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If your makeup tends to slide off, melt away, or just vanish by midday, you’re definitely not alone. One of the most common beauty concerns is how to get makeup to last on oily skin. To tell you the truth, oily skin can make long-wear makeup feel like a struggle but it doesn’t have to be. With the right prep, smart makeup choices, and a few pro-approved techniques, you can lock in your look and enjoy all-day coverage that stays put.
In this guide, I am breaking down 9 tested and proven tips to help your makeup stay intact, matte, and gorgeous — even if you’re dealing with oily skin.
How to Get Makeup to Last on Oily Skin
Skincare
Before you even dive into learning how to get makeup to last on oily skin, here’s something important to remember: your makeup is only as good as the skin underneath it. A perfect skincare routine for oily skin is the real game-changer here. It sets the foundation (literally) for makeup that looks better and lasts longer.
Here’s a basic daily routine for oily skin:
- Cleanser: Use twice daily for oily skin to keep excess oil in check. I suggest adding a salicylic acid cleanser in your skincare routine. Use salicylic acid cleanser once a day to avoid over exfoliation.
- Toner: Toners are totally optional but helpful with ingredients like witch hazel or glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Tula toner is my favorite for it.
- Moisturizer: Use oil free and lightweight moisturizer
- SPF: Always use a non-comedogenic oil-free sunscreen
- Weekly treatments: Clay masks or exfoliation to unclog pores. If you are using salicylic acid cleanser then you can totally avoid this step.
With these steps, your skin is less likely to produce excess oil like it usually does with oily skin, so your makeup will stay put and look fresh for longer.
Make Sure to Moisturize
It might sound surprising, but even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin produce more oil to make up for the dryness. Go for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores as that’s the last thing oily skin needs. Gel-based or water-based moisturizers are lightweight and perfect for oily skin. They soak in fast and leave no greasy feel behind.
Prime Your Skin
One of the my favorite ways to make makeup last longer on oily skin is by using a primer. A good mattifying primer acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping to control oil production and minimize the appearance of pores. It creates a smooth and even base that helps foundation stick better and stay put throughout the day.
When applying primer, focus on areas where you get the most shine. These are your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Before applying your foundation, give it some time for the primer to fully absorb into the skin . This step not only helps your makeup last longer but also prevents it from breaking down due to excess oil.
Look for primers that says “oil-free,” “pore-minimizing,” or “long-wear” for the best results on oily skin. Some primers also contain ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, which help control oil production over time.
Quick Tip: Avoid using silicone-heavy primers if your skin is prone to breakouts.
Choose the Right Foundation
Not all foundations are created equal and you have to be extra careful when dealing with oily skin or makeup on oily skin. Look for oil-free, long-wear, or matte-finish foundations that are formulated for your skin type. Powder and mineral foundations also work well because they absorb oil and reduce shine.
Avoid dewy or luminous foundations as they make oily skin appear even shinier.
Pro Tip: Always apply foundation in thin layers and build coverage where needed to avoid caking and separation.
Setting Powder
Setting powder is a must when it comes to how to get makeup to last on oily skin. It locks in your look and keeps excess oil in check throughout the day. Go for a translucent or oil-absorbing formula and focus on areas that tend to get shiny, like your T-zone.
But if you want even longer wear, then definitely try the “baking” technique. Apply a generous layer of loose powder to oily spots, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently dust off the excess. It helps set your base and keeps your makeup looking fresh for hours.
Powder Blush and Bronzer
When you have oily skin, the textures you use make a big difference. Cream or liquid blushes and bronzers can sometimes add too much moisture, making your makeup break down or look greasy as the day goes on. That’s why powder formulas are the way to go.
Powder blush and bronzer work beautifully on oily skin—they help absorb shine, last longer, and keep your look matte and fresh. Plus, they blend effortlessly over setting powder or powder foundation for a smooth, natural finish that stays put.
For the best results:
- Choose matte powders over shimmery ones to reduce shine.
- Use a light hand and build up pigment gradually to avoid caking.
- Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and bronzer to areas where the sun naturally hits, like your temples, nose, and jawline.
Bonus tip: After applying your powder blush and bronzer, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your face to lock everything in and take down any extra shine.
Eyeshadow Primer
If you have oily skin, your eyelids probably get a little greasy too and that can cause your eyeshadow to crease, smudge, or fade way too fast. That’s why an eyeshadow primer is a must if you want your eye makeup to last.
A good eyeshadow primer creates a smooth, oil-absorbing base that helps your eyeshadow stay in place and look vibrant all day. It also keeps natural oils from breaking down your look, which is especially helpful in hot or humid weather. Just dab on a small amount, blend it across your lids (all the way up to the brow bone), and let it dry before applying any shadow.
Bonus Tip: You can also use a thin layer of primer under your lower lash line if you wish to to apply eyeshadow or eyeliner there. This helps prevent smudging caused by oil and moisture.
Using an eyeshadow primer may seem like an extra step, but it makes a huge difference in how your eye makeup performs.
Blotting Papers
As the day goes on, your skin might start to get a little shiny but instead of layering on more powder (which can make your makeup look cakey), reach for blotting papers. These ultra-thin sheets soak up excess oil without messing with your makeup.
Keep a pack in your bag or at your desk for easy, mess-free touch-ups anytime your skin needs a quick refresh.
If you have oily skin, use these tips and tricks to first actually control the oil, and then you’re on your way to having makeup that will actually last longer on your oily skin, by following these steps.
FAQs on How to Get Makeup to Last on Oily Skin
How to avoid oily face when wearing makeup?
To avoid oily face when wearing makeup, first start with basic skincare. Include ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or low-strength salicylic to get rid of excess oil on your face. Choose the right foundation for your skin type that is oil-free, and always finish with a matte setting spray.
How to prevent makeup from melting on oily skin?
To prevent makeup from melting on oily skin, first use makeup that’s made for oily skin. Instead of layering on another foundation, use blotting paper to absorb excess oil on your skin.
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