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What is the best way to apply foundation for oily skin?
For those of us in constant battle with acne and oil, there is a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind with makeup, and that starts with how your canvas is prepped. Pro makeup artist Raul Otero recommends using an oil-controlling moisturizer and mattifying primer before any makeup application. Not only will it help your makeup last longer but it'll keep your skin grease-free. In other words, a grippy makeup primer helps foundation adhere to your skin so it won’t melt as the day goes on.
“When it comes to primers, it’s best to avoid cream-, oil-, or silicone-based formulas because it can get slippery,” Jamie Greenberg, a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles tells Glamour. Don’t we know it. Makeup artist Nick Barose likes using a makeup primer that smooths out pores and fine lines like the Mally Beauty Face Defender. And he suggests making sure skin care and primer is fully absorbed before applying foundation. “This helps prevent excess product from turning the foundation oily,” says Barose.
What foundation is good for oily skin?
Next up, get familiar with the ingredients that will get you the coverage, longevity, and shade you desire. Andrea Claire, a celebrity makeup artist based in Toronto, says to start by looking for formulas that are noncomedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores and cause acne. Foundations that have oil-absorbing ingredients like charcoal or colloidal clay, active ingredients like salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) to prevent breakouts, and SPF to prevent hyperpigmentation are ideal. For those battling extra-oily skin, Greenberg suggests using, “Formulas that contain silica powder, Moroccan lava clay, and Canadian colloidal clay are some of the most beneficial.” These mattifying agents absorb oil and shine giving a matte appearance.
Luminous formulas with a dewy or satin finish are designed to bounce light with their shimmery ingredients and will only draw attention to any preexisting oiliness—the very opposite of your skin goals. To finish strong, Otero and Claire suggest gently blotting your face to absorb excess oils and moisture leftover from products. Claire adds that if you are using a setting powder, however, try “not [to] powder the skin too often. This tells your sebaceous glands that they need to produce more oil and hydrate the skin. Powder mixed with oil from overproductive glands will become cakey and oxidize—changing the color [of your foundation].”
The best foundations for oily skin
Whether you aim for a glazed aesthetic or a mattified glam, these foundations recommended by makeup artists are worth adding to your beauty routine. Read on to learn more about the best foundations for oily skin.
