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How Do I Choose the Best Makeup for Oily Skin?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet

If your skin is prone to shininess, you may often find that your perfectly-applied makeup has been overtaken by a slick sheen of oil just minutes after you applied it. Luckily, it is possible to solve this problem by assembling an arsenal of makeup for oily skin. Often, choosing the best makeup for oily skin is simply a matter of reading product labels in search of an oil-free designation. Perhaps the single most important item in any woman’s quest for an oil-free visage is a good base powder or foundation. Once you have found your ideal base, you should look for eye products that resist creasing and running.

Often, choosing the best makeup for oily skin is simply a matter of reading product labels closely. As many women are prone to oily skin, a number of cosmetics manufacturers produce a range of oil-free products, many of which are water-based. Generally, the oil-free status of these products is indicated directly on their packaging, making it easy to see which items are best. In addition to being oil-free, some products contain ingredients such as kaolin clay which help absorb the oil naturally secreted by the skin. For extra shine control, look for products designated oil-absorbing, or scan a product’s ingredient list to determine whether it contains clay or oil-absorbing minerals.

A good base or foundation is important for women with oily skin.
A good base or foundation is important for women with oily skin.

Should you be able to purchase only one item of makeup for oily skin, most cosmetics experts agree that it should be a base powder or foundation. Establishing good oil control at the base level helps every other cosmetic you apply, such as blush or eye shadow, to stay put. Again, choosing a good base for oily skin is often simply a matter of selecting a product which is designated oil-free. As everyone’s skin chemistry is different, finding your ideal base may require some trial and error.

Powder-based makeup is typically the best choice for oily skin.
Powder-based makeup is typically the best choice for oily skin.

Once you have found a base which helps keep oiliness in check, you should seek eye products that resist creasing and running. Many cosmetics experts hold that a long-wearing cream eye shadow is more suitable to oily skin than powder shadows. If you prefer to stick to powder shadows, look for crease-proof formulations. Should your facial oiliness be accompanied by a tendency to sweat, you should also take care to avoid makeup malfunctions by seeking eye products that do not run. For best results, look for mascaras and liquid eyeliners that are labeled waterproof.

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    • A good base or foundation is important for women with oily skin.
      By: Viktor Pravdica
      A good base or foundation is important for women with oily skin.
    • Powder-based makeup is typically the best choice for oily skin.
      By: Csák István
      Powder-based makeup is typically the best choice for oily skin.