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Meta: Oily skin can be a drag, but with the right routine and makeup, you can beat the oily skin blues and feel fabulous long term; here’s how…

Makeup|Oily Skin

There is a right way to wash and apply makeup regardless of your skin type. If you have oily skin, make sure to cleanse and moisturize first before applying the remainder of your makeup.

Always go for products that look after oily skin and offer a foundation shade match for your skin type and tone. Let’s start with some basics first….

How to look after your oily skin

The first step is always water. Clean your skin with lukewarm water and gentle soap (if you use harsh soaps on oily skin, it can dry out the natural oils in the face). Never rub or scrub as this will cause irritation and damage these sensitive areas even more.

After washing vigorously, pat the face dry with some paper towels (clean microfiber cloths are also good) do not rub. Rubbing causes skin abrasions which can lead to acne breakouts and scars later down the line.

After patting dry, it is time to tone your face. Apply the toner with a cotton ball or pad and let it dry completely before applying makeup. Do not rinse this product off after application. Allow it to remain on the skin’s surface to help aid in oil control throughout the day. There are various toners used for multiple skin types, just like with everything you need to do your research.

Do your research

Carry out research to find the right products for your skin type. When you have oily skin, to help with oil control, it is best to use a mineral powder foundation since this will allow your pores to be filled and won’t let any excess oils out onto the skin’s surface.

A mineral powder foundation is also good if you have an uneven complexion since you can easily blend it into any problem areas or blemishes on your face. Using a brush or sponge, apply a small amount evenly across the face and blend well into the neck area.

If you want more coverage, use a concealer over the top of this makeup base, lightly blending in circles from nose to cheeks for even application. Another tip if you have oily skin is to always use a good setting powder over the top of your foundation, concealer, and blush (if any).

Setting powder will help prevent shine throughout the day, especially after work when you may become hot in that 9-5 office job of yours. For eye shadow, apply lightly with a small brush into the eyelid crease only due to oily skin around the eyes being very sensitive.

Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

Mascara and lip gloss

Apply mascara in small amounts to avoid clumping, but also make sure not to overload lashes with too much product; it will weigh them down. If you need more volume, try using a curler or eyelash tinting kit to help fix these areas.

Always finish off with some good lip gloss – this is excellent advice for all skin types, but oily skin needs a distraction sometimes.

Tips for the rest of your routine

If you have oily skin, it is essential to take care of your complexion not just on the surface level but also internally.

Internal health means consuming foods that are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and C. These are all excellent antioxidants that will help keep your skin healthy on the inside, which in turn will make you appear glowing on the outside.

Some sample foods include salmon, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli but don’t forget about other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and lettuce.

Remember to drink plenty of liquid, preferably water, to keep your skin moisturized and flush out any toxins in your system, helping your skin to relax and appear less greasy.

Relaxation is great for the skin

Stress is a big no-no when it comes to skincare. It’s a medical fact that stress breaks down the collagen in our skin, making it less supple and helping to speed up the aging process.

It’s also true that stress can cause breakouts and an overall unhealthy skin appearance. To relieve stress, try some yoga, meditation, or even a hot sauna, as these will help you unwind from the day and also flush out those impurities mentioned earlier.

If possible, take 10 minutes to relax every morning or night for yourself before going to sleep or getting ready in the morning. Relaxation will not only help your skin but will also refresh you mentally, allowing you to start your day feeling better about yourself.

Photo by Liveology Yoga Magazine on Unsplash

Do not smoke

Two things that are REALLY bad for your skin are smoking and too much direct sun exposure. It’s best to avoid smoking altogether or if you are a smoker, try quitting as soon as possible.

People can easily combat the second hazard of direct sun exposure by using a sunscreen every day when going out even if the sky is cloudy; UV rays can damage the skin. So cover up before heading outside if there is any chance of sun exposure.

Sunscreen is vital for everyone, especially those with oily skin. Too much sun can cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to an even greasier complexion by lunchtime (sometimes this happens).

We know you need a dose of vitamin D to stay healthy, but it’s better to catch those rays on your ankles than on your face. The other way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D is via a supplement. Other skin vitamins are A and C.

If you choose to take supplements, always consult with a medical professional before doing so, as they can interact with your current medications.

With all these tips in mind, you should feel confident that your skin is better cared for now and that over time, if practiced regularly, it will become healthier and look better. If not, we suggest seeing a dermatologist or visiting a salon for professional advice, depending on how bad your oily skin is.