10 Best Makeup Tips For Oily Skin

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.