By | June 2, 2025

How To Avoid Oily Makeup

Avoiding oily makeup—where your makeup melts, slides off, or looks shiny—mostly comes down to prepping your skin right and choosing the right products. Here’s how to keep your makeup fresh and matte all day:

💄 How to Avoid Oily Makeup

✅ 1. Start with a Clean, Oil-Free Face

  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser made for oily skin.
  • Don’t skip moisturizer, but use a lightweight, oil-free, mattifying moisturizer.

✅ 2. Use a Mattifying Primer

  • Apply an oil-control or mattifying primer before foundation.
  • It creates a smooth base and helps absorb excess oil.

✅ 3. Choose Oil-Free, Matte Foundation

  • Look for foundations labeled oil-free, matte finish, or long-wear.
  • Avoid heavy, creamy foundations that add shine.

✅ 4. Set Makeup with Powder

  • Use a translucent or mattifying setting powder to lock foundation in place.
  • Focus especially on oily areas like the T-zone and nose.

✅ 5. Blot During the Day

  • Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
  • Avoid rubbing your face with tissues or fingers.

✅ 6. Use Setting Spray for Oily Skin

  • A setting spray formulated for oily skin helps makeup last longer and controls shine.

✅ 7. Avoid Heavy Cream or Oil-Based Products

  • Skip oily highlighters, creamy blushes, or thick concealers that can add shine.
  • Choose powder or matte formulas instead.

✅ 8. Don’t Over-Apply Products

  • Applying too much product can clog pores and increase shine.
  • Use thin, even layers for better control.

✅ 9. Touch Up Smartly

  • If needed, gently dust more powder or use a mattifying touch-up spray mid-day.

✅ 10. Maintain Good Skincare Routine

  • Regular exfoliation and using oil-control skincare products help keep oil production balanced over time.

🧩 Quick Summary

TipWhy It Helps
Cleanse & moisturize lightlyPrevents excess oil without dryness
Mattifying primerControls oil & smooths skin
Oil-free, matte foundationAvoids adding shine
Set with powderLocks makeup and reduces shine
Blot papers & setting sprayAbsorbs oil without ruining makeup