Contrary to popular belief, make-up is not incompatible with oily skin. You just need to adopt the right technique and use the right products. In focus.

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 do you recognize it? Oily skin often has a shiny or glossy appearance, particularly on the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose and chin), exactly like the characteristics of combination skin. This is due to the accumulation of sebum on the skin's surface. People with oily skin often have dilated pores, visible to the naked eye and clogged with impurities, which can lead to blemishes. 

What are the essential make-up products for oily skin? 

As with the facial routine for oily skin, when it comes to make-up, it's important to choose the right products to control shine and ensure long-lasting hold. Here are a few essential make-up products for oily skin:

1. Mattifying but not suffocating make-up base: choose a make-up base specially formulated for oily skin. This can help reduce excess sebum and mattify the skin before applying make-up. Look for bases that control shine and minimize the appearance of pores, but make sure they are silicone-free. 

2. Mattifying yet light foundation: Opt for a foundation with a light, oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that will mattify 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 foundation and further reduce shine. Apply lightly all over the face, or to areas prone to shine, especially the T-zone. This will help control excess sebum and prolong make-up wear.

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

5. Long-wearing eyeshadow: Use eyeshadows that adhere well and last a long time, to prevent them from moving or fading quickly on the eyelid. Always apply an eye primer before your eyeshadow.

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

7. Mattifying paper or compact powder: These products are little extras to carry in your beauty kit. They can be used throughout the day to eliminate excess sebum, reduce shine and glossiness without altering make-up. Mattifying papers absorb excess oil, while compact powders can be used for light touch-ups.

Of course, don't forget to cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying make-up, and use make-up removers suited to your skin type to completely remove make-up at the end of the day.

How do I apply foundation to oily skin? 

To achieve a perfect, long-lasting result and a beautiful, matte complexion, you need to know how to apply your foundation, but fortunately it's not at all complicated. 

Steps to good preparation 

Prepare your skin: Before applying foundation, cleanse and moisturize your skin with products suitable for oily skin, to provide an excellent base. Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizing cream to avoid adding an oil overload to your skin, perform a gentle, light exfoliation to refine skin texture, possibly apply a green clay mask to purify the skin and add a mattifying cream if necessary. 

Use a mattifying make-up base: Apply a make-up base specially formulated for oily skin. This will help control excess sebum, minimize the appearance of pores and prolong the wear of foundation.

Choose the right foundation: Opt for a foundation with a light, non-comedogenic, mattifying formula. Fluid or powder foundations are generally recommended for oily skin. Choose a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone to avoid any masking effect.

Application steps 

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

Blend evenly: Gently blend foundation over the entire face. Start in the center of the face and work outwards. Be sure to blend foundation carefully along the jawline, neck and facial contours to avoid demarcation.

Avoid over-application: It's best to start with a small amount of foundation and add more as needed. Over-application can result in a heavy, unnatural look, and can also encourage shine over time.

Set with powder: Once foundation has been applied, set with loose powder or translucent mattifying powder. Use a powder brush to gently tap the powder onto the entire face, concentrating on shine-prone areas.

Touch up lightly: If necessary, touch up lightly throughout the day using a mattifying powder or mattifying papers to remove excess sebum without altering the foundation.

By following these tips, you can achieve a foundation application that offers even coverage, a matte finish and long-lasting hold on your oily skin.