10 Best Makeup Tips For Oily Skin

Tips to get the best makeup for oily skin

Key takeaways

  • Learn how to put makeup on oily skin with simple tips that de-shine, mattify and reduce the appearance of pores, while choosing products that are specially curated for oily skin.
  • When prepping your skin, use an oil-free moisturizer for oily skin. Choose a mattifying primer to get the best makeup base for oily skin.
  • Opt for water-proof and long-lasting formulas to avoid smudging and a translucent, non-comedogenic powder for oily skin to do your midday touch-ups.
  • The most essential makeup tip for oily skin is to thoroughly cleanse and remove it before going to bed to prevent any buildup. 

Have you been shying away from your favorite makeup looks because of oily skin issues? We understand! After all, zeroing in on the ideal makeup routine for oily skin takes some time, dedication, and the right products to avoid any pesky breakouts.

But that’s not all you need to ensure that your makeup remains intact for the whole day. You need to know just how to put makeup on oily skin to avoid sun, sweat, and sebum from messing with your makeup.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to search the wide online world to find the perfect makeup tips for oily skin. We have done the work for you, and have curated the 10 best hacks that go along with your step-by-step makeup for oily skin to ensure your makeup looks gorgeous, all day long!

10 best makeup tips for oily Skin

10 best makeup tips for oily Skin

1. Prep your skin with an oil-free moisturizer

Moisturizer is not only one of the best makeup products for oily skin but is also one of the most crucial products.

Some people believe that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, but this is a misconception. When oily skin is not hydrated, it might overwork and end up producing more sebum.

  • Go in with a gel-based, oil-free moisturizer for oily skin. It will prevent your face from feeling greasy, which is necessary to avoid your makeup from sliding off.
  • You can also look for ones with essential ingredients like hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, or niacinamide for some added benefits.
Smiling woman promoting Pynocare skin capsules for clear, flawless skin

2. Use a mattifying primer before applying foundation

Once you’ve applied an oil-free moisturizer for your oily skin, bring out your primer.

  • For most makeup amateurs, a primer might sound like an added step. But makeup primer for oily skin is necessary as it applies a mattifying effect on areas that shine due to excess oil.
  • It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores, ensuring your makeup looks a whole lot smoother.
  • Whether you use a DIY primer for oily skin or a store-bought one, ensure that it is oil-free and anti-shine.
  • You can choose to use it only on the most oily areas like the T zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Use a mattifying primer before applying foundation

3. Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic products

After primer comes the layering of your products. But before we go into what kind of products you need and why, remember that even basic makeup essentials for oily skin need to be oil-free and non-comedogenic.

  • Oily skin is more susceptible to clogged pores and breakouts, so you don’t want your makeup adding to the issue.
  • Choose non-comedogenic products, especially foundation, blush, and non-comedogenic powder for oily skin, as they are formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
  • They are more breathable and light on the skin, making them staples in a makeup routine for oily skin.

4. Set your foundation with translucent powder

To create an even base, go in with a lightweight, mattifying, and long-wear makeup foundation for oily skin, with light or medium coverage.

Apply it to your face and neck and let it sit for a while. With the base done, you must ensure that it stays in place for the entire day, whether you are doing a glam look or dewy makeup for oily skin.

That’s where your setting powder comes in! It is beneficial in taking away excess oil, de-shining any of the oily zones, and preventing your foundation from sliding off.

  • Choose a translucent loose powder for oily skin, as it is clear and won’t add any extra shade.
  • Use a powder puff and start by applying it on the center T-zone of your face, where the oil production is higher, before moving to the cheeks.
Set your foundation with translucent powder

5. Keep blotting paper handy to absorb excess oil

One of the most essential makeup tips for oily skin is to keep blotting paper with you at all times. Even the best makeup for oily skin can start to look shiny at certain spots, thanks to excessive sebum production.

  • To remove these shiny spots, use blotting paper that can lift the oil without ruining your makeup.
  • Simply carry this nifty little piece in your bag, and when necessary, take out the blotting paper for oily skin and pat it on the necessary areas instead of wiping.

6. Opt for powder blushes and highlighters instead of cream formulas

Heavy, cream formulas should be avoided when applying a makeup base for oily skin, or even for blushes and highlighters that need to be layered on.

  • Powder formulations help soak or absorb excess oil and are the best makeup products for oily skin when it comes to a lasting effect.
  • Choosing a powder blush for oily skin ensures that your blush does not fade and lasts even into the night to give your cheeks the perfect glow.
Opt for powder blushes and highlighters instead of cream formulas

7. Use waterproof and long-lasting makeup products

Excess oil can cause your makeup to smudge or slide off, much like the effect water would have on them.

  • To get the best makeup for oily skin, you must look for formulations that are water-proof and long-lasting, whether it is a foundation, concealer, or non-comedogenic powder for oily skin.
  • Most listicles on makeup tips for oily skin, also stress the importance of such products in summer when sebum production and sweat increase.

8. Finish with a setting spray formulated for oily skin

After layering all the necessary products, from non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin all the way to lip and eye makeup, go in with a final spritz of your setting spray.

  • Although seen as an additional step, makeup setting spray for oily skin helps in ensuring that your makeup lasts longer than usual.
  • Additionally, a DIY setting spray for oily skin or a store-bought one will stop your skin from looking dry once you have put your powder products on.
  • Remember to choose formulations that are oil-free, long-lasting, and mattifying if you want your makeup setting spray for oily skin to remove all the spot shine and provide a blemish-free base.
Finish with a setting spray formulated for oily skin

9. Touch up with translucent powder during the day

Did you get your hands on the best translucent powder for oily skin? Now, remember to carry it along with you as you step out for any touch-ups.

  • Most experts swear by this makeup tip for oily skin as even a thin layer can give you a natural look and de-shine your face, despite the midday sweat.
  • Avoid doing the same with foundations as it will only add to the shiny appearance of your face and make even the best makeup base for oily skin look cakey.

10. Thoroughly remove makeup at the end of the day

One of the most important yet often ignored makeup tips for oily skin is to ensure that no makeup remains on your face before bed.

  • Due to higher sebum production, the pores of oily skin types are already prone to clogging up.
  • If you don’t thoroughly cleanse your face as the final step in your makeup routine for oily skin, then you are allowing tiny particles from your makeup to settle into the pores, causing flare-ups.
  • The best makeup remover for oily skin is one that is gentle, lightweight, and water-based that rinses away buildup without stripping the protective barrier of your skin.
Glow enhanz

Conclusion

Every skin type has different rules and hacks when it comes to applying makeup, depending on the care it needs.

The best makeup tips for oily skin focus on de-shining, mattifying blemishes, minimizing the appearance of pores, and ensuring an all-day stay.

Remember to incorporate the above tips in your step-by-step makeup for oily skin as it covers everything from how to put makeup on oily skin the right way to picking compatible products.

Meet our expert

GHBY Team

GHBY Team

Meet our expert

GHBY Team comprises content writers and content editors who specialise in health and lifestyle writing. Always on the lookout for new trends in the health and lifestyle space, Team GHBY follows an audience-first approach. This ensures they bring the latest in the health space to your fingertips, so you can stay ahead in your wellness game. 
 

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Frequently asked questions

There are several home remedies you can try to remove pimples naturally. Use natural and gentle ingredients like turmeric or aloe vera which are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Diluted lemon juice can be used to lighten any pimple scars or blemishes, while honey or coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help the scars fade. You can also use tea tree oil mixed in a carrier oil to reduce acne and acne scars. 

Using an oil-free moisturizer for oily skin is essential as they are formulated to give your skin the necessary hydration without being too heavy on your pores. They are lightweight and infused with essential ingredients hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, etc. 

To get the best makeup base for oily skin, you must choose liquid, serum-based, or powder foundations over heavy cream ones. They are beneficial in soaking up any excess oil before you layer on other makeup products. Liquid foundations provide a light to medium coverage and are perfect if you want dewy makeup for oily skin. 

If you don’t choose the right sunscreen, it can cause your skin to look oily and greasy. Apart from being SPF 30+ and broad spectrum, a non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin should be lightweight and grease-free that can be absorbed quickly into the skin. Go for gel-based sunscreens as they mattify your face and don’t leave any unnecessary shin. 

To reduce the effects of oily skin, you must follow essential skincare steps like cleansing and moisturizing regularly, and also use some of the best makeup removers for oily skin at the end of your day. Apart from these basic steps, you can make some DIY face masks at home to keep the extra oil off your face. For this, you can try aloe vera, jojoba oil, and oatmeal for their anti-inflammatory properties, and honey for its antibacterial and moisturizing benefits. 

If you are getting facials for deep exfoliation, hydration, and protection, then try to schedule it once every four to six weeks. Those with oily or acne-prone skin are often recommended to get facials done more frequently as they can help unclog your pores, and remove all the dirt, oil, and buildup. 

No, it is not advisable to use dry skin products if you have oily skin. Be it soothing skincare or the best makeup products for oily skin, products meant for this skin type have been formulated with oil control in mind. Likewise, products for dry skin are made to provide extra hydration to the skin and may be heavy for those with oily skin, leading to clogged pores and excessive buildup. 

The best moisturizer for oily skin before makeup is a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formula. Look for gel-based moisturizers that hydrate the skin without adding extra grease. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin C are excellent choices, as they control oil production, reduce shine, and prep the skin for a smooth, long-lasting makeup application. Avoid heavy creams that can clog pores or make your makeup slide off.

Primer is essential for oily skin because it helps create a smooth, matte base for makeup and controls excess oil throughout the day. A mattifying primer minimizes the appearance of pores, reduces shine, and helps your foundation adhere better and last longer. It also acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing sebum from breaking down the makeup and causing it to smudge or slide off. Using a primer specifically designed for oily skin keeps your makeup looking fresh and flawless for hours.

No, you should not avoid moisturizer if you have oily skin. Skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration, leading to even oilier skin. Instead, use a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or aloe vera that balance moisture levels while helping to control shine. Proper hydration is key to keeping oily skin healthy and prepped for makeup.

The best foundations for oily skin are those that are oil-free, matte, long-wearing, and non-comedogenic. These formulas help control excess sebum, minimize shine, and prevent clogged pores or breakouts. Look for keywords like:

  • “Matte finish”
  • “Oil-control”
  • “Shine-free”
  • “Long-lasting”
  • “Transfer-resistant”

Top recommended types include:

  • Powder foundations – great for absorbing oil and providing a lightweight feel.
  • Matte liquid foundations – offer buildable coverage with oil-controlling properties.
  • Mineral foundations – often gentle and non-irritating for acne-prone oily skin.

Bonus tip: Always set your foundation with a translucent setting powder to lock it in and reduce midday shine.

To keep makeup from sliding off oily skin, follow these key steps:

  1. Prep with a gel-based, oil-free moisturizer – keeps your skin hydrated without adding extra oil.
  2. Apply a mattifying primer – smooths skin, controls shine, and helps makeup adhere better.
  3. Use oil-free, long-wear foundation – choose a formula designed for oily skin.
  4. Set with a translucent powder – especially on the T-zone to reduce shine and hold makeup in place.
  5. Carry blotting papers – gently absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
  6. Finish with a setting spray for oily skin – locks in makeup and controls oil throughout the day.

Consistency with the right products is key to keeping your makeup fresh and shine-free for hours.

When choosing makeup for oily skin, look for ingredients that help control oil, minimize shine, and prevent clogged pores. Key ingredients to look for include:

  1. Salicylic Acid – Helps unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts.
  2. Niacinamide – Regulates oil production and soothes inflammation.
  3. Kaolin or Bentonite Clay – Absorbs excess oil and mattifies the skin.
  4. Silica – Controls shine and gives a smooth, matte finish.
  5. Zinc Oxide – Offers oil-absorbing and anti-inflammatory properties, often found in sunscreens.
  6. Hyaluronic Acid – Provides lightweight hydration without greasiness.
  7. Dimethicone – Creates a smooth, non-greasy finish and fills in pores or fine lines.

Also, make sure products are labeled "oil-free," "non-comedogenic," and "matte" to ensure they’re suitable for oily skin.

Makeup doesn't directly cause more oil production or acne, but using the wrong products or not removing makeup properly can clog pores and trigger breakouts, especially on oily skin.

Here’s what to avoid:

  • Oil-based or comedogenic products – they can clog pores.
  • Heavy or layered makeup – traps sebum and bacteria.
  • Sleeping with makeup on – leads to buildup and breakouts.

To prevent this:

  • Use oil-free, non-comedogenic, and breathable formulas.
  • Always cleanse your face thoroughly before bed.
  • Follow a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansing and proper hydration.

With the right products and hygiene, makeup can be safely worn without worsening acne or oiliness.