Foundation is a beauty lifesaver. It is a great for those wanting even, flawless coverage on the face. It can hide imperfections, such as scars and acne, and cover up any discoloration or hyperpigmentation with ease. Foundation is perfect for those who want a base that works harder than a tinted moisturizer, which offers a more sheer level of coverage. Foundation is literally the foundation for so many beauty looks.
Things can get tricky when considering skin type when choosing a foundation. If your skin is oily, you don’t want a thick layer of foundation that will end up looking shiny, cakey, and unflattering. You also don’t want the foundation to clog your pores and cause a breakout. Thankfully, you don’t have to shy away from foundation altogether for a lighter formula; there are formulations that are made just for skin that just happens to produce more oil. In order to get your skin looking like itself, only more flawless, we are sharing tips on how to choose the best foundation for oily skin, and how to apply it.
Choosing Foundation for Oily Skin
The first step is to choose a foundation that works with your skin, not against it. If you have oily skin, you should choose a water-based formula, or one that absorbs excess oil, such as a powder or mineral foundation, and/or a matte-finish foundation. Our I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation is a great option. Stay away from foundations that are oil-based; on the flip side, using one that is too dry will cause your skin to compensate by overproducing oil.
If you have combination skin, you can opt for different variations of foundation, such as our Shade Sticks, that are a foundation, concealer, and contour in one. These sticks will moisturize dry skin, with shea butter, and work on oily skin, as they contain “oil-controlling ingredients.”
How to Apply Foundation on Oily Skin
Now that you have a foundation formulation that works best on your skin type, it’s time to apply it! When putting on foundation on oily skin, a good tip is to first start by applying a matte-finish primer. This will ensure that the skin is less oily before the foundation is put on.
Another great tip is to invest in blotting papers. They will help absorb excess oil before applying primer, as well as throughout the day once your foundation is on. Just blot on the face where you see any shine, such as the T-zone. This will help keep the foundation looking and feeling fresh and matte, instead of oily and shiny.
Speaking of cakey, you’ll want to avoid this outcome by applying your foundation in light layers. If you apply thick layers of foundation, the result will look unnatural. Apply your foundation with an angled kabuki brush, a stippling brush, or a BeautyBlender (or any other beauty sponge), since applying with your fingers will add extra oil to your skin. Press or stipple the foundation into the skin; in a light, circular motion; instead of swiping it on. This ensures that the makeup doesn’t move or streak.
As a final step, you’ll want to lock in your beauty look with some setting spray. It will keep your makeup right where you want it, throughout the day. Many swear that also spritzing on some setting spray before applying foundation also helps in keeping oil at bay. Spray in an “X” and “T” motion to ensure you cover all the important parts of your face. Now you are all set, with a perfect, shine-free, primed and prepped canvas, to complete your desired makeup look.
