Contrary to popular belief, makeup is not incompatible with oily skin. You just need to use the right technique and the right products. Let's take a closer look.

Oily skin, also known as seborrheic skin, is a skin type characterized by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. How can you recognize it? Oily skin often has a shiny or greasy appearance, particularly in the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose, and chin), just like combination skin. This is due to the accumulation of sebum on the skin's surface. People with oily skin often have enlarged pores that are visible to the naked eye and clogged with impurities, which can lead to blemishes. 

What products are essential for makeup on oily skin? 

Just like with the skincare routine for oily skin, when it comes to applying makeup, it is important to choose suitable products to control shine and ensure long-lasting wear. Here are some essential products for makeup on oily skin:

1. Mattifying but non-suffocating makeup primer: choose a makeup primer specially formulated for oily skin. It can help reduce excess sebum and mattify the skin before applying makeup. Look for primers that control shine and minimize the appearance of pores, but make sure they do not contain silicone. 

2. Mattifying but lightweight foundation: Opt for a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic foundation that mattifies the skin. Mattifying foundations help absorb excess sebum, minimize shine, and provide long-lasting coverage. Powder formulas or mattifying liquid foundations make a good team for oily skin.

3. Loose powder or mattifying powder: A loose powder or translucent mattifying powder can be used to set the foundation and further reduce shine. Apply it lightly over the entire face or on areas prone to shine, especially the T-zone. This will help control excess sebum and prolong the makeup's wear.

4. Powder blush and rouge: To avoid adding extra oil to the skin, choose powder blushes and rouges rather than cream or liquid formulas.

5. Long-lasting eyeshadow: Use eyeshadows that offer good adhesion and long-lasting wear to prevent them from moving or breaking down quickly on the eyelid. Always apply an eyeshadow primer before your eyeshadow.

6. Water-resistant eyeliner and mascara: Oily skin tends to produce more sebum on the eyelids, which can cause eyeliner and mascara to smudge. Opt for water-resistant formulas for long-lasting wear.

7. Blotting paper or compact powder: These products are little extras to carry in your beauty bag. They can be used throughout the day to remove excess sebum and reduce shine and greasiness without altering the makeup. Blotting papers absorb excess oil, while compact powder can be used for light touch-ups.

Obviously, do not forget to cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying makeup and to use makeup remover products suitable for your skin type to completely remove makeup at the end of the day.

How to properly apply foundation on oily skin? 

To achieve a perfect, long-lasting makeup application and a beautiful matte complexion, you need to know how to apply foundation, but fortunately, it is not that complicated. 

The steps for proper preparation 

Prepare your skin: Before applying foundation, cleanse and moisturize your skin with products suitable for oily skin; this will prepare an excellent base. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid adding an excess of oil to your skin, perform a gentle, light exfoliation to refine the skin's texture, optionally apply a green clay mask to purify the skin, and add a mattifying cream if needed. 

Use a mattifying makeup primer: Apply a makeup primer specially formulated for oily skin. This primer will help control excess sebum, minimize the appearance of pores, and prolong the foundation's wear.

Choose the right foundation: Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic, mattifying foundation. Liquid foundation or powder foundation is generally recommended for oily skin. Choose a shade that perfectly matches your complexion to avoid a mask effect.

The application steps 

Apply foundation in small dots: Place a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand or on a makeup palette. Use a brush, sponge, or clean fingers to apply the foundation to your face in small dots.

Blend evenly: Work the foundation by gently blending it over the entire face. Start in the center of the face and spread the product outwards. Make sure to carefully blend the foundation along the jawline, neck, and contours of the face to avoid visible lines.

Avoid applying too much: It is best to start with a small amount of foundation and add more if necessary. Applying too much product can give a heavy and unnatural appearance, and can also promote shine over time.

Set with powder: Once the foundation is applied, set it with loose powder or translucent mattifying powder. Use a powder brush to gently tap the powder over the entire face, focusing on areas prone to shine.

Perform light touch-ups: If necessary, perform light touch-ups throughout the day using mattifying powder or blotting papers to remove excess sebum without altering the foundation.

By following these tips, you will be able to achieve a foundation application that offers even coverage, a matte finish, and long-lasting wear on your oily skin.