For years, I dealt with oily skin by lunch time, makeup sliding around, and makeup looking like it’s disappearing from my face. As well as needing to blot or touch up throughout the day. It didn't seem to matter how carefully I applied my makeup because by the afternoon, it looked completely different from how it had been that morning.
Over time, though, I realized that long-lasting makeup isn't just about finding one miracle product. It's about combining the right skincare routine with makeup products that work well for oily skin and applying them in the right order.
After a lot of trial and error, I've found a routine that keeps my makeup looking fresh for hours. And yes, even on hot summer days. Here's exactly what I do.
A skincare routine for oily skin
The biggest change I made wasn't actually to my makeup. The change was how I prepared my skin beforehand.When my skin is clean, balanced, and properly moisturized, my makeup simply performs better. My morning skincare routine is simple, quick, and focuses on controlling excess oil without stripping my skin.
Cleanse skin thoroughly
I start by dampening my face with a warm washcloth before cleansing.For cleanser, I've been using the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser because it's gentle enough to use every day while still doing a great job of removing excess oil and anything that may have transferred to my skin overnight.
One thing that has made a noticeable difference is how long I actually wash my face. Instead of quickly rinsing off cleanser after a few seconds, I spend at least 30 seconds massaging it into my skin. Many mornings, I wash for closer to a minute.
I pay extra attention to the areas where I produce the most oil, especially:
- My forehead
- Around my nose
- My cheeks
- Areas where I'm more likely to experience breakouts
Taking a little extra time here helps create a cleaner base for everything that comes afterward.
Related read: Affordable Skincare Products At Target That Work Well
Apply an oil-balancing toner
After cleansing, I like using an oil-balancing toner like this Thayers jelly toner that was gifted to me.Unlike traditional liquid toners, this one has more of a serum-like consistency. It feels cooling on the skin, dries down fairly quickly, and gives my face a nice matte appearance before I even start applying makeup.
Since it's thicker than most toners, I apply a small amount to a cotton ball, work on one section of my face, then add more as needed. That helps prevent wasting product since it doesn't immediately soak into the cotton.
Besides feeling refreshed, this step helps reduce excess oil while minimizing the appearance of pores.
Treat with a niacinamide serum
I've been using The Ordinary Niacinamide serum because it's another product that helps keep oil under control while also helping improve the appearance of enlarged pores.A few drops are all I need. I've learned not to overdo it because applying too much can leave product sitting on top of the skin instead of absorbing properly.
Once it's applied, I let it absorb for about a minute before moving on.
Moisturize with SPF
Even if you have oily skin, don't skip moisturizer. Years ago, I assumed moisturizer would just make my face oilier. Instead, I learned that dehydrated skin can actually create its own set of problems.Lately, I've been using CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50.
Although it's not a lightweight gel moisturizer, I find it gives my skin enough hydration without feeling overly heavy. A little goes a long way, and I always give it about a minute to fully absorb before applying any makeup.
That waiting time is important because applying foundation or primer over moisturizer that hasn't fully dried can affect how well everything wears throughout the day.
The bonus of this moisturizer is that it includes SPF, so I don’t have to add another step to my skincare routine to add sun protection.
A makeup routine for oily skin
Once my skincare is finished, I move into my makeup routine.Every product has a purpose, and the way I apply the products can increase the longevity of my makeup. Together, the makeup I use and the application help to create a finish that stays looking fresh much longer than it used to.
Start with a mattifying primer
The first makeup product I apply is primer. One of my current favorites is the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer.It looks black coming out of the tube because it contains charcoal, but don't let that scare you. It dries completely clear on the skin.
I apply it over my entire face, including my eyelids.
Besides helping absorb oil, it creates a smooth barrier between my skin and my makeup, which helps everything last longer.
For me, this is one of the most important products in my routine.
Related read: NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer Oily Skin Review
Set the primer with translucent powder
This may seem like an extra step, but it makes a noticeable difference.I apply Makeup Forever HD Skin Setting Powder over the primer before any complexion products.
This helps absorb any oil that may break through while also giving my skin a more even appearance.
I pay special attention to my forehead, nose, and cheeks because those are the first places where I normally become shiny.
If my skin has been producing more oil than usual, I'll gently press the powder into my skin instead of simply sweeping it across.
Conceal where needed
Next, I use Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. Most days, I use it primarily on my eyelids as an eyeshadow base, but I also dab it onto dark spots that I want a little extra coverage over.This has a natural matte finish, so it blurs, smooths, and brightens without looking cakey. Plus, it won’t make me look greasy either.
One trick I like is letting the concealer sit for a few minutes before blending it out. Giving it a little time to become tacky helps increase the coverage without needing to pile on more product. While I let the Tarte concealer sit, I move on to applying my eye makeup.
Apply eye makeup
While my concealer is sitting, I move on to my eyebrows. I've been using the Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Pencil in Deep Brown. I prefer Deep Brown over Black because it gives me a softer, more natural look.Using short, light strokes helps mimic the look of real brow hairs instead of creating one solid block of color.
For eyeshadow, I usually stick with powder formulas. I've found they tend to wear better on my oily eyelids than cream products, and they also help absorb some excess oil throughout the day.
Most of the time, I use matte shades, although occasionally I'll finish the look with a shimmer if I want something a little more dramatic.
Instead of sweeping the eyeshadow on, I like pressing or dabbing it into place. This simple change has helped my eyeshadow stay put longer and look more vibrant.
After applying my eye makeup, I blend in the concealer.
Apply a matte setting powder
Whether I wear liquid or powder foundation, using a setting powder is one of my last steps. This step is key because it helps with absorbing excess oil, controlling shine, and helping makeup last longer.The setting powder I use is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder in Java. This powder is designed with oily skin in mind, which makes it a great fit for my routine.
Rather than brushing it across my face, I press it into my skin with a sponge. Pressing instead of sweeping helps lock everything together and creates a smoother finish.
It also blends the concealer into the rest of my makeup for a more natural look and is one of the ways I get my makeup to stay in place all day.
Related read: Best Setting Powders For Oily Skin That Actually Work
Lock in with a setting spray
The other way I keep my makeup in place on my oily skin all day is to use a setting spray. No long-wearing makeup routine feels complete without a setting spray. That’s a more recent learning of mine.For years, I stopped at just applying a setting powder and never used a spray. Basically, because I didn’t know about setting sprays, I did. They help to blend and lock makeup in place.
Once I found out about makeup setting sprays, I gave some a try, and saw the results, I was hooked. One of my favorites has been the Juvia's Place Ready Set Sealed Longwear Continuous Fix & Set Spray, which was gifted to me.
This particular setting spray also helps to extend the wear of my makeup, prevent smudging, fading, and transfer throughout the day. Plus, it’s ultra matte and helps with oil control, making it an ideal choice for my oily skin.
I don't hold back when applying it. I've found that being generous with setting spray helps everything melt together while adding another layer of protection against oil and makeup breakdown.
Even though it helps lock my makeup in place, it doesn't leave my face feeling stiff or tight.
Mascara goes on last
The final step is mascara. Honestly, though, my oily skin doesn’t cause any problems when it comes to mascara, but I’m still mentioning it.I've been using the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara. Because it's waterproof, I always apply it after my setting spray.
If I sprayed setting spray over waterproof mascara, it would make it even more difficult to remove at the end of the day.
Most days, I apply mascara only to my upper lashes, but if I want my eyes to stand out a little more, I'll add a light coat to my lower lashes as well.
Why these routines work for me
The biggest lesson I've learned is that no single product deserves all the credit.It's the combination of properly preparing my skin, layering products in the right order, choosing formulas designed for oily skin, and allowing each layer enough time to absorb before moving to the next step.
When I rush my routine or skip products, I usually notice a difference by the end of the day. When I stick to this routine, my makeup stays looking remarkably close to how it looked when I first applied it.
Even after spending time outside in hot weather, running errands, loading groceries into the car, and going about a normal day, I don't find myself constantly checking the mirror or reaching for blotting papers.
A little extra preparation in the morning can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks hours later, and may even eliminate the need for touch-ups altogether.
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