Makeup for Oily Skin can be challenging when it comes to makeup application. The excess sebum often causes makeup to slide off, look patchy, or even contribute to breakouts. However, with the right products and techniques, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting look.
Understanding Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny complexion and enlarged pores. While sebum is essential for maintaining skin hydration, excessive production can result in:
- Makeup breakdown
- Clogged pores
- Acne or blemishes
To address these issues, it’s essential to choose makeup products specifically formulated for oily skin.
Key Features to Look for in Makeup for Oily Skin
When selecting makeup for oily skin, keep these factors in mind:
- Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Formulas
Products labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” won’t clog pores or exacerbate oiliness. - Matte or Semi-Matte Finish
A matte finish helps combat shine and keeps your skin looking fresh for longer. - Long-Wear and Transfer-Resistant
Long-lasting formulas are designed to stay in place, even on oily skin. - Lightweight Textures
Heavy formulas can feel greasy and contribute to breakouts. - Incorporated Skincare Benefits
Some makeup products include ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help control oil production and prevent acne.
Best Makeup Products for Oily Skin
Primers
A primer is essential for creating a smooth canvas and extending the wear of your makeup. For oily skin, opt for mattifying primers.
- Recommended Products:
- Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Matte Rescue Primer
This lightweight primer blurs pores and absorbs excess oil for a smooth finish. - Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer
Designed for oily skin, it keeps shine under control while providing a silky texture. - NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer
A budget-friendly option that keeps oil at bay and ensures makeup longevity.
- Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Matte Rescue Primer
Foundations
The foundation is the cornerstone of any makeup routine. For oily skin, choose oil-free, matte, and long-wear formulas.
- Recommended Products:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Renowned for its full coverage and long-lasting formula, this foundation is a favorite for oily skin types. - Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
With a matte finish and buildable coverage, it’s perfect for controlling shine. - Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
A drugstore gem that offers a natural matte finish without clogging pores.
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Concealers
A good concealer for oily skin should resist creasing and sliding while providing coverage for blemishes and dark circles.
- Recommended Products:
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
This full-coverage concealer is long-lasting and ideal for oily skin. - Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
Lightweight and crease-resistant, it’s great for a natural finish. - NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
A creamy yet matte concealer that offers excellent coverage for imperfections.
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Setting Powders
Setting powders are crucial for locking in your foundation and keeping oil at bay throughout the day.
- Recommended Products:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This cult-favorite absorbs oil and sets makeup without adding extra weight. - RCMA No-Color Powder
A lightweight, finely milled powder that works on all skin tones. - Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder
Talc-free and designed to control shine without emphasizing texture.
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Blushes and Bronzers
Creamy blushes and bronzers may not be the best choice for oily skin, as they can slide off. Instead, opt for powder-based formulas.
- Recommended Products:
- Milani Baked Blush
Provides a beautiful flush without adding excess shine. - Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer
A matte bronzer that blends seamlessly and adds dimension to the face. - NARS Blush in “Orgasm”
Offers a radiant yet controlled glow without exacerbating oiliness.
- Milani Baked Blush
Highlighters
For oily skin, highlighters should be used sparingly. Choose powder or gel-based formulas for a subtle, controlled glow.
- Recommended Products:
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
This powder highlighter adds a soft glow without making skin appear greasy. - Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter
Delivers a luminous finish with no chunky glitter. - MAC Mineralize Skinfinish
A lightweight powder that provides a natural, radiant sheen.
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
Eyeshadows
Eyeshadows for oily lids should be long-wearing and crease-proof. Eye primers can also help improve longevity.
- Recommended Products:
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Preps lids for smooth application and prevents creasing. - Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette
Offers a mix of mattes and shimmers that are highly pigmented and long-lasting. - Huda Beauty Obsessions Palettes
Compact, vibrant palettes that stay in place all day.
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Eyeliners
Smudge-proof and waterproof eyeliners are a must for oily skin to prevent panda eyes.
- Recommended Products:
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
A waterproof liquid liner that stays put all day. - Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
A creamy gel formula that resists smudging and fading. - NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner
Affordable, long-wearing, and highly pigmented.
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Mascaras
Mascaras for oily skin should be waterproof to avoid smudging.
- Recommended Products:
- L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Lengthens and volumizes without smearing. - Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
A cult favorite for bold, long-lasting lashes. - Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
A budget-friendly option that’s been a staple for years.
- L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Lipsticks
For oily skin, matte lipsticks often pair well as they’re long-lasting and resistant to smudging.
- Recommended Products:
- MAC Retro Matte Lipstick
Offers a bold matte finish with staying power. - Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink
Highly pigmented and stays in place for hours. - Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick
Lightweight and comfortable with intense color payoff.
- MAC Retro Matte Lipstick
Setting Sprays
A good setting spray can lock in your makeup and reduce shine.
- Recommended Products:
- Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray
Keeps makeup fresh for up to 16 hours. - NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray
Affordable and effective for mattifying the skin. - Morphe Continuous Setting Mist
Delivers a fine mist that sets makeup beautifully.
- Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray
Tips for Applying Makeup on Oily Skin
- Start with Clean Skin
Always cleanse your face with an oil-free cleanser before applying makeup. - Moisturize Wisely
Even oily skin needs hydration. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. - Don’t Skip Primer
A mattifying primer creates a smooth base and minimizes oil production. - Use Blotting Papers
Carry blotting papers to absorb excess oil throughout the day without disturbing makeup. - Apply Thin Layers
Heavy makeup can slide off or look cakey. Build up coverage gradually with thin layers. - Set Makeup with Powder
Use a translucent setting powder to lock in your foundation and reduce shine. - Avoid Touching Your Face
Touching your face can transfer oils and disrupt your makeup.
Skincare Tips for Managing Oily Skin
Effective makeup application begins with a solid skincare routine. Here are some tips for managing oily skin:
- Cleanse Twice Daily
Use a gentle cleanser that targets excess oil without stripping the skin. - Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps prevent clogged pores. - Use a Clay Mask Weekly
Clay masks absorb excess oil and purify the skin. - Incorporate Salicylic Acid
Products with salicylic acid can control oil production and treat acne.
Conclusion on Makeup for Oily Skin
Finding the right makeup for oily skin can transform your beauty routine and boost your confidence. By choosing products with oil-control properties and following proper application techniques, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting look. Remember, skincare plays a crucial role in managing oily skin, so combine great makeup products with a dedicated skincare regimen for the best results.