more or less oil.
• Using the wrong skincare products can strip the natural oils of your skin, prompting it to produce even more sebum.

Challenges of Having an Oily Skin

Shine and Greasiness

Excess oil production leads to a shiny, greasy appearance, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This shine can make it hard for makeup to stay longer as it can melt or crack due to sebum.

Pores and Acne

Due to sebum, your pores tend to get enlarged and clog with oil and dead skin. This often results in blackheads, acne, breakouts, etc., making it difficult to get a smooth finish using makeup.

Makeup Longevity

The constant production of oil can cause makeup to fade, smudge, or slide off more quickly than it would on other skin types. Regular touch-ups become necessary, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. However, the right makeup steps for oily skin can prevent this.

Clogged Pores

Using heavy or unsuitable makeup products can increase oiliness and lead to clogged pores. It's essential to choose non-comedogenic products that won't contribute to pore congestion and breakouts for oily skin types.

How to Prep Before Starting Makeup Steps for Oily Skin

Cleanse Thoroughly

Start with a gentle, oil-free cleanser that effectively removes excess oil and impurities from the skin without causing excessive dryness. Mild cleansers containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid can prove to be beneficial for controlling oil and preventing acne. It's important to cleanse your face twice daily, in the morning and at night, to keep your skin fresh and clean. 

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is a simple yet important step for oily skin that helps to remove dead skin that can clog pores and result in oiliness. Use a mild scrub or a DIY scrub that suits your skin and can help remove excess oil and dirt from your pores effectively. Using it 2-3 times a week can allow you to easily follow the makeup steps for oily skin. These ingredients help to keep pores clear and reduce the buildup of sebum. Avoid excess exfoliation, as it can irritate the skin and trigger increased oil production.

Tone Your Skin

After cleansing and exfoliating, it is crucial to calm your skin. The process of cleansing and exfoliation can increase blood flow and make skin sensitive. Apply toner to balance your skin’s pH and remove any residual oil. Look for toners with ingredients that have a cooling effect and that can help minimize pores and control oil. Toning even helps prepare your skin for better absorption of cosmetic products.  

Moisturize Appropriately

Hydration is vital for all skin types, including oily skin. While women think that oily skin doesn't require moisturizing, it's a myth. Choose a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizer for your oily skin to keep it hydrated without adding an extra layer of oil. Gel-based moisturizers are particularly suitable as they provide hydration without leaving a greasy residue.

Prime Your Skin

The last step to prepping your skin and moving towards makeup steps for oily skin involves using a makeup primer. A mattifying shine control primer is crucial for controlling shine and creating a smooth base for makeup application. Apply the primer to your entire face and let it get absorbed. This will help lock in the hydration and prevent your pores from clogging due to makeup products. Also, the formulation will give a smooth matte finish to your oily skin and allow makeup to stay longer.

How to Make Your Make Last All Day - Makeup Steps for Oily Skin

Step 1 – Follow the Prep Makeup Steps for Oily Skin

Prepping is crucial, especially when you have oily skin. Cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and layering a face primer are basic for an oily skin routine makeup. This will ensure that your makeup stays adhered to the skin for longer hours without melting.

Step 2 – Layer Foundation and Concealer

For oily skin, start with a long-wearing, oil-free, and mattifying full coverage foundation, such as a matte liquid formula. Use a damp beauty sponge or foundation makeup brush to blend nicely and evenly into your skin. Begin with a thin layer and build coverage slowly as needed to avoid a cakey appearance. Next layer it with concealer corrector to hide any blemishes or marks. Use an oil-free formula and avoid cream-based products. Some matte foundations and concealers are perfect for oily skin.

Step 3 - Set with Powder

Use a setting powder to help lock your foundation and concealer base in place. Learn about the differences and benefits of compact powder vs loose powder, and then decide which suits you the best. Using either pressed powder or loose powder, based on comfort level, can give desired results. Lightly dust it over your face with a fluffy makeup brush, focusing on the T-zone and other oily areas of your face. Avoid over-powdering, as it can lead to a cakey finish and make your skin look dry. Dust off the excess after leaving it for a few minutes.

Step 4 - Finish with a Setting Spray

Use a mattifying setting spray to lock your makeup in place. This step helps to reduce shine and prolong the wear of your makeup. Hold the spray at arm's length and mist your face lightly in an ‘X’ or ‘T’ motion. Look for setting sprays that contain ingredients like silica or kaolin clay, which help to control oil and allow makeup to stay longer on your skin.

Additional Tips – Makeup Steps for Oily Skin

Do Not Skip Moisturizer

Even oily skin needs hydration and moisture to maintain a healthy balance. Skipping moisturizer can signal to your skin that it needs to produce more oil, which eventually leads to an increase in sebum, causing oiliness. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that focuses on oily or combination skin types. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can provide hydration without adding extra oil. Apply moisturizer evenly to your face and neck after cleansing and before applying makeup for a naturally hydrated look.  

Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliation is important for all skin types, but for oily skin, exfoliation works like magic. It helps remove all extra sebum and deep cleans your pores for naturally healthy and acne-free skin. Regular exfoliation also prevents the buildup of dead skin cells and keeps pores clear. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a gentle exfoliator. Be gentle when exfoliating to avoid irritating your skin and causing rashes and breakouts.  

Avoid Cream Makeup Products

Cream-based makeup products can slide off oily skin throughout the day, making your makeup look uneven and contributing to excess shine. When following makeup steps for oily skin, choosing the right products is crucial. Always choose powder or matte formulations that are designed to absorb oil and provide a long-lasting finish. Powder foundations, blushes, and eyeshadows are particularly effective for oily skin types. Labels like "oil-free" and "matte" are ideal for oily skin and allow your makeup to last long. 

Keep Compact Powder Handy for Touch-Ups

Compact powder or loose-setting powder is your best friend if you have oily skin. It is a must-have for quick touch-ups throughout the day and controlling any shine that can arise with changing temperatures. Choose a translucent powder that will absorb excess oil without adding extra color or texture to your skin. Using a large, fluffy makeup brush, lightly dust powder over your T-zone and any other areas where you tend to get shiny. This will help to mattify your complexion and refresh your makeup without disturbing it.  

Use Oil-Control Skincare Products

When buying beauty products online for oily skin, choosing oil-control products can help to manage excess oil production and keep the skin looking balanced. Use a gentle foam cleanser that is formulated for oily skin to remove dirt, oil buildup, and makeup without depriving your skin of its natural oils. Follow with an alcohol-free toner to help refine pores and control oil. Finish with an oil-free moisturizer that hydrates your skin without adding extra oil.  

Blot, Don't Rub

Oily skin produces sebum throughout the day and hence requires you to manage the oil to prevent makeup from spoiling. While excess powder can disturb the look, blotting can be a lifesaver in sweaty and oily situations. Use blotting paper or tissue to gently blot away excess oil. Press the blotting paper onto your skin and hold it there for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Repeat as necessary, focusing on your T-zone and any other areas where you tend to get shiny. Blotting will help to mattify your complexion without disrupting your makeup. 

Stay Hydrated

Besides your regular makeup steps for oily skin, following a healthy lifestyle is a must. Hydration is basic. Drinking enough water throughout the day is important for overall skin health. Staying hydrated helps balance your skin's oil production and improve its overall appearance. It also helps improve your skin's texture so that makeup stays long and looks natural and vibrant. Include more fresh vegetables and juices in your diet for healthy skin.