7 Makeup Tips for Women with Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you need to bear this in mind when choosing makeup. If you don't, you might make things worse.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Okairy Zuñiga

Last update: 26 May, 2022

Applying makeup when you have oily skin can be a real challenge. It comes off and smudges easily, blocks your pores, and causes a number of skin problems.

However, below we’ve listed some makeup tips for women with oily skin. If you bear them in mind, you’ll be able to keep a smooth matte finish all day long.

1. Prepare Your Skin First

The first tip consists in preparing your face before you apply makeup. This will make any skin products you use last longer and look better.

To do this:

• Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells will help to even out the texture and obtain a smoother finish. Choose soft exfoliants which are design specifically for your skin type. Do this once a week as a minimum, and three times a week at most.
• Hydrate. Exfoliation can cause your skin to get a little dry which it will try to counteract with more oil. Control this oil production by keeping your skin hydrated.

2. Always Use a Pre-Base

This second makeup tip if you have oily skin helps the makeup to stay in place with the right consistency.

• Cover the areas that are more prone to get oily (forehead, nose, and chin) with a light, opaque pre-base which is free of oils. Powders are the best option.
• Before applying the pre-base, make sure that your face is clean and dry. Remember to do this before any makeup base, powder, or any other makeup.

3. Choose Makeup with a Glossy or Matte Finish

Another tip is to use mousses or powder makeups that give a glossy or matte finish.

• Look for formulas that don’t contain oil and are water-based. For lasting makeup, choose mineral options that don’t have any fragrance. This type of product will be less likely to block your pores and cause acne.
• To apply the base, use a brush or a pencil. This will help to avoid blocking your pores and will absorb more excess oils, without promoting the production of more.

4. Don’t Use Too Much Powder

One key tip if you have oily skin is to use things in moderation. Although powders can give a silky finish, too much powder covers the pores and increases the risk of in infection or acne.

• Only apply powder in places where you need it, and don’t use too much.
• It’s also important to use translucent matte formulas as they dull the shine of any skin tone.
• If you apply too much powder, dampen a makeup pad and lightly dab your skin to remove the excess.

5. Always Carry Blotting Papers

It doesn’t matter how impeccable or matte your makeup looks in the morning, if you have oily skin, your face will be shining in just a matter of hours. In this case, blotting papers are your best friend.

• The trick to using these papers without removing all your makeup is to simply press them against the oily area and then remove from the skin.
• At all costs avoid rubbing the paper on your skin. This way, the paper will absorb the oils whilst leaving your makeup intact.

6. Remove Your Makeup at the End of the Day

Once the day is over, it’s really important to remove your makeup. Leaving your makeup on overnight will block your pores and cause imperfections. You need to follow a daily routine.

• Use a soft astringent tonic that contains salicylic acid to improve your skin texture and size of your pores.
• If you also have sensitive skin, you might need to try a few different options first to find one that doesn’t irritate your skin.

7. Use Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Many women with oily skin don’t use sun cream because they find it too greasy or they’re worried about blocking their pores.

However, you shouldn’t forget that exposure to the sun without sun cream causes sun spots, freckles, and premature ageing.

• Therefore, the makeup advice for women with oily skin is to get a solar protection gel or light sun cream with SPF 50 or greater.

Combat Oily Skin by Improving Your Habits

As well as having the right makeup routine, remember to steer clear of fast foods and sugars. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and remove toxins.

These care tips will help to regulate the amount of oil your skin produces. Do you have any other advice for women with oily skin?