I'm not really a believer in traditional 'skin types' as splitting the entire population into three distinct categories doesn't really work. Our skin reacts to what we put in and on our bodies, meaning that you're far more in control of your complexion than you may realise; oiliness is often a result of something that's gone a bit wrong and it can be relatively easy to rectify. Excess oils are triggered by the sebaceous glands being over active, resulting in blocked pores, congestion and discolouration of the skin. Stress, puberty, contraception, an increased secretion of other hormones can be at fault, but excessive oil production can also be stimulated by the products we use on our skin; if a product is too harsh it can strip the skin of hydration, which could result in an over stimulation of oil production to compensate. Over exfoliation can also be damaging; if you're constantly stripping the skin of its natural goodness it will over produce oil and worsen the condition further. (Read my post about what your skin type is telling you for more info here.) However if you do suffer with oily skin and the 4pm slip is getting you down, there are things you can do to help. Here are some of my top tips for ensuring makeup stays put on even the most oily of skin, so you can get on with your day looking fabulous.
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Priming Is Essential
One of the biggest mistakes women with 'oily' skin make is not integrating a primer into their daily routine. Primers offer a huge range of benefits, but the basic function is to aid the performance of a base; it both provides a surface on which your foundation can grip on to, as well as creating a barrier between skin and makeup that helps to reduce oiliness. If you need your makeup to last all day (and even all night,) then investing in a great primer is the first step towards foundation nirvana. Apply a little over skincare and before foundation to ensure your makeup stays put and shine is minimised. (Read my five reasons why you need a primer, plus some fave picks, here.)
Go Oil-Free
Opting for oil-free and non-comedogenic (which means non pore-clogging!) products will ensure your complexion looks as fresh as possible. If you're suffering with oily skin, then the last thing you want to do is add more oil into the equation. As oil is attracted to oil, it also means that your makeup will move around and look cakey as the day progresses; opting for skincare and makeup products that are completely free of oil will look after your skin temporarily and more long term too. Many brands now advertise the fact they're oil-free, meaning it's easy to make wise purchasing decisions.
A Dusting Of Powder
Although overdoing the powder can cause makeup to look heavy and cakey, as the last step in your routine a light dusting will help fix makeup in place and minimise shine. Using a really light and fluffy brush to buff product into the skin will ensure it mixes with the natural oils and looks radiant, rather than sitting on the skin and looking flat. I like to take the brush with me on shinier days, working it around my face every couple of hours to lift excess oil and blend out the product again - you don't need to re-apply powder, just work with what you've already got for a really natural and lightweight finish.
Facial Spritz
The secret of many makeup artists, a great facial spritz will help to hydrate skin and re-plump anything that's started to look a little dull throughout the day. Opting for something like Balance Me's Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist (which is 99% natural) will help to revive your complexion and makeup, adding a dewy finish that counteracts the oiliness. It may seem unnatural to add more moisture to a slightly shiny face, but it helps to ensure you're looking radiant while giving the oil something to mix with.
Blotting Paper
I always used to carry blotting paper in my bag, but it's much harder to get hold of on the high street now. A little sheet of something like Bobbi Brown's Blotting Paper applied across the nose and over the chin will help to absorb excess oil without touching your makeup. It's quick and easy, mess free and the slips into your bag with ease. You can also get powdered versions which leave a light dusting over skin to counteract the shininess, but it's worth buffing the residue into skin for a flawless finish.
Carry A Blending Brush
If the worst comes to the worst, then carrying a small blending brush or sponge is the secret to your makeup looking freshly applied. Buffing makeup and products back into skin, when the oil has caused them to separate, is a temporary solution when all else fails. Excess oil and moisture can cause products to move around the face, so a little buffing action around your t-zone will help fix everything back into place. Never apply more product (which will sit on skin and look cakey,) just work with what you've got and freshen up.
Do you have any other top tips for dealing with oily skin and shine throughout the day?
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![]()
Priming Is Essential
One of the biggest mistakes women with 'oily' skin make is not integrating a primer into their daily routine. Primers offer a huge range of benefits, but the basic function is to aid the performance of a base; it both provides a surface on which your foundation can grip on to, as well as creating a barrier between skin and makeup that helps to reduce oiliness. If you need your makeup to last all day (and even all night,) then investing in a great primer is the first step towards foundation nirvana. Apply a little over skincare and before foundation to ensure your makeup stays put and shine is minimised. (Read my five reasons why you need a primer, plus some fave picks, here.)
Go Oil-Free
Opting for oil-free and non-comedogenic (which means non pore-clogging!) products will ensure your complexion looks as fresh as possible. If you're suffering with oily skin, then the last thing you want to do is add more oil into the equation. As oil is attracted to oil, it also means that your makeup will move around and look cakey as the day progresses; opting for skincare and makeup products that are completely free of oil will look after your skin temporarily and more long term too. Many brands now advertise the fact they're oil-free, meaning it's easy to make wise purchasing decisions.
A Dusting Of Powder
Although overdoing the powder can cause makeup to look heavy and cakey, as the last step in your routine a light dusting will help fix makeup in place and minimise shine. Using a really light and fluffy brush to buff product into the skin will ensure it mixes with the natural oils and looks radiant, rather than sitting on the skin and looking flat. I like to take the brush with me on shinier days, working it around my face every couple of hours to lift excess oil and blend out the product again - you don't need to re-apply powder, just work with what you've already got for a really natural and lightweight finish.
Facial Spritz
The secret of many makeup artists, a great facial spritz will help to hydrate skin and re-plump anything that's started to look a little dull throughout the day. Opting for something like Balance Me's Skin Bright Hydrating Face Mist (which is 99% natural) will help to revive your complexion and makeup, adding a dewy finish that counteracts the oiliness. It may seem unnatural to add more moisture to a slightly shiny face, but it helps to ensure you're looking radiant while giving the oil something to mix with.
Blotting Paper
I always used to carry blotting paper in my bag, but it's much harder to get hold of on the high street now. A little sheet of something like Bobbi Brown's Blotting Paper applied across the nose and over the chin will help to absorb excess oil without touching your makeup. It's quick and easy, mess free and the slips into your bag with ease. You can also get powdered versions which leave a light dusting over skin to counteract the shininess, but it's worth buffing the residue into skin for a flawless finish.
Carry A Blending Brush
If the worst comes to the worst, then carrying a small blending brush or sponge is the secret to your makeup looking freshly applied. Buffing makeup and products back into skin, when the oil has caused them to separate, is a temporary solution when all else fails. Excess oil and moisture can cause products to move around the face, so a little buffing action around your t-zone will help fix everything back into place. Never apply more product (which will sit on skin and look cakey,) just work with what you've got and freshen up.
Do you have any other top tips for dealing with oily skin and shine throughout the day?
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