11 Oily Skin Makeup Tips that You Wish You Knew Sooner

I’ve suffered from oily and acne-prone skin since I was 9.

I am in my 30s now so doing my makeup used to be challenging – especially because my whole face would get oily in just a few hours.

Through trial and error, I’ve actually discovered how to make my makeup last longer without looking like an oily mug.

And in this post, I want to talk about everything that helped.

But before that, really quickly, here are a few more posts you may find helpful because I’ve discussed similar topics before:

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What You Need to Know Before Applying Makeup on Oily Skin

Okay, before I get to the tips, I need to just cover a few basics. So, here goes:

  1. Always start with squeaky clean skin: Never apply makeup without cleansing your face. Because if your pores are clogged, your makeup is going to sit on top of that and it’s not going to be pretty. So, always start with clean skin.
  2. It is possible to cure your skin. If you have acne-prone skin, I feel your pain – I’ve suffered with it for over 20 years and I still break out during my menstrual cycle. If you’ve tried everything and are scared of Accutane or Isotretinoin, please maintain a food diary – your acne could be hormone-related. And read this post to see how I cured my skin only with diet.
  3. Use good/simple skincare (targeting the acne/oily skin): If your skincare is on point, your makeup will look flawless. No amount of good makeup can compensate for poor skin. So, aim for supple and moisturized skin (even if it’s oily). I have a very simple skincare routine: In the morning, I use a Gentle cleanser, glycolic acid (helps with fading hyperpigmentation and smoothes skin), CORSX Snail Mucin Repair Cream, sunscreen. In the evening, I use a Cleanser followed by Salicylic acid/Niacinamide (I alternate between both) and any moisturizer
  4. Never skip a moisturizer. Do not clean to the point of your face being so dry, that your skin freaks out. If you do that, your skin will produce even more sebum (oil) to compensate for the lack of oil and this will lead to even oilier makeup and clogged pores. So, the trick is to use a very light moisturizer – I’ll show you my favorite 2-in-1 primer and moisturizer.

Alright, let’s dive in.

1. Use a pore-minimizing toner

I was never a toner person – but this one product is life-changing. My friend is a huge fan of Paula’s Choice so this toner was my first product from this brand and I realize now why people adore it.

GET IT ON AMAZON

This toner is MADE for Oily and Acne-prone skin like ours. It is alcohol-free and also helps control oil.

So, this will help set the mood for your skin. The bottle is big so it lasts for a long time too.

2. Use a Serum that targets Oily Skin

I understand this is part of skincare and this post is about makeup – but since makeup sits on top of skin, you must get the base right.

If your skin is prepped well, your makeup will sit perfectly on top.

The goal is to have non-cakey, non-oily makeup.

So, use a serum that works for you.

I like Niacinamide. I also like Azelaic Acid. I am currently using these 2 on alternate days.

Both of these will target your oily skin/acne issues without interfering with your makeup.

Remember to follow up with sunscreen.

3. Use a good primer/moisturizer

Remember, if you skip moisturizer and primer, your foundation will not sit well and become cakey.

Moreover, your skin will produce more oil because it’s dry and this will make your makeup get creasy.

So, do not skip this step.

Now, you can use a separate primer and moisturizer (there are loads of options for oily skin), but I use the Bobbi Brown Face Base because I tried this in Sephora and fell in love with it. The saleswoman was right, “You’ll be back for a larger tub once you try this sample.” And I went back.

GET IT ON AMAZON!

This is very light (you can’t even feel it on your skin). And it’s lemony but it doesn’t smell like floor cleaner – It’s the nice kind of lemon that feels wispy and soft.

This is the only primer I have used that:

  • Doesn’t break me out
  • Makes my foundation finish flawless
  • Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin

If however, you have very oily skin, use this mattifying primer like this on your T Zone, chin, and the areas of your cheeks (close to the nose).

I only do this when I’m on my cycle and my skin is very, very oily.

4. Use an oil-free foundation

I’ve already written a post on my favorite foundations for oily skin here.

But the one I currently use and love is Estee Lauder because it lasts practically all day. I love it when I travel abroad and my makeup looks the same even after a long flight.

GET IT ON AMAZON!

I am in the shade 3W2 – Cashew.

It’s full-coverage and perfect for people who have acne scars like me. It doesn’t oxidize and the best part is, you don’t need much.

Do not apply a lot of foundation all at once.

Use a little bit over your problem-areas first. Do light layers.

If you feel you need more, then go over that area with a blending sponge once again. This will make sure that your foundation sits well and doesn’t become cakey. I have a post here that teaches how to apply foundation like a pro – I learned this from my makeup artist friend.

5. Use a mattifying powder

One trick I’ve learned is to NOT use a brush when applying the powder – it’s too little for us oily girls.

You need to go in with a powder puff like this.

Then use a mattifying powder like this.

Keep things simple, I’ve found that this drugstore product works perfectly fine, we don’t need to spend a lot on every single makeup product.

6. Go in with a mattifying concealer

Here are a few points to keep in mind when using a concealer.

  • Remember, if you’re using a concealer, make sure your skin is primed and moisturized.
  • Skip concealer if you haven’t moisturized because it will start to crease and creasy makeup looks a little weird.
  • Do not go overboard with concealer especially if you’re using it around your laugh lines or under your eyes – a little goes a long way.

I personally use this one and I am not too picky with concealers because I usually skip it unless I have a very nasty zit/cyst.

7. Be careful where you apply your highlighter

Your sleep is very important so don't compromise it.

Your oil is your natural highlighter.

So, keep a note of where your face tends to get the most oily.

If it’s your T-Zone, nose, and chin, then don’t apply highlighter here.

I only apply highlighter on my brow bone and higher up on the cheekbones because these areas don’t get oily.

My chin and nose naturally become a tad bit shiny after a while, so I forego highlighter here.

I use this one by Smashbox.

8. Use powder products as much as possible

I’ve found that using cream blushes or highlighters just makes my face look more shiny faster.

So, as much as possible, I opt for powder products – this will balance out the oils and absorb as much as possible.

9. Use a setting spray

A setting spray marries your makeup and locks it in.

Do not ever step out without using a setting spray. And although I’ve tried many, I am currently enjoying this one.

10. Use a blotting paper every few hours

Your skin is going to become oily even with all these tips.

That’s in our genes and unfortunately, it can’t be helped.

So, one thing I’ve learned is blotting makeup from time to time actually helps make it look better.

This is the best tip.

I carry these blotting papers in my backpack along with my makeup and I just blot my T-zone, nose, and chin every 3-4 hours.

It does the job perfectly.

11. Do not compare yourself to others

I’d always feel bad when I went out with my makeup artist friend – she has flawless glass skin and makeup looks so beautiful on her.

Our skin is different, we have bigger pores and we will always have texture unless we go in for a laser or get professional treatment.

So, it’s alright.

You’re not alone.

Read these quotes about acne to make you feel good about yourself if you’re struggling with self-esteem like I was.

And here are a few pins incase you want to save this post on Pinterest.

Here are a few more posts that you might enjoy!

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