Applying flawless makeup to oily skin can definitely be a challenge. But having oily skin doesn’t mean you have to forgo makeup altogether. You just need to learn some tricks of the trade to reduce shine and help your makeup stay put. Keep reading for our top tips on how to get flawless makeup with oily skin.

10 Tips for Flawless Makeup with Oily Skin

1. Choose the Right Formulas

Does it seem like makeup always just slips off your face? If your makeup isn’t staying put, one issue could be the formulas you’re choosing. 

When shopping for makeup, avoid foundation sticks and any formula described as “illuminating”. These foundations are designed for drier skin types, and won’t last on oily skin.   

If you have issues with eye makeup smears and smudges, swap out your usual mascara with longwear and waterproof formulas.

2.  Buff Your Way to Beautiful Skin

Your makeup only looks as good as the skin you put it on! Makeup clings to the surface cells of your skin. And if those cells are dead and dull, it can leave your foundation looking patchy and uneven.

So make sure you exfoliate three to five times per week to remove dull, dead skin and smooth out your complexion for flawless makeup application.

3. Mask to Control Shine

Using a clay mask once or twice per week can also help you get a flawless application. Masks formulated with bentonite clay absorb excess oils from the skin and unclog pores, helping to create a perfect canvas for your makeup.

4. Moisturize (Seriously!)

Are you guilty of skipping moisturizer? That’s a big no-no.

Perhaps counterintuitively, oily skin does require a moisturizer. Lack of hydration can actually make oil glands go into overdrive, leaving skin more greasy than ever.

After cleansing your face, apply a lightweight moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. Then let the moisturizer sink into your skin and work its hydrating magic for a few minutes before moving onto the next step.

5. Prime First

There’s a reason makeup artists always apply primer on their clients! Primer fills in pores for a smooth finish and gives foundation something to cling to so it lasts all day long.

Choose a mattifying primer and apply a thin layer all over your face, especially on areas that tend to get shiny like your forehead and nose.

You can also use an eyeshadow primer to create a base for your eye makeup and prevent creasing throughout the day.

6. Don’t Cake It On

Flawless makeup on oily skin doesn’t necessarily mean more makeup. Applying foundation in light layers (and adding more only where you really need it) will help you achieve a complexion that looks impeccable, but never cakey. As an added bonus, your makeup will also last longer!

7. Protect Your Pout

Do oils from your face leave you with smeared lipstick? Try lipliner. Lipliner creates a barrier around your lips to help keep lipstick in place all day long. 

8. Set It with Powder

Lock in your makeup by using a makeup sponge or brush to apply a thin veil of translucent powder on top of your foundation. Pay special attention to areas that crease (like under your eyes) or areas that get extra oily (like your forehead).

You can also use this method to help your blush last longer. Just apply a cream brush to your cheeks, then set it with a similarly shaded powder blush.

9. ...And a Setting Spray

Setting spray is a must for anyone with oily skin. A fine mist of setting spray creates a film over your makeup that acts as a seal to keep it from smudging and smearing. 

10. Blot Away

No matter how flawless your makeup application is in the morning, by midday you can still end up with a bit too much shine. Many people with oily skin make the mistake of using a pigmented powder to control shine, but layering more powder on top of your makeup can leave your skin looking muddy.

Instead, keep blotting papers on hand for whenever your skin is looking a little too glowing. Just be sure to blot your skin with the papers and never wipe. Otherwise, you’ll smear your flawless makeup.

The Easiest Way to Get Flawless Makeup on Oily Skin

Does that all sound like too much work? We get it! Who has time for a multi-step makeup routine in the morning? That’s why we created Mineral Air. Our ingenious Mineral Air Complexion Starter Kit can actually significantly cut down on makeup application time because it acts as a hydrator, primer, concealer, and pigment all in one.

Application is super easy and quick, and it leaves you with a flawless, airbrushed finish that’s never cakey. It’s like a Snapchat filter, but IRL. Our unique mineral foundation is perfect for oily skin types and seamlessly blends with your skin tone for a perfect color match.

If you have oily skin and want flawless makeup, you definitely need to try this.

Curious to learn more about Mineral Air?

Here’s why we believe Mineral Air is the new face of beauty.