No one wants to walk around with an oil slick on their face, but getting oily skin under control can be a real challenge. Follow this expert-recommend makeup routine and the only thing that will shine is you.
The challenge
Cutting down on shine around the forehead, nose and cheeks and setting your makeup properly so it doesn’t disappear by lunchtime. If you’re battling blackheads or inflammatory acne like pimples and cysts, it’s important to choose an oil-free formula with plenty of coverage.
The science
Oily skin is the result of over-active sebaceous glands, which are triggered by the hormone DHT, a derivative of testosterone. Genes play a role, but anything that affects the delicate hormone balance—stress, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills, diet or certain medications—can cause your DHT levels to spike and send your sebaceous glands into overdrive.
Perfect your complexion
1. Prep your skin
While you can’t slow down your skin’s natural oil production, wiping your face with a toner like Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner will soak up excess oil without stripping the skin. Apply a light, oil-free cream labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic” like Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35 and wait a few minutes to let it absorb.
2. Get even
New York City makeup artist Sara Glick says to use your fingers or a concealer brush to spot-apply a creamy concealer like Urban Decay Surreal Skin Creamy Concealer under your eyes, along the corners of your nose and over any blemishes. Next, apply a matte foundation like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse if you like a little more coverage or a tinted moisturizer like Lorac protect-TINT Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer if you prefer a more natural look. Use your fingers and start at the middle of your face and blend outward. Set with a light dusting of clear powder like Tarte Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder.
3. Warm up
Go for a matte powder bronzer like Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder. Using a large, fluffy brush, dust it where the sun would naturally kiss your face: your forehead, the bridge of your nose, cheekbones and chin. Sweep what’s left on the brush over your neck so it all blends in.
4. Go rosy
Your most natural shade of blush is the color that you, well, blush naturally. (It’ll be in the pink family—nobody blushes tangerine or eggplant, notes Glick.) No matter your skin type, powder is easiest to apply and lasts the longest. Load up a blush brush, shake off the excess and sweep it over the apples of your cheeks. Soften and blend the color with a clean powder brush.
5. Control shine
If your face gets oily after a few hours, lightly dust your T-zone with powder—or soak up oil without adding another layer of makeup by dabbing your T-zone with Tweezerman Facial Blotting Paper.
