by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: January 12, 2009   Last Updated: March 04, 2011

Oily skin is the arch-enemy of long-lasting makeup. Excess oil can result in, at the very least, unwanted shine. At the worst, it may lead to makeup sliding off completely. However, there is no need to despair. As a Makeup Artist for the last decade, I have some tricks up my makeup sleeve which may just help!

Preparing the Skin for Makeup

There are many makeup products targeted at specific skin types, but don't allow this to keep you from experimentation. So-called incompatible products may still be used; it may simply be a matter of placement. This applies especially if you have combination skin.

Try oily-based and moisture-rich products where your skin tends to be dry and flaky. Try non-oily products where your skin is prone to shine, such as your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin).

You do not need to double up on moisturizer and primer - you can opt to use one or the other, thus avoiding too much oil. However, if skipping your normal moisturizer is undesirable, let it penetrate completely before using primer.

A primer will assist in providing a barrier over the skin prior to makeup application. The waxy base in primer will provide a smooth layer for foundation to adhere to, reducing the risk of an oily, patchy finish. You may want to keep some tissues handy to blot the skin after applying moisturizer and/or primer.

Foundation

Oil-based foundations can blotch on the skin; therefore you may prefer to use a non-oily foundation to avoid this problem, even on dry patches of skin. A stick/cake foundation is the best option, as these contain much less oil than liquid formulations. The stick variation is often easier to use and less messy than cake, which comes in a pot.

It is recommended to apply foundation with a sponge or brush, rather than your fingers, if you have oily skin. This is because the tips of the fingers can often contain excess oil; increasing the oil issue!

To combat oily foundation, blot with a tissue after application. If using a liquid formulation, shaking the bottle well before use can also assist in reducing oily patches on the skin.

Face Powder

A must for oily complexions, powder serves to set your foundation. This means that the foundation is fixed in place on your skin and is less likely to slide around your face. Powder absorbs oil; providing a matte finish. Therefore, use of powder is highly recommended for oily skin, to achieve a flawless result. If you dislike wearing powder, but feel you need it, try using it only on the areas that may require it, such as the nose, chin and forehead; which are often prone to shine. Healthy skin has a glow and that is what we are trying to achieve, without looking oily. Powder can be applied with a brush, sponge or powder puff.

For the same reason, it is recommended that those with oily skin opt for powder formulations of cheek and eye colours, as creme and liquid varieties are more likely to exacerbate the oil problem.

These tips should help you on your way to longer-lasting makeup, despite sporting an oily complexion. But it is not all bad having oily skin; chances are you will age much, much better than your friends with dry complexions!

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