How to Wear Foundation When You Have Oily Skin
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If you have an oily skin type, it probably seems that no matter what you do, your makeup is always working against you. More often than not, your foundation has either completely slid off, or you look like a glazed donut by mid-day. While getting your foundation to stay on all day is definitely challenging, it's not totally impossible. We turned to celebrity makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla who works with Ariana Grande, for his pro-tips on how to apply foundation--and get it to last past your morning latte--if you have an oily complexion.
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Pick the Right Product
Chinchilla says that the number one mistake people with oily skin tend to make shopping for foundation is that they choose formulas intended for dry complexions or ones with a luminous finish to them. Instead, opt for a foundation with a matte finish. "You should stick to foundations with more of a matte finish, and if possible, oil free," the makeup artist says. "Matte doesn't mean that your foundation will look dry, especially because your natural oils will come through anyways. His Pick: L'Oreal Paris's Infallible Matte Foundation ($11; target.com), which gives great coverage while keeping excess oil under control at the same time.
The pro also recommends sticking with liquid or powder foundations with medium coverage because they tend to contain less oil than creams, and heavier coverage will get oiler throughout the day.
Make Time for Prep
If you've hit snooze more than once and need to cut something from your morning routine, don't leave out makeup prep--especially if you plan on wearing foundation that day. Chinchilla stresses the importance of moisturizing your complexion, "People assume that because they have oily skin they don't need to moisturize. But what happens is that your skin gets dehydrated and produces more oil to compensate."
Along with hydration, a good makeup primer will also be your foundation's best friend. The pro suggests using a mattifying primer like Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer ($31; sephora.com) on areas that get especially oily like your T-zone. His other trick: Open the freezer and grab an ice cube. Chinchilla says if you swipe one across your face before applying makeup it will help tighten pores so that your makeup lasts longer.
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Press it and Forget It
When comes to actually putting the foundation on, Chinchilla says that the best method is to stipple it to avoid it from moving. "Basically you need to press your foundation on as opposed to swiping or massaging it," he explains. "I love to use a damp BeautyBlender sponge because the foundation will blend right into skin." If you prefer using a brush, try a flat angled kabuki brush.
Once your foundation is on, the pro recommends using a translucent powder to set it so it lasts throughout the day without changing the color of the foundation. Again, Chinchilla stresses the importance of stippling the product on. Use a loose powder like Tarte's Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder ($33; sephora.com) which will help absorb excess oil, and a flat powder brush like STILA's #24 Double-Sided Illuminating Powder Brush ($50; nordstrom.com) to press it on your skin.
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If you do end up needing to do a quick touchup mid-day, Chinchilla suggests pressing the extra oil off with a blotting paper or tissue, and following up by dabbing on some more powder.
