Makeup Hacks for Oily Skin: Stay Matte for Hours
Oily skin can make makeup application tricky, leading to excess shine, smudging, and foundation breaking down throughout the day. The good news is that with the right makeup techniques and products, you can achieve a long-lasting, matte finish that stays fresh for hours. In this guide, we’ll cover essential makeup hacks, from prepping your skin to choosing the right foundation and setting techniques. These tips will help you control oil production and keep your makeup looking flawless all day.
1. Prepping Your Skin for Long-Lasting Makeup
A proper skincare routine is the foundation for any makeup look, especially for oily skin. If your skin isn’t prepped correctly, your makeup won’t adhere properly and will break down faster.
Wash Your Face Consistently
Oily skin tends to accumulate dirt, sweat, and oil quickly, which can lead to clogged pores and makeup slipping off. Use a gentle oil-free cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil without stripping your skin of moisture. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, which help control sebum production.
Exfoliate 2-3 Times a Week
Dead skin buildup can mix with excess oil, leading to clogged pores and uneven makeup application. Use a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant, like salicylic acid, to deep-clean your pores and remove excess oil. Avoid harsh physical scrubs, as they can irritate the skin and trigger more oil production.
Hydrate with a Lightweight Moisturizer
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, thinking it will make them even greasier. However, dehydrated skin overcompensates by producing more oil. Choose a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated without making it greasy.
2. Choosing the Right Makeup Products for Oily Skin
The type of makeup you use significantly affects how long your look lasts. Opting for mattifying and oil-free formulas will keep your skin shine-free for hours.
Mattifying Primer is a Must
A mattifying primer acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, absorbing excess oil and preventing the foundation from breaking down. Apply it mainly on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), where oil production is the highest. Look for primers with ingredients like silica or kaolin clay for extra oil absorption.
Liquid vs. Powder Foundation – Which One is Better?
- Liquid foundations can work for oily skin if they have a matte finish and oil-controlling properties.
- Powder foundations provide additional oil absorption and are ideal for touch-ups throughout the day.
Best Foundations for Oily Skin:
- L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation – A long-wear, mattifying formula that controls shine.
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation – Blurs pores and keeps the skin shine-free.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – Lightweight and resistant to sweat and humidity.
Apply Foundation in Thin Layers
Instead of caking on the foundation, apply thin layers and build coverage as needed. This prevents your makeup from looking heavy and reduces the chances of it sliding off your face. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend foundation seamlessly without adding excess product.
Use Concealer as Foundation for a Lightweight Look
If you only need coverage in certain areas, skip foundation and use concealer sparingly. Apply it to blemishes, dark spots, and redness, then blend well. This trick keeps your skin looking natural and reduces the number of products sitting on your face.
3. Setting Your Makeup for a Matte Finish
Apply a Light Dusting of Powder
Powder helps absorb oil and sets your makeup in place. However, too much powder can make your skin look cakey. Use a translucent setting powder and focus on the T-zone.
Best Powders for Oily Skin:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Controls shine without making the skin look dry.
- RCMA No-Color Powder – A lightweight formula that works well for oily skin.
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder – Affordable and keeps the skin matte for hours.
Layering Powders for Extra Oil Control
To make your makeup last even longer, use the sandwich method:
- Apply a thin layer of translucent powder before foundation to absorb excess oil.
- Apply foundation and concealer.
- Set everything with another light dusting of powder.
This technique locks in makeup and provides extra oil control throughout the day.
Mattifying Setting Sprays Are Essential
Instead of relying only on powder, finish your look with a mattifying setting spray. This helps seal in your makeup and controls oil production without making your skin feel dry.
Best Mattifying Setting Sprays:
- Urban Decay All-Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray
- NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
- Morphe Continuous Setting Mist Mattifying
Reapply Setting Spray Throughout the Day
For extra longevity, reapply the setting spray mid-day instead of powder. This refreshes your makeup without making it look heavy or cakey.
4. Eye Makeup Tips for Oily Skin
Use an Eyeshadow Primer
If you have oily eyelids, your eyeshadow and eyeliner are more likely to smudge. A good eyeshadow primer prevents creasing and keeps your eye makeup in place. Some of the best options include:
- Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Opt for Powder Highlighters Instead of Cream
Cream and liquid highlighters can mix with natural oils, making your skin look greasy. Instead, choose a powder highlighter for a natural glow without the extra shine.
Avoid Luminous or Dewy Formulas
Avoid using glowy or dewy products on areas where you get oily. Stick to matte or satin-finish products to maintain a balanced look.
5. Touch-Up Tricks to Stay Shine-Free All Day
Blotting Papers for Quick Touch-Ups
Instead of applying more powder, which can look heavy, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil. Some great options include:
- Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Paper
- Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Use a Compact Powder for On-the-Go Fixes
If blotting papers aren’t enough, a compact powder helps absorb shine. Look for one that has a lightweight formula so it doesn’t add texture to your skin.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly
Dirty makeup brushes can accumulate oil and bacteria, leading to breakouts and makeup that doesn’t apply well. Clean your brushes once a week to keep them fresh and free from buildup.
Conclusion
Oily skin doesn’t have to mean constant touch-ups and melted makeup. By using the right skincare routine, oil-controlling makeup products, and smart application techniques, you can achieve a long-lasting matte finish. From prepping your skin correctly to choosing the best foundation and setting methods, these hacks will help your makeup stay fresh and shine-free for hours. Try incorporating these tips into your routine and enjoy a flawless, matte complexion every day.
FAQS
How Do You Make Makeup Look Good on Oily Skin?
To make makeup last on oily skin, start with an oil-free primer to control shine. Use matte foundation and set it with a lightweight powder. Blot excess oil throughout the day with oil-absorbing sheets, and finish with a long-lasting setting spray.
Which Makeup is Best for Oily Skin?
The best makeup for oily skin includes matte foundations, oil-free concealers, and powder-based products. Choose non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores and opt for a long-wear setting powder to control shine.
How Can I Stop My Makeup from Looking Oily?
Use an oil-free moisturizer before applying makeup and start with a mattifying primer. Set your foundation with a translucent powder and carry blotting papers for touch-ups. A setting spray for oily skin can help keep your makeup fresh all day.
What to Use Instead of Foundation for Oily Skin?
If you prefer to skip foundation, try a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or oil-free concealer for light coverage. Mattifying powders or mineral makeup can also help even out your skin tone while controlling oil.
Item #5Is BB Cream Good for Oily Skin?
Yes, BB creams can work for oily skin, but choose an oil-free, mattifying formula. Look for ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid to control shine while keeping your skin hydrated.