If you have oily looking skin, it can be difficult to keep it from looking shiny. It can also cause makeup to slide off your face before you have even reached your destination. Fortunately, incorporating simple steps into your makeup routine can keep the oil at bay. These steps take only a few minutes, but they will help keep your skin looking matte all day.
Some with oily skin decide to skip moisturizer completely. Often, this is not a good idea. Some dermatologists claim that stripping your skin of moisture, which happens whenever you cleanse your face, without replenishing it can actually cause your skin to produce more oil. A better option is to moisturize your skin, but with a product designed to keep oil in check. This step also helps prepare skin for makeup application, as it will be smooth and soft.
After moisturizing, apply oil-free foundation primer designed to leave your skin looking matte. Apply with smooth, sweeping strokes for the best finish. It is not advisable to wear foundation primer every day, as it can be rather heavy on the skin, but it is a crucial step in your makeup routine if you are going to be out for a long period of time, or if you are going to be photographed.
Shortly after applying foundation, take a tissue and fold it so that is about a fourth of its original size. Blotting paper works, too. Gently press it against your skin, blotting the areas of your face that are prone to shine. This step draws out some of the oily properties of your foundation that can make your skin look greasy.
Sweep loose powder over your face with a big, fluffy brush. This final step not only helps to set your makeup, but it is also a great way to cut down on shine. Concentrate the product on areas of your face that tend to produce the most oil, which is the forehead, nose, and chin for most people. If necessary, touch up your powder throughout the day.
Remember to work these tips into your makeup routine the next time you are getting ready for a long, busy day. They will help keep your skin looking free of shine, and they will dramatically extend the wear of your makeup, too.