I would sometimes go into the bathroom after being at work for hours, look in the mirror, and notice my face looking like it had a layer of oil on it. So I’d have to blot or apply some facial powder. I’ve even had issues with my pores being extremely visible and my foundation disappearing from my face throughout the day.
As you can imagine, it was embarrassing, but I thought it was just something I had to live with because of my oily skin. As I’ve gotten older, it has gotten worse, and I couldn’t stand it anymore. I had to do something.
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Through trial and error, I’ve been able to find products and application tips that work with my oily skin so it doesn’t look like a hot mess at the end of the day. In this post, I’m going to share those tips with you so you don’t have to have the same embarrassing experiences I did.
1. Prep your skin
Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized by using skincare products that are formulated for oily skin. This doesn't mean that you don't use moisturizing products. When I dry out my skin and don't give it moisture, it creates more oil, defeating the purpose of prepping my skin.Also, make sure to apply a primer before applying your makeup because it will help your makeup last longer and control oil production.
My oily skin responds well to the products I’m using now
- Cetaphil Daily Cleanser day and night
- Thayer's Toner, my favs are the unscented and rose petal
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer for daytime
- Equate Beauty Hydration Gel Facial and Neck Moisturizer at night
I’ve also found that doing a clay mask once or twice a week helps to really clean out my pores, lessening the amount of oil my skin produces and shrinking my pores.
Related read: 6 Tips For All-Day Lasting Makeup On Oily Skin
2. Wear mattifying products
To help control oil production throughout the day, wearing matte products is a must. These products can be your primer, foundation, setting powder, or setting spray.When shopping for mattifying makeup products, look for ones that say they control shine, are oil-free, are mattifying, or are long-wear.
While using mattifying products is great, I have found that you can go overboard with them. To the point that they are hurting more than helping with helping. For a while, I was wearing a mattifying primer, a mattifying foundation, and a mattifying powder every day. Wearing all of those mattifying products dehydrated my skin. Now I try to not use all mattifying products at one time.
On days when I forget to apply setting powder first, I find that my cheeks and forehead end up looking shinier and shinier as the day goes on, and I have to blot multiple times during the day.
Now, this is a tip that could be controversial because some people are just dead set on using a makeup brush. And that’s ok if it works for you. It didn’t for me.
I used to only be a makeup brush girl. If I used a makeup sponge, it was one of those cheap white wedges, and I never had much success with them. So I was skeptical about using a more expensive makeup sponge like this one from Real Techniques. After using it a few times, I realized how much better my foundation looked, and I haven’t turned back to cheap sponges or foundation brushes.
Related read: 5 Best Oil Absorbing Makeup Primers For Oily Skin
3. Apply setting powder first
This is a trick I’ve seen many beauty vloggers do. Basically, after applying your primer, take your setting or translucent powder and apply it to the areas of your face that get oily throughout the day. Then you apply your foundation on top of that.On days when I forget to apply setting powder first, I find that my cheeks and forehead end up looking shinier and shinier as the day goes on, and I have to blot multiple times during the day.
4. Use a makeup sponge
By using a makeup sponge, you can more easily press the makeup into your skin. This helps to create a more lasting and matte look.Now, this is a tip that could be controversial because some people are just dead set on using a makeup brush. And that’s ok if it works for you. It didn’t for me.
I used to only be a makeup brush girl. If I used a makeup sponge, it was one of those cheap white wedges, and I never had much success with them. So I was skeptical about using a more expensive makeup sponge like this one from Real Techniques. After using it a few times, I realized how much better my foundation looked, and I haven’t turned back to cheap sponges or foundation brushes.
Another makeup sponge I like to use is the Sonia Kashuk™ Makeup Blender Sponge. It's a little softer than the one from Real Techniques and has a larger surface area.
To do this, I use blotting sheets, thin tissues, or (unused) toilet seat covers.
If you’re not interested in using paper, there are blotting cushions available like this one from Beautyblender.
5. Press in the powder
Back in the day, I used to just sweep on my setting or mineral powder. Then I saw a Jackie Aina video where she said to press the powder into the skin. I tried it and lo and behold it worked! My skin looked matte longer, and it took longer for my oil to break through.Related read: 7 Things You're Doing Wrong With Your Oily Skin
6. Don’t be afraid to blot
No matter what the foundation claims, some oil or shine is going to break through. I’ve finally come to accept this fact and am no longer ashamed or afraid of blotting my face a time or two throughout the day.To do this, I use blotting sheets, thin tissues, or (unused) toilet seat covers.
If you’re not interested in using paper, there are blotting cushions available like this one from Beautyblender.
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mattifying products is so key! I just wrote a blog post about make up for oily skin too!
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